Updated: We have been here many times and I will tell you that Henry Vilas Zoo is one of the best FREE zoos in America. Actually, it is the best smaller zoos in America. It is not huge and parking can be really hard to obtain in the summer and weekends. I would highly suggest arriving at 9:30 a.m., when the zoo opens. In all honesty, this is the perfect sized zoo for little children, who can not walk a lot and get cranky after 1-2 hours of viewing. I hate spending $35-$70 for 2 hours, because children burn out. So make a $1.00-$5.00 donation on your way out! Keep this great zoo running!