The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center
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Zoo in Forest Park Education Center

4.4
·2k reviews·Springfield, United States

A charming woodland zoo in Forest Park, featuring native & exotic animals, educational programs, and a fun playscape for kids.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Low crowds, easy ticket purchase

CrowdLow
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The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center

Zoo in Forest Park Education Center

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Low crowds, easy ticket purchase

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming woodland zoo in Forest Park, featuring native & exotic animals, educational programs, and a fun playscape for kids.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"A great smaller animal park for younger children, not too crowded and easy to keep your kids in sight."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Park Entry Fee

Remember to factor in the park entry fee when planning your visit. :car:

🐐 Goat Feed Cones

Kids love feeding the goats! Grab a cone of feed for a fun interactive experience. :goat:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Peacocks Roaming Free

Peacocks Roaming Free

Throughout Forest Park

Watch and listen for these vibrant birds strutting freely around the park grounds.

Interactive Animal Encounters

Interactive Animal Encounters

Education Area

Engage with knowledgeable staff during educational showings, sometimes with opportunities to touch animals.

Goat Feeding Fun

Goat Feeding Fun

Petting Zoo Area

Purchase cones of feed to delight the goats in a hands-on, interactive experience for kids.

Adjacent Playscape

Adjacent Playscape

Outside Zoo Exit

A large playground offers a perfect spot for kids to burn off energy after exploring the zoo.

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Planning Your Visit

Park Entry & Zoo Tickets

A fee is required to drive into Forest Park, which houses the zoo. Purchase zoo tickets at the gate; lines are usually short on Sundays. Consider the park entry fee when budgeting for your visit.

Animal Welfare & Enclosures

While many animals are well-cared for rescues, some enclosures may appear small. Visitors note that the zoo is undergoing renovations, which might affect animal visibility. Check for updates on conservation programs.

Best Times

When
Sunday afternoons
Why
Low crowds, easy ticket purchase
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter atmosphere for exploration
Crowd
Low
When
During special events
Why
Unique animal encounters
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Thanks to everyone who joined us at our last Third Thursday at the ZOO in Forest Park and Education Center, sponsored by Monson Savings Bank! We had an amazing time meeting some of the animal residents up close. . A very special thanks to Rent-A-Tent for table donations! . #yps #thirdthursday #forestparkzoo #youngprofessionals #springfieldyps #westernma
springfieldyps
15 likes • 219 views

🚗 Park Entry Fee

Remember to factor in the park entry fee when planning your visit. :car:

🐐 Goat Feed Cones

Kids love feeding the goats! Grab a cone of feed for a fun interactive experience. :goat:

reddit.com

Zoo in Forest Park

reddit.com

Things to do in the Midwest?

🐍 Educational Shows

Don't miss the educational programs; staff are engaging and informative. :snake:

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking in the park, so wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Park Entry Fee

Remember to factor in the park entry fee when planning your visit. :car:

🐐 Goat Feed Cones

Kids love feeding the goats! Grab a cone of feed for a fun interactive experience. :goat:

🐍 Educational Shows

Don't miss the educational programs; staff are engaging and informative. :snake:

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking in the park, so wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:

🧺 Picnic Spots

Plenty of spots to picnic, especially near the playground. :sandwich:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find the Zoo in Forest Park Education Center to be a pleasant and affordable outing, especially for families with young children. The staff are often praised for their helpfulness and engagement, and activities like goat feeding are a hit. However, some guests express concern over the size of certain animal enclosures, noting that the zoo is undergoing renovations.

"Great walk in the Zoo. Helpful staff, fair price, great selection of animals. Sad to see some of the animals showing signs of caged existence but they are cared for very well. My 6 yr old Grandson loved the day exploring at the Zoo and playing on the huge play scape."

Christopher Croteau

"Our family enjoyed a nice walk around this little zoo. The zoo is located in a beautiful park (cost $5 to drive in the park to get to the zoo). We stopped by a Sunday afternoon and bought tickets at the gate there was no line. There's a nice collection of animals and educational information posted. Many of the animals seem to be rescues and pet surrenders and the all look to be well cared for. They sell cones of feed for the goats, which was fun for the kids. There's also a little playground just outside the zoo that the kids enjoyed."

Sybil M

"Not only family oriented fun for all ages. It was beautifully maintained. The animals were all well cared for and cute as can be. The variety of animals is impressive and diverse. Peacocks roam free watch the roofs to see them but I bet you'll most likely hear them first. Staff is entertaining and educated. The only disappointment was the to happy to hiss "hissing" cockroaches in the education area. Otherwise a perfect place to spend a day ,a date or to be with those you love."

Damien Lamb

What People Like

Friendly and helpful staff
Great for young children
Affordable admission

What People Dislike

Small animal enclosures
Zoo under renovation

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The zoo is located within Forest Park. You'll need to pay a fee to drive into the park. GPS coordinates or 'Zoo in Forest Park Education Center' should guide you. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available within Forest Park, near the zoo entrance. It can get busy on weekends. Reddit

Information on public transport routes to Forest Park can be found on local transit authority websites. Check schedules in advance. Reddit

There is a fee to drive into Forest Park. The exact amount can vary, so it's best to check the park's official website or inquire upon arrival. Reddit

The park and zoo pathways are generally accessible, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There's a fee for driving into Forest Park, and then separate admission for the zoo itself. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. Reddit

While tickets are available at the gate, it's always a good idea to check the zoo's official website for any online ticketing options or advance purchase recommendations. Reddit

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Zoo in Forest Park Education Center website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Reddit

Information on discounts for seniors, children, or group rates is typically available on the zoo's official website or by contacting them directly. Reddit

Policies on re-entry can vary. It's best to inquire at the ticket booth or check the zoo's guidelines upon arrival if you plan to leave and return. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The zoo features a variety of native and exotic animals. Keep an eye out for peacocks roaming freely, and check the education center for specific exhibits. TikTokReddit

Yes, there's a large playscape located just outside the zoo exit, perfect for kids to enjoy after their visit. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a great smaller animal park for younger children, not too crowded, and easy to supervise. Reddit

The zoo offers educational programs with engaging staff who are knowledgeable about the animals. Sometimes, there are opportunities for hands-on interaction. Reddit

You can purchase cones of feed to give to the goats in the petting zoo area, which is a popular activity for kids. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While specific dining facilities might be limited, the park offers picnic areas. It's a good idea to pack your own snacks or a meal. Reddit

Generally, bringing your own food and drinks is permitted in parks. Check the zoo's specific policy, but picnic areas suggest it's allowed. Reddit

Forest Park is a large area, and you may find dining options in the surrounding Springfield neighborhoods. Research local eateries beforehand. Reddit

Information on on-site cafes or snack bars can be found on the zoo's official website. It's often a smaller zoo with limited concessions. Reddit

There are numerous scenic spots within Forest Park for picnics. The area near the playground outside the zoo is a convenient choice. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The roaming peacocks offer vibrant photo opportunities. Also, look for unique animal enclosures and educational displays. TikTok

Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. Be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography or restricted areas. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and zoos for safety and privacy reasons. Check park regulations before flying. Reddit

A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing animal details. However, a standard zoom lens or even a smartphone camera will work well for most shots. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and potentially more active animals. Golden hour can create beautiful shots. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

This zoo is a gem for families! Its manageable size and the adjacent playscape make it ideal for younger children. Reddit The interactive goat feeding and engaging educational shows, where kids can sometimes touch animals, are definite highlights. TikTokReddit Visiting on a Sunday afternoon or weekday morning can help avoid crowds, ensuring a more relaxed experience. Don't forget to pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the park's many scenic spots. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

While there's a park entry fee, the zoo admission itself is reasonably priced, making it an affordable outing. Reddit Packing your own food and drinks for a picnic is a great way to save money on concessions. Reddit The park offers plenty of free space to explore beyond the zoo, maximizing your value. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more peaceful experience without extra cost. Reddit

❤️ Couples & Dates

For a relaxed and charming date, the Zoo in Forest Park offers a pleasant escape. Stroll hand-in-hand through the park, enjoy the diverse animal exhibits, and perhaps catch an educational talk. Reddit The free-roaming peacocks add a unique and picturesque element to the atmosphere. Reddit Consider a picnic lunch amidst the park's natural beauty for a romantic touch. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Animal Welfare at the Zoo

Visitor feedback on animal welfare at the Zoo in Forest Park Education Center is mixed. Some reviewers note that while animals are well-cared for, certain enclosures appear small, leading to concerns about the animals' quality of life. Reddit This sentiment is echoed by those who compare it to larger, more modern zoos focusing on conservation and expansive habitats. Reddit

However, many animals are rescues or surrendered pets, meaning they cannot be released into the wild. Reddit The zoo is also undergoing renovations, which may impact the appearance of some exhibits. Despite these concerns, staff are often described as helpful and knowledgeable, and the zoo is committed to providing a safe environment for its residents. Reddit

For visitors interested in conservation, it's worth noting that zoos like this are often shifting focus towards breeding programs and education aimed at wildlife preservation. Checking the zoo's official website for updates on their conservation efforts can provide further insight into their mission. Reddit

Making the Most of Your Visit with Kids

The Zoo in Forest Park Education Center is a fantastic destination for families with young children. Its manageable size means it's not overwhelming, and it's easy to keep an eye on little ones as they explore. Reddit The presence of a large playscape just outside the zoo exit is a major bonus, offering a dedicated space for kids to run and play after their animal encounters. Reddit

Interactive elements, like the goat feeding cones, are a huge hit with children. Reddit Furthermore, the educational programs are a highlight; staff are often happy to stop and answer questions, and sometimes even allow children to touch the animals, creating memorable experiences. Reddit This hands-on approach makes learning fun and engaging for kids. TikTok

Consider visiting on a weekday morning or a Sunday afternoon to avoid the largest crowds, ensuring a more relaxed experience for your family. Packing a picnic is also a great idea, as there are plenty of scenic spots within Forest Park to enjoy a meal together. Reddit

Exploring Forest Park Beyond the Zoo

The Zoo in Forest Park Education Center is nestled within the expansive 735-acre Forest Park, offering visitors much more than just animal encounters. The park itself is a beautiful woodland setting, perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, and enjoying nature. Reddit You might even spot the vibrant peacocks that roam freely throughout the park, adding a touch of wild beauty to your stroll. Reddit

Beyond the zoo and its adjacent playground, Forest Park boasts numerous other attractions and amenities. Visitors can explore walking trails, discover scenic viewpoints, and enjoy the general tranquility of a large urban green space. Reddit The park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, providing a refreshing escape from the city. Reddit

When planning your visit, remember that there's a fee to drive into Forest Park. This fee grants you access to all the park's amenities, including the zoo, making it a worthwhile investment for a day of exploration and recreation. Reddit

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