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

See all things to do
See all things to do
The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center
4
133 reviews
#7 of 42 things to do in Springfield
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos
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Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center is a non-profit organization governed by the Forest Park Zoological Society. Situated in Forest Park, a 735 acre woodland park in Springfield, The Zoo features exotic and indigenous animals representing a large variety of species found throughout the world and in North America. The Zoo is dedicated to wildlife education, offers a variety of educational programs and special events for children and adults. Zoo On The Go, Guided Tours and Discovery Programs can be adapted to all age groups and interests. With different events almost every weekend, The Zoo allows guests of all ages to explore multiple aspects of science while having fun. Zoo Camp, during both winter and summer school vacations all children ages 6-13 to explore nature, discover wildlife and meet exotic creatures.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
133 reviews
Excellent
56
Very good
55
Average
14
Poor
4
Terrible
4
Deb C
1 contribution
Great little Zoo, well worth a visit
Jul 2021
I took my 13 year old grandson there just the other day. We have gone several times over the years and each time he enjoys it more. He is even more interested now that he understands that the animals come to the zoo to be taken care of and protected as they can’t protect themselves.
Beautiful surroundings in the park and a great playground for children toddler through elementary age.
Well worth the visit.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PirateJen123
Windsor, CT89 contributions
Brew at the Zoo!
Aug 2022
This was our second time going to the Brew at the Zoom fundraiser. We loved it so much the first time, but this time beat our expectations. The animals at the zoo are adorable and well cared for, it was great being able to walk around, view the animals and have a few beers. Look forward to next year!
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dustythoughts
Manchester, CT1,810 contributions
Small and wonderful zoo
Apr 2021
This small, marvelous zoo is a wonderful way to do something interesting while maintaining physical distancing. The zoo isn't big, but the animals appear healthy and their living spaces are clean, and the staff are super friendly. They have a lot of animals you don't normally see at a zoo, like groundhogs and raccoons, which makes it that much more interesting. Everything is clearly labeled, so you just follow the path around the zoo. The zoo is situated in a gorgeous woodland park, so once you're done with the zoo, you can wander through the park and enjoy the greenery. I like that the zoo takes in animals with injuries and/or disabilities and takes care of them.
Written April 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bejonline
Windham, ME40 contributions
Wonderful little zoo
Apr 2022 • Family
What a wonderful little zoo! We found this on our stay in Springfield for Six Flags, and I’m so glad we did. The park is very clean and well organized, the staff is friendly, there is excellent signage, and the animals are well taken care of and active. Our favorites were the wolves and the leopard, and we also really enjoyed feeding the hooves barnyard animals the grain and ice cream cone. It only took us an hour to walk around the entire zoo, so it’s definitely worth a stop.
Written April 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Autumn M
Stamford, CT3,346 contributions
Fun even in the rain
May 2021
We went here on a rainy day, and not all of the animals were out. We still had fun. You can pay $3 for a ice cream cone of feed. It was nice to feed the animals throughout. It is a small, but very cute zoo. My 3 year old loved it. It took us a hour to go through and enjoy
Written June 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aash
1 contribution
Small Zoo with Great Staff
Sep 2021 • Family
It took us an hour and half to see the entire zoo. A good amount of animals to cover and you can feed certain animals as well. Peacocks roam freely in the pathways. Staff was great and Nice. They explain us voluntarily when they pass by or while feeding animals which was good. Overall we had a pleasant time.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James C
Brooklyn, NY1,315 contributions
Morning experience
Jul 2020 • Couples
Great small zoo that has enjoyed yuh to see and enjoy that it is a must see in Springfield. The staff was so nice and inviting. The path was really easy to follow and a really good morning or afternoon especially for kids.
Written July 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nancy G
1 contribution
Brew at the Zoo (Forest Park)
Aug 2022
We attended the Brew at the Zoo and had a fabulous time! This is one of the cleanest zoos we have ever visited. The staff was very friendly and educated us on each of the animals. It was a well organized event and it was an enjoyable afternoon. Would definitely attend again in the future!
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Muncha_Ocala
Ocala, FL263 contributions
Just a little Petty Zoo kind of area - All the main animals have been gone for years.
Aug 2016 • Solo
Admission is now charged to get into the little Petting Zoo area in the Playground section at the back of the park. Uneventful & too bad that the Park cannot be what it was many years ago, but the animals are better left in the wild anyway! The old "Monkey House" I saw as a child still brings back memories of a time when we did not know any better caging up wild animals for their entire lives! The rest of the park still has ball fields, some activities, nice walking around the park areas, a seasonal Farmer's Market up behind the Pool area to the left after coming in the main entrance & picnic spots. Still a great area for urban livers who need a place to go & see grass! The duck ponds down below in the other area are still a big hit to feed the fat ducks as they always will be, I am sure.
Written September 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Debra P
Saugus, MA418 contributions
Fun for kids of all ages
Jul 2014 • Family
Great day at the zoo with the whole family (including two teens). The animals were great, the staff was knowledgeable, and the train ride was fun. It's not a large zoo, but there are plenty of animals to see. They had a 12 week old tiger which was so cute. You can see that they animals are well cared for, and we took plenty of pictures!
Written July 31, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center (Springfield) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center
The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center is open:
  • Sat - Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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