The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center
The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center
The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center
4
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.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
136 reviews
Excellent
58
Very good
55
Average
14
Poor
4
Terrible
5
Deb C
1 contribution
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.
Beautiful surroundings in the park and a great playground for children toddler through elementary age.
Well worth the visit.
Written 20 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dustythoughts
Manchester, CT2,164 contributions
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 7 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PirateJen123
Windsor, CT87 contributions
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 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Autumn M
Stamford, CT3,705 contributions
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 1 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bejonline
Windham, ME54 contributions
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 19 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aash
1 contribution
Sept 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 26 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
robin
Hartford, CT155 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We’ve been to other Zoos in New England and we keep recommending this one. It’s small but the variety of animals is awesome. From farm animals to big cats, my kid loves it here. All the animals seem well cared for with plenty of food and enrichment. Staff seems to enjoy taking care of the animals and are pleasant to talk to. The layout is a circle, it’s very easy to navigate. You can buy cones of food to feed the animals. No food vendors so BYO snacks/water. Tickets are relatively inexpensive compared to other zoos.
Written 31 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James C
Brooklyn, NY1,278 contributions
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 12 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy G
1 contribution
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 7 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah
17 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
I don’t write reviews often, but loved this place. Really enjoyed the trip with my nearly 12 year old kid. Totally worth the nearly hour long drive from the sticks where we live. Looks really small and drab from the outside, but once you enter, the space is planned out well, charming even, and there are many animals to see. The signage was very informative for each exhibit. There is a great variety of animals, and they’re clearly well loved and taken care of. I can’t wait to go back with the rest of my family.
Written 16 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, The Zoo in Forest Park is open every day from 10:00 am- 4:00 pm, weather permitting.
Written 19 August 2019
The Zoo in Forest Park
Springfield, Massachusetts
Hello, The Zoo is now at full admission price for the season. $10.00 for adults, $7.00 for Seniors/Military, $5.00 Children (Ages 1-12) and Children Under 1 are FREE. You can visit our website for more information and updates.
Written 1 May 2019
Are there any food/cafe facilities at this zoo or will we have to bring a picnic?
Written 3 August 2018
Probably a very late answer, I’m sorry, but the answer is to bring in food. No food facilities.
Written 25 June 2019
I can not ay yes or no, unless the dog is a guide or help a handicapped person. I suggest calling the zoo directly to get the correct answer for your question
Written 27 July 2018
Eve O
Glen Burnie, Maryland
How much does it cost to enter? How much does it cost to oark?
Written 10 April 2018
Eve O
Glen Burnie, Maryland
How much does it cost to get in and how much to park?
Written 10 April 2018
You have to pay to get into Forest Park itself (you can go to the park but not the zoo) which I think is $3.00 per in-state vehicle ($5 out of state). I thought I remembered it being higher, but got the figures from their website (crap - I tried to share the link, but tripadvisor won't let me)
Then if you want to go to the zoo, the breakdown is:
Adults: $5.00
Seniors (Age 62+): $3.50
Children (Ages 1 to 12): $3.25
I looked it up on their website, too, but can't source it here because I'm not allowed to post websites or links.
Good luck to you - it's a pretty park . Especially in the spring when things are blooming! The trees are especially pretty.
Written 11 April 2018
If a visitor were to use GPs to find the zoo, what would be the best # off Summer Avenue-293 or 303?
Written 6 March 2018
Sorry, I don't use GPS. Once you are on Sumner Avenue, you can't miss the signs and entrance.
Written 6 March 2018
What are hours and days open? Thinking of March 30 - April 3. 2016
Written 14 March 2016
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