I absolutely loved going to the Forest Park Zoo recently . I was enjoying it probably just as much as the kids did, maybe more. We went to visit the zoo one day and found out that we first needed to get tickets online. Before the Coronavirus pandemic, you were able to purchase tickets at the zoo entrance. Years ago, things were quite different...there were animals along the side of the sports field after the concession stand. Each species had a section of land from the sidewalk down the hill with some type of cage or shelter. At the end of that strip, there were more animals inside a couple of the brick buildings. I remember that one had monkeys, however I cannot recall exactly what other animals lived at the zoo then. I was pleasantly surprised to see such a variety of animals! We took our time reading the educational signs and understanding why some of the animals needed to be in the zoo. The wolves were amazing, the raven and many other birds were entertaining and we enjoyed our visit so much that well be heading back sometime soon! Great zoo!

For being open during this pandemic they still had a lot to see and the wolves where awesome...lol

This is not the largest zoo, and you could probably go through it in under an hour. Its still a destination that your kids will enjoy if theyre under 13 or 14. There is a petting zoo, and overall it is nicely maintained, Even with the CV19 precautions on our most recent visit, everything was accessible except for the displays inside the barn.We have been coming here for decades, and there are enough changes every couple of years to make it a worthwhile trip. It would also be great to make a day of it, you can spend part of the day in the actual park itself, and part of the day at the zoo. There are snack bars and picnic tables available also just outside the entrance to the zoo.

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.

Cute Zoo to visit for something to do with family. Not too big but passes time. My boyfriend and I went during Covid so they had some areas cut off but nothing that hurts your visit. Will always love coming here when visiting Forest Park!

Did you blink? Well if you did you missed walking through this zoo. Its very small. Look us about 30 mins to clear the park. Timing on our part was bad because it was just too cold for some of the animals. Wolves were cool. Not worth the cost.

Reasonably priced. Small zoo in a great setting. Bring your stuff for a barbecue or picnic for before or after your visit to the zoo. Also duck ponds and plenty if walking trails to enjoy the rest of the park. Reserve your spot during covid before you go. Tickets not available at the gate must be purchased online, plus another 5 for park parking if you are out of state.

The place is inside a park. So there is enough parking space. The place not much crowded and not much animals too. Only the monkeys were active (obviously). I wouldnt complain given the cost of ticket is so cheap. If you are an animal liver and need a zoo experience, this place wont satisfy you. But if you are a parent to a kid, this is a great place to introduce them to animals and see how they react. And no charge for kids under a year. Mine was so scared seeing the Raven. The place is clean and well maintained. It also has a decent sized play area for kids. Parents - recommended

I loved it so did the grandkids. The zoo is very well maintained. They even have the gift shop out doors. The price for adults is ten dollars. Kids are 5 dollars. Masks are a must.. Playground immediately after exiting the zoo. Forrest park is very big, very beautiful. Good place for a picnic. Very well maintained..

They have so many animals. The birds say hello and they have an armadillo that plays with a soccer ball. The zoo keepers are super friendly and know a lot about the animals. Spent about an hour to walk around.

Small zoo ten min walk through

Its a small zoo . It was cold when we were there and all the animals were not out. Doesnt take long to go through. Its a nice small zoo though

This zoo was much bigger than I thought. The cost is $ 10.00 for adults and $ 5.00 for kids 12 and under. Please note that they have closed off some of the entrances to Forest Park and I only saw 2 open entrances and you now have to pay $ 5.00 to get into the park as well. I did not see this listed on the Forest Park website so I dont know how recent the change is because I havent been down this way in a few years. Im undecided as to how I feel about zoos in general because on one hand nothing deserves to be caged but on the other you get too see animals that you otherwise may never get to see such as the kangaroos that they have here or the endangered Timber Wolves. They also have goats, chickens, turkeys, turtles,emus and many more animals.

While we all understand what we need to do to be safe, social distancing and wearing a mask, they still closed off so many exhibits. AND they also had kids camp in and around the animals. Leaving the parents to try and explain to our kids why that is fair. Maybe you should rethink your approach. The kids in the camp do not socially distance but they do wear masks, why cant our kids enjoy the animals too?

Very entertaining place. Many varieties of animals to check out. Workers are very friendly. Great for families with younger children.

We have been going to the zoo for many years and have always enjoyed it, however, we were disappointed by our most recent visit. Certain sections of the zoo are closed off, either due to camp and/or the pandemic, and many of the animals were missing from the cages/enclosures. We went through the zoo in about 20 minutes or so and it was definitely not worth the $70 we paid for 7 people. They should be reducing the ticket price or letting people know ahead of time that there is limited access so that people are aware of the changes.

They care for the animals and are all about rehabilitation. Lots of foxes lately which is great! A gem in the heart of Forest Park

Parks great, can be a little scary if your walking alone. Especially as a black female., I’ve had some Racial experiences there

Great time to go and see the different colors of the leaves wit the family.

This place was so cool! We had no idea there was a zoo in Springfield. The animals seemed happy and responsive. The zoo is in the middle of a really cool park. We came on a rainy day so we were the only people there. Dont miss Cassie the Cotoye.

Fantastic times in this beautiful park if you just need a getaway for a day

Its a small zoo but the people that is working there is kind and the animals are beautiful. Very clean too. There are some cute spots for walk around the zoo, a park, a pool and a lake.

Very nice, though it was really hot we still were able to see a majority of the animals. (They were out and active) There were a few animals that werent there, but 98% were Its bigger then I thought it was to be honest. $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 12. You also have to pay to get in the park $3 for mass plates $5 for out of state. I posted mostly bird pictures because I didnt want to ruin the mystery of what there is for animals! Only thing I was really disappointed with, was there are no tigers!

Good place to bring the family. Good for younger kids.

Great little zoo animals look well cared for and pretty was A better Zoo than what I anticipated for the animal quality!!!

We went here for my daughters birthday. She had just turned 4 and she LOVED IT! We all loved it. There were so many animals! Wonderful experience! Will definitely be back! Thank you!

Is a quiet place to go and spend time meditating.

Our first time & very impressed with their modifications for current issues. Also I loved how much the staff was willingess to answer my youngest asking endless questions.

Had a wonderful time with one of my best friends and her boys. They already want to go back. You dont have to have childern to enjoy it. I especially like the big cats.

All the animals looked sedated or were in need of Zoloft very bad experience but my son liked it so that’s all that really mattered

My Skylar liked it

I love tgis place but the activities no hood got that pic from my friends family

Nice park kids will enjoy it

Great little zoo. Very well kept. Animals are there for reasons that prevent them from being released. For that reason I am ok with this zoo. Normally I do not support zoos for profit. Would def recommend

Excellent family zoo inside beautiful Forest Park! Just the right amount of exhibits to keep the childrens attention. Very clean; and happy inhabitants!

Nice smaller zoo if you dont like to walk much

I bought tickets online thinking this was Forest Park Zoo in St Louis, MO. When I realized my mistake and called to get a refund they emailed me back the same day to say they had processed my cancellation. Thats excellent customer care!

If your an animal lover any zoo seems like torture. Some of the animals here seem loved and taken care of, but theyre are a few in question. The wolves shouldnt be there. They should be released to a rescue. They are more dog then anything. Seeing as the workers take them out for walks to interact with the people. The fur is matted like they arent well taken care of. Also, in none of the cages did I notice any access to clean drinking water. That is alarming.

Animals looked malnourished... cages and water were filthy. They had an alligator in a baby pool which is obviously not large enough for an alligator. They need to maintenance the zoo it doesnt look taken care of at all.. Also I was charged $5 for my 1yr old when everyone else is free under 2yrs.

Perfect sized zoo. Nice cool place. There is a childrens play area as well. The perfect setup in a forest.

This zoo had it all! They presently have an exposition on Australia. My grandsons saw a hopping kangaroo as well as many other wonderful animal of different species. When we were finished seeing the animals, my 3 year rode a small train while the 5 year old played on the nearby playground. After that we enjoyed watching them play at the city sponsored water park just a bit away on the same grounds. It was a wonderful day for all of us!

Solid little place to go for kids. Its tough to find things to do nowadays so this inexpensive little trip could make your kids day.

We, in Western Mass, are so lucky to have this Zoo right in our back yard. The zoo is always clean and well maintained. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and hard working. They go above and beyond to share their expertise with zoo goers and students who are lucky enough to see the “Zoo On The Go” program and close encounters. As someone who has worked in the animal care field for many years, it is obvious to me that the comfort, health, and welfare of all the animals is number one to all who spend their days at this zoo. This includes everyone from the administrators and social media guru, to the animal care staff, interns, volunteers, educators, maintenance, photographer, the camp kids and everyone in between. I am confident that all these lovable critters who can no longer live in the wild, have found their best forever homes. Thank you all for the care and time that you put into this wonderful zoo every single day.

Very beautiful Park I really enjoy visiting

If youre not from the area or you havent been to Forest Park for awhile its worth a stop itll keep the kids busy

It was very nice. Animals where awesome.

Small zoo, always clean, friendly staff, animals seem well taken care of, very reasonable admission.

Nice place to take the kids or a date .....big park to enjoy the outdoors ..picnic area ..grills ..active people would enjoy this spot...

Great for kids lots of animals and not to expensive

This place is amazing, perfect place to have a birthday. Me and my family had a great time, and the zoo was amazing, all different types of animals from turtles to camels, wolfs, and Coyotes armadillos kangaroos lemurs little tiny monkeys horses goats chicken snakes lizards, and they have a few big cats lol.Its a beautiful park with plenty of things to do.And just to remind people the front main entrance on. Sumner Ave is closed for construction.

Always great place to get air at the moment due to covid 19 but beware it attracts alot of people now

Visited to see night lights decoration during Xmas.. it was great experience.. but shouldve visited other day than Xmas

Love this little zoo in this gigantic park!

We did Bright Night. it was hell we were in line for 3 hrs in our car but the kids enjoyed it. Other than that it was great.

What a truly enjoyable Discovery this was. I had been taken there as a child many years ago and ever recently been going there with my family and rediscovered this totally enjoyable facility which primarily houses rescue animals that would not survive their injuries in the wild. It is clean, the animals are well cared for, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. if youre in the Springfield area I highly recommend taking your kids to this location. You will be finished with it within 2 hours and will thoroughly enjoy the experience. I will highlight one disturbing thing though. there is a monkey in the center of the facility named Dewey who has become my arch nemesis. He is the most vulgar and disgusting monkey Ive ever witnessed. Each of the last three times I have been to this location he has exhibited vulgar and profane gestures at my direction. I should say much to the enjoyment of my family.

The park is nice and the animals they have are good I am just not so happy with the condition of the habitats

It was fantastic. Huge crowd enjoying a beautiful day with our amazing animals, and of course tasting the many brews. Hats off to all who made this perfect day, perfect! Just love our Forest Park Zoo and Education Center! Happy animals and wonderful guests today.

It was nice out there

Great open space, playground, picnic area, water park and pool for the summer that locals swarm to. Zoo is cute. Nestled in the back of park with extra admission from park entrance fee.

Very large variety of animals, all of whom look healthy to my laymans eye. Zookeepers and staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the zoo is spacious enough you always have room to navigate or get a better angle on the critters. Just the nicest donkeys and goats Ive ever met who love the 25-50 cent snacks. The enclosures arent the most spacious or fancy, but every animal has friends, toys, climbing/hiding spots, and bigger animals do have some run-around room. Also there is one peacock who constantly escapes and hes beautiful.

Great afternoon with my family!!

Good my 6 year old have a lot fun.

This is a hidden gem. Very inexpensive and a great day out with my boy.

Currently under construction. Probably nice during xmas time. Decent place to go for a walk or play on the playground (if groups of older kids arent hanging around being obnoxious.) This place could use some security.

This is one of the best place to go to. They treat animals good and even let some roam around. There are all kinds of animals too! My family loved it.

The zoo is very nice and has a wide variety of animals for its size. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. In the morning it is common to hear lots of wild noises like monkeys howling and donkeys braying. Its charming when lots of the animals seem to be talking to each other across the zoo. There are lots of babies, especially goats. My favorite animals are the wolves.

Covid-19 restrictions makes for awkward uncomfortable time.

Fun time with kids

Small, but extremely well maintained zoo. All the animals were healthy and active. Staff was friendly and answered my kids questions. Definitely worth a visit!

I love all animals.

Had a great time! Family friendly no drama. Safe courteous Police.Cant say the same of HUMBOLDT PARK .Everyone barbecuing. Invited to eat by total strangers.

Nice peaceful easy walk through

Was awesome, seemed bigger this year and very crowded on weekends.

Great little zoo. Not too pricey and just large enough that the kids dont get bored and over tired.

Great place to spend time with the family. Love all the animals that are available to see, experience or feed.

Neat zoo just up the road from me. The family always enjoys visiting here.

All had fun learning and seeing different animals

Not open my son was disappointed

We have been to this zoo about 30 or 40 times this year! With a family pass, I can take my grandchildren and even a friend or 2 any day I want. We love the animals, and know many by name. The zoo staff is always friendly and willing to answer questions. I cant say enough about this zoo. We live close by and I am always so grateful that we have this wonderful resource nearby!

Excellent education center that clearly prioritizes the well being of the animals. Have been visiting since I was a kiddo and now visit with my friends and their kiddos. Certainly a park that deserves support.

We love going to Forest Park for bright lights every year. You can visit Santa Mama there are three little kitty rides that you can go on as well as a snack area and the lights are fantastic! Ive been to many other displays and this one is by far superior! The advertisements are to a minimum and they add more and more every year I absolutely love it here and the boys do too!

The zoo is very clean and the staff are k knowledgeable. The animals were active and there was a nice variety to see.

The zoo is a gem. Its just the right size to get up close and personal with the animals. Easy to get to and family friendly.

They have upped the entrance fee to $10 per person. Its not exactly a great zoo. Small cages, many empty cages.

Great experienceSummer through Winter

Only zoo in the immediate area. Great for children.

Small zoo, great for young kids. You can feed some of the animals.

Nice small zoo. Many if not most animals are rescues. Not big of a place so it is great for families with little ones.

Cool snowy owl and many more animals to see.

It is a small zoo that is geared to children and their adult carers. The playground outside the zoo is toddler friendly. My grandaughter had a wonderful time visiting the zoo and playing at the playground.

My new found treasure. We had so much fun as a family

Great place for family pick nick and walk. Family loved it.

Great little zoo, somewhat small but perfect for the price and the park itself is a bonus. No lions tigers or bears, but there is plenty to see and its never packed. You do have to pay an entrance fee for the park that is separate from your zoo entrance fee.

A cute zoo even if it is a bit small. It has a really nice homey feel to it, its literally a zoo in the woods!!!

Nice little zoo. Great for small children or people who dont want to do the large zoo because of the walking.

No complaints, I had a good time

Now to the Zoo. Your first impression may be a little depressing, as you drive up to park you see what looks like a very small area. Dont be fooled, it is larger than it looks and they pack in the exhibits with very little wasted space. Good for both getting through the Zoo with little ones and always feeling like you are surrounded by animals.

Nice and clean little zoo

The animals were dieing