The Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center is a nice little zoo within a large, beautiful park. It features a wide variety of animals, including exotic and indigenous species such as goats, sheep, donkeys, alpacas, camels, wolves, raccoons, different birds, and reptiles. Many of the native animals have a story relating to their rescue, as all animals are un-releasable. The zoo shares their names and backstories. There is a small admission charge, which is reasonable for the level of care the animals seem to receive. Many animals are active and have appropriate enrichment and hidey holes. A highlight is the option to feed the hoofed animals. Visitors can buy grain cones to feed them. The zoo also has events throughout the year, such as for Easter and a holiday light show. The zoo itself takes about an hour to walk through, with decent signage. It is clean and the animals look well taken care of. The staff are helpful, though some visitors note a wish for more knowledgeable staff floating around. The enclosures are understandably limited by space and funding. Just outside the zoo is a playground, bathrooms, and picnic tables. The surrounding park offers hills, rose gardens, geese, ducks, sports fields, and an ice rink, making it a place where a family could spend all day. It is a fun visit for both kids and grown-ups, providing a really good time.
Was a fun visit. The only thing thats negative was when we first walked into the entrance of the zoo the smell of urine and poop was very strong. Other than that its a good time.
May 2026
One of the best places in Springfield mass in general alot to view, couple photo worth moments
April 2026
We've been taking our daughter to Forest Park zoo and she loves it every time we go
