SPRINGFIELD EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
A Free Day Among the Animals: Highland Street Foundation’s Free Admission at The Zoo in Forest Park
A no-cost entry window to The Zoo in Forest Park with gates open for visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; this guide explains the hours, arrival rules, parking, and what to expect on the day.
A Free Day Among the Animals: Highland Street Foundation’s Free Admission at The Zoo in Forest Park.
The Zoo in Forest Park opens its gates for a Free Admission Day presented by the Highland Street Foundation, offering a leisurely visit through diverse wildlife and exhibits during the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. entry window (gates close at 3 p.m.; The Zoo closes at 4 p.m.). Guests can register for timeslots and are invited to arrive within one hour of their registered time, but should anticipate long lines at the entrance even with pre-registration.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Free Admission & Defined Hours
Admission to The Zoo in Forest Park is offered free for the event during the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. entry window; entrance gates close at 3 p.m. and the Zoo finishes operations at 4 p.m.
Getting There — Parking and Transit
Parking in Forest Park is handled by the City of Springfield (parking fees apply and are collected separately from The Zoo); the PVTA G1 bus stops at Sumner Ave / Forest Park, and it is free to enter the park on foot or by bike.
Plan for Arrival Windows and Lines
Visitors who register for a specific timeslot should arrive within one hour of that slot; despite pre-registration, expect long entrance lines—The Zoo team will work to admit visitors as quickly as possible—and all guests must follow posted Zoo rules or face ejection and possible banning.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
A Free Admission Day at The Zoo in Forest Park unfolds as a relaxed, self-paced visit through animal exhibits and park grounds within a limited entry window, an opportunity to connect with wildlife and share the experience with family and friends while working around scheduled arrival times and possible entrance queues.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this event suits — and the single non-negotiable requirement.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The public entry window runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (entrance gates close at 3 p.m.; The Zoo closes at 4 p.m.). Plan for a visit of roughly the full public window if arriving early in your timeslot.
Bring cash if you plan to park in Forest Park—the City charges $3 for in-state plates and $5 for out-of-state plates, CASH ONLY. It is free to enter the park on foot or by bike.
The PVTA G1 bus stops at Sumner Ave / Forest Park; arriving on foot or by bike avoids parking fees.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When is the Free Admission Day and what are the hours?
The event offers an entry window from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; entrance gates close at 3 p.m. and The Zoo closes at 4 p.m.
Do I need to register for a specific time?
Guests register for timeslots and are invited to arrive within one hour of their registered slot, but should still expect long lines at the entrance despite pre-registration.
Is parking included with the free admission?
No. Parking in Forest Park is charged by the City of Springfield (not by The Zoo): $3 for in-state plates and $5 for out-of-state plates; payment is cash only.
Can I walk or bike into the park for free?
Yes. It is free to enter the park on foot or by bike.
What happens if someone breaks the Zoo rules?
All guests must follow posted Zoo rules; any guests not adhering to the rules or causing potential harm to animals, staff or other guests will be asked to leave immediately and may be banned from The Zoo permanently.
Is there transit access to the Zoo?
Yes. The PVTA G1 bus line stops at Sumner Ave / Forest Park for visitors using public transit.