City: Springfield, MO

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (417) 864-1800

Address: 3043 North Fort Ave.

Description: This 40-acre zoo includes a wide range of exhibits, including gazelles, European white storks, East African crowned cranes, ostriches, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, and Asian elephants, to name just a few. Throughout the year the zoo offers a number of special events. April’s Teddy Bear Rally offers free admission to anyone carrying a teddy bear. In May there’s Reptile Mania, with educational activities throughout the zoo addressing the fear and fascination people have with reptiles. On Grandparents Day in September children get a 75-cent discount when accompanied by their grandparents. On October 31 of each year, the zoo throws a Halloween party for children. If you plan your vacation well in advance, you might want to call ahead to find out what special events may be coming up at the zoo. Admission is free for children 2 and younger and $5 for ages 3 to 12. Adults are admitted for $7. Adults 65 and older get in for $5. The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, April through September, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, October through March, except during inclement weather and on major holidays.