If you’re traveling through Southwest Missouri with little ones, Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield is an absolute hidden gem! While it’s a smaller, more intimate zoo compared to big-city spots, it quickly became one of our favorite stops.
Our absolute favorite feature is the stroller-friendly layout! The zoo is designed around one seamless continuous loop, meaning you won't get lost or miss a single exhibit while pushing a stroller. We spent about 3 hours here, which felt like the perfect amount of time to explore at a relaxed pace without overwhelming the kids.
Family Highlights:
Giraffe Feeding: You can get right up close and hand-feed the giraffes! It was such an unforgettable experience for the kids. It costs $5 for a head of lettuce to feed them and worth every bit of it!
Goat Feeding Area: Head over to the petting area where little hands can feed and brush the friendly goats.
Splash Pad & Playground: Perfect for taking a mid-day play break or cooling off on warm Missouri days!
Reciprocal Benefits: Dickerson Park Zoo is an accredited AZA facility! Because we hold a membership to the St. Louis Zoo, we scored 50% off admission through their reciprocal program. If you hold a membership to your local AZA zoo or aquarium, like St. Louis Zoo, make sure to bring your card along!