Best time to visit
Arrive within the first hour of opening for the shortest queues and best photo light.
Scovill Zoo
Last reviewed June 2026 by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards
About Scovill Zoo
A small-town Decatur zoo where a carousel, a train, and 400 animals share the grounds.
Open since 1967, Scovill Zoo is a longtime community fixture in Decatur, Illinois, mixing animal exhibits with rides and play areas for younger visitors.
What you'll see and do - Meet roughly 400 animals representing species from six different continents - Ride the Endangered Species Carousel and the Z.O. & O. Express Train - Let kids loose on Project Playground, a community-built play area - Look out for special events like adults-only Sip and Stroll evenings and discounted Twilight Tuesdays
Attraction Details
Facilities
- Toilets
- Gift Shop
- Baby Changing
- Food Options
- Parking
- Pushchair Friendly
- Wheelchair Friendly
Events at Scovill Zoo
Zoo Buddies Class: Laughing Kookaburra
April 14
A class for 3-5 year olds focusing on the laughing kookaburra.
Sip and Stroll
May 28
An adults-only evening event at the zoo.
Twilight Tuesdays
May 26, June 30, July 28, August 25
The zoo stays open until 8 p.m. with discounted admission from 5 to 7 p.m., allowing guests to observe animals' bedtime routines.
Donuts with Dad
June 20
Enjoy donuts, an animal presentation, and early entry into the zoo; dads are free with a paying child.
Grandparents Day
September 7
Grandparents enter free all day with a paying child, featuring an old-fashioned fall festival from 1-4 p.m.
Boo at the Zoo
October 16-19, 23-26, 29-30
A family tradition with treats, decorations, carousel rides, and a non-extended train ride. Reservations required.
Boo at the Zoo: Sensory Friendly Hour
October 18 & 25
A quiet hour with less traffic for carousel and train rides from 1-2 p.m.
Critter Egg Hunt
April 4, 2026
A free event for children aged walking-10 with various egg hunt heats, and a special needs heat. Zoo admission is $4 before and after the egg hunt.
Plan Your Visit
Family-tested advice for a smoother day at Scovill Zoo.
Who it's for
All ages
Getting there
Onsite or nearby parking available at 71 S Country Club Rd.
Pro tip
Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.
Directions
Scovill Zoo
71 S Country Club Rd, Decatur, IL 62521
This attraction has been claimed and verified.
Last updated 6/23/2026
Scovill Zoo Reviews
Related Things To Do in Decatur
Childrens Museums
Discovery Depot Children’s Museum
Galesburg, Illinois
A 15,000-square-foot children's museum with a working Ferris wheel, water play, a real caboose, and STEM-packed exhibits.
Historic Sites
360 Chicago Observation Deck
Chicago, Illinois
Ride the TILT and lean out over the Magnificent Mile from 1,030 feet up, where Chicago and Lake Michigan stretch out in every direction.
Water Parks
Knight's Action Park
Springfield, Illinois
A water park, amusement rides, and a Route 66 drive-in that grew from a 1930s driving range.
Nature Outdoor
Blackberry Farm
Aurora, Illinois
Step back to the 1800s at this Aurora park-district farm, where themed events run from Laura Ingalls Wilder days to fairytale weddings.
History Museums
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Chicago, Illinois
Live animals, conservation science, and 167 years of connecting Chicago to nature.
Water Parks
Splash Country Water Park
Aurora, Illinois
Aurora's summer cool-off spot with tube slides, a lazy river, and zero-depth play.
Trusted by millions of US families every year
Find and book unforgettable family days out across the USA with confidence.