Who it's for
All ages
Scovill Zoo
Published June 2026. Editorial oversight 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
Opening Times
- Monday9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Tuesday9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Wednesday9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Friday9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday9:30 AM to 5 PM
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.
Getting there
Scovill Zoo is at 71 S Country Club Rd, Decatur, IL 62521. Check the operator's site for parking and transit options.
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
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