Henson Robinson Zoo Celebrates Grandparents Day

Grandparents can enjoy free admission to Henson Robinson Zoo when they visit with another paying guest during the zoo’s Grandparents Day celebration Sunday, Sept. 13.

The zoo will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the final admission at 4:30 p.m. Regular admission rates will apply to all other visitors. The zoo is located at 1100 E. Lake Shore Drive in Springfield.

Regular admission is $7.50 for adults ages 13 to 61 and $5.50 for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors 62 and older. Children 2 and younger are admitted free. Tickets do not have to be purchased or reserved in advance.

The event gives families an opportunity to spend the day together while seeing the zoo’s collection of native and exotic animals. Henson Robinson Zoo is home to more than 96 species from Australia, Africa, Asia and North and South America. Its residents include African penguins, African painted dogs, American black bears, cougars, spider monkeys and lemurs.

Grandparents Day comes as the zoo enters the final weeks of its regular season. Henson Robinson Zoo will remain open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 31, with the last admission sold at 4:30 p.m. Free Admission Tuesdays will also continue through Oct. 27.

The zoo will shift to fall hours beginning Nov. 1. It will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Nov. 20, with the final admission at 3:30 p.m.

Seasonal events will also bring visitors back to the zoo later in the year. Zoolie Ghoulie is scheduled for Oct. 23-24 and will offer trick-or-treating through Halloween scenes at the zoo. Costumes are encouraged, and a costume contest is planned each night. Admission will be $5, with children 2 and younger admitted free.

The zoo will then be decorated for the Christmas season during Holiday Zoo Lights. The event is scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays through Sundays from Nov. 27 through Dec. 22. Visitors can walk through thousands of lights and themed displays, purchase hot chocolate and roast marshmallows for s’mores.

Additional information is available by calling Henson Robinson Zoo at 217-585-1821.