Eight Ways to Have Fun at the Lupa Zoo in Springfield, MA

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The 20 acre Lupa Zoo in Ludlow, Massachusetts (just 15 minutes from downtown Springfield, Massachusetts) is home to over 500 animals, including everything from bobcats, zebras, bears, and donkeys to camels, antelope, goats, ostriches and emus.  Polish immigrants Henry and Joan Lupa owned a landscaping and construction business in the 1960s and 1970s and later grew such a large collection of farm animals that locals began visiting. The Lupas decided to open a zoo to the general public in 1996. Today, there are additions that include ponds with several species of birds, a critter garden, and an indoor habitat for sloths, lizards, snakes, and more! Kids of all ages will enjoy learning about, and seeing up close, over 100 species of animals.

Travel Tips:

  • The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from mid April through the end of October with some Monday holidays, as well as November weekends; more information on hours and rates here (kids under age two are free!) Check here for special events and programs.
  • Plenty of free parking in front of the main entrance and a small overflow lot closer to the road
  • Restrooms are located throughout the zoo.
  • There is a gift shop and party room located in the “Old Town Building” just past the admission check in, which sells a variety of animal themed gifts, souvenirs, and apparel. 
  • Bring a stroller for the toddler set and wear sneakers!
  • Plan on 90 minutes to fully explore all the exhibits.

8 Ways to Have Fun at the Lupa Zoo:

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  1. Walk the paved path around the zoo and see hundreds of animals, many of whom are out and about throughout the day. Be sure to check out placards that share the background of each species.
  2. Feed the animals: The admissions staff sell animal food for a nominal cost- it’s a great way to interact with many of the animals (just don’t share it with animals whose habitats have a “I’m on a special diet” sign)
  3. Head inside the Monkey House building and see a sloth, snakes, and monkeys and watch them being fed and cared for by zoo keepers.
  4. Learn about composting in the Conservation Garden.
  1. Watch a blacksmith at work in the Blacksmith Shop in the Old Town Building near admissions.
  2. Play on three different playgrounds: The larger Discovery Playground in the middle of the zoo and the two, smaller playgrounds (perfect for toddlers!) near the peacock and pot belly pig exhibits. 
  3. Get wet in the splash pad area located near the Discovery playground. 
  4. Make music using the outdoor instruments in The Wild Vibrations exhibit. There’s even a lifesize chess board. 

Looking for more fun in the Springfield area? Check out our full Springfield City Guide, and our posts featuring the Basketball Hall of Fame, the Springfield Museums, the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, the Springfield Armory, and the Yankee Candle Village. And follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter. 

Disclosure: Our family was given a media pass to explore the zoo; all opinions expressed are my own.

New England based, part high school English teacher, part non profit founder, part road tripper who LOVES hopping in the family SUV to explore America. Our bucket list includes National Parks, MLB stadiums, presidential libraries, and eating wherever the locals eat!

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6 Comments

  4. Lol I wasn’t expecting you to mention watching a blacksmith at a zoo! The outdoor instruments also look really fun for kids! I am glad your family (and the animals) had such a great time at Lupa Zoo.

    Reply

  6. Children will love the variety of animals. Good ideas for many activities in the area too. Thank you. I never thought of visiting this area!

    Reply

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