Springfield's flagship Olmsted-designed park, 735 acres of woods, ponds, and gardens overlooking the Connecticut River with a small zoo, paid seasonal vehicle entry, and a network of paved and unpaved trails.
What to expect
Trails
The city's park map marks a 0.33-mile walking path and a 1.28-mile top loop, running past Porter Lake, Fountain Lake and Duck Pond.
Entry fee
Vehicle entry: $3/day in-state plate, $5/day out-of-state plate, cash only. Free for vehicles with a handicap placard and free on foot. Zoo admission is separate. checked Jul 15, 2026
Dogs
Leashed dogs allowed throughout on the citywide 6 ft leash rule; the park has no designated off-leash dog area.
Hours
Open dawn to dusk, as all Springfield parks are. The Sumner Avenue toll booth is open year-round; the Route 5 entrance is seasonal and may open or close without notice.
Accessibility
Free parking for vehicles with a handicap placard.
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Springfield Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management
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On site
Playground
Two playgrounds within the park.
Restroom
Two public restroom locations within the park (exact siting unconfirmed)
Picnic area
A picnic grove with picnic tables and paths sits inside the park. The grove was landscaped to ADA standards when the pavilion was rebuilt.
Shelter
A 24 by 16 foot timber frame pavilion stands at the picnic grove, a replica of the original WPA era structure.
Concessions
Cyr Arena, the ice rink inside Forest Park, has a concession stand.
Info kiosk
An Information Center at the Sumner Avenue entrance handles season passes and visitor questions.
Worth knowing
- A free farmers market runs Tuesdays at the Trafton Road gate.
Common questions
Is Forest Park open today?
Forest Park is a public park in Springfield, MA. Posted hours: Open dawn to dusk, as all Springfield parks are. The Sumner Avenue toll booth is open year-round; the Route 5 entrance is seasonal and may open or close without notice..
Is there a fee to enter Forest Park?
Vehicles pay $3 (in-state) or $5 (out-of-state) cash at the gate; walking or biking in is free, and the zoo charges its own separate admission.
Yes, on leash. The park does not have a fenced off-leash dog area.
Is the zoo open year-round?
No. It runs daily through mid-September, then weekends only into early November, weather permitting.
Where do I park at Forest Park?
Paid lot ($3 in-state / $5 out-of-state, cash only).
Is there an entry fee at Forest Park?
Yes, Vehicle entry: $3/day in-state plate, $5/day out-of-state plate, cash only. Free for vehicles with a handicap placard and free on foot. Zoo admission is separate.
Can I bring my dog to Forest Park?
Leashed dogs allowed throughout on the citywide 6 ft leash rule; the park has no designated off-leash dog area.
Is Forest Park wheelchair accessible?
Free parking for vehicles with a handicap placard.
What rules should I know at Forest Park?
Alcohol, glass, unauthorized fires, and off-leash dogs are prohibited citywide in Springfield parks.