Visit Scatter Joy Acres in Nebraska
Self-Guided, No Reservation needed Open 10 am to 3 pm to general public everyday.
Check for holiday schedules.
At Scatter Joy Acres, visiting isn’t just a stop — it’s an experience.
Other Experience Options
We offer a small number of carefully designed experiences:
Wild Welcome Experience — self- guided take the journey on your own. If you want to guarantee a spot I would suggest booking. We don’t require bookings but do limit amount of visitors.
Safari Signature Experience — fully personalized, just your group (see experience details below)
Ultimate Animal Experience — slower, more intentional connection, and get up close with our animal ambassadors.
Each offers a different level of interaction, but all are designed to be meaningful and memorable.(see details below)
Animal Encounter Experiences
Get up close with some of our most beloved animals through unforgettable encounters designed for all ages. Meet and interact with incredible species including capybaras, sloths, otters, kangaroos, arctic foxes, raccoons, and wolves. Each experience offers a unique opportunity to learn about these amazing animals while creating lasting memories in a safe and engaging environment. Encounters range from $25–$75 depending on the animal and experience selected, and can easily be added to your visit during checkout.
Plan Your Visit
Experiences are available by reservation.
Same-day bookings may be available depending on capacity. Call to Book
How to Book
Click on the Book Now Button
Pick your Experience under the animal experience from the dash board.
Add the number in your party.
Then add any add-on you would like(feed bucket, keepsake, or encounter with our animal ambassadors) and checkout.
THATS IT!
For the safety and enjoyment of our guests and animals, all visitors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult during animal encounters.
Connect with animals in a meaningful way. Experience something more personal and memorable
…you’re in the right place.
We Look Forward to Welcoming You
Thank you for being part of what makes Scatter Joy Acres so special.
We’re honored to share this experience with you.
🦥General Admission
Open to the General Public Daily from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
No reservations are needed for General Admission.
Enjoy a self-guided tour of our ranch, where you’ll see more than 60 animals, including both farm animals and exotic species. Many of our friendly farm animals can be entered and petted, while our exotic animals can be viewed throughout the property.
As you explore the ranch, you’ll discover several family-friendly play areas and activities along the way, including yard games, our embryology learning area, and a farm-themed play area designed for children to learn, imagine, and play. We are continually adding new attractions and activities, with even more exciting experiences coming soon!
Admission Pricing
- $20 per person
- Children ages 3 and under are FREE
Military Discount
We are proud to support our military families. Please call us for your military discount code before purchasing tickets.
Exotic Animal Experience
General Admission includes viewing our exotic animals throughout the ranch. If you would like a more personal, hands-on experience with one of our exotic animals, please call ahead to schedule an animal experience. Experience’s are available by appointment only and require advance booking.
Come spend the day exploring, learning, playing, and making memories at the ranch. We look forward to welcoming you!
Want to reserve your spot?
Book our Wild Welcome Experience! This reserved-admission option guarantees your visit and includes special opportunities to make your day at the ranch even more memorable. Advance booking is recommended.
🦘 Signature Safari Experience (Most Popular)
A more interactive, hands-on experience
This is where your visit becomes more personal.
The Signature Safari Experience is a guided, interactive experience designed to give you meaningful, hands-on time with select animal ambassadors.
You’ll go beyond simply observing — engaging with the animals in a way that feels personal, memorable, and unique.
✨ What Makes It Special
- Small, intentionally limited group
- Guided, hands-on interaction
- Time with with zoo keeper in with the Capybara, Kangaroos & Wallaby’s
- A more immersive and engaging experience
10-15 min Up-close animal experience (Can choose between, Artic Fox, porcupine, or Raccoon)
Experiences begin at $100 per guest
Children ages must be 8 years and older
💡 Want something even more exclusive?
For a quieter, more personalized experience, many guests choose our Ultimate Animal Experience Experience.
🌅 Sunset Experience
A more peaceful, golden-hour way to experience Scatter Joy Acres
There’s something special about the Acres at sunset.
As the day begins to slow and the light softens, the atmosphere becomes quieter, calmer, and more reflective — creating the perfect setting for a more relaxed and meaningful visit.
This limited, guided experience allows you to enjoy the Acres in a different way, with fewer guests, a slower pace, and moments that feel truly memorable.
✨ What Makes It Special
- Smaller, intentionally limited group
- Calm, unhurried environment
- Beautiful golden-hour lighting
- A more relaxed, end-of-day experience
- Ideal for photos and quiet connection
🌿 Perfect For
- Couples
- Families looking for a more peaceful visit
- Guests who enjoy photography
- Anyone wanting a slower, more intentional experience
⏱️ Experience Details
- Duration: Approximately 60–75 minutes
- Guided small-group experience
- Offered in the evening (times vary seasonally)
Experiences begin at $75 per guest
Ages 3 and under are free
⚠️ Limited Availability
We offer only a small number of Sunset Experiences to preserve the calm, intentional nature of this visit.
Spots often book in advance.
📅 Plan Your Visit
If you’re looking for a more peaceful, memorable way to experience the Acres…
👉 Sunset is a beautiful time to visit.
🦦Ultimate Animal Experience VIP Experience
Our most exclusive and elevated experience
This is the most personal way to experience Hope & Joy Sanctuary.
Designed for those seeking something truly special, the VIP Experience offers a more private, slower-paced, and highly curated encounter with our animals.
You’ll enjoy extended time, deeper interaction, and a more intimate connection — creating a visit that feels truly unforgettable.
✨ What’s Included
- 🐾 Fully private experience for your group
🧑🌾 Guided experience with a knowledgeable zookeeper
🦙 Meet our animal ambassadors and explore the full facility
⭐What you GetGuests will have the chance to interact with lovable sloths, playful capybaras, curious otters, and friendly kangaroos while learning about their habitats, behaviors, and unique personalities from our knowledgeable animal care team.
The experience also includes special visits with porcupine, raccoons, and artic fox offering memorable photo opportunities and personal encounters you won’t find anywhere else.
After the exotic animal encounters, guests can enjoy our petting farm area featuring friendly farm animals including cows, goats, ponies, deer, llama, alpaca, pigs and many more.
Experiences begin at $ $200 per guest
Children must age 8 years
🍷 A Thoughtfully Curated Experience
To make your visit even more special, this experience includes light drinks and appetizers to enjoy during your time at the sanctuary.
Options are available for all ages, including both non-alcoholic and alcoholic selections, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the atmosphere.
⚠️ Limited Availability
To preserve the quality and intimacy of this experience, availability is very limited and often books in advance.
💛 Behind the Gates: Member Access Only
A special benefit for our Scatter Joy Acres members
As a member, you’re invited to enjoy select Behind the Gates Access Hours — a more relaxed way to spend time at the Acres throughout the year.
This is your space to slow down, stop by, and stay connected to the animals and the mission in a flexible, self-guided way.
✨ What to Expect
Behind the Gates Access is designed to be simple and unhurried.
During your visit, you can:
- Walk the Acres at your own pace
- Spend time observing and enjoying the animals
- Experience a quieter, more casual environment
- Visit more frequently as part of your membership
🌿 A Different Kind of Visit
Member Access is intentionally different from our guided experiences.
It is:
- Self-guided
- More flexible and informal
- Focused on presence rather than structured interaction
⚠️ A Note About Experiences
Our Signature, Private, and Sanctuary Experiences are guided, interactive, and designed to create deeper connection through storytelling and hands-on moments.
Behind the Gates Access does not include:
- Guided tours or structured experiences
- Scheduled animal encounters
- Close-up interaction moments
Many of our members enjoy combining their visits with a guided experience from time to time for a more immersive connection.
💛 Why Members Love It
- A peaceful way to spend time at the Acres
- The ability to visit more often
- A deeper, ongoing connection to the animals
- A simple way to slow down and enjoy the space
⏱️ Access Details
- Available during designated Member Access Hours
- Self-guided experience
- Subject to seasonal schedules and availability
📅 Plan Your Visit
Member Access Hours are scheduled regularly but may vary based on season, weather, and animal care needs.
Please check the current schedule before visiting.
💛 Thank You for Supporting the Mission
Your membership helps us continue to care for our animals and create meaningful experiences for all who visit.
We’re so glad you’re part of the Scatter Joy Acres community.
🎉 Celebrate at Scatter Joy Acres
A meaningful, memorable way to gather
Looking for a truly special way to celebrate?
At Scatter Joy Acres, our private events are more than just parties — they are guided, interactive experiences designed to bring people together through connection, animals, and unforgettable moments.
✨ Choose Your Celebration Experience
We offer a limited number of private events to ensure each one feels personal, relaxed, and well cared for.
🌾 Basic Party Package – “Farm Fun Party”
$350 (up to 10 kids)
2-hour party
Private party area
Access to farm/play areas
Tables + seating
+$15 per additional child
🐄 Deluxe Party Package – “Full Farm Experience”
$550 (up to 15 kids)
2.5-hour party
Private party area
Animal interactions / petting area
1 guided activity (craft, feeding animals, etc.)
Tables + seating
+$20 per additional child
🚜 Premium Party Package – “Ultimate Farm Party”
$750 (up to 20 kids)
3-hour party
Private party area
Animal experience + tractor ride (or signature activity)
Party host included
Setup + cleanup included
+$25 per additional child
🔥 Make It Your Own
You’re welcome to bring:
Food and drinks
Decorations for your celebration
Available amenities:
Grill access (complimentary)
Firepit / bonfire (available as an add-on)
🎨 Optional Enhancements
🔥 Bonfire Setup — $50
A cozy way to extend your time together (available if not in a burn ban)
⚠️ A Note on Experience
Our events are intentionally designed to be guided and structured, creating a more meaningful and memorable experience than a traditional party setting.
📅 Plan Your Celebration
We offer a limited number of private events each week.
✨ Plan a Private Event at Scatter Joy Acres
Looking for a meaningful and memorable way to gather?
At Scatter Joy Acres, we offer custom, guided experiences designed to create connection — whether you’re celebrating, learning, or simply spending time together in a unique setting.
🌿 Perfect For
- School Field Trips
- Homeschool Groups
- Daycares
- Scout Troops
- Families & Reunions
- Corporate & Team Experiences
- Birthday Celebrations
- Or any special occasion
💛 What Makes It Special
Our events are intentionally designed to be:
- Personal and interactive
- Educational and engaging
- Calm, meaningful, and memorable
Each group experience is guided and thoughtfully tailored to fit your group’s needs and goals.
📅 Plan Your Visit
We offer limited availability for private events to ensure a high-quality experience for every group.
To learn more or begin planning your event: