Zoo Experience at Scatter Joy Acres
Zoo Hours
Scatter Joy Acres no longer offers open public petting zoo hours.
All visits must be scheduled in advance by reserving a time slot.
Day admission bookings may be made the same day, based on availability.
Booking an animal encounter is optional — you do not need to book an encounter to visit, but you are always welcome to add one for a more interactive experience.
This change allows us to:
• Maintain a calm, enriching environment for our animals
• Provide a more personalized visit experience
• Thoughtfully manage scheduling and animal care
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We truly appreciate being part of your family’s memories and look forward to welcoming you with a reserved visit.
🕘 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📅 Sunday – Saturday
What to Expect During Your Visit
At Scatter Joy Acres, our zoo experience is intentionally designed to prioritize animal welfare, education, and meaningful connection.
Farm Animals
Guests are welcome to enter designated farm animal pens
Interactions are self-guided unless otherwise noted
Access to other animal areas is restricted to staff and scheduled programming
Exotic Animal Ambassadors
Our exotic animals serve as educational ambassadors for their species
Exotic animals are viewable during zoo hours
Guest access to enclosures is not permitted
All interactions must be scheduled and are available only through keeper-guided educational experiences
These guidelines allow us to provide safe, respectful, and enriching experiences for both animals and visitors.
Plan Your Visit Book
We invite guests to book a private experience for a more personalized, educational visit.
🌾 General Admission (Behind the Gates)
A Farm Experience
This is your General Admission
(All Ages)
Behind the Gates is our exclusive, reservation-only farm experience at the Scatter Joy Acres Nebraska location. Once open to the general public, this experience has been thoughtfully reimagined to offer guests a more personal, guided, and meaningful visit—centered on connection, education, and care.
By limiting access and moving to advance bookings, we are able to create a calmer environment for our animals while offering guests deeper insight into daily life on the farm. Each visit is intentionally paced and fully guided, allowing time to learn, observe, ask questions, and connect in a more authentic way.
🌿 What to Expect
Guests joining Behind the Gates will enjoy a, guided experience that may include:
A walking tour of our Nebraska farm
Meet-and-observe moments with our animal residents
Stories about each animal, their care, and their role on the farm
Insight into daily routines, enrichment, and stewardship
Time for conversation, learning, and meaningful connection
Every experience is guided by knowledgeable staff and shaped by the comfort and wellbeing of our animals.
🐾 Why Reservation-Only?
Transitioning to a reservation-only experience allows us to:
Prioritize animal wellbeing and minimize overstimulation
Offer guests a higher-quality, more personal visit
Create space for education, storytelling, and connection
Ensure each group receives our full attention
This approach reflects our commitment to thoughtful care—for our animals and for every guest who walks through our gates.
🌱 Ideal For
Families and small groups
Animal lovers seeking a quieter, more intentional visit
Educational outings and special interest groups
Guests looking for a meaningful farm experience
📅 Booking Information
Behind the Gates experiences are available by reservation only. Bookings can be made the day of your visit, but advance reservations are strongly recommended. Group sizes are limited to maintain a calm, high-quality experience. Availability varies by season and weather.
🌿 Experience Scatter Joy Acres — All to Yourself
By Reservation Only
Looking for a more personal way to connect with our incredible animal ambassadors? Book a Tour and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience designed just for you. Whether you’re planning a family outing, birthday celebration, date day, or small group visit, your private experience will be filled with connection, discovery, and unforgettable animal moments.
🐾 Animal Encounters
Available Daily | Sunday–Saturday
During your tour, you’ll enjoy exclusive, guided access to Scatter Joy Acres with opportunities to get up close to some of our most beloved animal residents in a calm, hands-on setting.
During Your Tour, You’ll:
Enjoy encounters with select animal ambassadors
Explore the Acres alongside one of our knowledgeable zookeepers
Learn fun facts and hear meaningful stories about our animal ambassadors
Capture unforgettable memories in a peaceful, personal environment
- None of our animals are held by guests.
🐾 Meet Our Animal Ambassadors
You may meet and interact with some of our most special residents, including:
Sloth • Kangaroo • Porcupine • Otter • Capybara • Bushbaby
🌾 Farm Friends & Barnyard Time
Get up close with our friendly farm animals
Meet and feed our llamas, goats, and other barnyard buddies
Feed buckets available for purchase — $10 per bucket
🌱 Guided With Heart
Every tour is led by one of our passionate zookeepers, who love sharing the heart, mission, and care behind Scatter Joy Acres. Your guide ensures both guest safety and animal wellbeing throughout the experience.
📅 Booking Information
- Tours available 7 days a week
Book a Encounter any day — Sunday through Saturday
Package Tours include zoo admission
add-on encounters do not include zoo admission
.
Plan an Event!
- School Field Trips
- Home School Groups
- Daycares
- Scout Troops
- Families
- Corporate Events
- Birthday Parties
- Your Chosen Occasion
Send email to
sjaevents@scatterjoyacres.org
Visiting Scatter Joy Acres – FAQ
Do you still offer public petting zoo hours?
No. Beginning March 1, 2026, Scatter Joy Acres will no longer offer open public petting zoo hours. All visits must be scheduled in advance. If you decide to come the day of you can still book your Behind the Gate Tour. Encounters have to be booked 12 hours before.
How do I visit now?
You will need to reserve a time slot before visiting. This helps us manage capacity and provide the best experience for both our animals and guests.
Do I have to book an animal encounter to visit?
No. Animal encounters are optional. You are welcome to visit without booking an encounter, but you may add one if you’d like a more hands-on experience.
What should I wear?
For safety and comfort:
Please do not wear open-toed shoes or Crocs
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or possibly ruined
Why are you making these changes?
These updates allow us to:
Provide a calmer, more enriching environment for our animals
Offer a more personal and enjoyable experience for guests
Better manage scheduling and animal care
How do I reserve a visit?
Visit our booking page or contact us directly to reserve your time slot.
Birthday Party at Ranch
If you are looking for a great way to have a birthday party with the animals this is it.
For more information or to check and see if dates are available. SJAEvents@scatterjoyacres.org
