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
ALL SINGLE ADD ON ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS ARE COMPLETLEY BOOKED UNTIL WE CLOSE JULY 31.
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.
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!
🦘 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 $125 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.
🦦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.