Franklin Park Zoo

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Franklin Park Zoo

Photo: John Phelan · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

🦒 Zoo · Boston

3 hours · $$ · No reservation needed

age fit
0–1 yr
★ 4.0
1–3 yrs
★ 5.0
3–5 yrs
★ 5.0
5–10 yrs
★ 4.0
  • 🚗
    About 20 min drive
    From Newton · Parking: Free zoo lot; admission about $25 adults, about $17 kids, free under 2, check the website
  • 🍼
    Stroller-friendly
    Flat surfaces — bring the stroller
  • 🌳
    Some shade
    Great on sunny days · Good on cool days
  • ⏱️
    Typical visit: 3 hours
    Best seasons: Spring · Summer · Fall

Boston's big zoo, 72 acres: the indoor Tropical Forest has gorillas and pygmy hippos, giraffes and zebras roam the African savanna area, Franklin Farm puts sheep and goats up close, and there is a big playground and a carousel in the middle — a 2-year-old will need the stroller by the halfway point.

💡 Tips
Online tickets save a few dollars, and libraries such as Newton's have discount passes. The animals are most active at the 10am opening. The grounds are hilly, so bring a stroller. Summer afternoons are hot, so do the outdoor areas first and the Tropical Forest after. A Zoo New England membership covers both zoos.

What this place offers

✓gorillas
✓giraffes
✓Tropical Forest
✓farm area
✓playground
✓carousel
✓restrooms

Featured in these guides

This weekend's weather in Boston

Forecast at the destination itself (coast and hills often differ from home)

🌦️
Sat 10/17
Showers · 39–64°F · 80% rain
☁️
Sun 10/18
Overcast · 39–59°F · 1% rain

Location

Boston, Massachusetts

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