Franklin Park Boston
A vibrant urban oasis featuring a zoo, historic sites, and expansive parklands perfect for recreation and dazzling light shows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Franklin Park Boston
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant urban oasis featuring a zoo, historic sites, and expansive parklands perfect for recreation and dazzling light shows.
"The 'Boston Lights' show at Franklin Park Zoo is an amazing, must-watch spectacle for everyone!"
🎯 Book Boston Lights Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance via the zoo's website to secure your spot and potentially get better pricing.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
The Boston Lights experience is a 1.5-mile loop, so wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boston Lights: A Lantern Spectacle
Franklin Park Zoo
Experience a magical wonderland with stunning LED lanterns, from mythical creatures to floral tunnels and a giant owl.
+1
Historic Bear Dens
Franklin Park Zoo
Explore the original 1912 bear dens, a glimpse into the zoo's early history and its evolution.
Expansive Green Spaces
Franklin Park
Enjoy vast open parkland perfect for running, walking, playing, and picnicking with friends.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Boston Lights
Navigating to Franklin Park Zoo
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Boston Lights Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance via the zoo's website to secure your spot and potentially get better pricing.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
The Boston Lights experience is a 1.5-mile loop, so wear comfortable shoes for walking.
📱 Check Zoo Website for Hours
Hours for Boston Lights vary by season; check @zoonewengland for the most up-to-date times.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Boston Lights offers interactive stations and dazzling displays that delight children of all ages.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Boston Lights Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance via the zoo's website to secure your spot and potentially get better pricing.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
The Boston Lights experience is a 1.5-mile loop, so wear comfortable shoes for walking.
📱 Check Zoo Website for Hours
Hours for Boston Lights vary by season; check @zoonewengland for the most up-to-date times.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Boston Lights offers interactive stations and dazzling displays that delight children of all ages.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Ample free car parking is available at Franklin Park Zoo, making it convenient for drivers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Franklin Park Zoo for its immersive experience and the spectacular 'Boston Lights' lantern show, calling it a must-see. The park's expansive green spaces are also a highlight for relaxation and recreation. While generally safe and well-attended, some note that the light show can be overrun with children during peak times.
"The best zoo in the entire state. If you haven't been to this incredible zoo you are truly missing out. It's an immersive experience. You'll need at least 3-4 how to get through the entire zoo, and they are currently expanding. It's incredible. Parking is free and with a library pass a family of 4 can enter for under &40.00. If you pack a lunch, that's a really inexpensive day."
Talisa Rafferty
"AH-MAY-ZING!!!!! It was our first time going and we are definitely going back before the end of the summer.!!! Employees were polite and helpful, there was so much to see. It was just perfect!"
Jennifer Harding
"My dog makes me go into secluded areas and loves to climb high and high into the woods, well this he found a beautiful spot!"
Nicole Reade
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take the Orange Line to Forest Hills and then catch the 16 bus, which stops directly at the zoo. Alternatively, check if the zoo offers a shuttle service from Forest Hills T stop.
Yes, there is plenty of free car parking available at Franklin Park Zoo.
Yes, the zoo area is generally considered safe, especially during events like Boston Lights, with many families and security present.
From the South Shore, you can take the commuter rail to JFK/UMass station and then transfer to the 16 bus, or consider the Orange Line to Forest Hills and then a bus.
Compared to the New England Aquarium, Franklin Park Zoo is less centrally located, but it offers a unique park experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission for Boston Lights is around $26-$30 for adults and children over 2. Children under 2 are free. VIP tickets are also available.
It's recommended to purchase tickets online in advance through the zoo's website (zoonewengland.org) to secure your entry.
Yes, discounts may be available, including for WIC cardholders. Check the zoo's website for current offers.
Boston Lights typically runs from August 1st to November 2nd, with hours varying slightly between August-September (6:00 PM - 10:30 PM) and October (5:00 PM - 10:30 PM). Always check the zoo's official site for exact times.
Look out for 'Brews at the Zoo' events, which are 21+ and can offer a different atmosphere for enjoying the zoo.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Boston Lights lantern experience is about a 1.5-mile loop and typically takes 2-3 hours to complete.
Yes, there are stalls selling food and drinks available inside the zoo.
Franklin Park Zoo houses a variety of animals, and the Boston Lights event features lantern displays of animals like pandas, dragons, owls, and sea creatures.
Absolutely! The zoo offers many fun activities and interactive displays that children will love.
Yes, you can combine a visit to Franklin Park Zoo with a walk through the nearby Arnold Arboretum.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Visiting during the later evening hours on weeknights can offer fewer crowds, making it easier to capture stunning photos of the illuminated displays.
The event features numerous photo opportunities, including floral light tunnels, mythical creatures, a 22-foot owl, and underwater scenes.
For low-light photography, consider using a tripod to stabilize your shots, a wider aperture to let in more light, and a higher ISO if necessary, but be mindful of noise.
Yes, the historic bear dens are accessible and offer unique photographic opportunities to capture the zoo's past.
Generally, personal photography is allowed, but always be respectful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography in certain areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The zoo itself offers a variety of animals to discover, making it an educational and fun experience. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for the 1.5-mile loop of the light show and consider visiting on a weeknight to manage crowds. For a more budget-friendly visit, packing a lunch can significantly reduce costs, and free parking is a major plus.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1 Packing your own lunch and snacks is a great way to save money, as food stalls inside can add up. Utilizing public transportation, such as the 16 bus from JFK/UMass or a shuttle from Forest Hills, can save on parking fees.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Boston Lights
+2The displays are not only visually stunning but also educational, often highlighting flora and fauna inspired by Chinese heritage and the natural world. Interactive elements, like pedaling pandas and swinging moon chairs, add an engaging dimension for younger visitors.
The event is eco-friendly, with all lanterns powered by LEDs to minimize environmental impact. To make the most of your visit, consider attending on a weeknight after Labor Day to avoid peak crowds, especially if you prefer a quieter experience. Purchasing tickets in advance online is highly recommended.
Exploring Franklin Park's History and Nature
Within the park lies the historic Franklin Park Zoo, which opened in 1912. A fascinating remnant of its early days are the original bear dens, built to house polar, black, and grizzly bears. Though the zoo faced challenges, it has since been revitalized and continues to be a popular destination.
Visitors can combine a visit to the zoo with a stroll through the adjacent Arnold Arboretum, further immersing themselves in the park's natural beauty and historical significance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit