Franklin Park Zoo Boston
Explore diverse wildlife and a magical lantern experience at Franklin Park Zoo, a vibrant part of Boston's green spaces.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical ambiance
Franklin Park Zoo Boston
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical ambiance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore diverse wildlife and a magical lantern experience at Franklin Park Zoo, a vibrant part of Boston's green spaces.
"A wonderful trip where the animals were very visible, with parks and side activities throughout for kids."
🎯 Boston Lights Safety
The zoo area is safe during Boston Lights, with plenty of families, staff, and police presence.
🚌 Public Transport to Zoo
Take the 16 bus from JFK/UMass T stop or inquire about shuttles from Forest Hills T stop.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boston Lights Lantern Experience
Throughout the zoo
Thousands of LED lanterns transform the zoo into a magical wonderland with mythical creatures and floral tunnels.
Gorilla and Primate Exhibits
Gorilla and Primate House
Get up close with gorillas and other primates in well-designed exhibits offering great viewing spots.
Bird World & Butterfly Hollow
Bird World, Butterfly Hollow
Experience birds and butterflies up close in immersive habitats, a favorite for many visitors.
Old Bear Dens
Near the rear parking lot
Explore the historic 1912 bear dens, a glimpse into the zoo's past, accessible via a short walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Boston Lights
Navigating to Franklin Park Zoo
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Boston Lights Safety
The zoo area is safe during Boston Lights, with plenty of families, staff, and police presence.
🚌 Public Transport to Zoo
Take the 16 bus from JFK/UMass T stop or inquire about shuttles from Forest Hills T stop.
🎟️ Ticket Booking Tip
Consider VIP tickets for flexibility or look for discounts on the zoo's website.
☀️ Sunny Day Essentials
Bring sunscreen, a hat, umbrella, and plenty of water for sunny days.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Boston Lights Safety
The zoo area is safe during Boston Lights, with plenty of families, staff, and police presence.
🚌 Public Transport to Zoo
Take the 16 bus from JFK/UMass T stop or inquire about shuttles from Forest Hills T stop.
🎟️ Ticket Booking Tip
Consider VIP tickets for flexibility or look for discounts on the zoo's website.
☀️ Sunny Day Essentials
Bring sunscreen, a hat, umbrella, and plenty of water for sunny days.
🚶♀️ Explore the Old Bear Dens
A short walk from the rear parking lot leads to the historic bear dens.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Franklin Park Zoo is generally well-maintained with a decent variety of animals, making it a pleasant outing for families and animal lovers. Visitors appreciate the active animals even in heat and the immersive exhibits like Bird World. However, some feel the zoo could offer a bit 'more' for the admission price, and the 'Boston Lights' event, while beautiful, can be crowded and costly.
"I would say this is a really nice zoo. We drove 90 minutes to get here. Was it worth it? Tough to tell in my opinion.
The staff was decent, and the place was well maintained. We went on a “cooler” day, so the animals were outside for the most part. A few of the staff members mentioned that the animals hated the heat.
I wish there was just a little more I guess. But we all had fun, and enjoyed the animals!"
Matt Comeau
"I took the kids on a weekday in July and while it was super hot the zoo was prepared. Zoo staff set up fans throughout the park to ensure guests could cool down. They also were actively helping the animals stay cool. The animals were active and moving around, which surprised us because it was so hot. I would recommend this zoo to anyone who loves animals."
C Ware
"The zoo is interesting with quite a variety of animals. Be prepared more energy to say hi to every creature there. Other than that, there are playground facility, carousel as well as some shades and seats, but still need sunscreen, cap, umbrella and water on a sunny day. We parked our car outside giraffe entrance.
I pretty enjoyed the quiet & relaxing atmosphere there. I like the most is bird's world & butterfly hollow where i can have a close look at them. And peacocks who can walk freely in the zoo.
I regretted reaching the zoo late and not able to visit every section. I will go again (for 1 whole day) with some food and see the red panda, kiwi, gorilla, lion, etc. again 💗"
K LO
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take the Orange Line to Forest Hills T stop and then catch a bus, or take the Red Line to JFK/UMass and transfer to the 16 bus, which stops directly at the zoo. Some visitors suggest checking if the zoo offers a free shuttle from Forest Hills.
Franklin Park Zoo has two main entrances and parking lots: the main (zebra) lot and the Giraffe lot. The Giraffe lot often has fewer people and shorter admission lines. Some find parking off BHA via Tremont, Columbus, and Seaver to be the fastest.
Yes, the zoo area is considered safe during the 'Boston Lights' event, with many families, staff, and police present. While some surrounding neighborhoods might have a rougher reputation, there's no reason to venture there during the event.
It's a bit of a walk from the Forest Hills T stop, especially in hot weather. Taking a bus from Forest Hills or JFK/UMass is generally more convenient.
The address for Franklin Park Zoo is 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA 02121.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is around $30. Children under 2 are free, and older children may pay a reduced rate.
Yes, the zoo offers discounts for certain groups, so it's worth checking their website for details.
Boston Lights typically runs from August 1st to November 2nd. Hours vary: 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM from Aug 1 - Sept 30, and 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM from Oct 1 - Nov 2.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the gate, but buying in advance, especially online, is recommended to secure your spot and potentially avoid lines.
While some find the $25-$30 price steep for the duration, many visitors find the 'Boston Lights' lantern experience magical and worth it, especially for families and date nights.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the gorillas, lions, giraffes, pygmy hippos, and the unique bird world and butterfly hollow exhibits.
Yes, the zoo offers playground facilities and a carousel, making it a great spot for families.
It's a dazzling display of thousands of LED lanterns creating illuminated sculptures of animals, mythical creatures, and floral tunnels, transforming the zoo into a magical wonderland.
A visit to the zoo can be done in about 2 hours, but you could easily spend a full day exploring all the exhibits.
Yes, the historic bear dens are accessible via a short walk from the rear parking lot and offer a glimpse into the zoo's history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While not explicitly stated, it's common for zoos to allow visitors to bring their own food and drinks, especially for a full-day visit.
The zoo typically has concessions offering snacks and meals. For the 'Boston Lights' event, some vendors offer items like fried Oreos and beer.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'Boston Lights' exhibit offers stunning photo opportunities with its illuminated sculptures.
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the zoo for personal use. Be mindful of any specific restrictions in certain exhibit areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the lanterns, the zoo offers playground facilities and a carousel, ensuring plenty of entertainment. 💰 Budget Travelers
Look for potential discounts on the zoo's website or consider visiting during off-peak times when crowds might be smaller. Bringing your own snacks and water can also help save money on food purchases within the zoo. 🌃 Couples & Date Nights
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Boston Lights
+2 The exhibit is designed to be eco-friendly, utilizing energy-saving LED lights. To make the most of your visit, consider attending on a weeknight, ideally later in the evening, to avoid the largest crowds, especially those with young children.
+1 While some find the ticket price steep, many agree it's a unique and memorable experience, perfect for families and a romantic date night. Pro-tip: Check the zoo's website for specific dates, times, and ticket information, as well as any special events like 'Brew at the Zoo' which might offer a different vibe.
A Glimpse into Zoo History: The Old Bear Dens
These dens are accessible via a short walk from the zoo's rear parking lot.
While no longer housing bears, the old dens serve as a fascinating historical marker within the zoo grounds, offering a quiet moment of reflection on the park's past.
Navigating Franklin Park Zoo: Getting There and Around
If driving, the zoo has two main parking lots: the main (zebra) lot and the Giraffe lot. The Giraffe lot is often less crowded and can lead to shorter admission lines.
Once inside, the zoo is designed for exploration, with pathways leading to various animal exhibits. On hot days, the zoo staff actively works to keep both visitors and animals cool with fans and water stations.
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