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Buttonwood Park New Bedford

4.6
·1k reviews·New Bedford, United States

Buttonwood Park Zoo offers affordable family fun with diverse animals and accessible attractions, set within a vibrant community park.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

CrowdLow
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Buttonwood Park - Image 1

Buttonwood Park New Bedford

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Buttonwood Park Zoo offers affordable family fun with diverse animals and accessible attractions, set within a vibrant community park.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"Affordable, clean, and a great variety of animals - a perfect family day out!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Affordable Family Fun

Great prices for zoo admission and free parking make it a budget-friendly outing. :moneybag:

🎒 Pack Your Own Snacks

You can bring your own drinks and snacks into the zoo, saving money and catering to picky eaters. :apple:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Buttonwood Park Zoo

Buttonwood Park Zoo

Within Buttonwood Park

A charming, affordable zoo with a diverse collection of animals, including a rare Asian elephant. Perfect for families with young children.

InstagramReddit
Whaling City Festival

Whaling City Festival

Buttonwood Park

Annual festival featuring carnival rides, games, food, and vendors. A beloved local tradition with something for everyone.

Instagram
Community Events

Community Events

Buttonwood Park

The park hosts various events, from protests and pride celebrations to youth basketball games and outdoor theater.

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Planning Your Visit

Zoo Fun on a Budget

Buttonwood Park Zoo offers affordable family fun with reasonable admission and free parking. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and make the most of your visit. Reddit

Beyond the Zoo

Buttonwood Park is more than just the zoo! Explore walking paths, basketball courts, and a duck pond. Check for local events like the Whaling City Festival or community gatherings. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Cooler temps, lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
During local festivals
Why
Vibrant energy and entertainment
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

✨ Get Out the Vote: Canvassing – Sat, 11/1 📍 Location: Buttonwood Park Warming House parking lot ⏰ Time: Meet at 9:00 AM | 📸 Group photo at 9:30 AM ✅ What to expect: • Quick training for new volunteers • Pick up campaign materials • Receive your turf assignment • Don’t forget to download the MiniVAN app This is the last community canvass before the election on Tuesday!!! Let’s do this! #Ja...
jamesroyfornewbedford
8 likes • 330 views

🎯 Affordable Family Fun

Great prices for zoo admission and free parking make it a budget-friendly outing. InstagramReddit :moneybag:

🎒 Pack Your Own Snacks

You can bring your own drinks and snacks into the zoo, saving money and catering to picky eaters. Reddit :apple:

LIT Youth Summer Basketball Game! Every Monday and Wednesday from 6-8pm at Buttonwood Park, New Bedford! It’s LIT!!!!!
brudolph31
103 likes • 4.2K views
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Buttonwood Park in New Bedford on Saturday afternoon to protest what they described as escalating threats of authoritarian overreach against workers’ rights, democratic institutions, and the American middle class. Click the link in our bio to read the full report. #Protest #NewBedford #laborday2025
newbedfordlight
299 likes • 3.3K views

♿ Accessible Attractions

The train ride and carousel are ADA certified and wheelchair accessible. Instagram :wheelchair:

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

The parking lot fills up quickly, especially on busy days. Consider arriving for opening. Instagram :car:

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell spoke about the importance of investing in the Buttonwood Park Zoo during the groundbreaking of an expansion on Friday. The Buttonwood Barn, located in the northwest corner of the zoo by Charlie's Nature Play Area, will be completely renovated to increase the program's capacity and exhibit space, which will lead to a more diverse range of animals in the program. ...
newbedfordguide
99 likes • 9.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Affordable Family Fun

Great prices for zoo admission and free parking make it a budget-friendly outing. InstagramReddit :moneybag:

🎒 Pack Your Own Snacks

You can bring your own drinks and snacks into the zoo, saving money and catering to picky eaters. Reddit :apple:

♿ Accessible Attractions

The train ride and carousel are ADA certified and wheelchair accessible. Instagram :wheelchair:

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

The parking lot fills up quickly, especially on busy days. Consider arriving for opening. Instagram :car:

📅 Check Event Schedule

The park hosts various events year-round, from festivals to protests. Instagram+2 :calendar:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Buttonwood Park Zoo's affordability, cleanliness, and diverse animal collection, making it a perfect family outing. While some note it's a smaller zoo, the value and accessibility are consistently praised. The park itself is appreciated for its community events and recreational spaces.

"My family and I had the most amazing day! It was absolutely perfect! Weather was great! Zoo was amazing and beautiful! Very clean! Beautiful, exotic and wide variety on animals! Lots of parking! Handicap accessible! Great prices! Awesome gift shop! And can bring a backpack with your own drinks, snacks and what not! What more can I say?? We had a blast! Can't wait to go back again!👍😁❤"

Lisa Lopes

"This is a beautiful, small zoo. Wonderful for 8 & under, and elderly who tire easily... yet still enjoyable for the whole family. It is extremely affordable, and you can stay as little or as long as you like."

Melissa Pacheco

"The zoo is very small and has animals that you could see at farms and in the wild all over New England, but it provided a few hours of fun for my young kids on a rainy day during our vacation. They did have an Asian elephant, which is something even the Philadelphia Zoo does not have.

If you are a member of another zoo, see if you get a discount (Philadelphia Zoo members get 50% off entry, so for a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 kids (7 yo, 4 yo, and 8 mo) it cost $16 to get in and parking is free. Hard to beat that!"

Kristine Clark

What People Like

Affordable admission and free parking
Clean and well-maintained zoo
Variety of animals, including Asian elephant

What People Dislike

Smaller zoo size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Buttonwood Park is located in New Bedford, MA. It's easily accessible by car, with ample free parking available. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the park. Instagram

Yes, Buttonwood Park offers free parking. However, the parking lot can fill up quickly, especially during events or peak hours. Arriving early is recommended. Instagram

Yes, the park and its attractions, including the train ride and carousel at the zoo, are designed to be handicap accessible. Instagram

You can explore Buttonwood Park by walking its paths, visiting the zoo, or enjoying the playground. It's also a popular spot for community events and gatherings. Instagram+2

While specific pet policies can vary, parks generally allow leashed dogs. It's always best to check the official Buttonwood Park regulations for the most current information.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to Buttonwood Park Zoo is very affordable. Adults are typically $10, children are $6, and children under 3 are free. Members of other zoos may receive discounts. InstagramReddit

It's generally recommended to purchase tickets upon arrival, but checking the zoo's official website for online ticketing options or special event requirements is a good idea, especially during peak seasons. Instagram

Yes, members of other zoos can often receive discounts, such as 50% off entry. Keep an eye out for special promotions or community days. Reddit

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Buttonwood Park Zoo website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit. Instagram

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own drinks and snacks into the zoo, which is a great way to save money. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The zoo features a variety of animals, including an Asian elephant, which is a unique attraction. Visitors can enjoy seeing diverse species and their habitats. InstagramReddit

Buttonwood Park offers basketball courts, walking paths, a duck pond, and a playground. It's also a venue for community events and festivals. InstagramReddit

Yes, Buttonwood Park Zoo is considered wonderful for children aged 8 and under due to its manageable size and engaging exhibits. Reddit

Yes, the zoo offers a train ride and a carousel, both of which are ADA certified and wheelchair accessible. Instagram

Buttonwood Park hosts a range of events, including protests, pride celebrations, youth basketball games, outdoor theater performances, and the annual Whaling City Festival. Instagram+3

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the zoo may have some concessions, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy within the park. Reddit

New Bedford has a variety of dining options. You can find local eateries and restaurants in the surrounding areas of Buttonwood Park, offering diverse cuisines. Instagram

Yes, Buttonwood Park is a great place for a picnic. You can bring your own food and enjoy it in the park's open spaces. Reddit

The Whaling City Festival typically features a wide array of food vendors offering classic festival fare, from sweet treats to savory options. Instagram

Food vendor offerings can vary, but many festivals and parks aim to provide a range of options. It's advisable to check with specific vendors on the day of your visit.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture memorable shots of the diverse animals, the charming train ride, and the carousel. The park's natural beauty also offers scenic photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Aerial photography is possible, as demonstrated by drone footage showcasing the park's spring beauty. Always be mindful of local drone regulations. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require permits. Check with park management for specific guidelines.

Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer ambiance. Instagram

Consider capturing the vibrant atmosphere during community events like New Bedford Pride or the Whaling City Festival for dynamic and colorful shots. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Buttonwood Park Zoo is a fantastic choice for families with young children. Its manageable size means little legs won't get too tired, and the variety of animals, including the unique Asian elephant, keeps kids engaged. Reddit The affordable admission and free parking are major pluses for family budgets. Instagram

Don't miss the ADA-accessible train ride and carousel for extra fun! Instagram Remember to pack snacks and drinks to save money and keep everyone happy. Reddit Beyond the zoo, the park offers playgrounds and open spaces for kids to run around. Check the schedule for family-friendly events like 'Boo at the Zoo' for seasonal fun. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Buttonwood Park and its zoo are a gem. The zoo offers one of the most affordable family outings in the region, with low ticket prices and free parking. InstagramReddit Bringing your own food and drinks is a smart way to cut down on expenses. Reddit

The park itself is a free resource, perfect for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Keep an eye out for free community events and festivals that offer entertainment without a hefty price tag. Instagram+1

couples

Buttonwood Park offers a relaxed and charming setting for couples. Enjoy a leisurely walk hand-in-hand through the park's scenic paths, or visit the Buttonwood Park Zoo for a delightful afternoon observing diverse animal species. InstagramReddit

Consider visiting during a community event, like a local festival or an outdoor performance, for a lively and memorable experience. Instagram+1 The park's affordability means you can enjoy a beautiful day out without breaking the bank, leaving more room for a nice dinner in New Bedford afterward.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Buttonwood Park Zoo

Buttonwood Park Zoo is a beloved attraction in New Bedford, known for its affordability and family-friendly atmosphere. It's a smaller zoo, making it ideal for younger children or those who prefer a more intimate experience. Visitors consistently praise the zoo for its cleanliness and the variety of animals it houses, with the Asian elephant being a particular highlight that even larger zoos may not feature. InstagramReddit

The zoo offers more than just animal exhibits. You can enjoy a charming train ride and a carousel, both of which are ADA certified and wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can participate in the fun. The reasonable admission prices and free parking make it an excellent value for a day out. Instagram

Pro-tip: The parking lot can fill up quickly, so arriving early, especially on weekends or during special events, is highly recommended to secure a spot. Instagram

Buttonwood Park: A Community Hub

Buttonwood Park serves as a vibrant community hub, hosting a diverse array of events and activities throughout the year. From political demonstrations and protests to celebrations like New Bedford Pride, the park is a gathering place for civic engagement and cultural expression. Instagram+2

Beyond organized events, the park offers recreational amenities such as basketball courts, walking paths, and a duck pond, making it a popular spot for locals to relax and stay active. The annual Whaling City Festival is a major highlight, drawing crowds with its carnival rides, games, food, and vendors, embodying the spirit of New Bedford. Instagram

Youth activities also find a home here, with events like summer basketball games providing opportunities for young people to connect and engage in healthy competition. Instagram This multifaceted use of the park underscores its importance as a central gathering space for the New Bedford community.

Visiting Buttonwood Park on a Budget

Buttonwood Park and its zoo are renowned for being budget-friendly destinations. The Buttonwood Park Zoo offers significantly lower admission fees compared to larger zoos, with adults typically paying around $10 and children $6. This affordability extends to parking, which is free, making it an accessible outing for families. InstagramReddit

A key money-saving tip shared by visitors is the ability to bring your own food and drinks into the zoo. This allows you to pack snacks and meals, further reducing the overall cost of your visit and catering to any dietary needs or preferences. Reddit

Beyond the zoo, the park itself is free to enter and enjoy. You can take advantage of the walking paths, playgrounds, and open spaces without any cost. Attending community events, while sometimes ticketed, often have free entry or affordable options, making Buttonwood Park a prime spot for low-cost entertainment in New Bedford.

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