Buttonwood Park New Bedford
Buttonwood Park Zoo offers affordable family fun with diverse animals and accessible attractions, set within a vibrant community park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Buttonwood Park New Bedford
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Buttonwood Park Zoo offers affordable family fun with diverse animals and accessible attractions, set within a vibrant community park.
"Affordable, clean, and a great variety of animals - a perfect family day out!"
🎯 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:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 1,323 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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.
Whaling City Festival
Buttonwood Park
Annual festival featuring carnival rides, games, food, and vendors. A beloved local tradition with something for everyone.
Community Events
Buttonwood Park
The park hosts various events, from protests and pride celebrations to youth basketball games and outdoor theater.
+3Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Zoo Fun on a Budget
Beyond the Zoo
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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:
♿ Accessible Attractions
The train ride and carousel are ADA certified and wheelchair accessible.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The parking lot fills up quickly, especially on busy days. Consider arriving for opening.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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:
♿ Accessible Attractions
The train ride and carousel are ADA certified and wheelchair accessible.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The parking lot fills up quickly, especially on busy days. Consider arriving for opening.
📅 Check Event Schedule
The park hosts various events year-round, from festivals to protests.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, Buttonwood Park offers free parking. However, the parking lot can fill up quickly, especially during events or peak hours. Arriving early is recommended.
Yes, the park and its attractions, including the train ride and carousel at the zoo, are designed to be handicap accessible.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, members of other zoos can often receive discounts, such as 50% off entry. Keep an eye out for special promotions or community days.
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.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own drinks and snacks into the zoo, which is a great way to save money.
🎫 🧭 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.
Buttonwood Park offers basketball courts, walking paths, a duck pond, and a playground. It's also a venue for community events and festivals.
Yes, Buttonwood Park Zoo is considered wonderful for children aged 8 and under due to its manageable size and engaging exhibits.
Yes, the zoo offers a train ride and a carousel, both of which are ADA certified and wheelchair accessible.
Buttonwood Park hosts a range of events, including protests, pride celebrations, youth basketball games, outdoor theater performances, and the annual Whaling City Festival.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the zoo may have some concessions, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy within the park.
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.
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.
The Whaling City Festival typically features a wide array of food vendors offering classic festival fare, from sweet treats to savory options.
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.
Aerial photography is possible, as demonstrated by drone footage showcasing the park's spring beauty. Always be mindful of local drone regulations.
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.
Consider capturing the vibrant atmosphere during community events like New Bedford Pride or the Whaling City Festival for dynamic and colorful shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit