Buttonwood Park Zoo New Bedford
A charming, affordable zoo focused on New England wildlife, offering family fun with rides and playgrounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate
Buttonwood Park Zoo New Bedford
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, affordable zoo focused on New England wildlife, offering family fun with rides and playgrounds.
"Small enough for young kids to enjoy without a map, but packed with enough charm to feel special."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The parking lot fills up fast! Aim to arrive for opening to secure a spot.
💰 Affordable Admission
Tickets are very reasonably priced, making it a great value for a family outing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Emily the Elephant
Elephant Habitat
Meet Emily, the gentle icon of the zoo, a beloved Asian elephant who has been a resident for years.
Red Pandas
Red Panda Exhibit
Marvel at the adorable red pandas, often found napping in charmingly impossible positions.
Harbor Seals
Seal Exhibit
Welcome Luna and Conway, the zoo's newest harbor seal residents, who have bonded with Blue.
Train Ride & Carousel
Amusement Area
Enjoy a charming train ride or a classic carousel spin, both ADA accessible for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
Zoo Expansion & New Arrivals
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The parking lot fills up fast! Aim to arrive for opening to secure a spot.
💰 Affordable Admission
Tickets are very reasonably priced, making it a great value for a family outing.
🦽 ADA Accessible Rides
The train and carousel are ADA certified, ensuring wheelchair accessibility for all.
🧺 Picnic Friendly
Bring your own food and enjoy a picnic on the grounds; cafe options are also available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The parking lot fills up fast! Aim to arrive for opening to secure a spot.
💰 Affordable Admission
Tickets are very reasonably priced, making it a great value for a family outing.
🦽 ADA Accessible Rides
The train and carousel are ADA certified, ensuring wheelchair accessibility for all.
🧺 Picnic Friendly
Bring your own food and enjoy a picnic on the grounds; cafe options are also available.
🤝 Reciprocal Membership
If you're a member of the Museum of Science in Boston, enjoy free admission!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Buttonwood Park Zoo for its affordability, charming atmosphere, and family-friendly features. Many appreciate the manageable size, making it ideal for young children, and the focus on local wildlife. While some wish for larger enclosures, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting it as a great value and a beloved community spot.
"This was my first time visiting Buttonwood and I’m glad I did! We visited on a Saturday and were pleased to see it wasn’t too busy. The park itself is small but well maintained with a decent amount of animals to see.
The small size made it feel more intimate, almost as if we had the whole zoo to ourselves which was pretty extraordinary. My personal favorite animals was the elephant and red panda. However, I did enjoy seeing them all.
The staff here were friendly and there were many informative signs as well. I just wish that some of the enclosures were a little bigger. But, that’s a more of a zoo problem in general and not just Buttonwood.
Overall, with the cost of tickets being so low this is definitely a great afternoon stop to visit for a few hours!"
Matthew Doiron
"I visited the zoo recently, and it was such an enjoyable experience from start to finish. The place was clean, organized, and easy to explore. One of my favorite parts was seeing the elephant. Overall, it was a great day for relaxing, educational, and full of beautiful animals. I’d definitely recommend visiting if you’re looking for something fun to do outdoors or just want to spend the day surrounded by nature and wildlife."
Davina Dawson
"Buttonwood Park Zoo is one of those rare gems: small enough for young kids to enjoy without needing a map, but packed with enough charm and variety to make every visit feel special. Tucked right in New Bedford, it’s perfect for families looking for a fun, low-stress day out.
You’ll find mostly New England animals here—think black bears, river otters, lynxes, and whitetail deer—but there are a few standout stars that add something extra. The red pandas are adorable and usually napping in impossible positions, and the Asian elephant, Ruth, is a gentle icon of the zoo who’s been there for years.
There’s a sweet little train ride and a classic carousel that kids absolutely love, plus a clean, safe playground with views of the animal habitats. You can grab lunch at the café (prices are surprisingly reasonable), or bring your own food and picnic around the grounds.
If you’re a member of the Museum of Science in Boston, good news: your membership gets you in here for free thanks to their reciprocal program. That makes it an easy choice for a spontaneous afternoon visit or a weekend tradition.
Buttonwood isn’t flashy, but it doesn’t try to be. It’s a calm, friendly space where kids can get close to animals, parents can relax, and nobody leaves feeling overwhelmed. For families in southern Massachusetts, it’s the kind of place that quickly becomes a favorite."
David Balch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The zoo is located within Buttonwood Park in New Bedford, MA. Driving is the most common method, with free parking available on-site. 
Yes, there is free parking available at the zoo. However, the parking lot can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak times. Arriving early is advised.
While specific routes can vary, checking with the Greater New Bedford Regional Transit Authority (GNBTransit) for bus routes that service Buttonwood Park is your best bet for public transport access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable: Adults are $10, Kids are $6, and children under 3 are free.
While advance booking is not always required, it's a good idea to check the zoo's official website for any specific ticketing policies or to purchase tickets online, especially during busy periods.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Buttonwood Park Zoo website for the most up-to-date information on daily hours and any special event closures.
Members of the Museum of Science in Boston can enjoy free admission through a reciprocal program. Keep an eye on the zoo's social media for any other potential promotions.
Yes, strollers are welcome, and the zoo also offers stroller rentals for convenience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The zoo features a variety of animals, with a focus on New England wildlife like black bears, river otters, lynxes, and whitetail deer. Standout residents include the Asian elephant, Ruth, and adorable red pandas. They also have recently welcomed new harbor seals, Luna and Conway.
Absolutely! Kids will love the train ride and carousel, both of which are ADA accessible.
Yes, the zoo is small enough for young children to enjoy without getting overwhelmed, making it a perfect low-stress outing for families.
The zoo is undergoing renovations to increase program capacity and exhibit space, including the renovation of the Buttonwood Barn.
While the zoo focuses on New England animals, beavers are not a primary exhibit. For beaver sightings, you might need to explore wild habitats or other specialized facilities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that offers affordable snacks and food options, including mini pizzas. However, some visitors suggest it might be better to bring your own food.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and have a picnic on the zoo grounds.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but the cafe typically offers standard fare like snacks and pizza. It's advisable to check with the cafe directly for current offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The exhibits featuring the red pandas and the elephant offer great photo opportunities. The train and carousel also make for fun, dynamic shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, always be mindful of any posted signs regarding flash photography or restrictions around specific exhibits.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at zoos and public parks to ensure the safety and well-being of animals and visitors. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The zoo's focus on local wildlife also provides an excellent educational opportunity for children to learn about animals in their own backyard. Don't miss Emily the Elephant and the playful red pandas, which are sure to captivate young imaginations. The affordable admission and free parking make it an easy decision for a fun, low-stress day out. Consider packing a picnic to save even more on food costs.
💰 Budget Travelers
Bring your own snacks or a picnic lunch to further reduce costs, as the zoo allows outside food.
❤️ Couples & Day-Trippers
Enjoy a leisurely walk, admire the red pandas, or take a romantic ride on the carousel. The zoo's manageable size means you can easily explore it in a few hours, leaving ample time to discover other attractions in New Bedford. The affordable entry fee makes it an easy addition to any itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Gem of New England Wildlife
Beyond the local fauna, the zoo boasts a few standout stars that add an extra layer of excitement. The Asian elephant, Ruth, is a long-time resident and a gentle icon, often a highlight for visitors. Equally captivating are the adorable red pandas, known for their charming antics and often found napping in amusing positions. These unique residents provide memorable encounters for all ages.
The zoo's relatively small size, around 7 acres, contributes to its intimate and manageable atmosphere. This makes it ideal for families with young children, as it's easy to navigate without feeling overwhelmed. The thoughtful layout ensures that most exhibits are easily accessible, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable exploration of the animal kingdom.
Family Fun & Accessibility
Complementing the rides is a clean and safe playground, strategically located to offer views of the animal habitats. This allows children to burn off energy while still being immersed in the zoo's environment. The overall atmosphere is designed to be low-stress and enjoyable, making it a perfect destination for a spontaneous afternoon outing or a planned family day.
For those seeking an even more inclusive experience, the zoo has hosted events like the 'Twilight Tour' supported by the Mass Cultural Council, catering to specific community needs.
These events highlight the zoo's dedication to serving diverse audiences and making its offerings accessible to everyone in the New Bedford community.Affordability and Value
This makes it an accessible outing for families and individuals looking for an engaging experience without a hefty price tag. The free parking further enhances its cost-effectiveness. The low admission price is consistently highlighted in reviews as a major draw, allowing visitors to enjoy a few hours of entertainment and education without financial strain.
Beyond admission, other attractions like the train ride and carousel are also reasonably priced at $3 per person, adding to the overall value.
Even the on-site cafe offers affordable snacks and meals, making a full day at the zoo a budget-friendly endeavor. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit