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Franklin Park Zoo

3.5 (366 reviews)
Closed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Updated 1 month ago

Franklin Park Zoo Photos

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Emily Y.

Who knew we had giraffes in Boston. Franklin Park Zoo is small but has a large variety of animals. At the butterfly greenhouse you can see them hatch and fly around. They have a petting zoo and plenty of interactive exhibits like feeding the parakeets. In the daytime the lights are off but you can still enjoy the night light routes.

Excited 8 year old, turned away from the zoo
Sherry H.

Very very dissapointed. We arrived an hour before closing. The ticket clerk would not sell us tickets. The website does not state that you have to arrive 2-3 hours ahead. My goddaughter just wanted to see the giraffes. Also, we wanted to buy tickets to the light show that starts at 6pm and were told to buy online. Why have a ticketing counter?? They can just have a kiosk to scan in tickets if they can't sell on site. Also, the website should be edited to say that no tickets can be sold an hour before closing.

Lady C.

Visited from nh There were not very many animals I believe the best part were the gorillas I could have stayed and watched them all day they were very active I didn't fine the area the animals were in to be attractive there was some awful smell to the indoor area ( yes I get it it's a zoo) Would I return? Probably not once was enough There was nothing open in the park

Beautiful Blue butterfly  Zoo Lights!!!
Kim W.

Gorgeous!!! OMG! Had a surprise date night to Zoo Lights!!! Let me tell you... this was an awesome experience! Entry was easy, signage was great, to guide the direction of the visit. It was late and dark, so the animals weren't really visible. However, dark is the best time to experience the lights. I was informed that during the day, there are dance performances every hour or so. This is cool, but the lights won't be as vibrant. A few concession and vendor stands were open. Restroom facilities were available, via some port-a-potty and also regular ones in the buildings. Look for the signs. The buildings look closed, but were open. As a mobility impaired person, I had no trouble navigating the your. However, my boyfriend rented me a scooter off site, to insure I had no problems. I'm not sure if scooters or electric wheelchairs are available on site. I'd suggest bringing one's own.‍ The tour took us about 2.5 hours to casually enjoy and take pictures, and let my boyfriend rest his feet. . I really enjoyed the information for the various exhibits, and the numerous themes displayed. Some exhibits were interactive, and provided a fun experience for all ages. It was really nice to see families ‍‍‍ enjoying themselves, all while being informed as well. I would definitely recommend the experience. I'd bring a light jacket, as it did get a little nippy toward the end.

Kelly H.

We went pretty far out of the way to visit the zoo. It was far more park than zoo. The staff didn't seem to care that we were even there and seemed more interested in the restocking of the vending machines than our presence. The enclosures seemed awfully small, which is super sad to me. I struggle with zoos because I want to support conservation (and reproduction efforts) while I feel so sad for many of the animals kept there. There were interesting art installments that seemed part of the Boston Lights at the zoo, some animated, most of which seemed out of place. Perhaps more support would help increase the offerings here?

Janny Y.

Haven't been to any zoo in a long while. Grew up in Boston area but never came to the zoo. Were visiting from FL and thought the kids would enjoy the zoo. The zoo is upgrading the big front attraction where the zebra and ostrich and few other animals suppose to be so we didn't see them. I couldn't find the sloth but everything else was very nice. I did bring a bottle of water and got to refill it once, inside one of the exhibits. There are few vending machines throughout the zoo but it's either sold out or it won't accept payment, which wasn't great because we were hot and thirsty. I am glad they're still upgrading and improving the place.

Red Panda
Alexandra P.

Cutest Zoo Ever! This zoo is spacious, clean & have lots of animals to look at. It is winter and cold so the reptiles were not there which I thought was great that they keep the animals safe. To walk around the zoo with stops and photos took maybe 2.5 hours to go around the zoo. We didn't stop into the cafe to get some food but it looked beautiful from the outside. I really like the variety of animals. They have some animals that I would never think you could have in a zoo. And you get pretty close to the animals too! Overall it's a really great zoo & would recommend to visit when in Boston.

Melissa I.

This was actually my favorite place I went to on my Massachusetts vacation. On the day I went, it was in the 20s for weather so there were a decent amount of animals not on display. That being said, this was a really nice zoo with some beautiful enclosures with a lot of space. It was on the smaller side but we still stayed there for over 2 hours. I also always go to zoos first thing in the morning because whatever animals are on display, they are active and that was still the case! The lions, the gorillas all so active and moving around as well as many other animals. This place had a lot of kid areas for them to play so they are always entertained. I saw a couple of volunteers who were super friendly and informative. Side note: when you go to the zoo, type in "Old Bear Dens" on Google Maps which are NOT in the zoo but just on the other side of the zoo and you can see the beautiful old bear dens (one in particular with beautiful stairs and signage).

Zebra
Brooke C.

I've gone here twice now - once for zoo lights and once for the animals during the daytime. I greatly enjoyed my experience both time. For my daytime visit, I used a coupon from the Boston public library to make it cheaper. Both experiences were worth it in my opinion.

Boston Lights 2023 @ Franklin Park Zoo
Brad L.

It's a little bit of a challenge to drive here from points south but worth it. Beautiful roaming paths to take in the sights of the zoo and plenty of helpful people along the way to answer your questions and make it a more enriching experience. The Boston Lights make their return each year and are not to be missed - arrive near sunset for the best views.

Entry to zoo
Indian motorcycle cigars d.

Great place to spend the afternoon with family and friends, beautiful grounds, great staff, and the gorilla exhibition is amazing I suggest that if you're in town, go enjoy wildlife at its finest

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7 months ago

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It's the best zoo we have in Boston. Give it a visit on a nice day...Lions and Tigers and Bears... oh my!

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3 years ago

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Franklin Park Zoo Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Franklin Park Zoo

Does any body knows if they still have the lighting decoration?

They do, but the tickets to see the lights exhibit are sold out.

It's there free parking?

Yes parking is free, we park at the giraffe entrance it around back of the zoo, great parking and easy to get in and out

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Review Highlights - Franklin Park Zoo

We went into the Giraffe entrance, and there was virtually no line (it was 1:30pm, too).

Mentioned in 5 reviews

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Animal Adventures in Bolton, MA is truly a hidden gem and an amazing rescue doing wonderful work…read morefor animals in need. Every animal there is clearly well cared for, loved, and given a safe second chance. We had the opportunity to meet so many amazing creatures...reptiles, birds, mammals, and even some more exotic residents! The highlight of mine and my fiancé's visit was the otter encounter, and it was unforgettable! Our tour guide, Marshall, was fantastic; knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about the animals. He made the entire experience fun and educational, and his care for the animals really showed. Interacting with the otters up close was something we'll never forget. I can't recommend Animal Adventures enough. If you're looking for an engaging, hands-on, and heartwarming experience while supporting a rescue, this is the perfect place. We will definitely be back!

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I spent two hour touring the zoo and I had a great time…read more They have lots of interesting animals to see like elephants, giraffes, penguins, a snow leopard, several wallabies, a capybara (new), several tropical birds and monkeys, etc. Going early in the morning is great to beat the crowds and to see the animals feed. There is a gift store, several food stands and many places to get fun pictures taken. This year they also had a VR experience where guests can spend a few minutes looking into a VR helmet and see any four wildlife visual ($8 per experience). If you are a city of Providence resident, you get free entry the first Saturday of every month.

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Franklin Park Zoo - zoos - Updated May 2026

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