Overview
Franklin Park Zoo is Boston's largest zoo, set on 72 acres inside historic Franklin Park in the Dorchester neighborhood. Run by Zoo New England, the same nonprofit behind Stone Zoo in Stoneham, it's home to hundreds of species from western lowland gorillas to African lions, and remains one of the most popular family attractions in the city.
A typical visit covers a 2.1-mile route through the zoo and takes most people two to three hours, though animal lovers and photographers can easily spend a full day exploring every habitat. The zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which reflects its ongoing focus on animal welfare, conservation, and education alongside the visitor experience.
History of Franklin Park Zoo
Franklin Park itself was designed in the 1880s by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same landscape architect behind New York's Central Park, as the crown jewel of Boston's "Emerald Necklace" park system. The zoo within it has grown over the decades from a small menagerie into a modern, immersive-habitat facility, with the Tropical Forest and Gorilla Grove now serving as its signature exhibits for gorilla conservation and public education.
Hours & Ticket Prices
Franklin Park Zoo is generally open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, though last ticket sales close one hour before closing, so plan to arrive earlier than the official closing time. The zoo uses Plan-Ahead Pricing, where prices vary by day and time and booking online in advance usually gets you the lowest rate, since gate prices are always the highest.
There isn't one fixed admission price; tickets average around $20 and shift based on attendance patterns, holidays, events, and weather, with early morning and late afternoon slots typically cheaper. Members enjoy free daytime admission year-round, and on the first and second Sunday of each month through December 2026, every Boston student in grades K-12 (or Boston Pre-K) gets free admission along with two family members.
Top Exhibits & Animals
| Exhibit | Highlight Animals | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Forest | Western lowland gorillas | Indoor, immersive rainforest habitat |
| Gorilla Grove | Western lowland gorillas | Seasonal outdoor habitat |
| Kalahari Kingdom | African lions | Savanna-style outdoor exhibit |
| Giraffe Savannah | Masai giraffes | Popular feeding and photo spot |
| Outdoor Adventures | Farm animals | Hands-on area, great for younger kids |
If you're short on time, Gorilla Grove (seasonal) and the Tropical Forest are considered must-see stops, since they hold the zoo's flagship gorilla population.
Best Time to Visit
- Morning: Arrive early, since animals are most active in the morning and crowds are smaller than later in the day.
- Weekdays: Generally quieter than weekends.
- Summer: Avoid the hottest stretch of the day, since animals tend to retreat into shade and are harder to spot when it's extremely hot.
- Holidays: The zoo is open year-round except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Seasonal Events
The zoo has run seasonal lights exhibits in past years, which have proven popular enough to sell out, so it's worth checking the Zoo New England calendar ahead of a winter visit if a lights event is running. Special members-only previews and seasonal programming also pop up throughout the year.
Food, Shopping & Facilities
Guests can grab lunch at the Farmhouse Café or the seasonal Kalahari Outpost, or use one of the picnic areas if you'd rather bring your own food. The Things Wild Gift Shop is the spot for a souvenir on the way out.
For the safety of animals and guests, bikes, scooters, skateboards, balloons, balls, frisbees, glass containers, and straws are not allowed inside the zoo, so plan accordingly if you're arriving with kids' gear.
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Location, Parking & Getting There
Franklin Park Zoo is located at 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121, inside Franklin Park in the Dorchester neighborhood. Parking is free, with a main lot near the giraffe entrance at the back of the zoo.
Family, Accessibility & Rules
The zoo's paved, 2.1-mile loop is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, and the Outdoor Adventures area is designed with younger kids in mind. Children ages 2 and older need a ticket, while kids under 2 are admitted free. If you're using a Boston attraction pass, note that re-entry is not permitted once your pass has been scanned, so plan your day accordingly.
Nearby Attractions
Franklin Park itself includes a public golf course and miles of Olmsted-designed parkland worth a stroll before or after your zoo visit. Downtown Boston, the Museum of Science, and the Franklin Park Zoo's sister site, Stone Zoo in Stoneham, are all reachable within a short drive, and a Zoo New England membership covers both zoos for the price of one for a full year if you're planning multiple visits.
What Visitors Say
Visitors frequently mention how easy and free the parking is near the giraffe entrance at the back of the zoo.
The Tropical Forest and its gorilla habitat are consistently named as the highlight of a first visit.
Some reviewers note that seasonal lights events sell out quickly, so booking early is recommended.
Members often highlight the value of the shared membership covering both Zoo New England locations.
Insider Tips & Common Mistakes
- Buy tickets online at least a day ahead; gate prices are always higher and availability isn't guaranteed.
- Arrive right at opening for the most active animals and thinnest crowds.
- Check for weekend traffic and parking restrictions around Franklin Park before driving over.
- Leave balloons, frisbees, and skateboards at home; they're not allowed inside the zoo.
- If it's a scorching summer day, plan your visit for morning or early evening rather than midday.
- Common mistake: assuming tickets can be moved to another date. All sales are final, so double-check your date and time slot before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Franklin Park Zoo's hours?
The zoo is generally open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, with last entry one hour before closing.
How much are Franklin Park Zoo tickets?
There's no single fixed price. Tickets average around $20 and vary by date, time, and demand, with online advance booking typically cheaper than gate prices.
Is parking free at Franklin Park Zoo?
Yes, parking is free, with a main lot near the giraffe entrance at the back of the zoo.
How long does it take to see the whole zoo?
Most visitors spend two to three hours covering the zoo's roughly 2.1-mile route.
Is Franklin Park Zoo open year-round?
Yes, it's open year-round except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Are children free at Franklin Park Zoo?
Children under 2 are admitted free. Kids ages 2 and older need a ticket.
Where is Franklin Park Zoo located?
It's located at 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121, inside Franklin Park in the Dorchester neighborhood.