Franklin Park Zoo, Sights and attractions, Boston
Photograph: Elan Fleisher | Franklin Park Zoo

Review

Franklin Park Zoo

4 out of 5 stars
  • Attractions | Zoo and aquariums
  • Roxbury
  • Recommended
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Time Out says

Some kids walk right up to Franklin Park Zoo's glass enclosures and make faces at imposing gorillas or stalking lions, while others love to pet the Nigerian dwarf goats at the Contact Corral. Brilliantly colored birds dart through the tropical forest over the heads of pygmy hippos and capybaras, and butterflies flutter on to outstretched hands at the Butterfly Hollow (June-Sept). Then again, some kids will happily ignore the animals altogether, and tackle the zoo-themed playground equipment instead.

Details

Address
1 Franklin Park Rd
Boston
02121
Cross street:
Blue Hill Ave
Transport:
Orange Line to Forest Hills or Red Line to Andrew, then bus 16
Opening hours:
Apr-Sep: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat-Sun 10am-6pm; Oct-Mar: daily 10am-4pm

What’s on

Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience

Boston Lights turns Franklin Park Zoo into an evening walk through illuminated displays, giving the zoo a very different purpose after dark. The appeal is seeing familiar paths and animal habitats transformed by large-scale light installations, with the route designed more for wandering than rushing from one exhibit to the next. It is an easy choice when you want an outdoor night out that feels distinct from the usual summer plans, particularly with kids or visiting friends who have already done the standard Boston sightseeing circuit. The zoo itself becomes part of the experience, even though the focus shifts away from the animals and toward the lights. Go after sunset so the displays can do the work, and give yourself enough time to take the route at an unhurried pace. It is less about checking off attractions and more about having a reason to linger in the park after dark.
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