Boston's Zoo - Franklin Park Zoo

1. Franklin Park Zoo - Boston

Opened in 1912, the Franklin Park Zoo is one of the oldest in the United States. Boston's premier zoo has an impressive array of animals. Giraffes, gorillas, zebra, and lions are just a few of the exotic creatures kids can encounter. The petting zoo critters might be more familiar, but the little ones might love them more. The park offers presentations from the critters' keepers. Thankfully, these educational programs happen most frequently on the weekends and during school breaks. The Franklin Park Zoo makes a magnificent spot for a birthday party. A massive playground adds to the excitement of a day spent at the Boston zoo. Tickets are $23 for adults, $16 for kids 2-12; children under 2 are free. Stroller rentals are available. 

 
Make amazing connections at Boston's Franklin Park Zoo. Photo by Kristen Gill.

Greater Boston Zoos - Outside the City

2. Southwick’s Zoo, Mendon ​
Southwick’s Zoo gets a lot of recognition for being one of–if not the best–zoo in New England. With over 800 animals, including lions, giraffes, and cheetahs, Southwick’s Zoo is one of New England’s largest zoos. If you want exotic species, you will enjoy the capybara or the scimitar-horned oryx, or you can check out the familiar favorites like the Bengal tiger or the cheetah. There are five animal encounter attractions: Deer Forest, Petting Zoo, Parakeet Landing, Giraffe Encounter and Rhino Encounter. Little kids might like the Woodland Express Train, and lovers of adventure can take a ride on the Skyfari Sky Ride, which offers visitors a bird's-eye view of the animals and their activities. Southwick’s Zoo is open from April to October, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $27; children two and under are free. Combo tickets are $39 for adults and children and include admission to the SkyRide and the Woodland Express Train.

 
Stoneham's zoo brings wildlife to Boston's suburbs. Photo courtesy of the Stone Zoo.

3. Stone Zoo, Stoneham
Do you like Franklin Park Zoo? Then you’ll love its sister, Stone Zoo, just a half hour from Boston. Stone Zoo offers a variety of attractions, like the gila monster, snow leopard, or colobus monkey. The Zoo offers a number of shows that are sure to leave an impression–my kids still talk about the birds of prey show we saw five years ago. Smaller kids will love the Jungle Fun Ride and the Children’s Train. Holiday visitors won’t want to miss the popular annual light display, ZooLights. Stone Zoo is open from April to September, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $21 for adults and $14 for children 2–12, with free admission for kids under two and an online ticket discount.

4. Capron Park Zoo, Attleboro
Are you looking for something a little smaller for your little ones? Check out Capron Park Zoo, near the Rhode Island border. Animals at Capron Park include kangaroos, alpacas, and a white lion and lionesses. Capron Park offers several 30-minute ZooQuest Adventure Tours that allow you to get up close and personal with a variety of animals: red pandas; lemurs; warty pigs, and lions and bears. Keep in mind these must be booked in advance and are not included in the general admission fee. In the summer, the Zoo offers a splashpad to cool off the kids. Tickets are only $9 per adult and $7.50 per child for non-Attleboro residents (Attleboro residents pay a lesser rate).

 
Learn about amazing creatures at Boston zoos. Photo courtesy of the Buttonwood Park Zoo

5. Buttonwood Park Zoo, New Bedford
Established in 1894, Buttonwood Park Zoo is the 12th oldest zoo in the country. Buttonwood Park Zoo is deceptively large, with more than 50 species, 250 animals and 30 exhibits. Attractions include Asian elephants, American bison, extensive birds, reptiles and fish. Visitors to the Zoo will not only see the animals, but will also learn about how to protect wildlife and endangered species. Younger kids will like the Wildlife Carousel, and the Black Bear Express. Buttonwood Zoo is open year-round, and non-resident admission is $7.50 for adults, $4.50 for kids 3–12, and free for children under three; New Bedford residents receive a discount.

Beyond Boston Zoos - Around New England

Kids and deer can interact closely at York's Wild Kingdom. Photo by Peter Bretton/CC BY 2.0

6. York’s Wild Kingdom Zoo and Fun Park, York, ME 
Just a little more than an hour from Boston, York’s Wild Kingdom is a great destination for a day trip from Boston (and the beach is just around the corner). Older kids might enjoy the attached amusement park. Zoo attractions include a Bengal tiger, wallabies, and American alligators. If your kids are more into bugs than bears, York’s Wild Kingdom offers a 5,500 square foot Butterfly Kingdom. Amusements feature a mini-golf course, batting cages and an arcade, in addition to bumper boats, the Jungle Funhouse, and a Ferris wheel, among other options. York’s Wild Kingdom is open May to September. Entrance to the zoo is $15.75 per adult, $10 for kids 4–12, and $1 for kids under 4; rides are priced separately.

7. Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI
Founded in 1872, Roger Williams Park Zoo is America’s third oldest zoo, offering something for everybody: a variety of animals including African elephants, Komodo dragons, and zebras, as well as informative programs about conservation for budding animal activists. Exhibits include a brand-new rainforest exhibit, a children’s farmyard, African animals exhibit, and an adaptation exhibit, among others. If you’re looking for an unusual option, try the Zoo’s Explore and Soar area with a zip ride, or take a ride on a camel. The Zoo is open year-round and general admission is $20 per adult, $14 for kids 2–12, and free for kids under 2.

Lead photo of the Moon Bear Pool at the Roger Williams Park Zoo courtesy of Innovative Acrylics, Boston