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Franklin Park Zoo — New Year's Eve Kids Activities in Boston

Franklin Park Zoo

4.4(8,624)4.4 out of 5 stars, 8624 reviews Boston, MA

About Franklin Park Zoo

Franklin Park Zoo offers a diverse range of animal exhibits, engaging educational experiences, and well-maintained facilities, making it an excellent destination for families with children.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Family outings with young childrenEducational trips for children interested in animalsSpecial events like New Year's Eve activitiesChildren under 10 enjoy the playground and animal exhibitsFamilies with older children appreciate the educational aspects

Why families love it

  • Diverse animal exhibits including rarely seen species
  • Engaging keeper chats that provide educational insights
  • Well-designed playgrounds with tunnels and slides
  • Beautifully maintained butterfly garden
  • Zoo lights event that captivates children
  • Interactive exhibits allowing close encounters with animals

Insider tips

  • Bring good walking shoes as the zoo is large and requires walking
  • Plan for extra time for parking, especially during busy times
  • Check for real-time updates on the zoo's website before visiting

Good to know before you go

  • Visiting during peak traffic times to avoid delays
  • Expecting low food costs at the on-site cafe
  • Some exhibits are closed due to construction
  • High food prices at on-site cafes
  • Traffic congestion when entering the zoo
Crowds
Expect larger crowds during weekends and special events
Value
General admission is around $104.34 for a family, but discounts may apply through memberships. Additional costs include $3 for the carousel, $3 for birdseed, and expensive food options.
Food
Food prices at the cafe are high; consider bringing snacks
Accessibility
Parking options are available, but traffic can be hectic
Safety
Well-maintained exhibits and a focus on animal care

What parents say

JP Masella
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"This was such a fun zoo. Lots of great animal exhibits. Over the course of the years many of the exhibits have opened and closed. A large part of the zoo is closed due to construction. However, plenty of animals to see. I was able to attend quite a few keepers' chat. I learned about the gorillas during a special afternoon chat. The zoo does a lot of cognitive play with the gorillas. It was interesting to hear about them teaching one to use a blood pressure cuff. I did not see the silverback, but a lot of his brothers and sister. I learned about their diet at the zoo. The zoo presenter show us "

a week ago

M K
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"The Franklin Park Zoo is a great place for both animal lovers and families. This 72-acre zoo, which is a significant component of the Emerald Necklace Park System and is situated in Boston's historic Franklin Park, is a beautiful and entertaining place to visit. While my visit with my children was generally good, there were a few things that could have been done better. Excellent parking options made it simple and hassle-free for families to visit the zoo. Zoo have various types of animals, birds. Is worth watching, some of them are very rarely see in any other zoo, children like to see everyt"

a month ago

Nomads 7
4.04.0 out of 5 stars
"Tickets were reasonably priced, which was a nice surprise for a family outing. The only downside was the traffic—it was pretty hectic getting in and took some time. But once we made it through, the experience was smooth and well-organized. The light show itself was fantastic, with vibrant displays that kept the kids completely engaged. Watching their faces light up with excitement made it all worthwhile. Overall, a great evening for families, and definitely something we’d recommend for a fun night out with the kids."

6 months ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.