Franklin Park Zoo is a 72-acre zoo within the Olmsted-designed Franklin Park in the Roxbury, Dorchester, and Jamaica Plain neighbourhoods of Boston. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, how to get there, parking, accessibility, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.
This guide was last updated in February 2026. Franklin Park Zoo uses a dynamic “Plan Ahead Pricing” system — there is no single fixed admission price, and the cost depends on the date, time slot, and how far in advance you book. Many third-party travel sites list fixed adult prices (such as $22.95 or $25) that are outdated or do not reflect the current pricing system. Additionally, three animal exhibits are currently temporarily off display as a result of ongoing construction on the new African Experience habitat: the ostrich, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, and wildebeest are not currently on show. The red panda habitat at Franklin Park Zoo is also under renovation; visitors can currently see the red panda at Stone Zoo in Stoneham. Check the official website for the latest exhibit status before visiting.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | One Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121 |
| Winter hours (October–March) | Daily, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (last ticket sold 3:00 p.m.) |
| Spring/summer hours (April–July) | Weekdays: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Weekends and major holidays: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. |
| Late summer hours (August–September) | Daily, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day only |
| Admission | Variable pricing depending on when booked, but from $15.95 (adults), $14.35 (seniors) and $12.75 (2-12yos) |
| Children under 2 | Always free |
| Parking | Free — multiple lots on site |
| Nearest MBTA | Orange Line to Forest Hills or Jackson Square, then bus; Red Line to Andrew, then bus |
| Typical visit duration | 2–3 hours |
Franklin Park Zoo opening hours
Franklin Park Zoo is open year-round, every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Hours vary by season across four distinct periods.
October through March (winter): Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. April through July: Weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; weekends and major holidays 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. August and September: Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During August and September, a separately ticketed evening event — Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience — also runs from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; this requires a separate ticket from daytime general admission.
The last ticket is sold one hour before closing on all days. Hours may be adjusted for special events, which are announced in advance on the official website. The zoo is open in all weathers; tickets are rain-or-shine and non-refundable. In the rare event of closure due to severe weather, ticket holders are notified and refunded.
The zoo is one of options in the Boston CityPass and Go City Boston Pass schemes.
Opening hours and ticket details were checked on the official Zoo New England website and last updated in February 2026.
Why book the Boston CityPASS?
- Saves on key attractions: Visit top Boston sights with bundled entry at a reduced price compared with buying individual tickets.
- Flexible sightseeing: CityPASS offers timed entry at major options, helping you plan your itinerary over multiple days.
- Must-see included spots: Explore favourites such as the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science and more, depending on the pass you choose.
- Ideal for first-time visitors: Great way to check off a range of iconic Boston museums and experiences without worrying about separate bookings.
- Mobile ticket convenience: Your pass is delivered digitally for easy scanning at each attraction, with no need to print vouchers.
Franklin Park Zoo ticket prices
Franklin Park Zoo uses Plan Ahead Pricing — there is no single fixed admission price. Prices vary by date, day of the week, time slot, and demand. The further in advance you purchase online, the lower the price is likely to be. The price shown at the time of booking is always the best available for that date, and prices may increase as the visit date approaches.
Adult prices start at $15.95, with seniors from $14.35 and 2-12yo children from $12.75.
Children under 2 are always free. A processing fee of $1.50 per ticket applies to all online purchases. Gate tickets are available when unsold capacity remains, but gate prices are always higher than advance online prices. The zoo recommends purchasing at least 24 hours in advance.
To purchase tickets, visit the ticketing system directly. Tickets are non-refundable, valid only for the date and time purchased, and there is no re-entry after your ticket has been scanned.
Discounted and free admission programmes:
| Programme | Detail |
|---|---|
| Boston Family Days | Free admission for every Boston K–12 or Pre-K student and up to two family members, on the first and second Sunday of each month through December 2026. Registration required. |
| Massachusetts EBT cardholders | $5 per person, up to 4 people. Massachusetts residents only, valid through 31 December 2026. Purchase online via ID.me verification, or present card at gate. |
| Massachusetts WIC cardholders | $5 per person, up to 4 people. Gate purchase only; present card at admissions. Valid for Massachusetts residents through 31 December 2026. |
| ConnectorCare cardholders | $10 per person, up to 4 people. Use promo code CARE online, or present card at gate. Massachusetts residents only, valid through 31 December 2026. |
| Active military and dependants | 50% off general daytime admission. Verify online via ID.me or present ID at gate. |
| MTA / BTU / AFT-MA chapter teachers | 50% off general daytime admission. Gate purchase only; present union ID. |
| Boston CityPASS® holders | Admission included. No reservation required — show mobile QR code at admissions. Note: CityPASS is not accepted at Stone Zoo in Stoneham. |
A daytime general admission receipt can be applied towards a Zoo New England membership purchase within seven days of your visit.
Ticket details were checked on the official Zoo New England website and last updated in February 2026.
5 great Boston experiences to book
- ⚾ See why Boston has America’s most beloved baseball ground on a Fenway Park tour.
- 🚶 Get a history crash course on a small group walking tour along the Freedom Trail.
- 🌅 See the skyline from the water on a sunset harbour cruise.
- 🎓 Hear the stories behind America’s oldest university on a campus walking tour of Harvard University.
- 🍩 Indulge in Boston’s best donuts on a sweet treats walking tour.
How to get to Franklin Park Zoo
The zoo is in the geographical centre of Boston, within Franklin Park, and is accessible by MBTA bus and subway, car, and bicycle. Public transport is practical for most visitors.
By MBTA — four options:
- Orange Line to Forest Hills, then the Route 16 bus to the zoo.
- Orange Line to Jackson Square, then the Route 22, 28, or 29 bus. Routes 22 and 28 are Key Bus Routes, running every 20 minutes or better seven days a week. The Route 28 connection from Jackson Square is a free transfer.
- Orange Line or Commuter Rail to Ruggles, then the Route 22, 28, 29, or 45 bus.
- Red Line to Andrew, then the Route 16 bus.
The MBTA now accepts tap-to-ride on trains and buses; no Charlie Card or cash is required. Use the MBTA Transit app (or mbta.com) to plan your specific journey and check current timetables.
By car from Storrow Drive: Take the Fenway exit to Route 1 South, follow Route 203 East (passing Arnold Arboretum), continue through two sets of lights (Washington Street and New Washington Street), then left at the third light onto Forest Hills Drive. Enter Franklin Park and follow zoo signs.
By car from I-93 northbound or southbound: Take Exit 14 (Columbia Road). Follow Columbia Road through 9 sets of lights, go straight across Blue Hill Avenue; the parking lot is on the left and the zoo entrance is on the right.
By bicycle: A Blue Bikes (Boston’s public bike share) station is located at the zoo.
Parking at Franklin Park Zoo
Parking is free at Franklin Park Zoo. There are three parking areas on site:
- Giraffe entrance parking lot, on Pierpont Road
- Zebra entrance parking lot, between Franklin Park Road and Blue Hill Avenue (Peabody Circle)
- Parking lot on Circuit Drive / N. Jewish War Vets Drive
The Zebra entrance lot is nearest to the Children’s Zoo and playground. Accessible parking spaces are available in the lot directly across from the Zebra entrance, and in the lot adjacent to the Giraffe entrance. View current parking locations on the zoo map at zoonewengland.org/franklin-park-zoo/map. Paid valet parking is available on weekends at the Zebra entrance.
How long to spend at Franklin Park Zoo
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours at Franklin Park Zoo. The zoo covers 72 acres with a main walking route of approximately 2.1 miles (about 4,500 steps). Pace varies depending on which habitats you prioritise, whether you attend any animal chats or keeper talks, and how much time you spend in areas like the Children’s Zoo or Franklin Farm. Visitors who plan to catch multiple scheduled animal talks and explore all habitats should allow the full 3 hours.
Accessibility at Franklin Park Zoo
Franklin Park Zoo is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking at both the Zebra and Giraffe entrance lots. A family restroom with an adult-size changing table is located in Nature’s Neighborhoods.
Wheelchair and mobility scooter rentals are available at the Admissions booth on a first-come, first-served basis. A standard wheelchair costs $5 and an electric mobility scooter costs $20. A current photo ID must be presented. To ensure availability, reservations are recommended and should be made at least one day in advance by calling 617-989-2076, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A limited number of strollers are also available for rental: single $5, double $7.
Franklin Park Zoo is Sensory Inclusive Certified through a partnership with KultureCity. Free sensory bags — containing fidget tools, verbal cue cards, noise-cancelling headphones, and other resources — can be borrowed at the Admissions booth at no cost (a photo ID must be left as a deposit). Communication boards are available at the playground across from the Giraffe Savannah and in the Nature’s Neighborhoods habitat.
Service dogs trained to perform specific tasks are welcome under the ADA. No other pets are permitted on zoo grounds.
Inside Franklin Park Zoo: what to see
The zoo contains 13 distinct habitats, several of which are seasonal. A printed map and daily schedule of animal chats and keeper talks are available at the Admissions booth; picking these up on arrival allows visitors to plan their route around timed activities.
Note on current exhibit availability: As of February 2026, the ostrich, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, and wildebeest are off exhibit while the new African Experience is under construction. The red panda is temporarily at Stone Zoo while its Franklin Park habitat is expanded. Check zoonewengland.org for current exhibit status before visiting.
Tropical Forest is one of the zoo’s signature indoor habitats, housing western lowland gorillas, pygmy hippopotamuses, ring-tailed lemurs, Baird’s tapirs, and free-flying birds within a naturalistic rainforest environment. Live gorilla webcams are available on the zoo’s website. Gorilla Grove provides an outdoor habitat for the gorilla troop.
Giraffe Savannah is home to Masai giraffes in a large open habitat. The area includes a giraffe feeding platform; check the daily schedule for feeding times and chat sessions. The adjacent open areas have historically housed zebras and wildebeest; these species are currently off exhibit during African Experience construction.
Kalahari Kingdom is home to the zoo’s African lion pride and spotted hyenas, designed to reflect the landscape of southern Africa.
Outback Trail houses red-necked wallabies, western grey kangaroos, kookaburras, and emus in an Australia-themed habitat. The Aussie Aviary is a seasonal walk-through experience within this area.
Children’s Zoo and Franklin Farm provide hands-on experiences with farm animals including Nigerian dwarf goats, Dexter cows, Sardinian dwarf donkeys, guinea hogs, and heritage chickens. A 10,000-square-foot outdoor playground is adjacent, open year-round.
Bird’s World is an indoor tropical aviary. Raptor Ridge features birds of prey including the Steller’s sea eagle and Andean condor in outdoor habitats. Butterfly Hollow is a seasonal walk-through butterfly garden, open in the warmer months.
Additional animals on exhibit include the Bactrian camel, African painted dogs, clouded leopard, giant anteater, pygmy hippopotamus, De Brazza’s monkeys, cotton-top tamarins, and numerous reptiles and invertebrates in Nature’s Neighborhoods.
Animal chats and keeper talks are scheduled throughout each day and are included with admission. A printed daily schedule is available at the Admissions booth; times and topics vary by day and season.
Dining: The Farmhouse Café offers indoor and outdoor seating with meals and grab-and-go options. The Giddy-Up Grill and Kalahari Kitchen are additional on-site food outlets. Visitors are permitted to bring their own food, snacks, and coolers; picnic areas are available. Straws and alcohol are not permitted on zoo grounds.
Gift shop: A gift shop is located near the main entrance and sells essentials including sunscreen, batteries, umbrellas, first aid items, and basic medications, in addition to zoo merchandise and souvenirs.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Buy tickets online in advance | Plan Ahead Pricing means earlier purchases cost less. Gate prices are always higher. Buy at least 24 hours before your visit. |
| Last ticket is sold one hour before closing | In winter, the last ticket sells at 3:00 p.m. In summer (weekdays), the last ticket sells at 4:00 p.m. Arriving close to closing time means limited visit time. |
| Pick up a daily schedule at admissions | Animal chats and keeper talks are scheduled throughout the day. Collecting a schedule on arrival lets you plan around timed activities. |
| Reserve a wheelchair or scooter in advance | Rentals are first-come, first-served. Call 617-989-2076 Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. to reserve at least one day ahead. |
| Three exhibits are currently off display | Ostrich, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, and wildebeest are off exhibit during African Experience construction. Red panda is temporarily at Stone Zoo. |
| Boston Family Days offer free entry on certain Sundays | On the first and second Sunday of each month through December 2026, Boston K–12 and Pre-K students and two family members get in free. Registration required. |
| Parking is free — choose your entrance wisely | The Zebra entrance lot is closest to the Children’s Zoo and playground. The Giraffe entrance is closest to the Giraffe Savannah and Tropical Forest. |
| No re-entry after your ticket is scanned | Plan your visit accordingly; you cannot leave and return on the same ticket. |
| You can bring your own food | Picnic areas are available. Coolers, snacks, and lunches are all permitted. Straws and alcohol are not allowed on zoo grounds. |
| In winter, some seasonal habitats are closed | Butterfly Hollow and the Aussie Aviary are seasonal. Check the zoo’s habitat pages for current open status before planning around a specific exhibit. |
Frequently asked questions about Franklin Park Zoo
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the admission price for Franklin Park Zoo? | There is no single fixed price. Franklin Park Zoo uses Plan Ahead Pricing — the cost varies by date, time, and how far in advance you book. Buy online for the lowest available price. Children under 2 are always free. |
| Is Franklin Park Zoo open year-round? | Yes. The zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. |
| What are the Franklin Park Zoo winter hours? | October through March: daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The last ticket is sold at 3:00 p.m. |
| Is parking free at Franklin Park Zoo? | Yes. Parking is free at all three on-site lots. Paid valet parking is available on weekends at the Zebra entrance. |
| Is Franklin Park Zoo wheelchair accessible? | Yes. Accessible parking is available at both entrance lots. Standard wheelchairs ($5) and electric scooters ($20) can be rented at the Admissions booth; call 617-989-2076 to reserve in advance. |
| Is Franklin Park Zoo suitable for young children? | Yes. The Children’s Zoo, Franklin Farm, playground, and daily animal encounters are all designed with families in mind. Children under 2 are free. |
| Can I bring my own food to Franklin Park Zoo? | Yes. Picnic areas are available and visitors are welcome to bring food, snacks, and coolers. Straws and alcohol are not permitted on zoo grounds. |
| Is Franklin Park Zoo open in the rain? | Yes. All daytime tickets are rain-or-shine. Refunds are only issued if the zoo closes due to severe weather. |
| How do I get to Franklin Park Zoo by public transport? | Take the MBTA Orange Line to Forest Hills or Jackson Square, then a bus (Route 16, 22, 28, or 29). Alternatively, take the Red Line to Andrew and the Route 16 bus. |
| Does Franklin Park Zoo offer free or discounted admission? | Yes. Free admission is available for Boston students and two family members on the first and second Sunday of each month through December 2026 (Boston Family Days). Massachusetts EBT/WIC cardholders pay $5 per person; ConnectorCare cardholders pay $10 per person. Active military, teachers in certain unions, and Boston CityPASS holders also receive discounted or included admission. |
Things to do near Franklin Park Zoo
The zoo sits within Franklin Park, and several other visitor attractions are within a short drive or MBTA journey.
- Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University — A 281-acre landscaped arboretum adjoining Franklin Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Free entry. Walking trails through a collection of more than 15,000 plant species. Approximately a 10-minute walk from the zoo’s main entrance.
- Jamaica Pond — A natural glacial kettle pond in the Emerald Necklace park system, approximately 2 km from the zoo. Free access; boat rentals available in season.
- Museum of Fine Arts, Boston — Located approximately 3.5 km north of the zoo in the Fenway neighbourhood, accessible by MBTA Orange Line from Forest Hills. One of the largest art museums in the United States.
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum — Located near the MFA in the Fenway neighbourhood. Houses a significant collection of European, American, and Asian art in a purpose-built Venetian-style palace.
- John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum — Located in Columbia Point, Dorchester, approximately 5 km from the zoo. A federally operated presidential library and museum. Paid entry.
More Boston travel
Other Boston travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Learning the legends of Harvard on a campus tour before visiting the Harvard Museum of Natural History in Cambridge.
- Why visit the Back Bay neighbourhood in Boston?
- 5 really good reasons to visit Boston.
- Tackle the key sites on the Freedom Trail: The Old South Meeting House, the Old State House, Paul Revere House and the Old North Church.
- Use the Boston CityPass to visit the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science and View Boston observation deck.
