Franklin Park Zoo is open year-round!
Last ticket sold one hour before closing.
October - March 31
Daily, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)
April - July
Weekdays: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Weekends: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
August & September
Daily, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Please note: We may close or adjust our hours for special events, which will be announced in advance.
Franklin Park Zoo is handicap accessible. For rules on service dogs, see "Pets" section on this page.
Our family restroom in Nature's Neighborhoods offers an adult-size changing table. Zoo map
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CityPASS ticket holders do not need advance reservations. Simply purchase CityPASS online, then show your mobile ticket QR code to the Admissions attendant at the gate to enter.
Please note, CityPASS is not accepted at Stone Zoo in Stoneham, MA.
Franklin Park Zoo
One Franklin Park Road
Boston, MA 02121
Phone: 617-541-LION
Google map
Parking is free at Franklin Park Zoo! View parking locations on Zoo map
Directions via automobile
Storrow Drive:
- Take the Fenway exit to Route 1 South
- Follow Route 1 to Route 203 East, following signs for Franklin Park Zoo (you will pass Arnold Arboretum)
- Follow through two sets of lights (Washington and New Washington Streets)
- At the third light, left onto Forest Hills Drive
- Enter Franklin Park, and follow Zoo signs
Route 128 North or South:
- Take exit 15A (Dedham Exit) to Route 1A
- Stay on Route 1 (approximately 4 miles) until it becomes the VFW Parkway
- Continue on the VFW Parkway, approximately 3 miles, until it ends
- Take a left on Centre Street
- At the rotary take 203 East onto the Arborway (you will pass Arnold Arboretum)
- Follow through two sets of lights (Washington and New Washington Streets)
- At third light, left onto Forest Hills Drive
- Enter Franklin Park, and follow Zoo signs
I93 North of Boston:
- Take I-93S to Exit 14, Columbia Road
- At the end of ramp take a right onto Columbia Road
- At the 3rd light Columbia Road turns left
- Continue on Columbia Road through 9 more lights
- Go straight across Blue Hill Avenue
- Parking for the zoo is on the left - entrance into the zoo is on your right. If lot is full, stay straight on Franklin Park Road and there is additional parking on your right
I93 South of Boston:
- Take I-93N to Exit 14, Columbia Road
- Take a right at the end of the ramp - you must go up and around the rotary and then come back - to be heading in the correct direction on Columbia Road
- At the 3rd set of lights, Columbia Road turns left. Continue on Columbia Road through 9 more sets of lights
- Go straight across Blue Hill Avenue
- Parking for the zoo is on the left - entrance into the zoo is on your right. If lot is full, stay straight on Franklin Park Road and there is additional parking on your right
Route 9:
- Take Route 9 to Route 1 (the Jamaica Way) south
- Follow Route 1 to Route 203 East onto the Arborway (you will pass Arnold Arboretum)
- Follow through two sets of lights (Washington and New Washington Streets)
- At third light, left onto Forest Hills Drive
- Enter Franklin Park, and follow Zoo signs
Public Transportation
Three options:
- Take the Orange Line or Commuter Rail to Ruggles Station, then take the Route 22, 28, 29, or 45 bus to Franklin Park Zoo. Routes 22 and 28 are “Key Bus Routes” and are every 20 minutes or better, seven days per week, during service hours.
- Take the Orange Line or Commuter Rail to Forest Hills Station, then take the Route 16 bus to Franklin Park Zoo.
- Take the Red Line to Andrew station, then take the Route 16 bus to Franklin Park Zoo.
Walking Directions from Green St. T. to Franklin Park Zoo
- Exit Green Street Station and walk to the right on Green St.
- In 1/10 mile come to the light at Washington Street.
- Cross and continue straight up the hill; the street name changes to Glen Road.
- Go 1/10 mile and come to a light at Forest Hills Street.
- Cross and continue straight for another 1/10 mile to the entrance to Franklin Park.
- Glen Road becomes Glen Lane – the main paved path through the park.
- Continue straight on Glen Lane for about 5-7 minutes until it ends and there is a flight of steps in front of you.
- Turn Right and walk for about 2-3 minutes and the path ends at Pierpont Road and the Zoo parking lot.
- Turn Left on this road and continue through the parking lot to the Giraffe entrance to Franklin Park Zoo.
For bus schedules, rates and more information please visit www.MBTA.com or call 617-222-3200.
Bicycle
Get some exercise, go green and enjoy VIP parking at Franklin Park Zoo's Blue Bike station! Metro Boston's public bike share program allows users to rent and pick up a bike from one location and drop it off at another.
You're welcome to bring your own strollers or wagons to the zoo, or you can rent one from us.
Wheelchairs & Scooters:
A limited number of wheelchairs may be rented at the Admissions booth on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are asked to present a current photo ID. To ensure availability, we recommend making a reservation. To reserve a wheelchair, please contact us at 617-989-2076, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wheelchair reservations should be made at least a day in advance.
- Electric Mobility Scooter: $20
- Standard: $5
Strollers:
A limited number of strollers are available for rental on a first-come, first-served basis at the Admissions booths. Guests are asked to present a current photo ID.
Save
Rev up your Zoo adventure by renting a motorized ScooterPal at our Admissions booth. Choose from five fun pals—rhino, lion, giraffe, bear, or leopard—and off you go with a ZOOm!
Price:
$5 activation fee to start the ride, then .35 per minute. Your rental will not end until the scooter and key are returned to the rental location.
A $30 temporary credit pre-authorization will be placed on the card used for the rental. The final price is calculated after your ride has ended. If your final rental comes to less than $30, the remainder will be returned automatically. If your total rental is over $30, you will see two charges on your account, the first for $30, and the second for the remaining balance of your ride.
Rules of the road:
- A smartphone or device that can scan a QR code is necessary to rent a ScooterPal.
- Minimum driver age: 18 years
- Minimum rider height with approved driver: 24”
- Number of riders: One approved driver and up to one passenger
- Combined rider weight is not to exceed 450 pounds.
- ScooterPals are available to rent on a first come, first served basis.
- You can rent the scooter for as long as you’d like at the .35/minute rate.
- ScooterPals are not allowed inside any buildings or aviaries, or off Zoo grounds.
- Both driver and rider must remain seated to operate.
- Use caution while operating and do not bump into other scooters, people, or things.
- Turn off your ScooterPal while unattended and until everyone is properly seated.
- ScooterPals will not be available if raining or inclement weather.
- ScooterPal must be returned 30 minutes prior to the Zoo's closing.
How to activate your ScooterPal:
Scan the QR code from the signage at the rental area, follow your phone's on-screen instructions, and then pick up the key from our Admissions attendant. Remember to return the scooter and key to the rental location to end your rental!
Please note:
While ScooterPals are available for use by anyone, they may not be the best option for individuals with mobility issues. These scooters are elevated from the ground and lack back support, which could pose challenges for some visitors. If you require a more accessible mobility device, we recommend inquiring with our Admissions staff about wheelchair rentals.
There’s no assigned nurse or medical facility on grounds. We do provide basic first aid supplies when requested by an adult. We do not give out pills of any sort. Basic medications may be purchased at our gift shop. When requested, EMT services can be called to the Zoo.
Health and Safety
At this time, we are not requiring masks or proof of vaccination to visit the Zoo. Please note, we are following local, state and CDC guidelines, and therefore these policies are subject to change based upon their guidance. Health & Safety updates will be posted on our website, so please be sure to check here before your visit.
Lost and Found
The Zoo maintains a lost and found, but the Zoo is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Items and articles found by our staff or visitors are kept for a minimum of 30 days when turned in. After 30 days, the Zoo reserves the right to dispose of said items at the Zoo's discretion.
Missing something after your visit? Call 617-989-2000 to check if it has been turned in. We’ll need an exact description of the item along with your name and a number where you can be reached. If we have the item, we’ll call you back to arrange a pick-up time that’s convenient for you.
If you become separated from your child, please notify the nearest Zoo employee. Zoo staff will need a general description of what your child was wearing, name, age, sex, and the area you last saw him/her. This will be relayed to our security officers and other Zoo staff, and we will begin an immediate search.
We don’t have a general PA system throughout the park. If you don’t see an employee nearby, please head to the nearest admissions booth. If a child is found, we will have them taken to our administrative building to await you. Resolutions not resolved after 30 minutes are referred to the local police.
Parking is free at Franklin Park Zoo!
Parking Locations (View on Zoo map)
- Giraffe entrance parking lot on Pierpont Road
- Zebra entrance parking lot between Franklin Park Road and Blue Hill Ave. (Peabody Circle)
- Parking lot on Circuit Drive/N.Jewish War Vets Drive
Valet Parking
Valet parking is available most weekends at Franklin Park Zoo's Zebra Entrance for $20/car.
Pets are not allowed on Zoo grounds to protect the health and safety of our animals and your pets. Fully trained service dogs trained to perform specific tasks are allowed. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability.
Please don’t leave pets in your parked vehicle while visiting the Zoo. If deemed necessary for the animal's wellbeing, the Zoo will contact authorities.
Zoo New England is Sensory Inclusive Certified
We partner with KultureCity to continually improve our ability to assist guests with sensory needs. Through KultureCity's certification process, Zoo staff are trained by leading medical professionals on how to best accommodate guests with sensory needs.
Sensory Bags
Sensory bags containing fidget tools, verbal cue cards, noise canceling headphones and other resources are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our admissions booths.
Communication Boards
You'll find these visual communication tools in our playground across from the Giraffe Savannah, and in our Nature's Neighborhoods exhibit. Zoo map
Social Story
KultureCity App
Download the free KultureCity App to view sensory features available during your visit, including locations for Quiet Zones and Headphone Zones.
For the safety and comfort of visitors and Zoo animals, the following rules are in effect during your Zoo visit:
- Don’t feed or allow children to feed any of the animals in the Zoo's collection. Each animal is on a specially enriched diet prescribed by the Zoo's professionally-trained veterinarian staff that keeps it healthy and fit. Things that people find good, healthy and harmless might be very harmful to the animals.
- Tormenting animals is not tolerated and guests found doing so will be asked to leave immediately.
- Stay on pathways and don’t place children on the railings.
- Don’t throw anything into animals’ exhibits or the water (including coins). Even the simplest object can be hazardous if swallowed.
- Children must always be in the company of adults.
- Roughhousing and heavy horseplay, as well as running around or screaming, is discouraged, as it bothers other guests and animals.
- Any theft or destruction of Zoo property will result in prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
- The Zoo doesn’t have public storage facilities, and no items may be left in the care of Zoo employees or left unattended on Zoo grounds. The Zoo is not responsible for items left unattended and will dispose of abandoned items when necessary.
- Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.
- You’re welcome to bring your own lunch and snacks with you. We have plenty of picnic areas available. Please note: straws and alcohol are not allowed on Zoo grounds. Please help in our conservation efforts by throwing away garbage and recycling when possible.
- For the safety of our Zoo collection, pets or animals of any kind are not allowed on Zoo grounds at any time. For rules regarding service dogs, see "Pets" section on this page.
- Smoking and/or vaping within our Zoo is prohibited. Check with the Admissions booth for the closest permissible location.
The following items may not be brought on Zoo grounds:
- Alcohol
- Balloons
- Balls
- Bicycles, Scooters, Roller Blades/Skates, Heelys
- Drones
- Frisbees
- Kites
- Radios
- Squirt Guns
- Weapons
FAQ
I can't find my pre-purchased tickets in my email.
Use the "order lookup" function in the menu of our ticketing site for access to your tickets. You will need to provide the email address and phone number used during purchase.
Is the Zoo open in the winter?
Yes! Our Zoos are open year-round. Check out our Winter Visits page for full details on animals you’ll see and special winter events we host.
How big is the Zoo? How long is a typical visit?
Franklin Park Zoo is a sprawling 72 acres. The time it takes to enjoy the entire Zoo varies depending on your pace, the exhibits you want to explore, and whether you participate in any additional activities or programs. On average, visitors often spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring the zoo.
Can I bring my own food with me to the Zoo?
You’re welcome to bring your own lunch and snacks with you. We have plenty of picnic areas available. Please note: straws and alcohol are not allowed on Zoo grounds. Please help in our conservation efforts by throwing away garbage and recycling when possible.
Franklin Park Zoo's indoor/outdoor Farmhouse Cafe offers meals and grab and go treats for the whole family.
Can I bring a stroller or wagon with me to the Zoo?
Yes! You're welcome to bring your own stroller or wagon with you, or you can rent one with us if that's more convenient.
Can I leave the Zoo and then come back?
No, there is no re-entry to the Zoo after your ticket has been scanned.
I forgot to pack something. Where can I purchase essential items?
Our gift shop sells all the essentials, like batteries, sunscreen, umbrellas, first aid kits, basic medication, etc. Bandaids and first aid kits are also available at Zoo admissions booths.
Are you open if it's raining?
Yes! All daytime Zoo tickets are rain-or-shine, and we don't offer refunds, rainchecks or rescheduling. We encourage you to dress accordingly, or check out our gift shop for rain gear during your visit.
Where’s the nearest restroom and changing station?
Every public restroom has a changing station. Our family restroom in Nature's Neighborhoods offers an adult-size changing table.
Restrooms are located in the Children's Zoo, Giddy-Up Grill, Kalahari Kitchen, Tropical Forest, and near the Gift Shop. View map
Do you offer any discounts?
Check out our Special Offers page for discounts and upcoming specials.
A membership typically pays for itself in just two visits. Your membership allows free admission to both Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo for one full year, and includes exclusive benefits. Learn more about becoming a member!
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes! Gift cards can be used on admission tickets, memberships, food, and souvenirs in our gift shop.
Can I smoke or vape in the Zoo?
Smoking and/or vaping within our Zoo is prohibited. Check with the Admissions booth for the closest permissible location.
Membership questions?
See our Membership FAQ page.
Does Zoo New England donate tickets for charitable causes?
Yes—please see our Zoo & the Community page for full details on donation requests.
Have a question that wasn’t answered here? Contact us.
