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Our online ticketing system is temporarily unavailable, but tickets are still available for purchase at our gates. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience.


If you’re unable to reach us by phone, please email us at info@zoonewengland.org with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your understanding!

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North American River Otter

Hours, Info & FAQ

Stone Zoo is open year-round!

Last ticket sold one hour before closing.

November 1 - 14
Daily, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

November 15 - January 5 (Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)
Daily, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 
ZooLights: 4:00 - 9:30 p.m. 

January 6 - March 31 
Daily, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

April 1 -  October 1
Weekdays, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 
Weekends: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Through October 31
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.

Accessibility

Stone Zoo is handicap accessible. For rules regarding service dogs, see "Pets" section on this page.

Directions and Parking

Parking is free at Stone Zoo!
The Zoo’s parking lot is directly in front of the entrance, off of Pond Street.

Directions 

Stone Zoo
149 Pond Street
Stoneham, MA 02180
Phone: 617-541-LION
Google map

By Automobile


On I-93 Traveling North: 

  • Take 25 Junction, Route 93 and bear right. Merge onto Rt 28/Main St.
  • At first set of lights, take a right.
  • Stone Zoo is approximately 1/2 mile on the right

On I-93 Traveling South: 

  • Take Exit 26 Park Street
  • At the bottom of the ramp, turn left
  • At the first stop sign, take a right
  • Proceed through the intersection
  • The zoo will be approximately 1/2 mile on the right

By Public Transportation

Buses 132 and 99 drive by Stone Zoo

Equipment Rental: Strollers and Wheelchairs

You're welcome to bring your own strollers or wagons to the zoo, or you can rent one from us.

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.

  • Single Stroller: $5
  • Double Stroller: $7

Wheelchairs:
A limited number of standard 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 by contacting the Guest Services Supervisor at 781-438-6321, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wheelchair reservations should be made at least a day in advance.

  • Standard Wheelchair: $5

ScooterPal Rental

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 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.

First Aid

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.

Lost Children

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 him/her taken to our administrative building to await you. If a resolution is not met within 30 minutes, the local police are notified.

Pets

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.

Resources for Guests with Sensory Processing Needs

Kulture City Bag

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 Board
You'll find this visual communication tool in our playground, located by the barnyard. 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.

Special Offers

Visit our Tickets & Membership section for special offers.

Zoo Rules

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.

Can I leave the Zoo and then come back?

No, there is no re-entry to the Zoo after your ticket has been scanned.

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.

The Yukon Creek Cafe offers a selection of wraps, sandwiches, burgers, fries, and many other kid-friendly foods.

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.

How big is the Zoo? How long is a typical visit?

Stone Zoo is 26 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 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the zoo.

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.

Where’s the nearest restroom and changing station?

Every public restroom has a changing station. Restrooms are located by the entrance next to the gift shop and toward the back of the Zoo near the gibbon exhibit. View map.

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.

Do you offer any discounts?

Check out our Special Offers page for upcoming specials, or become a member. 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.

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.