Franklin Park Zoo

Franklin Park Zoo is Boston's premier zoo experience, operated by Zoo New England in the heart of the Emerald Necklace park system in Dorchester. With over 200 animals across diverse habitats, it offers one of the most comprehensive zoo experiences in New England for families with children of all ages.

The zoo's crown jewel is Tropical Forest — an enormous indoor facility housing the largest collection of gorillas in the Northeast. Watching a silverback gorilla move through the habitat leaves kids (and adults) genuinely awestruck. The naturalistic habitat design means animals have room to behave authentically, which makes for far more compelling observation than traditional cage exhibits.

Serengeti Crossing brings the African savanna to Boston with giraffes, ostriches, and zebras in open habitat viewing. The giraffe feeding experience — where kids can hand-feed giraffes directly — is available as an add-on and is consistently the most memorable moment for young visitors.

The Children's Zoo section provides close-up animal interaction for the youngest visitors. Domestic farm animals, pony rides (seasonal), and smaller exhibits designed for toddler-height viewing make this area particularly beloved by families with kids under 6.

Plan for a full morning or afternoon — the zoo covers substantial ground and 2. 5–4 hours is realistic with children. Strollers are essential for younger kids given the walking distances.

Budget around $80–$110 for a family of four; members of Zoo New England get unlimited access to both Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo, which quickly pays off with multiple visits. The SNAP at Zoos program offers free admission to EBT cardholders.