Franklin Park Zoo spreads across 72 acres in Boston's Dorchester area, giving your family a full morning or afternoon of wildlife without leaving the city. Franklin Park Zoo animals include western lowland gorillas, Masai giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, and red pandas, in habitats modeled on their home regions. The zoo stays open year-round, so it's just as fun in January as it is in June.
This guide covers the must-see habitats, kid favorites, and the practical details that shape your day: how long to stay, where to park, what to eat, and how the zoo fits alongside the other Boston attractions on your itinerary.
Exploring the Tropical Forest and Major Wildlife Habitats
The Tropical Forest is widely considered the most popular exhibit at Franklin Park Zoo, so prioritize it if time is short. Inside this indoor rainforest pavilion, free-flight birds pass overhead while you walk among waterfalls, dense greenery, and five glass viewing stations. The western lowland gorilla troop, which includes Pablo, born in 2020, is the headliner. Ring-tailed lemurs, pygmy hippos, a giant anteater, and two-toed sloths share the building.
The layout continues outdoors. Gorilla Grove, the troop's outdoor habitat, gives them more than 360,000 cubic feet of vines, trees, and a waterfall to explore. A central observation outpost puts you in the middle of a 360-degree view, with skylights letting you watch gorillas climb overhead. The troop generally heads outside on sunny days of at least 55 degrees. In cool or wet weather, you'll find them inside, which makes the Tropical Forest a dependable winter stop.
Beyond the forest, three African habitats host some of the zoo's best-known animals. Serengeti Crossing brings Hartmann's mountain zebras, white-bearded wildebeest, and ostriches together in one open space. Giraffe Savannah pairs Masai giraffes with Somali wild asses. At Kalahari Kingdom, you can climb into a "crashed" Land Rover for a nose-to-nose look at lowland nyala and other animals.
Family-Friendly Adventures at the Children's Zoo and Outback Trail
The Children's Zoo, also called Nature's Neighborhoods, is built for kids who learn by climbing, crawling, and getting close. The Bamboo Climber lets them scramble up alongside the red pandas, and the Prairie Dog Pop-Up puts them nose to nose with black-tailed prairie dogs. An elevated Eagle's Nest offers a bird's-eye view of the aviary, and a grass maze burns off leftover energy. Play and animal viewing share one space, which keeps younger visitors engaged.
The Outback Trail has a similar pull. Western grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, and emus share the trail with a brown kiwi, and you may hear kookaburras before you spot them. In warm months, the seasonal Aussie Aviary is a favorite, with free-flying budgies all around and seed sticks that may persuade one to land on your hand.
Franklin Farm opens its goat petting area in warmer weather, Butterfly Hollow returns each warm season, and a 10,000-square-foot wildlife-themed playground sits across from Giraffe Savannah. On select evenings, Boston Lights, a lantern experience, takes over the grounds as a separately ticketed after-hours event.
Practical Advice for Navigating the 72-Acre Park
Most visitors spend about two to three hours at Franklin Park Zoo, though families lingering at the playground should plan closer to half a day. Arriving near opening pays off. Mornings are cooler, crowds tend to be lighter, and the closest parking spaces are still open. The last tickets are sold an hour before closing, and re-entry isn't allowed.
Seventy-two acres is a lot of ground for small legs, so pick an entrance with your route in mind. The Zebra Entrance on Blue Hill Avenue is closest to the Children's Zoo, while the Giraffe Entrance sits on the opposite side of the grounds. Check the zoo map first, and finish one side before crossing to the other. You can bring your own stroller or wagon, or rent strollers, wheelchairs, and electric mobility scooters at the admissions booths.
Parking is free. The Zebra lot sits at Peabody Circle between Franklin Park Road and Blue Hill Avenue, the Giraffe lot is on Pierpont Road, and a third lot is on Circuit Drive. Accessible spaces are available at both entrances.
Public transit is a practical alternative. Take the Orange Line to Forest Hills or the Red Line to Andrew, then ride the Route 16 bus to the zoo. From Ruggles Station, Routes 22, 28, 29, and 45 will take you to the zoo's doorstep. A Bluebikes station serves cyclists for those with energy to spare.
Dining and Amenities During Your Zoo Visit
You have two options for lunch at Franklin Park Zoo: buy on-site or pack your own. The Farmhouse Café is open year-round with indoor and outdoor seating and a menu of burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and pizza, plus kid-friendly, grab-and-go, and allergy-friendly choices. On fair-weather weekends, the Kalahari Outpost sells snacks, treats, and gifts.
Outside food is welcome, which helps families with picky eaters or tight budgets. Bring lunch, snacks, or a cooler and settle in at one of the picnic areas around the grounds. Leave alcohol, glass containers, and straws at home, as they aren't permitted.
For souvenirs, head to the Things Wild Gift Shop, which stocks plush animals, toys, games, apparel, and African art that supports artisans. It also carries the things you forgot, including sunscreen, umbrellas, and batteries.
Planning Your Boston Trip With CityPASS® Tickets
Franklin Park Zoo is one of the attractions you can choose with Boston CityPASS® tickets, which cover admission to four attractions and save you up to compared with regular admission prices. Other options include the New England Aquarium, the Museum of Science, a Boston Harbor City Cruises sightseeing cruise, and more, so you can pair a morning with the gorillas with a hands-on science afternoon.
Get your Boston CityPASS® tickets before you go, and start planning which Franklin Park Zoo animals you'll visit first.