Franklin Park Zoo

At Franklin Park Zoo, animals live in themed zones that echo their natural habitat. View lions and gorillas at the Kalahari Kingdom and Tropical Forest; observe zebra at the Serengeti Crossing; and see kangaroos at the Outback Trail. A program of activities that includes behind-the-scenes tours, zookeeper chats, and nature workshops provide ways to engage with the zoo’s animal care and conservation work—these are not typically included with standard admission.

If you’re exploring the zoo and wider Boston, consider a sightseeing pass to save yourself time, money, and hassle. The Go Boston card grants free access to Franklin Park Zoo and up to 40 other city attractions for a fixed number of days. The flexible Go Boston Explorer card offers free admission to the zoo and 20 other attractions over 30 days, making it ideal for more leisurely exploration.

• The zoo is stroller-friendly and wheelchair-accessible.

• On-site facilities include restrooms, food outlets, picnic areas, and a petting zoo.

• When not viewing the animals, kids can enjoy a wildlife-themed playground.

• Some parts of the zoo don’t benefit from shade, so ensure you take a hat and sunscreen if the weather is fine.

Franklin Park Zoo is accessible via Boston’s T public transportation. Take the Orange Line or Commuter Rail to Forest Hills station and catch the 16 bus from there to the zoo. Alternatively, catch either line to the Ruggles stop, and take the 22, 28, 29, 44, or 45 bus. The zoo is also easily reached by cab or self-drive, and free parking is available.

The zoo is open daily year-round, apart from Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Opening times are generally from midmorning until early evening, but hours vary slightly at the weekends and during the winter months. The zoo gets busy in summer, especially at weekends, but otherwise it’s generally crowd-free.

Must-sees at Franklin Park Zoo include the domed Tropical Forest zone and a rainforest-style world where you can see Western Lowland gorillas, pygmy hippos, and ocelots from five glass viewing stations. Other highlights include the Bird’s World aviary and the Kalahari Kingdom, where you can climb into a stationary 4WD for up-close views of two African lions.

Sometimes the zoo participates in Free Fun Fridays, when visitors receive free admission to Massachusetts cultural venues in summer; check the zoo website for details. In the past, it has offered free admission on MLK Jr. Day. Children under 2 are free. Members of the military and teachers receive discounts.

Yes. General admission tickets are usually sold at the zoo gate, but prices will be higher than for online tickets bought in advance. Online ticket prices are determined by attendance patterns, popular holidays and events, and weather. Select a date and time that fits your schedule and budget.

There isn’t one set admission price, but tickets average around $20. Factors including attendance patterns, holidays and events, and weather determine the prices. The further you buy in advance, the cheaper the ticket, and tickets are typically cheaper in the early morning and later afternoon. Children under 2 are free.

The zoo is open year-round, excepting Thanksgiving and Christmas. Avoid visiting when it’s extremely hot as animals tend to seek shelter in the shade and are less visible. Arrive early in the morning when the animals are most active and crowds are smaller. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.

Most people spend two to three hours at the zoo. It’s a 2.1-mile (3.4-kilometer) route through the zoo, which equates to about 4,500 steps. If you visit on a weekday or in the morning, when there are fewer people, you’ll be able to explore more quickly.

No. Parking is free at the giraffe lot on Pierpont Road, the zebra lot between Franklin Park Road and Blue Hill Avenue, and the lot on Circuit Drive. The zebra entrance is nearest the Children's Zoo and playground. Paid valet parking is available on weekends at the zebra entrance.