Massachusetts zoos, aquariums, animal parks are excellent, world-famous

Massachusetts zoos and aquariums are among the best in the world. A visit to a zoo or aquarium is a fun and educational day trip for all ages in almost all seasons. You will find yourself coming back.

Featured Listings
Berkshires/Pioneer Valley/Mohawk Trail top of listings

The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center

302 Sumner Avenue (Route 83) Springfield, MA 01138 Phone: 413-733-2251

Celebrating Nature's Diversity

The Forest Park Zoo, located in Forest Park, a 735 acre woodland park in Springfield, features exotic and indigenous animals representing a large variety of species found throughout the world and in North America. Experience the world of exotic animals and local wildlife as never before. Take a train trip around the park, explore freshwater pond life, learn about endangered animals and captive breeding programs. Get to know the creatures that frequent your backyard, and visit a Heritage Breeds Barn. Shop in our unique gift shop for unusual, educational, or whimsical gift items. Enjoy the gardens, seasonal exhibits, programs, and events.

Hours : April 1 - Oct. 10 Open Daily 10am-5pm (Weather permitting).
Open after October 10 for Special Events and Programs only.
Admission: Children under age 1 FREE; Up to age 4 $2.50; Ages 5-12 $4.75;
Adults & Over 12 $6.75; Senior Rate $4.75. Group Discounts Available.
Train Rides $4.00 ; Animal Food Packages available for purchase in the Gift Shop.

Central Massachusetts/Sturbridge top of listings

Southwick’s Zoo

2 Southwick Street Mendon, MA 01756 Toll-Free: 800-258-9182 Fax: 508-883-0242

Coming in 2011 - our new Giraffe Habitat!

Southwick’s Zoo is situated within the historic Blackstone Valley. Surrounded by 300 shady acres and home to hundreds of animals representing many species, Southwick's is more than a zoo, it's an adventure for all ages! You can soar above the Zoo our Skyfari Sky Ride, or get up close with many of our animals in the petting zoo and deer park. New in 2010, our Parakeet Landing walk-thru Aviary has quickly become a visitor favorite. Southwick's also offers educational programs such as our live animal presentations and childrens' play park. There are also picnic grounds, kiddie rides, food venues, and free parking. Visit our new and extensive shops including the Purple Peacock Gift Shop, the African Themed Marangu Trail Outpost and the exotic Parakeet Landing Aviary & Gift Shop.

Operating hours for Southwick's Zoo are 10:00am to 5:00pm from mid-April through mid-October, with limited openings to Christmas. 7 days a week including holidays.

Greater Boston and Cambridge top of listings

Franklin Park Zoo

One Franklin Park Road Boston, MA 02121 Phone: 617-541-LION (5466) Fax: 617-989-2025

Get Close.

Opened in 1912, this 72-acre site nestled in Boston’s historic Franklin Park features an array of wildlife from all over the world. Come face-to-face with an African lion in the Kalahari Kingdom, visit Masai giraffe and Grevy’s zebra at the Giraffe Savannah and discover the Tropical Forest, home to western lowland gorillas, lemurs, mandrills and much more! Be sure not to miss Aussie Aviary, a free-flight, interactive aviary open seasonally and home to hundreds of brightly colored budgies. Franklin Park Zoo offers many activities for children including education classes, Zoo Camp and Snorin’ Roarin’ sleepovers. The zoo is available for rentals and offers unique indoor and outdoor facilities and catering services to turn your child’s birthday party or your next meeting or event into an adventure! Open year round - except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

New England Aquarium

Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110 Phone: 617-973-5200

Protecting the Blue Planet for 40 Years

Dive deep into the oceans at the New England Aquarium. Experience more than 70 exhibits featuring aquatic animals from around the world, and take a trip to exotic waters without ever leaving Boston. Walk alongside friendly harbor seals as they swim and play right outside the Aquarium, and greet three different species of penguins upon your entrance. Wind your way around the four-story Giant Ocean Tank, home to a huge Caribbean coral reef. You’ll come face-to-face with sharks, barracudas and some of the world’s most endangered sea turtles. A visit to the Aquarium doesn’t end when you leave the exhibits—you can also find an adventure on a whale watch and catch exciting films at the Simons IMAX Theatre, offering unparalleled 3D experiences on the largest screen in New England.
North of Boston/Merrimack Valley top of listings

Stone Zoo

149 Pond Street Stoneham, MA 02180 Phone: 617-541-LION (5466) Fax: 781-438-9517

Get Close.

Stone Zoo features a wildly popular black bear exhibit and, opening in June 2009, greater Boston’s only gibbon exhibit. The Zoo is also home to colobus monkeys, Canadian lynx, a snow leopard, Mexican gray wolves, river otters, spider monkeys, capybara and many other interesting and fascinating animals from around the world. The Treasures of the Sierra Madre exhibit features, jaguars, cougars, coyote, and Gila monsters.” At Windows to the Wild, view hyacinth macaws, flamingos, emperor tamarins, silvery-cheeked hornbills, Inca terns and Geoffroy’s tamarins. Open year round - except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Stone Zoo is located off Exit 34 on 93 North and Exit 35 off 93 South.
South of Boston/Plymouth top of listings

Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary

37 Eddy Street Norton, MA 02766 Phone: 508-285-6451

There are over 200 animals residing at Winslow Farm. Each animal has their own unique story of how they came to the farm.

Our family includes Alpacas, Birds, Cats, Dogs, Donkeys, Goats, Horses, Llamas, Pigs, Rabits and Sheep. Please stop by and visit our animal guests; you can also schedule your next event at Winslow Farm. Established in 1996, Winslow Farm exists for one purpose: to provide love and care to the many animals without a home or for those that have been abused and/or neglected by their previous owners. The Farm is a sanctuary where animals can learn to trust humans again. Activities include birthday parties for children, pony rides, group educational tours nature hikes and trails and special events during holiday seasons.
Informational Listings Courtesy of VisitNewEngland.com
Berkshires/Pioneer Valley/Mohawk Trail Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket
Berkshires/Pioneer Valley/Mohawk Trail top of listings

Lupa Zoo

62 Nash Hill Road Ludlow, MA 02051 Phone: 413-583-8370

Non-profit wildlife facility dedicated to promoting appreciation and respect for the conservation of animals and their ecosystems; while offering enjoyable, educational and family-oriented experiences in an urban recreational setting. Open April 1 through December 25; Everyday from 9:30 AM – 5 PM. Suggested donation of $5.00.
Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket top of listings

Maria Mitchell Association Aquarium

28 Washington Street Nantucket, MA 02554 Phone: 508-228-5387

Open: Seasonally; call for hours.

Satwater and freshwater tank exhibition and a gift shop with unique gifts for all ages. The aquarium is the starting point for marine ecology field trips led by staff members. There is an admission fee.