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 The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center Springfield MA

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 Southwick’s Zoo Mendon MA

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

Southwick’s is more than a zoo, it is an adventure!

Southwick’s Zoo, New England’s largest, is home to 200 acres of family fun. View over 115 species of animals such as giraffes, big cats, white rhino’s, tapirs, and chimpanzees all in beautiful natural habitats. Venture into the 35 acre deer forest where the deer roam free, ride the Woodlands Express train ride through the North American Elk habitat. View amazing animals from new heights on the Skyfari Skyride and learn about your favorite animals at the Earth Discovery Center. Get up close and personal with farm animals and parrots in The Petting Zoo, Bird Talk and Parakeet Landing. Don’t miss out on informative and entertaining shows, presentations, kid’s play park, and more! All new prairie dog habitat and Elk Horn Mine.

Southwick’s Zoo is open daily from mid-April to mid-October.

Greater Boston and Cambridge top of listings

Franklin Park Zoo Franklin Park Zoo Boston MA

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

Get Close.

Opened in 1912, the AZA-accredited Franklin Park Zoo is situated on a 72-acre site just four miles from downtown Boston and 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.
North of Boston/Merrimack Valley top of listings

Stone Zoo Stone Zoo Stoneham MA

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 greater Boston’s only white-cheeked gibbon exhibit. The Zoo is also home to colobus monkeys, Canada lynxes, snow leopards, 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, coyotes, and Gila monsters. At Windows to the Wild, view hyacinth macaws, flamingos, emperor tamarins, and African-crested porcupines. Open year round - except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Stone Zoo is located off of Exit 34 on 93 North and Exit 35 off 93 South.
South of Boston/Plymouth top of listings

Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary Norton MA

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.

Established in 1996, Winslow Farm exists for one purpose: to provide love and care to many animals that have been abandoned, abused, and/or neglected by their previous owners. Winslow Farm is a nonprofit, stay-for-life sanctuary where animals live their lives out in peace. Our animal family includes Alpacas, Birds, Cats, Dogs, Donkeys, Goats, Horses, Llamas, Pigs, Rabbits and Sheep. Please stop by and visit our animal guests; you can also schedule your next event at Winslow Farm. Activities include children's birthday parties, group educational tours, full playground, nature walks, and special events throughout the year. Donations to Winslow Farm are tax deductible.
Informational Listings Courtesy of VisitNewEngland.com
Berkshires/Pioneer Valley/Mohawk Trail Cape Cod Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket
South of Boston/Plymouth
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.
Cape Cod top of listings

Zooquarium

West Yarmouth, MA 02673 Phone: 508-775-8883

As its name implies, Zooquarium has tanks of finny fish, shellfish, frogs, and turtles, and a seal and sea lion show full of playful antics. Close-up activities by children are encouraged at the Touch-Me Tide Pool, where visitors can hold living marine animals. Other native critters that can be viewed close-up and petted include foxes, bobcats, vultures, and farm animals.
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.
South of Boston/Plymouth top of listings

Capron Park Zoo

Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: 508-222-6202

The zoo has revitalized itself with new exhibits and animals from all over the world: African lion cubs, North American river otters, snow leopards, and creatures of the rain forests. Activities give children the chance to handle small animals, conduct daily rounds with zookeepers, and to clean exhibits and feed animals. If the day is hot, kids can take a break in the mist tent for a gentle, cooling shower.