[2025 Boston Attraction] Travel Guide for Franklin Park Zoo (Updated Oct)

The Franklin Zoo, which is a short distance from downtown Boston, is also a great place to relax, and this attraction is also included in the Boston Travel list. The Franklin Zoo is large and can be reserved for half a day to explore. The zoo is divided into different parks, from tropical rainforests and grasslands to desert kingdoms. Thousands of animals gather in this zoo. I like the tropical rainforest here, and gorillas, bats, and koalas are all in this area. The zoo is very large. It is recommended to take a map before entering the park, so it is easy to explore without getting lost. In the winter, it is very much expected that the butterfly world does not open.

Boston Lantern Festival: The Lantern Experience is a captivating nighttime event taking place on November 2nd at Franklin Park Zoo. This unique experience will showcase stunning lanterns, transforming the zoo into a magical wonderland. While the event mainly focuses on lanterns, some animals may appear in their outdoor habitats depending on the weather. However, many indoor exhibits, including Nature Neighborhood, The Barn, Tropical Forest, Gorilla Forest, and Bird World, will be closed during the event. Visitors can expect to see a limited number of animals such as camels, prairie dogs, some farm animals, birds, and kangaroos. For those seeking a more comprehensive animal experience, it is recommended to purchase a daytime ticket to fully explore the zoo. A stroll through the Boston Lantern Festival typically takes about an hour, allowing visitors to enjoy the vibrant displays and tranquil atmosphere of the zoo at night. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of lantern art in an enchanting setting.

On October 25th and 26th, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Franklin Park Zoo will host the "Zoo Howl" event, a festive celebration combining wildlife with Halloween fun. The event will proceed rain or shine. Visitors can explore animal habitats while collecting candy along the "Trick-or-Treat Trail." The event features zookeeper talks and interactive exploration stations, offering guests more opportunities to learn about the zoo animals. The talk schedule is as follows: Franklin Farm talk at 10:00 AM, camel talk at 11:00 AM, eagle talk at 1:00 PM, giraffe talk at 1:30 PM, gorilla talk and feeding at 2:00 PM, and tapir talk at 2:30 PM. Additionally, participants can enjoy a storytelling session by puppeteer Big Joe, adding a spooky touch to the experience. This event is both educational and entertaining, making it an ideal outing for families and animal lovers.

Here are some family-friendly attractions in Boston: 1. Boston Children's Museum: - Location: 300 Congress St. - Features: This is one of the oldest children's museums in the United States. Originally a wool warehouse built in 1888, it was later converted into a museum. The museum has a variety of creative exhibits and interesting activities. For example, children can walk on a giant desk and experience a five-foot-long pencil and a two-foot-long paper clip; climb on a "dissected" three-story house section; learn to produce TV news; experience a traditional Japanese house; try using prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs, and Braille typewriters, etc. Most exhibits can be touched, allowing children to learn about nature and science while having fun. Suitable for children and teenagers under 15 years old. 2. Boston Common: - Location: Located in downtown Boston, the address is 115 Boylston St. - Features: This is the oldest park in the United States. It was originally used for grazing and military training, and later became a place for citizens to relax. The park has beautiful scenery, large lawns, lush trees, tranquil lakes, and cute animals such as squirrels and birds. Children can fly kites and play here to enjoy the beauty of nature. There is also a playground in the park. Facilities such as slides, swings, and seesaws provide children with a happy world. 3. Franklin Park Zoo: - Location: Located in the north of Boston's Franklin Park, the address is 1 Franklin Park Rd. - Features: Opened in 1912, it covers an area of 72 acres and is home to more than 220 species and more than 1,000 cute animals. There are a variety of animals here, and children can observe various animals up close and understand their habits and characteristics. The zoo is also committed to enhancing people's understanding of nature and animal protection awareness through protection projects, educational research, and a variety of exhibitions. 4. New England Aquarium: - Location: 1 Central Wharf. - Features: It is one of the larger and better aquariums in the northeastern United States. There is a huge cylindrical aquarium in the museum, which breeds Caribbean coral reefs and more abundant marine life, as well as popular penguins. Children can enjoy the wonderful marine world and learn about marine life here. There are also 3D and IMAX movie experiences in the museum, which can bring more vivid visual experience to children. 5. Museum of Science: - Location: 1 Museum of Science Driveway. - Features: Established in 1830, it displays more than 500 interactive exhibits, organizes live demonstrations, and plays IMAX screen movies. The museum serves the general public, encourages the spirit of questioning and exploration, and advocates lifelong learning and active civic awareness. Children can understand scientific knowledge more deeply through interactive experiences and stimulate their interest in science and exploration. 6. Swan Boat: - Location: Located in the pond of Boston Public Garden. - Features: It is one of the cultural symbols of Boston and is famous for the novels "Make Way for Ducklings" and "The Trumpet of the Swan". The swan boat is pedaled by people and it takes about 15 minutes to play a circle in the pond. Parents can take a swan boat with their children, enjoy the beautiful time reflected by the lake water, swallows, and ducks, and feel the romance and poetry. 7. Walden Pond: - Location: About 30 minutes drive from downtown Boston. - Features: This is where Thoreau lived for two years. The environment is beautiful and the lake is clear. There is a beach by the lake, and children can play and sunbathe on the beach. On the path along the lake, people read and chat, enjoy sunbathing, and paddle kayaking. Children can get close to nature here, feel the tranquil rural atmosphere, and also understand Thoreau's thoughts and spirit.