Massachusetts Zoos and Aquariums

Discover world-class wildlife facilities across the Bay State. Massachusetts features 6 AZA-accredited institutions including New England's largest zoo, historic city zoos, and the renowned New England Aquarium. From gorillas and giraffes to penguins and sharks, explore diverse animal exhibits throughout the Commonwealth.

10+

Major Zoos & Aquariums

6

AZA-Accredited Facilities

200+

Acres of Zoo Property

2,000+

Animal Species

Featured Zoos and Aquariums

Southwick's Zoo Largest in New England

Location: 2 Southwick Street, Mendon, MA 01756

Size: 200+ acres (300-acre total property)

Animals: Over 850 animals representing 165+ species

New England's largest zoological park features an impressive collection spanning six continents. The zoo's signature attractions include the Skyfari Sky Ride offering aerial views of exhibits, a 35-acre walk-through Deer Forest where visitors can hand-feed fallow deer, and the Elk Forest accessible via the Woodland Express Train. Notable animal exhibits include the largest primate troupe in New England and the only chimpanzee exhibit in the region.

Special Features: Giraffe feeding encounters, sloth interactions, Soaring Eagle Zipline, Within the Wild Carousel, Earth Discovery Center for conservation education, live bird shows, and keeper chats. The zoo is family-owned and has operated for over six decades.

Season: Open early April through October

Admission: Check website for current pricing. Active duty military receive free admission; veterans and military dependents pay $15.

Website: southwickszoo.com

New England Aquarium AZA Accredited

Location: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110

Annual Visitors: 1.3+ million (pre-pandemic)

Animals: 2,000+ species of marine animals

One of the nation's premier aquariums showcases marine life from around the world. The centerpiece Giant Ocean Tank is a four-story, 200,000-gallon Caribbean coral reef exhibit teeming with hundreds of marine animals including sea turtles, stingrays, eels, and schools of tropical fish. The aquarium also features dozens of rockhopper and African penguins, a floor-to-ceiling Indo-Pacific coral reef habitat with 9,000 gallons of brilliantly colored tropical fish, and California sea lions at the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center.

Interactive Experiences: Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank, Simons Theatre with nearly five-story high screen and wrap-around surround sound, whale watching cruises departing from Central Wharf in partnership with Boston Harbor City Cruises. The nonprofit organization focuses on ocean conservation and marine research.

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Weekends 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission: Adults $33+ (advance purchase recommended - weekends sell out)

Discounts: Save up to 48% with Boston CityPASS, groups of 10+ receive discounts

Website: neaq.org

Franklin Park Zoo AZA Accredited

Location: 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121

Size: 72 acres within Franklin Park

Established: October 4, 1912

Animals: 220+ species

Boston's historic zoo offers immersive animal experiences across diverse habitats. The Tropical Forest features a 3-acre building roofed by a massive Teflon-coated cloth dome housing western lowland gorillas, ring-tailed lemurs, pygmy hippos, and free-flying birds. Gorilla Grove provides over 360,000 cubic feet of outdoor space with vines, trees, a cascading waterfall, and foraging opportunities. Additional exhibits include Kalahari Kingdom where visitors stand nose-to-nose with African lions inside a "crashed" Land Rover, Giraffe Savannah for viewing Masai giraffes, and the Outback Trail with kangaroos and emus.

Family Features: Nature's Neighborhoods Children's Zoo with walk-through aviary, Franklin Farm with heritage livestock breeds including Black Welsh Mountain sheep, Dexter cattle, Guinea hogs, Morgan horses, and Nigerian dwarf goats. The zoo also features red pandas, painted dogs, and seasonal summer light shows.

Current Projects: Building new African Experience with African penguin habitat. Red panda exhibit under renovation with enhanced natural features.

Admission: Adults $19.95, Seniors (62+) $17.95, Children 2-12 $12.95, Under 2 free

Special Pricing: MA EBT/WIC cardholders $5 per person (up to 4 people), Active duty military and family 50% off

Website: zoonewengland.org/franklin-park-zoo

Walter D. Stone Memorial Zoo AZA Accredited

Location: 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA 02180

Size: 26 acres

Phone: 617-541-LION (5466)

This medium-sized zoo focuses on North American and cold-climate species. Animal exhibits include black bears, North American river otters, white-cheeked gibbons, cougars, Caribbean flamingos, jaguars, meerkats, Mexican gray wolves, snow leopards, and reindeer. The zoo's compact size makes it ideal for families with young children seeking a manageable visit.

Special Events: ZooLights seasonal attraction (4:00 PM - 9:30 PM, separate ticket required). Free parking available. Operated by Zoo New England along with Franklin Park Zoo.

Hours: Vary by season - Jan-Mar 9 AM-4 PM daily, Apr-Sept weekdays 9 AM-5 PM/weekends 9 AM-6 PM, Oct 9 AM-5 PM, Nov 1-13 9 AM-4 PM, Nov 14-Jan 4 9 AM-3 PM (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)

Admission: Adults $19.95, Seniors (62+) $17.95, Children 2-12 $12.95, Under 2 free ($2 safety/processing fee per ticket)

Membership: Zoo New England family membership ($125/year) includes both Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo with unlimited visits

Website: zoonewengland.org/stone-zoo

Buttonwood Park Zoo AZA Accredited Historic

Location: 425 Hawthorn Street, New Bedford, MA 02740

Established: 1894 (12th-oldest zoo in the United States)

Size: 7 acres

Animals: 250+ animals representing 80+ species

Called "one of the finest small zoos in the United States" by the AZA, this historic facility is the third-oldest zoo in New England. The zoo's "From the Berkshires to the Sea" theme focuses on land- and water-based wildlife of Massachusetts with nearly 200 species housed in re-created natural habitats. Notable animals include Asian elephants, red pandas, cougars, bald eagles, harbor seals, river otters, South American primates, and numerous waterfowl species.

Conservation Involvement: Participant in Cape Cod Stranding Network and Species Survival Plan programs. The zoo is part of the Buttonwood Park Historic District and federally designated on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ownership: City of New Bedford with support from Buttonwood Park Zoological Society

Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Amenities: Carousel, train ride, surrounding Buttonwood Park with picnic areas and walking trails

Phone: 508-991-4556

Accreditation: Through September 2029. Recent recipient of 2025 Quarter Century Award for 25 years continuous accreditation.

Website: bpzoo.org

Complete Zoo and Aquarium Directory

AZA-Accredited Facilities

Buttonwood Park Zoo

Location: New Bedford

Accreditation: Through September 2029

Specialty: Massachusetts wildlife, historic facility

Capron Park Zoo

Location: Attleboro

Recognition: 2025 Quarter Century Award recipient

Note: 25+ years continuous AZA accreditation

Franklin Park Zoo

Location: Boston

Operator: Zoo New England

Specialty: Tropical species, African animals

Museum of Science

Location: Boston

Type: Science museum with live exhibits

Features: Educational animal presentations

New England Aquarium

Location: Boston

Type: Major aquarium

Specialty: Marine life, ocean conservation

Walter D. Stone Memorial Zoo

Location: Stoneham

Operator: Zoo New England

Specialty: North American wildlife, cold-climate animals

Privately-Owned Zoos

Southwick's Zoo

Location: Mendon

Size: 200+ acres with 850+ animals

Status: New England's largest zoo, family-owned since 1963

Season: Early April through October

Wildlife Sanctuaries with Live Animal Exhibits

Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: Lincoln

Operator: Mass Audubon

Animals: Farm animals (sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, cows), native wildlife (raptors, red fox, downy woodpecker, painted turtle, corn snake, skunk)

Features: Environmental education center, working farm, wildlife rehabilitation

Blue Hills Trailside Museum

Location: Milton

Operator: Mass Audubon with MA DCR

Animals: River otters, non-releasable native wildlife

Features: Welcome center for 7,000-acre Blue Hills Reservation, natural history museum

Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: Wellfleet (Cape Cod)

Operator: Mass Audubon

Animals: Six fish tanks with native fish, crabs, turtles from Outer Cape

Features: Scenic salt marsh boardwalk, family programs

Cape Wildlife Center

Location: Barnstable (Cape Cod)

Operator: New England Wildlife Centers

Type: Wildlife veterinary hospital and education center

Mission: Veterinary care, rehabilitation for sick/injured wildlife, conservation education

Aquariums and Marine Centers

Woods Hole Science Aquarium Free Admission

Location: 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, Falmouth

Operator: NOAA Fisheries (federal agency)

Animals: 80+ species from Northeast and Middle Atlantic waters, harbor seals (outdoor exhibit)

Admission: Free (donation-based)

Berkshire Museum Aquarium

Location: 39 South Street, Pittsfield

Type: Museum with aquarium component

Animals: 100+ living species in marine/freshwater habitats (since 1986)

Status: Temporarily closed for major renovation - expanding to double size, triple volume, 150 new species (reopening planned late 2025)

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Location: Brewster

Animals: Multiple aquaria with crustaceans, mollusks, fish, frogs, turtles, snakes

Exhibits: Whales, archaeology, birds, coastal ecosystems

EcoTarium

Location: 222 Harrington Way, Worcester

Type: Science and nature museum (founded 1825)

Features: 50,000+ natural history specimens, Alden Planetarium, narrow-gauge train, 45-acre campus

Collection: Mineral Dome with 100 rare crystals, interactive exhibits on New England environment

Petting Zoos and Farms

Taylor-Bray Farm Free Admission

Location: Yarmouth Port (Cape Cod)

Animals: Sheep, cattle, goats, chickens, donkeys, Scottish Highland Cattle

History: Property inhabited since 1639 - one of Cape's oldest farms

Admission: Free (donations appreciated - 100% goes to animal care)

The Butterfly Place at Papillon Park

Location: 120 Tyngsboro Road, Westford

Type: Indoor butterfly habitat

Facility: 3,100 sq ft glass atrium building, 27 ft peak height

Features: Colorful plants and shrubs selected as butterfly nectar sources

Specialized Animal Facilities

Wolf Hollow

Location: Ipswich

Type: Wolf sanctuary

Programs: Educational programs with volunteer-led interactions

New England Wildlife Center

Location: South Weymouth

Services: Odd Pet Vet, Jane Carlee Wildlife Hospital

Focus: Wildlife veterinary medicine, education, sanctuary

The Zoo at Forest Park

Location: Springfield

Type: Rescued and non-releasable animals

Features: Located within one of largest urban parks in U.S., meaningful animal stories

Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: 30 Peck Road, Monson

Size: Approximately 6,000 acres

Purpose: Wildlife conservation for public benefit

Planning Your Visit

Membership Benefits

Zoo New England Membership ($125/year):

  • Unlimited admission to both Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo
  • Covers two named adults and up to four children
  • Free general daytime admission year-round
  • Reciprocal benefits at zoos nationwide through AZA program

EBT/WIC Cardholders: $40 Family Level membership with same benefits (MA residents through Dec 31, 2025)

Discounts and Special Pricing

  • Military: Active duty military 50% off at Zoo New England facilities; free admission at Southwick's Zoo
  • Groups: Discounts for groups of 10+ at most facilities
  • School Groups: Free admission for MA K-12 school groups at Zoo New England (M-F during school year)
  • EBT/WIC: $5 per person (up to 4 people) at Zoo New England facilities
  • Boston CityPASS: Save up to 48% at New England Aquarium

Best Times to Visit

Spring (April-May): Baby animals born at many facilities, pleasant weather, fewer crowds on weekdays

Summer (June-August): All outdoor exhibits open, extended hours at some facilities, peak crowds on weekends

Fall (September-October): Comfortable temperatures, beautiful foliage, Southwick's Zoo closes end of October

Winter (November-March): Reduced hours at most facilities, indoor exhibits featured, special events like ZooLights at Stone Zoo

Visitor Tips

  • Book Ahead: New England Aquarium frequently sells out on weekends - purchase tickets online
  • Arrive Early: Animals most active in morning hours, cooler temperatures in summer
  • Check Schedules: Keeper talks, feeding times, and animal encounters vary by facility
  • Seasonal Closures: Some exhibits close seasonally - check websites before visiting
  • Plan Full Days: Major zoos require 3-5 hours to see all exhibits
  • Accessibility: Most facilities offer wheelchair access and accessible trails

Frequently Asked Questions

Massachusetts has 6 AZA-accredited facilities: Buttonwood Park Zoo (New Bedford), Capron Park Zoo (Attleboro), Franklin Park Zoo (Boston), Museum of Science (Boston), New England Aquarium (Boston), and Walter D. Stone Memorial Zoo (Stoneham). AZA accreditation represents the gold standard in animal care and requires passing a rigorous multi-day inspection covering animal welfare, veterinary care, staff training, safety, education, conservation, and facility operations. Fewer than 10% of USDA-licensed wildlife exhibitors achieve AZA accreditation.

Southwick's Zoo in Mendon is the largest zoo in Massachusetts and all of New England, spanning over 200 acres with more than 850 animals representing 165+ species. The privately-owned zoo has been family-operated since 1963 and features unique attractions including the Skyfari Sky Ride, a 35-acre walk-through Deer Forest, the Woodland Express Train through Elk Forest, and the Soaring Eagle Zipline. The zoo is home to the largest primate troupe in New England and the only chimpanzee exhibit in the region. It operates seasonally from early April through October.

Franklin Park Zoo, Stone Zoo, Buttonwood Park Zoo, Capron Park Zoo, and New England Aquarium operate year-round with varying seasonal hours. Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo (both operated by Zoo New England) adjust hours by season, with Stone Zoo offering extended hours April-September and reduced hours November-March. New England Aquarium maintains consistent hours throughout the year (Monday-Friday 9 AM-6 PM, weekends 9 AM-6 PM). Southwick's Zoo operates seasonally only, opening in early April and closing at the end of October. Woods Hole Science Aquarium is open year-round. Check individual facility websites for current seasonal schedules before visiting.

Yes, several facilities offer free admission. Woods Hole Science Aquarium in Falmouth is operated by NOAA Fisheries and offers completely free admission (donations appreciated), featuring 80+ species from Northeast Atlantic waters and outdoor harbor seal exhibits. Taylor-Bray Farm in Yarmouth Port is a free petting zoo with sheep, cattle, goats, chickens, and donkeys (donations go entirely to animal care). Massachusetts school groups K-12 receive free admission to Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo on weekdays during the regular school year. Additionally, Massachusetts EBT and WIC cardholders can visit Zoo New England facilities for just $5 per person (up to 4 people).

Massachusetts zoos offer numerous interactive experiences. At Southwick's Zoo, visitors can hand-feed giraffes, interact with sloths, and walk through the 35-acre Deer Forest to feed fallow deer. Franklin Park Zoo allows nose-to-nose viewing of African lions from inside a "crashed" Land Rover in Kalahari Kingdom. New England Aquarium features the Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank where guests can touch these marine animals. The New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center offers close encounters with California sea lions. Buttonwood Park Zoo provides interactive programs with various species. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary allows visitors to meet farm animals including baby sheep and goats each spring, plus view rehabilitated native wildlife up close.

Several facilities specialize in Massachusetts and New England wildlife. Buttonwood Park Zoo's theme "From the Berkshires to the Sea" showcases nearly 200 species of regional land and water wildlife in natural habitats. Mass Audubon operates multiple wildlife sanctuaries with native animal exhibits: Drumlin Farm (raptors including hawks, owls, vultures; red fox; native reptiles and amphibians), Blue Hills Trailside Museum (river otters and other non-releasable native wildlife), and Wellfleet Bay (native fish, crabs, and turtles from Cape Cod waters). Woods Hole Science Aquarium displays 80+ species from Northeast and Middle Atlantic waters. Stone Zoo features North American species including black bears, river otters, cougars, and Mexican gray wolves. Cape Wildlife Center and New England Wildlife Center both rehabilitate native Massachusetts wildlife.

Several Massachusetts zoos cater specifically to young families. Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford is highly recommended for its compact 7-acre size, accessible trails, zoo train, carousel, playground, and interactive programs perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Stone Zoo's 26-acre property offers a manageable visit for families with young children who might tire at larger facilities. Franklin Park Zoo features Nature's Neighborhoods Children's Zoo with a walk-through aviary, Franklin Farm with touchable heritage farm animals, and nature play areas. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary provides hands-on farm experiences with baby animals each spring. Taylor-Bray Farm offers free admission and close encounters with domesticated animals. The Zoo in Forest Park (Springfield) provides easy navigation in a smaller space with rescued animals and meaningful educational stories.

Admission prices vary by facility. Zoo New England facilities (Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo) charge adults $19.95, seniors 62+ $17.95, children 2-12 $12.95, plus a $2 safety/processing fee per ticket. New England Aquarium charges adults $33+ with advance online purchase recommended as weekends sell out. A Zoo New England family membership costs $125/year for unlimited admission to both facilities (two adults, four children). Southwick's Zoo pricing varies; a value pass offers 12 admission tickets for $264, and individual memberships through Earth Ltd range from $264-380. Several facilities offer free admission: Woods Hole Science Aquarium (donation-based), Taylor-Bray Farm (donations appreciated), and Massachusetts K-12 school groups at Zoo New England. Special discounts available for military, EBT/WIC cardholders, and groups of 10+.

Massachusetts zoos actively participate in numerous conservation initiatives. Buttonwood Park Zoo is involved in the Cape Cod Stranding Network (marine mammal rescue) and Species Survival Plan programs for endangered species breeding. New England Aquarium's Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life conducts long-running research on critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, and its Quincy Animal Care Center rescues and rehabilitates hundreds of sea turtles annually. The aquarium also leads ocean conservation efforts globally. Southwick's Zoo operates the Earth Discovery Center focusing on wildlife rehabilitation and conservation education. AZA-accredited facilities (6 in Massachusetts) all participate in Species Survival Plans, coordinated breeding programs for threatened and endangered species. Mass Audubon sanctuaries contribute to wildlife conservation through rehabilitation and habitat protection. Cape Wildlife Center and New England Wildlife Center provide veterinary care for injured native wildlife.

Most Massachusetts zoos offer extensive accessibility accommodations. Buttonwood Park Zoo provides accessible trails throughout its 7-acre campus. Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo offer wheelchair access, accessible pathways, and ADA-compliant facilities. The New England Aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators to all exhibit levels. Mass Audubon sanctuaries feature accessible trails and facilities, with Drumlin Farm and Blue Hills Trailside Museum both offering wheelchair-accessible paths. Woods Hole Science Aquarium is accessible for self-guided tours. Many facilities also offer autism-friendly programs - Southwick's Zoo participates in Autism Alliance programs, and EcoTarium provides autism-friendly visiting hours. Service animals are welcome at all facilities. Contact individual zoos before visiting to arrange specific accessibility needs such as wheelchair rentals, sensory-friendly hours, or assisted listening devices.

Related Resources

Last updated on November 27, 2025