Do you know any kid who doesn’t love animals? Zoos and aquariums are popular destinations when it comes to families with kids. Boston is home to great options of places to see animals, and there are also many others within an hour’s drive from the city that is absolutely worth the trip! Are you ready for your next family adventure? Then check out this list of great places to see animals in and near Boston!
Where: 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: Summer Hours (April 1 – September 30) | 9 AM – 5 PM weekdays (last entry at 4 PM) | 9 AM– 6 PM weekends and major holidays (last entry at 5 PM) | Winter Hours (October 1- March 31) | 9 AM – 4 PM daily (last entry at 3 PM)
This 72-acre zoo is a must-visit Boston’s attraction!
Besides the many unique species, you can find an interactive children’s zoo, amazing exhibits, a 10,000 square-foot playground, and more! The zoo also offers programs, workshops, and lectures for all ages!
Where: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, USA
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9 AM– 6 PM | Friday: 10 AM – 8 PM | Weekends: 9 AM– 6 PM
Get ready to find and learn about thousands of marine species!
The New England Aquarium offers amazing exhibits such as the largest shark and ray touch tank on the East Coast and the Giant Ocean Tank! The Aquarium is also home to the largest IMAX screen in New England.
Where: 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA 02180, USA
Hours: Summer Hours (April 1 – September 30): 9 AM – 5 PM weekdays (last entry at 4 PM)| 9 AM – 6 PM weekends and major holidays (last entry at 5 PM)
Winter Hours (October 1- March 31): 9 AM – 4 PM daily (last entry at 3 PM)
Just a half-hour from Boston, Stone Zoo is home to many exotic species.
The entire family will have a blast enjoying the amazing attractions and exhibits such as the Animal Discovery Center where everyone can enjoy a fun educational time!
Where: 281 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: OPEN Tuesday through Sunday 10 AM- 5 pm | Last admission of the day sold at 4:30 PM | CLOSED Monday
This 8,000 square foot indoor conservatory is home to nearly 4,000 free-flying, exotic, and domestic butterflies, exotic reptiles, fish, frogs, insects, and birds that you can see up-close and personal!
Where: 2 Southwick St, Mendon, MA 01756, USA
Hours: Open Daily: 10 AM -5 PM
This 200 acres zoo is home to over 850 animals in naturalistic habitats and it offers unforgettable experiences!
The Southwick’s Zoo is one of New England’s largest zoos and it features amazing attractions for the whole family!
Where: 1 Science Park, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
Hours: Daily | 9 AM- 5 PM
The Museum of Science features a beautiful tropical garden where you can investigate carnivorous plants, see some invertebrates such as beetles, insects,, true bugs, scorpions, tarantulas, and more!
Where: 336 Sugar Road, Bolton, MA 01740, USA
This exotic animal rescue center cares for animals and educates the public about the diverse animal life and how to handle different creatures, including snakes, lizards, tortoises, and others.
Where: 201 County St, Attleboro, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
Little kids love visiting the Capron Park & Zoo!
This small park is home to plenty of animals from all over the world, and it offers a zero-depth water playground for the little ones to enjoy after meeting the animals!
Where: 425 Hawthorn St, New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: Summer Hours (April – October): 9 AM– 5 PM, daily (with the last admission at 4:15 PM)
Winter Hours: (November – March): 9 AM– 4 PM, daily (with the last admission at 3:15 PM)
Home to over 180 species, the Buttonwood Park Zoo is an amazing destination for families with kids!
You will encounter animals from both local and around the world and enjoy amazing exhibits and attractions!
Where: 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Hours: Summer Hours (April 1 – September 30): 9 AM – 5 PM weekdays (last entry at 4 PM) – 9 AM– 6 PM weekends and major holidays (last entry at 5 PM)
Winter Hours (October 1- March 31): 9 AM – 4 PM daily (last entry at 3 PM)
Butterfly Hollow is an outdoor exhibit that features beautiful butterflies, garden beds, a pong, relaxing music, fairy houses, and more!
Stroll in this lovely and tranquil environment while you cross paths with colorful butterflies!
