Franklin Park Zoo
INFO
Franklin Park Zoo is a 72-acre site nestled in Boston’s historic Franklin Park, long considered the "crown jewel" of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace Park System. The Zoo was founded in 1912 and was managed by the City of Boston until 1958, when the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC), a state agency, assumed management. The MDC managed the Zoos until 1991, when Governor William Weld signed legislation to create the private Commonwealth Zoological Corporation (CZC). In July of 1997 the CZC changed its name to Zoo New England to reflect the changing image of the Zoos.
GETTING THERE
Take the Fenway exit to Route 1 South
Follow Route 1 to Route 203 East, following signs for Franklin Park Zoo
Once you pass the Arnold Arboretum, keep left to go on overpass
At the next rotary, go two-thirds of the way around
Enter Franklin Park, and follow Zoo signs
Take exit 15A (Dedham Exit) to Route 1A
Stay on Route 1 (approximately 4 miles) until it becomes the VFW Parkway
Continue on the VFW Parkway, approximately 3 miles, until it ends
Take a left on Centre Street
At the rotary take 203 East onto the Arborway
Pass the Arnold Arboretum and keep left to go on overpass
At next rotary, go two-thirds of the way around, enter Franklin Park, and follow Zoo signs
Take I-93S to Exit 15, Columbia Road
At the end of ramp take a right onto Columbia Road
At the 3rd light Columbia Road turns left
Continue on Columbia Road through 9 more lights
Go straight across Blue Hill Avenue
Parking for the zoo is on the left - entrance into the zoo is on your right. If lot is full, stay straight on Franklin Park Road and there is additional parking on your right
Take I-93N to Exit 15, Columbia Road
Take a right at the end of the ramp - you must go up and around the rotary and then come back - to be heading in the correct direction on Columbia Road
At the 3rd set of lights, Columbia Road turns left. Continue on Columbia Road through 9 more sets of lights
Go straight across Blue Hill Avenue
Parking for the zoo is on the left - entrance into the zoo is on your right. If lot is full, stay straight on Franklin Park Road and there is additional parking on your right
Take Route 9 to Route 1 (the Jamaica Way) south
Follow Route 1 to Route 203 East
Stay in the left lane and go over the overpass
At the next rotary go two-thirds of the way around, enter Franklin Park, and follow Zoo signs
Take the Orange Line or Commuter Rail to Forest Hills station, then take the number 16 bus to the Franklin Park Zoo.
Take the Orange Line or Commuter Rail to Ruggles station, then take the number 22, 28, 29, 44 or 45 bus to the Franklin Park Zoo.
Take the Red line to Andrew station, then take the number 16 bus to the Franklin Park Zoo.
All of the above bus lines will take you to the Zoo.
GETTING AROUND
Franklin Park Zoo is handicapped accessible. Guests who rely on service animals may bring them into the Zoo, provided that the animals remain properly leashed. Guests are solely responsible for the care and control of their animals. Wheelchairs are available for rental. Please call 617-989-3738 for advance reservations.
OTHER
Food: Franklin Park Zoo's indoor, southwestern-themed Giddy-Up Grill concession stand (open year-round) offers delicious treats for the whole family. The Giddy-Up Grill proudly serves a fine selection of wraps, sandwiches, and salads by Sandela's, pizza from Uno's, and many other kid-friendly foods. At the seasonal Kalahari Kitchen guests can find hamburgers, hotdogs, and other morsels fresh off the grill. Also note that there are plenty of outdoor picnic tables where you can bring your own food to the Zoo and eat.
Gift Shop: Discover some wild finds at the Things Wild Gift Shop. Plush toys, games, apparel, and much more are available year-round.