When the kids are out of school for holiday breaks, spring break, or the summer, many families pack up the car and head out to do something less conventional than a trip to grandma’s house (which is essential!).
Zoos and aquariums are an excellent chance to involve the entire family while seeing unique land, aquatic animals, plants, and insects.
From Springfield to Boston, there are plenty of destinations in Massachusetts to get a little taste of the wild without needing a passport.
Keep reading to learn more about the best zoos and aquariums in Massachusetts!
Contents
- 13 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Massachusetts
- Thirteen: Little River Farm
- Twelve: EcoTarium
- Eleven: Winslow Animal Farm Sanctuary
- Ten: The Big E Petting Zoo
- Nine: WWI Memorial Park and Zoo
- Eight: Lupa Zoo
- Seven: The Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center
- Six: Buttonwood Park Zoo
- Five: Capron Park Zoo
- Four: New England Aquarium
- Three: Massachusetts Southwick’s Zoo
- Two: Stone Zoo
- One: Franklin Park Zoo
- 13 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Massachusetts – Summary Table
- Massachusetts Safety Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
13 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Massachusetts
These are the top zoos and aquariums to visit in the state:
Thirteen: Little River Farm
Located in Belchertown, Little River Farm is a veteran-owned and operated family farm that raises Alpacas and shares animals with the public through farm visits.
While this is not a traditional zoo, it still has many animals for visitors to engage with and learn more about the importance of conservation.
Little River Farm is also home to chickens, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, and Mini-Donkeys.
Groups of six or more individuals are required to register, but groups or individuals under that amount are free of charge.
Twelve: EcoTarium
EcoTarium is a nature and science museum in Worcester that features several traveling and permanent exhibits, including wildlife, the Alden Planetarium, and a train, a scale model of a steam engine from the 1860s.
Most animals at the EcoTarium are residents because of illness, human socialization, injuries, or other issues which make them unable to return to the wild.
Therefore, enclosures have been designed to meet the species’ needs and accommodate each animal’s physical limitations.
Many animals are on exhibit, such as barred owls, bald eagles, golden eagles, red foxes, and river otters.
Eleven: Winslow Animal Farm Sanctuary
The Winslow Animal Farm Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization that’s home to hundreds of animals that have been neglected or abandoned, including emus, dogs, cats, pheasants, mules, donkeys, geese, ducks, chickens, peacocks, goats, alpacas, llamas, sheep, and horses.
Founded in 1996, this farm provides care and love to animals without a home or those who have been neglected or abused.
The focus of this location is to create a safe space where animals can begin to trust humans again.
Ten: The Big E Petting Zoo
Located in West Springfield, the Big E, or Eastern States Exposition, is a multi-state operation representing all six New England States and includes petting zoos, shows, rides, and food.
The Big E’s petting zoo features camels, sheep, goats, and many other friendly farm animals.
Best of all, admission to the petting zoo is free, but there is a charge to feed the animals.
Additionally, the petting zoo features hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of germs after touching the animals and water.
Adult tickets cost only $12, while children’s tickets are $8.
Nine: WWI Memorial Park and Zoo
The WWI Memorial Park and Zoo in North Attleboro offer a petting zoo, picnic areas, open fields for sports, a ski slope, playgrounds, and a memorial garden.
In addition, the park is home to pigs, sheep, llamas, donkeys, deer, peacocks, ducks, and many other farm animals.
For families who wish to explore several activities in a single day, the WW1 Memorial Park and Zoo is the ideal option, as there is something for everyone!
Best of all, admission is free, and it’s open seven days per week.
Eight: Lupa Zoo
Situated on a 20-acre plot of land in Ludlow, the Lupa Zoo is an educational and conservation institution demonstrating all living beings’ interdependence, beauty, and value.
The park enhances your experience by offering entertainment and educational value while being visually compelling.
The zoo is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday through Sunday, and is closed for cleaning.
Seven: The Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center
Located at Forest Park in Springfield, the zoo spans four acres and is home to numerous endangered, native, and exotic creatures.
The zoo is focused on wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, and education of the general public to help make a difference in the local and global environment.
Highlights of this destination include Close Encounter Discovery Programs, Guided Tours, and Wildlife on Wheels, as some of the many educational programs for adults and children.
These activities aim to ensure visitors can explore various science and natural aspects fun and engagingly.
This seven-acre doo is in the middle of Buttonwood Park in New Bedford.
Owned and operated by the city with help from the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society, Buttonwood Park Zoo opened in 1894 as a deer menagerie and park.
It took the claim of being the 12th oldest zoo in the U.S., with over 240 species highlighted by countless waterfowl, South American primates, otters, seals, eagles, black bears, cougars, bison, red pandas, and Asian elephants.
Additionally, the Buttonwood Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is considered one of the finest small zoos in the country.
Five: Capron Park Zoo
Although a much smaller zoo compared to several others in the state, Capron Park Zoo is an excellent choice for younger children since there are fewer lines while viewing a decent number of exhibits.
Also, the zoo is an easy day trip from most areas of the state, regardless if you’re visiting or a resident.
Located close to the Rhode Island state line in Attleboro, this zoo features a variety of local and several exotic animals and ZooQuest Adventure Tours, which allow visitors to engage with various friendly species while learning more about their habitats.
Four: New England Aquarium
As a public aquarium located in Boston, the New England Aquarium is considered the catalyst for global change through effective advocacy for vibrant and vital oceans, innovative scientific research, leadership in education, commitment to marine animal conservation, and public engagement.
The aquarium draws approximately 1.3 million visitors annually and boasts numerous exhibits for guests to enjoy.
Some of the most popular include the Amazon Rainforest exhibit, the Penguin exhibit, Shark and Ray Touch Tank, Sea Jellies, and the Giant Ocean Tank.
Additionally, the aquarium features a 200,000-gallon Caribbean Coral Reef, which over 1,000 marine animals call home!
Three: Massachusetts Southwick’s Zoo
Located in Stoneham, Southwick’s Zoo is owned and operated by Zoo New England.
Nestled on a 200-acre property near the Spot Pond Reservoir, the Stone Zoo was founded in 1905 as a tiny institution for animals.
Since then, the zoo has grown by leaps and bounds to offer numerous exotic and local animals that will dazzle and educate the mind.
Recently, a baby porcupine or porcupette was born and is on display at the zoo shortly after birth.
Additionally, several educational programs are continuously operating to inform the public about the importance of wildlife and environmental conservation.
Two: Stone Zoo
Operated by Zoo New England, Stone Zoo is an easy half-hour drive from Boston in the town of Mendon.
Although this is another small zoo on the list, it packs a punch with its snow leopard ad Gila monster exhibit.
Additionally, the zoo features numerous shows that the kids will surely enjoy while gaining new knowledge of animal conservation, protecting the environment and the different species they see at the park.
One: Franklin Park Zoo
This 72-acre park situated in Boston has been continuously operating since 1912.
Currently, the zoo is operated by Zoo New England and is one of the largest in the city.
Zoo New England’s mission with Franklin Park Zoo is to inspire individuals to sustain and protect the natural world so future generations can enjoy the same animal experiences as today.
This is accomplished through engaging and fun activities integrating conservation and wildlife programs, education, and research.
In April 2022, the Franklin Park Zoo opened the new Gorilla Grove habitat, which was constructed to replicate the gorillas’ home environment.
13 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Massachusetts – Summary Table
| Zoos & Aquariums | Address |
|---|---|
| Little River Farm | 2 River St, Belchertown, MA 01007, United States |
| EcoTarium | 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, MA 01604, USA |
| Winslow Animal Farm Sanctuary | 37 Eddy St, Norton, MA 02766, USA |
| The Big E Petting Zoo | 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA 01089, USA |
| WWI Memorial Park and Zoo | 365 Elmwood St, North Attleborough, MA 02760, USA |
| Lupa Zoo | 62 Nash Hill Rd, Ludlow, MA 01056, USA |
| The Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center | 293 Sumner Ave, Springfield, MA 01108, United States |
| Buttonwood Park Zoo | 425 Hawthorn St, New Bedford, MA 02740, USA |
| Capron Park Zoo | 201 County St, Attleboro, MA 02703, USA |
| New England Aquarium | 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, USA |
| Massachusetts Southwick's Zoo | 2 Southwick St, Mendon, MA 01756, USA |
| Stone Zoo | 149 Pond St, Stoneham, MA 02180, USA |
| Franklin Park Zoo | 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA 02121, USA |
Massachusetts Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Massachusetts Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest zoo in Massachusetts?
With over 200 acres of property consisting of tall oak trees and habitats specific to each animal, Southwick’s Zoo is the largest experience in New England, with over 850 animals, including sloths, white rhinos, chimpanzees, giraffes, tigers, lions, and many more animals!
Is Franklin Park Zoo better to visit than Stone Zoo?
While Stone Zoo is smaller than Franklin Park Zoo, the exhibits between the two parks are different, so you aren’t getting a watered-down version when visiting one versus the other.
Stone Zoo has expanded its exhibits to include meerkats, gibbons, and black bears at over one century old.
The preference of selecting one zoo over another is subjective based on the exhibits and activities occurring at each zoo and what you want to see.
How many zoos and aquariums exist in Massachusetts?
Although small, the state boasts an impressive 15 zoos and aquariums in and around the largest cities.
Luckily, getting from one state to the other only takes a few hours of driving, so it’s possible to visit multiple locations in a day.
How well-known is the New England Aquarium?
The New England Aquarium is a global leader in marine conservation and exploration.
With over 1.3 million visitors annually, this aquarium is one of the most visited attractions in Boston.
In addition, it is a source of major public education on marine life in the entire region.
Therefore, if you’re visiting Boston, take advantage of this incredible aquarium.
