DoRoxbury
Franklin Park Zoo, founded in 1912, is a 72-acre site nestled in Boston’s historic Franklin Park. This zoo contains a combined 10,000 sq ft of playground area and uses play to teach children about conservation and wildlife. In addition, it has an Australian bird aviary, a bird world's exhibit, an African lions exhibit, a tigers exhibit, a tropical forest environment, an outback trail, a butterfly tent, barn houses with farm animals, expansive giraffe and zebra savannah, a camel trek, a carousel, a train ride, a stationary jeep ride, picnic areas, a southwestern-themed grill concession stand, and a children's zoo!
Summer: Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-6PM; Winter: 10AM-4PM daily·Adult $20, senior: $17, child $14. Members and children under 2, free
The crown jewel in Frederick Law Olmstead's Emerald Necklace system of parks, Franklin Park brings together rural scenery, a woodland preserve, and areas for recreation and sports. Although funding for upkeep has been inconsistent over the years, the park's 485 acres provide thousands of city dwellers with unmatched green space. Take your time and investigate the old stone bridges and ruins scattered along the 15+ miles of rustic walking/hiking paths. Urban explorers shouldn't miss the Long Crouch Woods, site of Boston's first zoo, or the historic White Stadium, built in 1949, home of nearby public high school Boston Latin School's football team, and host of a large Black Panther rally back in 1969. A grand staircase, deteriorating for a century, arcs up to reveal a long arcade lined with giant bear cages built of iron. If you're looking for a more focused undertaking, check out the entries for the golf course and modern zoo below.
24 hours daily·Free