Top Things to do in Massachusetts
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10 Zoos & Aquariums in Massachusetts That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Massachusetts, United States including Children's Aquarium and Exploration Center of GFR, WWI Memorial Park and Zoo, Capron Park Zoo, Southwick's Zoo, Animal Adventures Family Zoo & Rescue Center, The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center, New England Aquarium, Nantucket Aquarium, Aquarium of the National Marine Fisheries, Woods Hole Science Aquarium.
Restaurants in Massachusetts
1. Children's Aquarium and Exploration Center of GFR
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Interactive aquarium with touch am tank, dress up area, crafts room, and more. Great for kids of elementary school age
2. WWI Memorial Park and Zoo
3. Capron Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
Free park playground and picnic areas surrounding the zoo; great for younger children. "Splashpad Playspace" (water playground) located in the zoo during the summer.
Reviewed By funhunterEdgartown - Martha's Vineyard, United States
This is a small zoo about 6 miles off of Rt. 495. It is perfect for young children as they don't need to walk for miles. There is a terrific playground outside the gates and a beautiful park - no charge! The admission is very reasonable. There is food available inside the gates and a seating area. We wandered around the zoo and saw many interesting animals in well-maintained settings. We loved the lemur villages on the islands. The rainforest was also very interesting. But the highlight was arriving at the splash park (near the entrance). This is one of the best splash parks that I have been to....and since my grandkids love splash parks we have been to many. It is shaded and there are benches for tired parents and grandparents. Great day trip.....wonderful place to visit with your family.
4. Southwick's Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 500 reviews
Open from early April through October, Southwick’s Zoo is a privately-owned zoo located at 2 Southwick Street in Mendon, MA. Spanning over 200 acres, Southwick’s Zoo is New England’s largest zoological experience. Southwick's is home to over 850 animals in naturalistic habitats including lions, tigers, giraffes, chimpanzees, white rhinos, two-toed sloths, and more. Southwick’s also offers a wide variety of attractions including the Skyfari Sky Ride, Woodland Express Train, Soaring Eagle Zip Line, 35-acre Deer Forest, petting zoo, walk-through aviary, presentations and keeper talks, the Rainforest Adventure Maze, the EARTH Discovery Center, and so much more! Southwick’s Zoo’s mission is to provide an extensive zoological collection and educational facility for their visitors. Southwick’s Zoo offers a full day of family fun and an exciting environment for visitors to learn more about animals and their conservation.
Reviewed By rockwood13 - Needham, United States
My wife and I took advantage of a nice sunny day mid-week in early October to visit Southwick Zoo. We had not been there for more than 15 years when our children were young. It is about an hour away from our house and when we arrived there we were pleased to see that it wasn't crowded and there was plenty of parking. Because it was during the week and it was nearing the end of the season the cost of admission was reduced from $28.00 to $20.00 for an adult. If you belong to certain other organizations such as AAA you can also get an additional discount of $2.00. In our opinion this is the best zoo in Massachusetts. They have a large number of animals (the website says more than 150) and many of them I have not seen at other zoos in Massachusetts. Among the animals are cheetahs, chimpanzees, lions, tigers, giraffes, and rhinos. Many of the animals you can get quite close to for exceptional viewing. The giraffes even approached us as we were viewing them, most likely as the zoo at certain times of the year has "giraffe encounters" where you can actually feed the giraffes. The animals are spread out over a large nicely wooded area which provides a good amount of shade to keep you from getting too hot on summer days. We brought our lunch and ate at one of the many picnic areas in the park. They also have several areas in the park and a restaurant adjoining the park where you can buy food. We spent several hours walking around the park viewing the animals. For small children they also have a petting zoo where you can feed and pet pygmy goats. In addition to the animals, Southwick Zoo also has some rides. They have some kiddie rides that were closed during our visit. They also have pony rides and camel rides which in the fall are only open on weekends. Also they have the Skyfari ride and Woodland Express rides which were open when we went and were actually included in the price of admission during our visit. The Skyfari ride is lke a chairlift that takes you above some of the animal exhibits while the Woodland Express is a train ride that takes you through part of the forest. We only took the Skyfari ride and enjoyed the relaxing ride and view. We found the people working at Southwick Zoo to be very nice and thought the zoo was very clean and all the animals looked to be well cared for. If you are looking for a zoo to visit in Massachusetts and only have time to visit one, this would be my choice. Based on our experience we will return there in again in the future.
5. Animal Adventures Family Zoo & Rescue Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By JYB312 - Natick, United States
Went today, a bitter cold January day, to Animal Adventures with my 3 year old. We did a little private tour and while my child was nervous about being so close to the animals, the zoo keeper that took us on the tour was super patient and warm with her. I think my child will forever remember watching the chameleon eat crickets and making the kookaburra laugh with her jokes. Nice selection of animals and much more hands on and interactive than I expected. Great way to spend a couple hours.
6. The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 123 reviews
The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center is a non-profit organization governed by the Forest Park Zoological Society. Situated in Forest Park, a 735 acre woodland park in Springfield, The Zoo features exotic and indigenous animals representing a large variety of species found throughout the world and in North America. The Zoo is dedicated to wildlife education, offers a variety of educational programs and special events for children and adults. Zoo On The Go, Guided Tours and Discovery Programs can be adapted to all age groups and interests. With different events almost every weekend, The Zoo allows guests of all ages to explore multiple aspects of science while having fun. Zoo Camp, during both winter and summer school vacations all children ages 6-13 to explore nature, discover wildlife and meet exotic creatures.
Reviewed By BTompkins1 - Springfield, United States
What an adorable zoo! From the sweet camels that eat from your hand to the monkeys who swing and play to the wolves who run around their yard. It is so perfect for a day trip! I come here every year and every year it gets better! They just opened a new beaver exhibit with a baby beaver and an orphaned beaver. They take in animals that otherwise wouldnt have a home. Their signage explains everything. Not too expensive to get in either!
7. New England Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5,631 reviews
The New England Aquarium is a global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation. With more than 1.3 million visitors a year, the Aquarium is one of the premier visitor attractions in Boston and a major public education resource for the region. During your visit, reach out and gently touch cownose rays, Atlantic rays, and epaulette sharks as they swim through The Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank, then dive into the Science of Sharks at our exhibit featuring shark species from around the world. Meet three different species of penguins and pet a sea star, meet a lobster, or cradle a hermit crab at the Edge of the Sea’s tidepool touch tank. Wind your way along the four-story Giant Ocean Tank and be mesmerized by the 200,000-gallon Caribbean coral reef exhibit teeming with more than 1,000 marine animals. The Aquarium has something to entertain visitors of all ages and Aquarium educators are always present to answer any questions.
Reviewed By jammydodger14 - Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
It was amazing and the big tank in the centre of the building with the big turtles and the amazing corals. The penguins were spectacular!!
8. Nantucket Aquarium
9. Aquarium of the National Marine Fisheries
10. Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 522 reviews
This aquarium offers visitors the chance to watch the seals being fed.
Reviewed By rifam
We were pleased that during our off-season trip to the Cape the Woods Hole aquarium was open. There is only metered street parking. Meters take quarters (25 cents for 15 minutes and I think there was also a credit card option. There are several tanks on the main level and upstairs you can see the tanks from above. There is also a small touch tank. There were no seals in residence while we were there. It took us about an hour to walk thru all the exhibits.
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