There's A Nature Center Right Next To A Zoo In Massachusetts, Making For A Fun-Filled Family Outing
By Melissa Mahoney|Published August 04, 2022
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
Sure you can take a day trip to one location or a road trip over the course of several days. But if you want to make the best out of one day, we have a suggestion for you. How about taking the family to two different fun-filled places that are right next to each other? A day trip that includes both the Franklin Park Zoo and Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary makes the perfect full-day family outing in Massachusetts.
Our first stop is at Franklin Park Zoo. This 72-acre zoo has been a family favorite in the Boston area since its founding in 1912.
There are approximately 1,000 animals at this zoo. From gorillas to tigers, camels, goats, and more, the kids will be delighted with all the animals they'll see.
An experience that kids and adults alike absolutely love is a Giraffe Encounter. During the encounter, you will get to feed a giraffe which is one of the most memorable things you can do at the zoo.
You may also want to consider booking a behind-the-scenes tour in order to get an up close and personal encounter with select zoo animals.
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Franklin Park Zoo also hosts events throughout the year like Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience. Check the website and Facebook page for further event details.
Located next door to the zoo a mere two miles away, Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary is set on the grounds of a former hospital. This urban sanctuary is run by the Mass Audubon and is free to the public.
There are several trails and boardwalks here to take you through the natural landscape including wetlands and meadows. It's such a beautiful wildlife refuge that it's almost hard to believe it's in the city!
When you're out exploring the grounds, be on the lookout for birds and other wildlife. There have been 40 species of butterflies, 150 bird species, and 350 plant species found here.
Programs are offered throughout the year as well. To learn more about Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary, visit the Mass Audubon website and Facebook page.
Have you ever been to Franklin Park Zoo and/or Boston Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary? What is your favorite family outing in Massachusetts? Tell us in the comments!
