Franklin Park — Attraction in Boston

Took my family to see the Boston lights show at the zoo and one of my family members is handicap there was zero availability for handicap parking and the police were blocking a good like 5 spaces being parked in that area to direct traffic so that sucked but in retrospect it was labor day weekend on Sunday night in Boston so I should have known better and probably arrived earlier to secure parking... To anyone not handicap expect a walk on a busy day/evening here . Anyways I didn't purchase tickets In advance so we had to buy them at the door and even then we were only in line for less than 5 minutes in fact the people who prepaid waited in a massive line and waited probably 15 minutes to get in. So yeah maybe sometimes not pre ordering is helpful?? Anyways the light show was AMAZING I was blown away by the amount of lights and exhibits and the length of the walk thats is pretty much non stop beautiful intracit incredible talent for those who planned, set up and executed the show and also to those who maintain it as EVERY SINGLE LIGHT WORKED EVERY EXHIBIT WORKED and they had a ton of interactive sections for adults and kids of younger ages. I think they did an excellent job of making the show appealing to someone of any age any personality type ECT. It's an affordable option for a truly appealing to everyone "something for everyone" family outing. I mean my 14 year old didn't roll her eyes once and was truly impressed which is a miracle if you have ever had or known a 14 year old girl.... lol... My 8 year old was equally impressed. I can't wait to go back next year and see the new theme. I'm not sure what the official theme is called this year but there was lots of dragons and Egypt themed stuff of course a huge variety of animals themed stuff. Also I went at 745pm and like I said took me 5 minutes to get thru the line buy my tickets and be inside but when we were leaving at like 858pm when they sell last tickets at 9pm the line was out to the road in all sections prepaid/buying at door and it was getting "over crowded" so I think 745 is a perfect time to go right now Bec it's dark enough for you to be able to truly enjoy the lights but not crazy busy. But again I went Sunday of Labor Day weekend so maybe my experience is gonna be totally different than yours. Love Franklin Park zoo during the day and now I know to love it at night as well....

Went to Franklin Park Zoo to see Boston Lights. This year's theme was apparently Asian. Although this is my first time ever attending. WOW!! So much better than I expected. Starting with the trees outside the main entrance and the entrance itself. Multiple tunnels of beautiful light sculptures that you walk through all along the paths, immersing you into the beauty between exhibits. Lovely soothing and relaxing music magically surrounds you which really completes the sensory experience of feeling like you are within a wonderland!! The weather on the evening I was there was pretty good. A little chilly, but not too cold and no wind or precipitation. My sister and I stopped at a stand offering hot chocolate near the beginning. Right near the glowing panda sculptures. It was absolutely delicious! And we both swore it warmed us up as soon as it cooled enough to drink, and kept us warm through the rest of our visit. About 1 1/2 - 2 hours to walk through and see everything, as it's not a very large zoo. Depending on how much you stop and how long you spend taking pictures. We did not have any children with us, but enjoyed watching the children around us in amazement. And there were a couple of interactive exhibits that the kids seemed to really enjoy. I've heard that the tickets sold out quite quickly for each session, so best to get them as early as possible. We were lucky enough to get tickets through the hospital where my sister works. So if you work for a large employer check at your HR office. If you weren't able to make it this year, I urge you to put it on your calendar for next year. Yes, it's that good! Wonderful family, friends or romantic couple evening. And all proceeds go to help support the zoo! If someone took me to this on a first date, I might just marry them! Heehee! Don't miss this people!! Wonderful memories I know I'll have for years to come. And boy did my sister and I need a positive, relaxing experience, as stressed as we've both been this year. Like everyone else. And this really...

The light show props are there to make up for the lack of animals at the zoo. They are really pretty, but almost a waste to go during the summer time, b.c it obviously doesn't get dark towards the evening. Very few animals to see and you can finish the whole zoo in an hour or less.

Inside the animal cages, the space is quite small. It's good that there are only a couple animals in them. If you don't have much on your agenda and have kids then the zoo would be good for you. I'm comparing this zoo to the Bronx Zoo so it may be unfair, but I think in a very established city like Boston, it should have a nicer zoo.

I had to go to Franklin Park because I paid for the City Pass. Word of advice, do not get the City Pass b.c the tourist attractions are just mediocre. If you're only interested in the zoo then just pay for the zoo. However, if you're interested in all the Boston attractions provided by City Pass then go for it. City Pass does NOT include whale watch.

This zoo definitely needs more funding from the state and government. This is the closest zoo to Boston and sadly it's not that great. The harbor and Central Boston are rich enough already. Spend money on facilities for children and...