Boston Lights at Franklin Park Zoo 2020
Franklin Park Zoo will be hosting Boston Lights from late August to early November starting at 5pm. It will be nightly until the September 13th and then Thursday thru Sunday September 14th thru November.
Experience the wonder of over 50 magnificent displays comprised of hundreds of beautifully crafted lanterns spanning Franklin Park Zoo’s 72 acres. The first of its kind in New England, our lantern experience will dazzle and delight guests of all ages!
We invite you to walk (socially distanced, of course) through a luminous 66-foot-long shark tunnel, dramatic entrance arches, radiant flower gardens, and traditional Asian lantern scenes. Glimmering butterflies, whimsical ocean scenes and a majestic 197-foot-long dragon will light up the night sky. Little entertainers can even make their own music on a giant step-and-play piano!
Please respect the beauty of the lights and do not touch the lanterns.
Tickets
Advanced Online Ticket Purchase Required
General Admission:
Non-Members $19.95 | Members: $17.95
Family 4 Pack:
Non-Members: $67.95 | Members: $59.95
| PURCHASE NON-MEMBER TICKETS | PURCHASE MEMBER TICKETS |
Are reservations required for entry to the Zoo?
Yes, reservations are required for both members and non-members. Reservations are made for a specific date and time to ensure the Zoo is operating safety within the capacity limit and adhering to the proper social distancing requirements.
General admission and member reservations are limited each day. Once capacity is reached, we will be unable to allow entry to any more guests. Please note: Members must purchase tickets for this event. Boston Lights admission is not included with membership.
To make the check-in process as fast and safe as possible, please print your tickets before arriving at the Zoo.
Guests with general admission will need their reserved tickets (printed or on phone) to check in.
Guests must arrive at their reserved time slot to ensure capacity is not exceeded. The final time slot for Boston Lights is 9:30 p.m. each night.
If you arrive early for your designated time slot, please wait in your vehicle until 5 minutes before your time slot.
Please do not arrive after your designated time slot, as capacity within time slots is limited. We ask that all guests make every effort to arrive on time. If you have a concern please call 617-989-2076.
Will you accept cash as payment?
Tickets must be purchased ahead of time online. We accept all major credit and debit cards.
If you need to use cash to purchase a ticket, please call ahead of time at 617-989-2076.
Cash will be accepted at all of our concession and gift locations.
What if I am late for my reserved time slot?
Capacity within time slots is limited. We ask that all guests make every effort to arrive on time. If you have a concern please call 617-989-2076.
What if I make a reservation and I’m unable to attend at the date/time I selected?
In order for a timed reservation system to work as best as possible, please make sure you are able to attend your reserved slot at time of purchase.
I bought the wrong tickets/timeslot. Can this be fixed?
All ticket sales are final. Due to capacity limits, we cannot reschedule or refund tickets.
Can I reserve tickets for a group?
At this time, group size is limited to 10 people or less. It is recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that groups contain members of the same household.
After I purchase my reservation and enter the Zoo, will my time be limited or restricted?
Each timed reservation group should have more than enough time to see the lanterns and open exhibits, however it is important to note that most Zoo pathways will be set in a one-way direction, encouraging guests to move along while adhering to the social distancing recommendations set by the state and CDC.
Will the animals be on exhibit?
Yes, some animals, including cranes, zebras, wildebeest, camels and kangaroos, will be on exhibit until a half hour before sunset. The Children’s Zoo will not be open during Boston Lights, although you will be able to see the prairie dogs and the red pandas from the main walkway.
Please note:
For the animals’ health, safety and well-being, some animals may not be on exhibit due to weather, exhibit work, or veterinary care.
When spending time at an exhibit, please respect physical distancing guidelines.
Will the playground and play structures be open?
No, the playground and play structures will not be open during Boston Lights.
Will the indoor buildings be open?
No, the indoor Tropical Forest Pavilion, Bird’s World and the barnyard will not be open during Boston Lights. Guests can enjoy these spaces during a daytime visit.
Are you open if it’s raining?
Yes! All tickets are rain-or-shine, and we don’t offer refunds, rainchecks or rescheduling. We encourage you to dress accordingly, or check out our gift shop for rain gear during your visit. In the event of severe weather, updates will be made here on our website and on social media.
Will the bathrooms be open?
Yes, some bathrooms will be available and also set with limited capacities and increased cleaning schedule.
Will food be available for purchase?
The Giddy-Up Grill and Kalahari Kitchen will have food available for purchase through a walk-up window service. The menu will be limited to grab-and-go items. Outdoor seating is available; indoor seating is not available at this time.
Are EBT/WIC discounts available?
EBT and WIC cardholders receive discounted, $15 admission per ticket for up to four tickets to Boston Lights (does not include general, daytime admission). Please use code DRAGON when purchasing tickets to receive this admission price (on your computer, click the purple PROMO CODE box. On mobile phones, hit the Menu button to enter your code.) Please be ready to present your card at the Admissions booth upon arrival. Offer is only valid for Massachusetts residents, and limited quantities are available. If you have any questions, please call 617-989-2076 and our staff will be happy to assist you. Please note: A $1 transaction fee applies per ticket.
Are Reciprocal/Military/Teacher discounts available?
Reciprocal/Military/Teacher discounts are not available for Boston Lights. For questions, please call 617-989-2076.
Are library passes being honored?
No, library passes will not be honored for Boston Lights. Guests who would like to visit during the day may use library passes. For questions, please call 617-989-2076.
Am I required to wear a facial covering?
In accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Zoo visitors are REQUIRED to wear face coverings while visiting the Zoo. Please make sure you have a face covering with you.
This does not apply to children under the age of two or those with specific medical issues. Religious groups and practices may also be exempt.
Will I have to wait in line to enter the Zoo?
If you arrive early for your designated time slot, please wait in your vehicle until 5 minutes before your time slot.
Can I buy Boston Lights tickets before my visit?
Yes. Tickets must be reserved online before your visit. You can reserve your tickets for a specific date and time.
To make the check-in process as fast and safe as possible, please print your tickets before arriving at the Zoo.
Can I leave the Zoo and come back in?
In order to safely operate within our capacity restrictions there will be no re-entry.
Can I bring in food?
Yes, you are welcome to bring in your own food, although please note there will be no available indoor seating areas and any outdoor seating will be limited.
Are coolers allowed in the Zoo?
No, coolers are not allowed in the Zoo at this time.
Will strollers or wheelchair be available for rental?
Not in this phase of our re-opening.
Know Before You Go
We care about you and want to ensure a fun and safe experience for everyone who visits. In order to ensure the safety of staff and guests, we’ve made modifications in accordance with public guidance and health recommendations. For the safety of our guests, staff and animals the following must be observed when visiting.
Wear a face mask/covering in compliance with Massachusetts Department of Public Health Guidelines. Please note: Children under two are not required to wear a face covering.
Maintain social distance of 6 feet between other guests not in your party.
Enter the Zoo at the time listed on ticket. Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before your assigned time.
Respect Zoo rules to protect humans and animals.