A done-for-you day trip—no overthinking required.

📍 Quick Snapshot

Location: Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn St, New Bedford, MA
Best for: toddlers/little kids
Drive time: 1 hour from Boston
Total Cost: $ (or free if you use a library pass!)
Hours: Daily 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Best days to go: Sunday

🗺️ The Plan

🚨 Know Before You Go

If you’re a member of SAILS or Old Colony Library Networks, you can get a pass for free admission for up to four people. The pass can’t be used on Saturdays, Monday holidays, or school vacation weeks, so I suggest getting a pass for Sunday. Our whole family got in for free this way!

⏰ Morning (Start Time: 10 a.m.)

Parking: Free and plentiful right outside the zoo
Do this first: Get tickets for the Black Bear Express and/or the carousel, if you’re interested in either (each one is $3 per person)
Don’t miss: Hudson the baby lynx! He was born in May and is too cute. The indoor exhibits and the seals are also a lot of fun. Finally, kids will love the different play areas, including Charlie’s Nature Play space.

👉 Mom tip: They have a lot of different keeper chats throughout the day. Check out the sign right by the entrance to see what’s planned for the day you go.

🍴 Lunch Plan

Eat at: Bear’s Den Cafe—it’s right onsite so super convenient and very affordable.
What to order: Any kid would be happy with their menu, they have all the favorites like dino nuggets, pizza, cheeseburgers, and more!

🎯 Afternoon Activity

Head to: The playground at Buttonwood Park, right across the parking lot
What kids will love: Plenty of space to run around, and fun play structures
How long to stay: 20-30 mins

👜 What to Bring

Water bottles
Snacks
Sunscreen
Stroller / wagon

💡 Real Mom Notes

What surprised me: The variety of different animals, and how much there was to see in the indoor buildings
What I’d do differently: Go to a keeper chat early, by the time we made our way through we were too tired.
Who this is really best for: Families with kids who are excited by animals but are too small for a big zoo

🧩 Pair It With Another Stop

Nearby add-on: New Bedford Whaling Museum
Makes it a full day: 3D movie + time in the kid’s corner

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