Stone Zoo

Historic zoo with 1,000+ animals & winter lights display

Save visits & photos across your bucket list — sign in to start.

No memories yet. Add your first visit to start a timeline.

Where the Star-Spangled Banner was born: a compact fort with sweeping harbor views and living history. It’s an easy win—flat paths, open lawns, and a visitor film that sets the scene in under 15 minutes.

Start at the visitor center for your map, then follow the ramp to the east wall for the best harbor vantage. Time your visit for a flag raising or lowering—the ranger talk turns the place into a story you’ll remember.

For a slower visit, circle the star-shaped ramparts clockwise and watch ships move in and out of the Patapsco.

What’s new? Updated today

Sunset flag lowering 6:30pm (Fri–Sun)
Temporary exhibit: War of 1812
Harbor shuttle every 20 minutes

What are the hours? — 9:00–17:00 (daily)

Hours may vary for holidays and special events; check the official site before you go.

How much does it cost? — $15 adults · kids free

Admission covers the fort and visitor center exhibits; special tours may be extra.

Where do I park? — On-site lot + overflow

Lots can fill on weekends by mid-day; arrive early or consider rideshare.

Is it accessible? — Flat paths; accessible restrooms

Most ramparts have graded access; some historic areas may have uneven surfaces.

Arrive 30 min before sunset for the lowering ceremony and best light.
Wind picks up on the ramparts—bring a light jacket even in summer.
Stroller route: enter via visitor center, ramp to east wall loop.

Since 1905, Stone Zoo has been a wildlife haven in the Greater Boston area, spanning 26 acres and home to over 1,000 animals from around the world. Once famous for its elephants and giraffes, today the zoo is known for its unique habitats like Yukon Creek, where black bears, Arctic foxes, and reindeer roam a simulated boreal forest, and Treasures of the Sierra Madre, home to jaguars, cougars, and Gila monsters. Other highlights include the Caribbean Coast aviary, featuring flamingos and macaws, and Treetops & Riverbeds, where otters and gibbons swing through the trees.

Beyond its year-round exhibits, Stone Zoo transforms in the winter with ZooLights, a dazzling holiday display that draws thousands of visitors annually. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the zoo is dedicated to conservation and education, making it a must-visit for families, wildlife lovers, and anyone looking for an up-close encounter with nature.

USA > Massachusetts > Boston

Animals, Zoos

Stone Zoo

Memories

Guide

FAQ

Tips

Let's Hang Out