Buttonwood Park Zoo Travel Guide — Massachusetts

Our Buttonwood Park Zoo guide covers practical planning for Buttonwood Park Zoo Massachusetts — best time to visit, getting there, and what to do on the ground.

As independent US travel authorities, our team at Roam States is dedicated to bringing you the most authentic and actionable travel advice. When it comes to New England's rich tapestry of attractions, the Buttonwood Park Zoo Massachusetts stands out as a true gem. This historic institution, one of the oldest zoos in New England, has been a cornerstone of the New Bedford community for over a century, offering a captivating blend of wildlife encounters, educational opportunities, and a deep commitment to global conservation. We’ve explored its grounds, delved into its programs, and gathered all the essential details to help you plan an unforgettable visit in 2026.

Why Visit Buttonwood Park Zoo

The Buttonwood Park Zoo is more than just a collection of animals; it's a vibrant hub for conservation, education, and community engagement. Established in 1894, it holds the distinction of being the 12th oldest zoo in the United States and the third oldest in New England. What truly sets it apart is its accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), an honor that signifies its adherence to the highest standards of animal care, welfare, management, and conservation. The AZA has even lauded it as "one of the finest small zoos in the United States."

Our team believes that a visit here offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the incredible diversity of life on Earth. The zoo houses over 240 animals representing more than 80 species from around the globe, with a particular focus on North and South American wildlife, as well as species from Asia, Africa, and Europe. Beyond the engaging exhibits, the zoo is deeply committed to preserving threatened and endangered species, participating in numerous AZA Species Survival Plans (SSP) and supporting international conservation efforts for animals like red pandas and golden lion tamarins. Every non-resident ticket purchased contributes $1 directly to these vital conservation programs, allowing visitors to directly support wildlife preservation.

For those seeking to delve deeper, the zoo offers a wide array of educational programs, from engaging instructor-led sessions for school groups to family-friendly workshops and adult learning series. It's a place where curiosity is sparked, and a passion for the natural world is nurtured, making it a compelling destination for travelers of all ages. You can also explore the wider region of Massachusetts, with its rich history and stunning coastlines. Learn more about the best places in Massachusetts for a broader travel experience.

Who It's Best For

The Buttonwood Park Zoo truly caters to a diverse audience, making it an ideal destination for various types of travelers. We find it particularly well-suited for:

• Families with Young Children: With its manageable size, interactive exhibits, and dedicated children's programs like Buttonwood Buddies (ages 2-5) and ZooCrew (ages 4-12), the zoo offers an engaging and educational experience for little ones. The train and carousel rides are also perennial favorites.
• Nature Enthusiasts and Animal Lovers: Those with a keen interest in wildlife will appreciate the diverse collection of animals, including charismatic species like Asian elephants, red pandas, cougars, and harbor seals. The zoo's strong conservation focus provides an added layer of meaning to every animal encounter.
• Educators and Students: The zoo's alignment with state and national education standards, its instructor-led programs, and its "Science on a Sphere" exhibit make it an invaluable resource for learning.
• Couples and Solo Travelers: While often seen as a family attraction, the peaceful ambiance, beautiful grounds of Buttonwood Park, and the opportunity for quiet contemplation of nature make it a pleasant outing for adults looking for a relaxed experience. The Lifelong Learners Series offers adult-focused educational programs.
• Local Residents: New Bedford residents benefit from reduced admission fees, making it an affordable and accessible local attraction for frequent visits.

Whether you're looking for a full day of family fun or a few hours of tranquil wildlife observation, the Buttonwood Park Zoo provides a rewarding experience for almost everyone.

Getting There & Parking

Navigating to the Buttonwood Park Zoo is straightforward, as it's conveniently located at 425 Hawthorn Street in New Bedford, Massachusetts. For those driving, using a GPS with the zoo's address or name is the easiest approach.

How to Get There

• By Car: The zoo is easily accessible by car, situated within Buttonwood Park.
• Public Transportation: Local buses in New Bedford have routes that pass along Hawthorn Street, with the zoo entrance just a short walk from nearby stops. Alternatively, a taxi from the city center typically takes 5-10 minutes.

Parking at Buttonwood Park Zoo Massachusetts

Our team can confirm that parking at the Buttonwood Park Zoo is free for visitors. There are two large paved parking lots available, open from 6 AM to 10 PM, with additional on-street parking around Buttonwood Park. However, we strongly advise arriving early, especially on weekends and during peak seasons, as the parking lots can fill up quickly. Designated handicap parking spaces are also available, ensuring accessibility for all guests.

Top Things to Do

The Buttonwood Park Zoo offers a wealth of activities and exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages. Our team highlights these essential experiences when planning your visit:

Explore Diverse Animal Exhibits

The core of any zoo visit is, of course, the animals. The Buttonwood Park Zoo is home to a fascinating array of species, organized into distinct sections:

• North America West: Here, you'll encounter iconic North American wildlife such as bison, wild turkeys, whitetail deer, cougars, Canadian lynx, and bobcats.
• Aquatics: This section features harbor seals, a variety of shorebirds, and exhibits replicating salt marshes, kettleponds, and mountain streams, along with amphibians, snakes, and turtles.
• Rainforests, Rivers & Reefs: An immersive indoor experience, this exhibit transports you to tropical regions with South American primates like cotton-top tamarins, Goeldi's monkeys, golden-headed lion tamarins, and two-toed sloths. You'll also find unique birds and mesmerizing tanks showcasing coral reefs, moon jellyfish, and garden eels.
• Elephants: The zoo is home to an Asian elephant named Emily. Nearby, you can also see red pandas and red-crowned cranes.
• Domestics: This area features domestic animals, including horses.

We recommend checking the Keeper Chat Schedule upon arrival for opportunities to see some of your favorite animals up close and learn directly from their caretakers.

Ride the Carousel and Train

For a touch of classic zoo fun, the Buttonwood Park Zoo offers both a charming carousel and a miniature train ride. These attractions are open seasonally, typically starting April 1st, weather permitting. Ride tokens are required, costing $3 per ride. A notable feature is that both the train and carousel are ADA certified, ensuring wheelchair accessibility for both adults and children.

Engage in Educational Programs

The zoo excels in its educational offerings. For families, programs like "ZooCrew" provide engaging summer and school break sessions for children aged 4-12, while "Buttonwood Buddies" is a playgroup for preschoolers (ages 2-5). Older children (5+) can explore science through art with "P.A.W.S.: Pairing Art with Science." Adults can participate in the "Lifelong Learners Series," which offers hands-on experiences in various science topics, from paleontology to astronomy.

Attend Special Events and Conservation Awareness Days

Throughout the year, the Buttonwood Park Zoo hosts a variety of special events and Conservation Awareness Days, which are included with regular zoo admission. These events are designed to be fun, educational, and inspire action for wildlife protection. Past events have included Bison Day, Pollinator Fest, and International Beaver Day. The zoo also hosts after-hours events like "Soiree at the Zoo" for supporters, offering exclusive access and unique animal encounters.

Explore Buttonwood Park Zoo Hiking Trails

While the zoo itself is a contained area, it is nestled within the expansive 97-acre Buttonwood Park, which offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation. Our team recommends exploring the Buttonwood Park hiking trails, which consist of nearly two miles of paved walking paths tracing the park's perimeter. This Buttonwood Park Zoo hiking trails loop guides you past the zoo, a serene seven-acre pond, and through a diverse arboretum featuring majestic copper beech and maple trees. It's a flat, easy path, taking about 57 minutes to complete, making it ideal for a relaxed outing or for families with strollers. For a slightly wilder adventure, you can investigate the trails through the wetland buffer garden, located between the zoo and the pond, which offers a short, nature-filled jaunt. Additionally, the Friends of Buttonwood Park are actively working to create a new nature trail through 18 acres of woods just north of the pond, promising even more Buttonwood Park Zoo hiking trails in the future.

Best Time to Visit

Our team has found that the Buttonwood Park Zoo offers a rewarding experience throughout the year, but the "best" time to visit can depend on your preferences:

• Spring (April-May): The weather is generally mild and pleasant, and the park's gardens begin to bloom. Animals are often more active after the winter. Special events like Conservation Awareness Days may also be scheduled.
• Summer (June-August): This is a popular time, especially for families, with all outdoor attractions fully operational. However, it can get crowded, and temperatures can be high. The zoo may close during extreme heat waves, so always check their website for current conditions. Summer also brings programs like ZooCrew and the Toe Jam Puppet Band.
• Fall (September-October): The cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage in Buttonwood Park make for a beautiful visit. Crowds typically thin out after the summer peak.
• Winter (November-March): While some outdoor activities might be limited, the indoor exhibits like Rainforests, Rivers & Reefs remain open and offer a warm escape. It's a quieter time to visit, and you might catch animals that are more active in colder weather.

The zoo is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We recommend arriving shortly after opening, especially on weekends, to secure parking and enjoy the exhibits before larger crowds arrive.

Where to Stay Nearby

When planning your trip to the Buttonwood Park Zoo, you'll find a variety of lodging options in New Bedford and the surrounding towns like Dartmouth and Fairhaven. Our team has identified several excellent choices for Buttonwood Park Zoo lodging:

• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New Bedford: Located approximately 1.6 miles from the zoo, this hotel offers comfortable stays and is often praised for its waterfront location.
• New Bedford Harbor Hotel: Situated about 1.4 miles from the zoo, this hotel provides a convenient base with good reviews for its harbor location and staff.
• Whaler Inn and Suites: Just 1.8 miles from the zoo, this option is noted for its friendly staff and on-site restaurant and bar.
• Hampton Inn by Hilton New Bedford/Fairhaven: About 3.7 miles away, this hotel is a popular family-friendly choice, offering nice rooms and a good breakfast.
• Residence Inn by Marriott New Bedford Dartmouth: This extended-stay option is a bit further out but well-regarded for its staff and amenities, particularly for longer visits.
• Seaport Resort & Marina: Located by the harbor, this resort offers a nice location and easy parking.
• Best Western Dartmouth-New Bedford: Conveniently located near the boardwalk, about 6 miles from the zoo, offering free breakfast and Wi-Fi.

Many of these Buttonwood Park Zoo lodging options offer flexible booking and are fully refundable, which is always a plus for travel planning. For more options and details on nearby attractions, consider exploring our guide to planning your US trip.

Sample 2-Day Itinerary

To help you make the most of your visit to the Buttonwood Park Zoo and the surrounding New Bedford area, our team has crafted a sample two-day itinerary:

Day 1: Buttonwood Park Zoo Immersion

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Arrive at the Buttonwood Park Zoo right at opening to beat the crowds and secure parking. Spend your morning exploring the North America West and Aquatics exhibits, observing the bison, cougars, and harbor seals. Don't miss the Keeper Chats for insightful presentations.
• Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Enjoy a picnic lunch on the zoo grounds (you can pack your own or purchase from the Bear's Den Cafe, open 11 AM - 4 PM).
• Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Head to the Rainforests, Rivers & Reefs indoor exhibit to see the South American primates and vibrant aquatic life. Catch a ride on the carousel and train.
• Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:30 PM): Take a leisurely stroll through Buttonwood Park itself, enjoying the arboretum and perhaps the wetland buffer garden trails.
• Evening: Check into your chosen Buttonwood Park Zoo lodging. Enjoy dinner at one of New Bedford's excellent restaurants, perhaps trying a local seafood spot.

Day 2: Historic New Bedford Exploration

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Immerse yourself in New Bedford's rich maritime history. Visit the New Bedford Whaling Museum, home to the world's largest ship model and several whale skeletons. Afterwards, explore the cobblestone streets of the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.
• Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Grab lunch in downtown New Bedford, perhaps at a cafe or a restaurant offering local fare.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Depending on your interests, you could visit the New Bedford Art Museum, explore the historic Seamen's Bethel, or take a scenic drive to Fort Phoenix State Reservation in Fairhaven for coastal views.
• Late Afternoon: Consider a scenic drive along the coast, perhaps heading towards the Cape Cod National Seashore, which is a manageable distance for an afternoon excursion, or learn about another historical landmark like The Freedom Trail.
• Evening: Enjoy a final dinner in New Bedford, perhaps exploring a different culinary experience.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Our team unequivocally believes that the Buttonwood Park Zoo is worth visiting. Its status as the 12th oldest zoo in the United States and its AZA accreditation speak volumes about its commitment to animal welfare and conservation. We consistently find that the zoo provides a high-quality, engaging experience that stands out from generic attractions.

The diverse collection of over 240 animals, from majestic Asian elephants to playful red pandas and local wildlife, offers something for everyone. Beyond the animals, the zoo's dedication to education, with programs for all ages, truly enriches the visit. The affordable admission fees, especially for New Bedford residents, and the free parking make it an accessible option for families and individuals alike. Furthermore, knowing that a portion of non-resident ticket sales directly supports global conservation efforts adds significant value to the experience. For these reasons, we confidently recommend the Buttonwood Park Zoo as a worthwhile stop on any Massachusetts itinerary.

Last updated: 2026-07-06 by the Roam States team.