Franklin Park Zoo357

They say it's a jungle out there, and, at the Franklin Park Zoo, it really is. What it lacks in size (72 acres in Boston's historic Franklin Park), it makes up for in kid and parent friendliness.

The little ones will love Franklin Farm, which features a "contact corral" (translation - petting zoo). Kids can pet goats and horses, and Zoo staff are on hand for questions. Other crowd pleasers at the Farm are a silo slide and a tractor the kids can "ride".

The Australian Outback gives everyone a chance to get up close and personal with tree kangaroos and emus. Don't expect lots of action here, though; the "aussies" hang in the brush most of the time.

The Giraffe Savannah and Kalahari Kingdom feature three Masai giraffes (one baby!) and a lion. The kids will get a kick out of the jeep that's "driven" into the lion's den. Brave adventurers can drive the jeep while viewing the lions from behind the safety of lots of plexiglass. The Serengeti Crossing is an outdoor "plain" that features zebras and ostriches.

Not to be missed is the Butterfly Landing. You'll enter an outdoor enclosure that houses 1,000 butterflies from all over North America. Watch your children's faces brighten when they notice a butterfly sitting on their shoulder. There are also several butterfly hatcheries, where kids get to see real butterflies emerging from their cocoons.

The recently renovated (2007) Gorilla Exhibit offers increased viewing opportunities for visitors, who are now able to literally stand face-to-face with these magnificent animals. For the gorillas, the new design provides more vertical space in which to climb and play.

When you're ready for a break, take the kids to the play area located in the middle of the zoo. Here you'll find lots of wooden trains where kids can climb and pretend. There is one climbing structure with a slide; no swings. In the summer it gets pretty hot because there's no shade here. Bring hats and sunblock for everyone.

If you'll be at the Zoo during lunch or snack time, you can bring a picnic lunch or purchase Panini sandwiches, wraps, salads, and traditional concession fare on site.

Membership benefits are worth the $75 price tag. You and your family can receive free admission to the Franklin Park and Stone Zoos, as well as a 10% discount in all Zoo New England gift shops and food concessions, a free subscription to Wild Words newsletter, discounts on "Wild Adventures" education programs, and exhibit previews.

Zoo New England and Camp Fire USA have offered a day camp at the Franklin Park Zoo for 15 years. Participants experience a unique environmental education camp that allows them to explore the natural world of animals and their habitats. ZooCamp is an educational and fun-filled journey that includes arts and crafts, nature games and activities, and the study of Zoo animals - including "behind the scenes" tours with zookeepers! Registration is limited to one session per summer and all campers must be Zoo members.