Boston Spring Animal Fun

Lots of cute baby animals is a sure sign of spring!  Here are  a few Boston-area spots where you can get up close and personal to your favorite animal friends.

The Franklin Park Zoo (1 Franklin Park Rd., Dorchester, 617-541-5466, weekdays 10 AM-5 PM, weekends and holidays 10 AM-6 PM, $14 adults, $8 ages 2-12)(Map) .The Franklin Park Zoo is a terrific zoo and  a premier attraction for both local and out-of-town families. When animals become parents in the spring, it is an especially fun time to bring your little ones. All your children’s favorite  big zoo animals are here. Favorite exhibits include  Serengeti Crossing where  zebras and ostriches roam, Tiger Tales which features white tiger Luther  and Bengal tiger Anal. And be sure to say hi to Christopher, the  400 pound lion that rules over Kalahari Kingdom.

The Museum of Science (Science Park, Boston, 617-723-2500, SA -Th 9AM-5PM, open in summer until 7 PM, open Friday 9AM-9PM, $20 adults, $17 ages 3-11). Animals in the Museum of Science? Surprise! More than 120 animals call The Museum of Science home. The Museum of Science is actually an Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facility and most of the animals are  rehabilitated,  rescued wildlife. Some  animals make appearances as part of the Museum’s daily live animal presentations . You can watch baby chicks emerge from their egg at the hatchery.  Real animal lovers will want to visit the Live Animal Center exhibit in the lower level of the Red Wing where many of the Museum’s animals are on display.

The Big Apple Circus (Boston City Hall Plaza, April 3-May 16, check website for show times and ticket prices)(Map). Performing animals are always a crowd favorite when the Big Apple Circus comes to town for its annual spring run. Traditionally,  the Big Apple Circus animal acts feature adorable dogs and  elegantly trained horses . The performers are world class too-  and always thrill with acrobats,  jugglers, and lots of clowning around.

The New England Aquarium (1 Central Wharf, Boston, 617-973-5200, $39.95 adults, $ 31.95 children)(Map)There has been lots of buzz in the news about whales- however in New England we usually prefer to see whales in their natural habitat. The New England Aquarium whale watch season begins April 3rd.  Naturalist -led  excursions head out  to the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary on the Voyager III for a four -hour  sea adventure . You won’t see any orcas but you’ll likely see humpback, fin back, minke and right whales.

Image Credit: Zoo New England, used with permission