As a center of culture and tourism, Boston is home to many wildlife institutions, like New England Zoos and the New England Aquarium, which offer both locals and tourists a way to connect with nature. With special events occurring this fall, no time is better than now to take advantage of these opportunities and create special memories.
Fewer than five miles away from UMass Boston, Franklin Park Zoo houses over 100 different animal species and numerous exhibits. From the two oldest exhibits dating back to 1913, “Raptor Ridge” and “Bird’s World Exhibit,” to the majestic “Kalahari Kingdom,” visitors can experience the diversity of the animal kingdom as they walk around the zoo.
From August until November, Franklin Park Zoo offers a light show during the night unlike any other. Separate from the daytime zoo experience, “Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience” is this year’s immersive showcase.
Guests embark on an interactive walkthrough around an illuminated area of the zoo, according to the Zoo New England website. Beautiful sea turtles and a 115-foot octopus lantern depict underwater scenes. Lotus flower and animal lanterns accompany an elaborate palace to portray the beauty of India. Meanwhile, a 76-foot rendition of the mythological shape-shifting fish spirit Kun is brought to life in the style of traditional Chinese lanterns.
Aside from the lantern displays, two Chinese classical dances, the Umbrella Dance and the Fan Dance, are performed nightly in a showcase of grace and culture. Visitors can view these performances outside the “Bird’s World Exhibit” building from 6:30 to 7 p.m., 7:30 to 8 p.m., and 8:30 to 9 p.m.
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays in October, college students can receive a $7 discount for admission to “Boston Lights” by showing their college ID when purchasing tickets at the admissions booth. For UMass Boston students, general admission tickets to Franklin Park Zoo are available for $10 through the Office of Student Activities, located on the third floor of Campus Center.
Franklin Park Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience” is accessible after regular zoo hours from 5 to 10:30 p.m. It is on display until Nov. 3.
In the heart of Boston, the New England Aquarium houses a variety of aquatic species. With over 70 exhibits and thousands of animals to see, visitors are transported to a diverse marine paradise.
This fall, Animal Crossing fans can partake in an exclusive crossover experience at the New England Aquarium. As part of a partnership with Nintendo of America, the “Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour” will be running through Dec. 14.
According to the New England Aquarium website, this experience treats attendees with a unique, fun way to explore and learn about the aquatic life residing in the aquarium through the lens of the “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” game.
While walking through each exhibit, attendees can compare the in-game marine creatures they’ve caught on their island to their aquarium counterparts. Throughout the aquarium, there is themed signage with descriptions of marine life presented by Blathers — the iconic owl curator from the “Animal Crossing” game franchise — and sourced directly from the game.
There are also plenty of opportunities for visitors to memorialize their “New Horizons” visit.
Guests can take photos with standees of familiar characters from the game near different aquatic exhibits, or pose in front of the aquarium-themed background with characters. Before the end of the day, attendees can bring home “Animal Crossing” themed merchandise from the Aquarium’s gift shop to remember their experience.
UMass Boston students can purchase tickets to the New England Aquarium for $11 at the Office of Student Activities. The “Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour” is free with Aquarium admission.
The New England Aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. On weekends and holidays, the Aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.