Stone Zoo, Franklin Park Zoo Announced as Destinations for Salem Days 2026
Read Trust to fund admission, two weekends of transport to Stone Zoo, Franklin Park Zoo throughout September
SALEM (July 20, 2026) – The Norman H. Read Trust has announced the Stone Zoo and the Franklin Park Zoo as the co-destinations for 2026 September Salem Days.
Salem Days, which provides free admission and transportation for the families of Salem to some of Greater Boston’s most sought-after and frequented destinations each year, is generously funded through the Norman H. Read Charitable Trust and coordinated by the City of Salem.
Salem families will be provided a limited number of free tickets and transportation for daytime admission – on a first-come, first-served basis – to each zoo throughout the month of September.
Bus transportation will be provided Saturday, Sept. 12 to Franklin Park Zoo and Saturday, Sept. 19 to the Stone Zoo. On both dates, buses will depart Salem High School at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., and will depart each zoo at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Due to private events, Stone Zoo will close at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, while the Franklin Park Zoo will be closed during daytime hours Sunday, Sept. 13. Additionally, admission does not include the evening Boston Lights at Franklin Park Zoo.
Students and families will receive a voucher for free ice cream but are encouraged to pack and bring their own lunch.
The Stone Zoo, located at 149 Pond Street in Stoneham, is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and weekends 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., while the Franklin Park Zoo, located at 1 Franklin Park Road in Boston, is open daily 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
This offer is valid only for residents of Salem, Mass., during the month of September 2026. Proof of Salem residency (such as a valid driver’s license, photo ID card or a bill showing a Salem address) is required at each zoo’s entrance.
Salem Days is on point with the District’s Strategic Plan, particularly its core principle of elevating learning. Last year, more than 1,700 students and families took advantage of Salem Days, the destination for which was the New England Aquarium.
For more information, visit zoonewengland.org or contact info@zoonewengland.org or publicrelations@salemk12.org.
About the Norman H. Read Charitable Trust
For more than 30 years, the Norman H. Read Charitable Trust’s mission has been to support excellence in science education by expanding innovative programming that nurtures a love of science in students, teachers and Salem residents. The Trust has constructed learning labs and continues to provide student scholarships, fund STEM coaches, sponsor the annual Read Family Science Night, and host a month of free museum access for all Salem residents. In the last five years, the Trust has granted more than $3 million dollars to support science education across district schools.
About Zoo New England
Zoo New England manages Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and Stone Zoo in Stoneham. Both are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Zoo New England’s mission is to inspire people to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations by creating fun and engaging experiences that integrate wildlife and conservation programs, research, and education.
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts, a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens through which we view our work. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff unconditionally serves each of our 4,000 students across 11 schools regardless of ability or language.
