Conference moira::parenting_v3

    
    The Franklin Park Zoo is in Boston (Jamaica Plain, I think).   It's
    off the Jamaicaway (Rte 1) and is easily reachable by taking Route 9
    all the way in from Shrewsbury.  Once you hit Boston, where Brookline
    Avenue intersects Route 9, there are signs for the zoo, taking you off
    Route 9 and putting you on Route 1 south.  
    
    I took my kiddos last summer - the grounds of the zoo are large, but
    it's really like a big park.  Animals are located on the perimeter
    of the park with huge meadows in the middle; no elephants, no giraffes,
    but a great gorilla pavillon, a beautiful bird house, zebras, wolves
    and "fubbalos MOM!" (buffalos).  ;-)
    
    One word of caution:  it is very open, lots of sun.  Bring hats for
    the kids because shade is hard to come by.  My blond/blue-eyed 4 year
    old wore his brother's receiving blanket on his head!   Also, food is
    scarce and not conveniently located - it's way at one end of the
    park.
                                   
    Enjoy!
    
    -dorothy
                                       

    Thanks very much for the directions !
    
    Regards.
    
    Sandy

    From Shrewsbury don't forget the Green Hill Park Zoo in
    Worcester(Hanneman, Memorial & Doctor's Hospital area).  But
    I'd wait until after Memorial day when there's more animals. I'd 
    also advise calling first, they are closed a couple weekdays, not sure 
    which ones.
    
    And even better it's FREE, local to Shrewsbury, Good parking nearby,
    and a fabulous playground and picnic area right accross the street.
    
    Need directions??
    Lyn

    
    I agree with the first noter.  We were there two weekends ago, when the
    temp. hit 70-75 degrees, and it was quite warm in the open sun.  There
    is one admission to the park - $5.00 for adults, and $3.00 for children
    5-12 ( or something like that).  The food consession is located at the
    Blue Hill Ave end of the Park in what used to be known as the
    Children's Zoo portopn of the park.  The consession is limited, but
    does have hot dogs, pretzels, ice cream, soda, and chips.  If little
    legas get tired, make sure you bring a stroller.  There is plenty of
    grass and open space to walk, as well as burn off any extra energy.
    The park has come a long way from being in disrepair, and still has
    a long waay to go to compete with out of state Zoos ( ie: Washington
    DC).  Since it is now the only one we have, I guess we'll keep it,
    though.  (I grew up in Jamaica Plain, and the Park was like my
    backyard.  I still have fond memories of what type of park it could
    be for our own children).
    
    Regards,

    Re: .3
    
    Yes!  Please give directions to green hill zoo.  I sounds great!
    
    /Deb

    OK these are the directions, compliments of the the Worcester Parks and
    recreation Dept.....
    
    First the vital stuff:  Phone is 799-1323, she said let it ring incase
    the caretaker is out with the animals. 
    
    Hours are 10 to 4 everyday EXCEPT closed Wednesday and Thursday,
    admission and parking are free.
    
    From route 290 you get off at the Route 70, Lincoln St. Exit and head
    towards Worcester.  ( I will stand corrected, since my vantage point is
    coming in from west of Worcester)  The landmark you're looking for is
    ADCARE hospital (used to be Doctors' hospital) and it will be on your
    RIGHT.  go beyond the hospital and look for Green Hill Parkway, take a
    right onto the parkway, follow this UP to the end it will bring you
    into the park and zoo area.
    
    If you want to "negotiate" with your hubby, offer to drop him at the
    golf course while you do the zoo, playground and picnic.  I don't golf,
    but several people have described the course as one of the best
    "public" golf courses.
    
    Have fun
    Lyn