A School Staycation? Pay Stone Zoo A Visit

With good weather in the forecast, here's a suggestion for a great school vacation week trip for you and the kids: The Stone Zoo.

The zoo is open daily at 10 a.m. and one of the best ways to learn about the animals is to check out a Keeper Encounter. There's one at 1:30 p.m. that varies day to day, another with the zoo's two black bears at 2 p.m. At each encounter one of Stone's zoo keepers will answer questions about the animals.

There's plenty to see at the zoo including snow leopards, Mexican gray wolves, North American river otters, reindeer, and Canada lynx.

If you're looking for something a little different, consider having hot chocolate with a reindeer. On Saturday, Feb. 25 and Saturday, March 11 you can sign up to have hot chocolate with one of the zoo's three reindeer. Cost is $18 for members, $20 for non-members.

Did you know reindeer can pull a load of up to 300 pounds? Zoo educators will share fun facts like these during your up-close encounter with these hooved heroes. Sip hot cocoa, nibble on breakfast snacks, have your photo taken with the reindeer, and enjoy early entry to Stone Zoo at this exclusive event! But you must register. Call 617-989-3742 to check on space.