Salem Students, Families To Get Free Zoo Trips During Salem Days 2026

SALEM, MA — Salem students and families will get free access to two Zoo New England destinations during September Salem Days 2026. The Norman H. Read Trust named Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo as this year's co-destinations.

Salem Days provides free admission and transportation for students in Salem Public Schools and Salem Academy Charter School to Greater Boston destinations each year.

The program is funded through the Norman H. Read Charitable Trust and coordinated by the City of Salem.

Students and families will be offered a limited number of free daytime tickets to each zoo throughout September on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bus transportation is scheduled for Sept. 12 to Franklin Park Zoo and Sept. 19 to Stone Zoo. On both dates, buses will leave Salem High School at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Return buses will leave each zoo at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Admission through the program does not include Boston Lights, the evening event at Franklin Park Zoo.

Families who attend will receive a voucher for free ice cream, and they are encouraged to bring their own lunch.

Proof of Salem residency, such as a driver’s license, photo ID card or bill showing a Salem address, is required at each zoo entrance.

Last year, more than 1,700 students and families took part in Salem Days, which featured the New England Aquarium.

The Norman H. Read Charitable Trust said its mission for more than 30 years has been to support excellence in science education through innovative programming for students, teachers and Salem residents.

In the last five years, the trust has granted more than $3 million to support science education across district schools. More information is available here or by email at info@zoonewengland.org or publicrelations@salemk12.org.