Mayor Dominick Pangallo is pleased to announce that September Salem Days is returning this year, and in line with the City of Salem’s commemoration of Salem 400+, the program is announcing a new opportunity. All Salem residents are invited to visit either Franklin Park Zoo in Boston or Stone Zoo in Stoneham for free daytime admission throughout this coming September. Through the generosity of the Norman H. Read Charitable Trust, all Salem residents will be able to gain admission to either Zoo New England location while supplies last.

Since the inception of September Salem Days in 2009, the Read Trust has funded free admission for thousands of Salem residents to the Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium, as well as to the Topsfield Fair.  In addition to Zoo New England admission, two free days of round trip bus transportation will be available this September on a first come, first serve basis. All residents will be able to take a bus to visit Franklin Park Zoo on Saturday, September 12, 2026 or Stone Zoo on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the Norman H. Read Trust for their continued support for September Salem Days, to the City staff who help make it possible, and, of course, to the institutions that have welcomed Salem children for years as part of this special program,” remarked Mayor Pangallo, “September Salem Days has helped connect countless youth from our city with sciences and the natural world at places like the New England Aquarium and Museum of Science. This year, we’re pleased to partner with Zoo New England!”

How to Secure Your Tickets 

This offer is valid only for residents of Salem, Massachusetts during the month of September 2026 while supplies last.  Visit the ticket office outside either Zoo New England location (Franklin Park Zoo in Boston or Stone Zoo in Stoneham) and present proof of residency for free admission.  Proof of Residency Required: Present proof of residency at the box office, such as a valid driver’s license, photo ID card showing a Salem address or a school ID.

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.

This program is generously funded by the Norman H. Read Trust.

ABOUT SALEM’S BENEFACTOR

Norman Read, who died in 1992 at age 100, made his fortune in the sciences of oil and natural gas in Texas and Alaska.  Before he died, he created the trust as a means to enhance excellence in science education for all Salem residents. Generations of his family were residents of Salem since colonial days.

Transportation Schedule

Depart from Salem High School 9am: Return from Stone Zoo 1pm

Depart from Salem High School 10am: Return from Stone Zoo 2pm

Depart from Salem High School 11am: Return from Stone Zoo 3pm

Buses are limited, seating, first come first served.