Experience · New Bedford
Buttonwood Park Zoo Family Afternoon
Start your family adventure at the Buttonwood Park Zoo, exploring the animal exhibits and enjoying the playgrounds. Afterwards, head to Friendly Donuts for a casual, sweet treat that's sure to delight the kids. This plan offers an engaging and easy afternoon for families.
A 3-hour New Bedford afternoon plan for families — Buttonwood Park Zoo, Friendly Donuts, Green Bean.
- Duration
- 3 hrs
- Cost
- $25–$75
- Stops
- 3 stops
- Walking
- Light walking · Total 4.1-mile driving route
- Best time
- 12:00 – 5:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Families · Kids
The plan
The plan
- 1Buttonwood Park Zoo(2 hrs)→
- 2Friendly Donuts(30 min)→
- 3Green Bean(30 min)
Why this plan works
The 3 stops cover about 4.1 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of New Bedford instead of crossing town between them. Buttonwood Park Zoo is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Green Bean — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to families and families with kids who want a planned New Bedford outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Start your family adventure at the Buttonwood Park Zoo, exploring the animal exhibits and enjoying the playgrounds. Afterwards, head to Friendly Donuts for a casual, sweet treat that's sure to delight the kids. This plan offers an engaging and easy afternoon for families.
The itinerary
3 stops, one great day
- 12 hrsButtonwood Park Zoo
Family
Storied, 97-acre park showcasing playgrounds, wildlife, ball fields, a small zoo & other features.
What to do — Spend time visiting the animals, letting the kids play on the playgrounds, and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Scout Side QuestSpot the animal with the most dramatic expression and do your best silent family impression of it.
2.3 mi · 8 min drive
Then A short drive will take you to Friendly Donuts.
230 minFriendly DonutsFood & Drink
What to do — Pick out a variety of fresh, delicious donuts for a sweet treat to end the afternoon.
Scout Side QuestInvent a dramatic superhero or villain name for the wildest-looking donut in the display case.
1.8 mi · 7 min drive
Then Short hop over to Green Bean.
3Optional 30 minGreen BeanFood & Drink
Bright, colorful cafe offering coffee drinks, pastries & wraps, including vegan options.
What to do — Stop into Green Bean and pick out pastries for tomorrow morning.
Scout Stories
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The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good New Bedford itinerary for families?
- Yes. It's built for families and families with kids and runs about 3 hrs across 3 stops, starting at Buttonwood Park Zoo.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 3 hrs door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this New Bedford itinerary cost?
- Roughly $25–$75 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
- Is this itinerary walkable?
- Not entirely. The stops cover about 4.1 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
- Do I need reservations?
- No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.