Frequently Asked Questions


WALK DAY KNOW BEFORE YOU GO INFO!

EVENT DETAILS

  • Saturday, May 9th, 2026
  • Franklin Park Zoo (Boston, MA)
  • Registration and activities open at 7:00 AM
  • Opening Ceremony begins at 8:15 AM
  • Walk starts at 8:50 AM


PARKING
Parking is free! Please enter through the Zebra Entrance.
 

EVENT LOCATION
After parking, please follow the signs and head over to Nature's Pavilion (Mission Village location!)

Here's how to find us:

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HEART ANGEL REMEMBRANCE
Heart Angel families are invited to bring a framed photo or other remembrance for display in our Peace and Memorial area; materials to leave messages will also be available. <3


EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE!
The Walk will be held rain or shine - please dress for the weather.  The event is outdoors so we suggest dressing in layers!


OUR TOP TEAM!
Our top team will receive their own team tent! The team captains of the highest fundraising teams will be notified on Friday, May 8th at 7pm.  This tent will include a table and chairs and can be used as a meeting area for your team throughout the event. We appreciate all of your fundraising efforts!!


HEART SIGNS
If you purchased a Heart Sign, you are welcome to take it home as a keepsake after the walk!  Please remember to come to the registration area to pick up your sign by 11:00 am..


REGISTRATION & CHECK-IN

  • Please kindly inform your friends and family that donating to our cause (or to your team) does not automatically enroll them for the walk. Official registration is required to participate in the walk day festivities. Clear here to register!
  • Check-In, along with our event site and activities, will open at 7:00 AM. We recommend arriving when check-in opens at 7:00 AM to enjoy all of our fun activities!  We also ask everyone to arrive prior to 8:00 AM and check in at the registration area.
  • Check-in will be inside the large tent in the Nature’s Pavilion area and registration is required for all participants ages 2 and up. Making sure that all your team members are pre-registered online will help to speed up the check-in process.
  • To check in, you can simply provide your name to a check-in volunteer.
  • If you are registered online, we will check you in, we’ll accept any donations that you may have to turn in (Cash, Check, or Credit Card), provide you with your walk t-shirt if you have raised over $100 as an INDIVIDUAL. (If you have earned a higher level incentive based on your individual giving, you will receive an e-mail approximately 4 weeks after our event to claim your fundraising reward and can continue to fundraise until the deadline to qualify for your preferred incentive item!).
  • If someone has not registered online in advance, they will be asked to complete a paper registration form and sign our event waiver. Save time on walk day and register today.
  • After check-in/registration, ENJOY some fun activities!

 

ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE:
Here's what you can look forward to on walk day:

  • A beautiful remembrance of our Heart Angels & celebration of our Heart Warriors
  • FREE admission to the zoo!
  • Remarks by Dr. Alan Riley, Director of Congenital NonInvasive Imaging at MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital
  • Fun with the Boston Police Department's Touch-a-Truck program & the chance to meet Copper, the Comfort Dog (they’ll be in the parking lot when you arrive to greet you!)
  • Beats from our live DJ
  • Face painting & hair braiding by Bishop Feehan Heart Club
  • Meet & greet with Miss Boston
  • Activities & crafts by It's My Heart NE & Camp Meridian
  • Live CPR demonstrations & basic life-saving education provided by MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children's Hospital
  • Great vendors: MaineHealth, Boston Children's, & Boston Police Department
  • Snacks & beverages throughout the walk
  • Frozen treats from the Boston PD Ice Cream Truck when you exit the zoo (until 12pm)
  • And of course, family-friendly walk!

 

PROGRAM
We will begin our walk program at approximately 8:15 AM.  Please gather in front of the podium to remember our heart angels, celebrate our heart warriors and learn about how your efforts are making a big difference in congenital heart defect research.  We encourage you to arrive at 7:00 AM to enjoy the activities prior to the start of our program!


FRANKLIN PARK ZOO NOTES

  • For the safety of your pets and of the animals at the zoo, only service dogs are welcome.  Cooper, the Boston PD comfort dog, will be in the parking lot to greet you when you arrive!
  • All registrants will receive a bracelet for Zoo Admission including family members/friends who may attend the walk but who are not planning to walk the route.
  • Restrooms are available near Nature’s Pavilion and noted on the map
  • There will be garbage receptacles available throughout the zoo. Please help keep it clean!
  • We will have complimentary light refreshments and water – additional food can be purchased at the Zoo after the Zoo opens to the public and be sure to stop by the Boston PD Ice Cream Truck by the parking lot when you exit the Zoo!

Photos & Memories

  • Event photos will be posted within 1-2 weeks after your walk. Check our website and social media!
  • Professional photographers will be on-site at select locations
  • Share your photos using #CHFWalk and #CHF30 - we love seeing your team spirit!
  • Memory boards: Bring photos of your Heart Warrior or Angel to display at our special tribute area

Fundraising & Donations

Online donations:

  • The easiest way to support! Visit your participant or team page to donate securely online.

Mailing checks:

  • Make checks/money orders payable to: The Children's Heart Foundation
  • Mail to: The Children's Heart Foundation
    5 Revere Drive, One Northbrook Place, Suite 200
    Northbrook, IL 60062
  • Include participant/team name in memo line
  • Download offline donation form to track your donations

Cash donations:

  • Can be turned in at event registration (receipts provided)

Matching gifts: