Biomes

8/10 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊 Mommy Approved Smiling Faces

http://biomescenter.com/

6640 Post Road
North Kingstown, RI 02852

(401)885-4690

At first glance, Biomes doesn’t look like much – from the front nor in the building itself.  In fact, you could probably pass it on the busy road and think nothing of it, but you would be sorry!

Upon entering Biomes, the lights are dim and the smell of animal / musky cafeteria hits you directly in the face. The entrance is up a short staircase with what looks to be a basic cash register to pay for admission, but this really sets the scene. Biomes is really nothing fancy, and it doesn’t take forever to get to if you are a local. The parking lot is easily accessible without congestion or payment needed… and that’s the beauty of this gem! I’ve never been to such a casual and relaxed aquarium before!

I’m a Rhode Island native, but every summer when I was a child I traveled to Florida, and was able to go to aquariums and explore sea creatures.  All these places were beautiful and enchanting to take in. However, not one was as hands-on and enjoyable as Biomes. They have a new demonstration set every hour with a different animal and the kids are allowed to touch so many things.  I don’t know about you, but as a mom, when you see your child having fun, and smiling ear to ear, it makes your heart burst with joy.  I felt an immense feeling of pride when we first visited and I saw my son 2 & 1/2 and daughter 4 & 1/2 at Biomes.

Being New England residents gives us “locals” a sense of pride for our traditions, fresh seafood, and our beautiful coastline. Visiting Biomes allowed us to celebrate the coastline we are so fortunate to have and our passion for being New Englanders by showing maps of waterways.

Biomes displays sand bottles on shelves all numbered / labeled indicating which local  beach on the it came from. Local marine animals are displayed in tanks for children to see, learn about, and touch. (Don’t worry, there are plenty of towels to wipe your hands on after you pet baby sharks or hold horseshoe crabs. There are even kid-friendly sinks.)  My son thinks he is “ the badest “ because he got to pet and feed what he was told is a “shark.” In his mind, sharks are huge with tons of teeth, they live deep in the ocean, and are one of the most powerful ocean predators. Now we, “let” him touch this powerful animal and he is over the moon! It was truly a magical experience for my kids that is unforgettable!

 

 

THE SKINNY:

• Duration : We visited Biomes for about an hour and a half.
• Cost : Reasonable! -$12 for adults and kids ages 3-12 and over 65 $10, under 3 FREE!  There is an option for a family membership for $125.
• Location : Relaxed aquarium with hands-on animals, live demos, participation in feeding several animals, long banquet tables with crafty drawing stations or blocks etc. setup (various educational activities). There’s also a fun play area with various small critters, puppet show with props and stand, toys, books, small gift shop reasonably priced. Essentially it is a local marine touch tank /education center for animal / nature lovers
• Weather : Any as this is an indoor activity
• Hours : Opens daily 12-5
• Anything else you may want to know : This is not a big aquarium like the other well-known aquariums in our area ( Mystic Aquarium or New England Aquarium )-no comparison really; however, it’s a great, easy place, especially for younger kids whom might not make it through a full day at a larger attraction or when there isn’t a full day to spend at the aquarium but you want to do something interesting with the kids!  Schools, girl and cub scouts, and camps often visit Biomes for an educational and fun outing.  Birthday parties are often held here and are really engaging for the kids with a personalized tour of the tanks.

Jewel Approved👍🏼

Jamison Approved👍🏼

If you like Biomes, be sure to check out Save the Bay for another local small scale aquarium.  If you are an animal lover and want to see more than just marine life, a visit to Southwick’s Zoo will surly delight you.  Leave a comment below and let us know what you thought of this location.  We would love to hear from you!