Norman Bird Sanctuary

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

583 Third Beach Road

Middletown, RI 02842

https://www.normanbirdsanctuary.org/

Norman Bird Sanctuary has a vast variety of diverse habitats to offer nature lovers.  You can learn so much from the URI Masters Gardeners with the composting to the meadows and wetlands.  That just names a few of the different areas here.  It offers some very easy land to walk on in the planked wooden walkways and then some very challenging lands in the high ridges overlooking the beach.  There is just has so much variety.  That’s what, in my opinion, makes this location special. 

Our favorite area was the end of hanging rock trail.  It has the most gorgeous view of Middletown in the entire area.  It is simply breathtaking!  You can see the beaches, Norman Bird Sanctuary grassland,  Saint Georges School, and Gardiner Pond.  There’s just so much at the top of this climb.  The kids loved it too!  We sat on top admiring the scenery while eating some cherries.  It was hot on the day we hiked up but at this top point, it was full sun and there was a pleasant and much appreciated breeze to make us comfortable.

The Skinny:

• Weather : It has to be a nice day because it is completely outside

• Parking and Admissions :  FREE parking and  admissions cost: Adults $7, Senior / Military $6 , Student / Child (3 and older) $3 (the visitor center is closed now during Covid but you can hike the trails)

• Location : Norman Bird Sanctuary is  325 acres of land including forests, thickets, fields, ponds, streams, salt marshes, beach with various  and wildlife = 7 miles of trails.  Also they have a curiosity lab that allows for crafting, tinkering and animal / environmental education.
• Hours : 9-5 daily with public restrooms open during this time only  

• Duration : We spent 2 hours or so here but needed to return a second day if we intended to complete the trail.  Its rather sizable!  Everyone was getting hot and hungry.

• • Tips and Recommendations : Dogs are not allowed, nor are smoking, jogging, biking, kites, and motor vehicles.  Tick checking is a must there are signs posted throughout.  Definitely wear repellent!  You can hike and also visit some other really cool places as you are so close to the beaches, restaurants and other kid friendly attractions such as Save the Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium and Sachuest Wildlife Refuge.

 

Jewel Approved 👍🏼

Jamison Approved 👍🏼