Roger Williams Park and Zoo

9/10 Mommy Approved Smiling Faces

rwpzoo.org

1000 Elmwood Ave. Providence, RI 02907

(401)785-3510

The kids and I like Roger Williams Park and Zoo because it is a fantastic zoo that sits on beautiful park grounds. Year round you can see the gorgeous picturesque trees on the edges of ponds as you walk through the paved paths that surround the zoo. There is a  a playground, a carrousel, botanical gardens , often times there are food truck fridays and The Museum of Natural History.  Therefore, a visit to Roger Williams Park and Zoo makes for a lovely day spent with the family where there are an immense amount of options for the everyone to enjoy.

At the zoo, there are several different habitats set up for viewing. My kids especially like the barn area because they can feed / brush the goats. Also, there are some interactive things to do such as milk a staged cow, play pretend grocery store and check under the chickens for any laid eggs. The kids love to pretend they are farmers and place the eggs back in a shoot which then recycles them back under the hens to repeat again and again for endless fun.

My personal favorite area is the rain forest because it is inside and warm.  Once inside, you will find a Sloth that is often times literally just hanging around within arms reach, see several tropical birds such as a Toucan and another of my kids’ favorites, Giant Sea Otters. They are just so mischievous and active it is hard not to be compelled to watch them.

There is a lot of walking involved at this zoo with some hilly and windy paths. Benches and tables are set up throughout so that helps in case you want to eat or rest a bit. Bathrooms are also scattered throughout for your convenience. We tend to get a later start sometimes this means their “daily activities” are complete by the time we arrive.

We did see a bird show that was by far the best show we’ve ever seen with birds.  They explained so much about each one and actually had them fly over the audience to show off their wingspan and flight.  The kids thoroughly enjoyed the show as did all the adults.

If you visit the zoo with the kids in fall, the zoo puts on a yearly Jack-o-lantern Spectacular which draws a huge crowd.  Here an endless amount of intricately decorated pumpkins are displayed with numerous skeletons and other festive decor hanging from every crevice. If you visit the zoo during the daytime, you will get a taste of what the event will be like because the decorations stay up for the season. This is very festive and lovely family event to enjoy Halloween time together.  The Jack-o-lantern Spectacular starts after sunset and showcases infinite displays of illuminated jack-o-lanterns that leaves spectators awe struck.  Each year, main stream icons from various movies and characters are added to the jack-o-lanterns.  This year we saw K-pop demon Hunters, Harry Potter & Taylor Swift amongst other popular themes.  There are quirky signs that literally make you laugh out loud and each year the trivia gets better.  Go test your knowledge as you enjoy the decor September 27-November 2nd nightly from 6-10:30PM with advanced purchased tickets.

After Halloween fades, guests can bundle up and continue the fun when visiting for the Holiday Lights Spectacular where 40 acres of paths are lit with 3.5 million lights for the holiday season.  Hot chocolate and yummy snacks can be purchased to cozy up with while experiencing this magical lights display.

The Skinny:

• Location : Roger Williams Park and Zoo has a diverse amount of animals including elephants, giraffes, sloths, ant eaters, monkeys, reptiles, birds and more.  You will find a gift shop, places to eat, activities / events on the website such as camps and classes to sign up for. There is also a newer area for the children to play on hammocks, with water fountains, climb, enjoy a tree house and tunnels.  My kids loved this play area while visiting with their friends.  The park has Swan paddle boats, serene views by the water, green space, a playground with a carrousel and walking paths.  They offer seasonal events such as the wildly popular Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular and festival Holiday Lights Spectacular walk-through experiences seasonally.
• Weather : It needs to be somewhat of a nice day because this is mostly an outside location
• Duration : We spent 2 hours or so but you could easily spend more.
• Cost : Adults $22, children 2-12 $16, seniors 62 and older $18, or you can become a member.  For Providence residents, the first Saturday of every month is free with proof of residency and valid ID.
• Hours : Daily 10 am- 4 pm , seasonal night time light events require separate tickets and take place after the zoo closes for the day.  Then the night time event opens with a transformed ambiance in endless illuminations.
• Recommendations : Walking shoes, a backpack for all the kids’ stuff they no longer want to carry/wear, stroller if your child still takes naps, and drinking water / snacks
• Check the website prior to your trip so you can plan accordingly for any extra activities such as animal feedings, events and encounters.

Jewel approved👍🏼

Jamison approved 👍🏼

If your kids like animals be sure to check out Mystic Aquarium with marine animals, Davis Farmland with farm animals and Save The Bay with local sea creatures.