Roger Williams Park and Zoo

7.5/10 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊☺️Mommy Approved Smiling Faces

rwpzoo.org

1000 Elmwood Ave. Providence, RI 02907

(401)785-3510

I like Roger Williams Park and Zoo because it is easy to access and the grounds of the park where the zoo sits are beyond beautiful. Currently, it is fall and you can see the vibrant leaves changing colors as you walk through the paved paths that surround the zoo. There is a water view, a playground, a carrousel, botanical gardens and The Museum of Natural History https://kidfriendlynewengland.com/museum-of-natural-history/ (also a featured post) is on this property as well. It is therefore a lovely day spent with the family where you have no chances of getting get bored.

At the zoo, there are several different habitats set up for viewing. My kids especially like the barn area because they can feed 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…

My favorite area is the rain forest because it is warm, it is inside and has hanging chains that you have to walk through to enter the enclosure where the animals are kept. Once inside, you will find a Sloth that is literally just hanging around within arms reach at times, 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 some hilly and windy. 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 tended to get a later start so none of the “daily activities” were going on once we arrived. Because it is fall, the zoo puts on a yearly Jack-o-lantern Spectacular which is intricately decorated with numerous skeletons, and jack-o-latern carvings that are so detailed. You do get a taste of what the event will be like while at the zoo because the decorations stay up for the season. This is pretty cool if you like the creativity and theme of Halloween (we sure do in my family!) I am aware that you can pay about $4 to feed the giraffes usually around 11am. We have not been early enough to partake in this but I would love too because I’m sure any animal-loving kid would love this! I would recommend that your family try to go on the earlier side of the day since it seems like most of the activities occur then – check the website prior to your trip for any happenings. (I’m sure you know how it is getting out of the house with two kids-I’m always later than I’d like to be)

The Skinny:

Place :Roger Williams Park and Zoo has animals and a gift shop with several stations to eat at, activities on the website you can pre-book, a couple of rides, swan paddle boats, serene views by the water and walking paths
Weather : Needs to be somewhat of a nice day because you are mostly outside
Duration : We spent 2 hours or so but you could easily spend more
Cost : Adults $17.95, children 2-12 $12.95, seniors 62 and older $15.95, or you can become a member , for Providence residents first Saturday of every month is free with proof of residency and valid ID
Hours : daily 10 am- 4 pm ( it closes so early in my opinion)
Recommendations : Walking shoes, a backpack for all the kids’ stuff they no longer want to carry/wear, stroller if your child still takes naps (mine doesn’t so much but asked for me to hold him (I couldn’t resist-he is my baby and although he is 3 I’m trying to savor all his cuddles ) , and drinking water / snacks
Check the website prior to your trip so you can plan accordingly for any extra activities such as animal feedings and encounters