You must be logged in to use this feature.

Family

Family.com Family Travel Family Vacations Rhode Island Newport Vacation Things To Do Roger Williams Park Zoo

Roger Williams Park Zoo

See Newport, Rhode Island family vacation

Roger Williams Park Zoo

Providence

view website

1000 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, RI 02907
401-785-3510

You have successfully saved this Thing To Do.

See it in My Wishlist

Good-for-Kids Rating

Babies

Toddlers & Pre-K

School-Age Kids

Pre-Teens & Teens

Rate It | Add Your Review

Good-for-Kids Rating

Rate Roger Williams Park Zoo:

Babies

Toddlers & Pre-K

School-Age Kids

Pre-Teens & Teens

submit

Zoo
Park
Boating
Boat Tour
Boat Ride

Roger Williams Park Zoo Description

This just-right sized zoo is a pleasure, with its lushly landscaped grounds meandering past waterfalls, through wooded areas, and alongside animal habitats. Families love it as much for the animals as for the comfortable atmosphere. Look for elephants, giraffes, and zebras, plus novel critters like the Moon Bears (they come right up to the glass) in the Marco Polo section. A kid favorite? The walk-through rain forest with tamarinds hanging out overhead.

Kid Tips

Babies: Roger Williams Park has a long network of walking paths. It's a perfect place to take the stroller for a spin.

Toddlers & Pre-K: Lions, tigers, and bears can't hold a candle to the pet-able animals in the barnyard. It's a great place to start your zoo adventure or wind it down.

Planning Notes

Animal census. There are more than 100 species here, and about 1,000 animals in all. Changes are in the works as the zoo undertakes some major improvements to make areas like the elephant home even more natural looking. Be prepared for construction (which will continue during the next several years), with new exhibits expected to open in 2010 and 2011.
Come early. The zoo is a local favorite, and many days the line to get in starts when the gates open at 9 a.m. Parking fills up, too. If you can, avoid visiting on weekends.
Drop in the bucket. The zoo is the most famous piece of the larger Roger Williams Park. At more than 400 acres, the beautifully planted oasis includes a carousel, natural history museum, planetarium, and playground, plus the cutest pedal boats (they look like swans) kids will ever see. Or skip all the attractions and just enjoy the lovely grounds.