Zoos
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Providence's Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village is one of Rhode Island’s most adored attractions. Explore this beautifully landscaped 40-acre zoo — one of the nation’s oldest — and find African elephants, Masai giraffes, zebras, red pandas, snow leopards, moon bears, a Komodo dragon and more in naturalistic settings.
More Fun at the Zoo
Get up close during one of the zoo's Animal Encounters with armadillos and tortoises in the Connection Corner play yard. These hands-on encounters run all summer long and are free with your visit. Wild Connection Encounters with red pandas and more are available for an additional fee.
The Alex & Ani Farmyard, a family favorite, allows visitors to interact with a variety of farm animals, as well as try their hand at some farm life activities. Little ones also love Hasbro’s Our Big Backyard, a nature play and exploration area.
The zoo also offers a wide variety of camps and unique, hands-on learning experiences for kids of all ages.
Roger Williams Park
Roger Williams Park (RWP) was created in 1871 on land bequeathed to the City of Providence by Betsey Williams. Today, the park's 435+ acres offer opportunities for all to play and learn, truly making it "The People's Park." The park is home to the zoo, and so much more, including:
Carousel Village
Featuring a historic carousel, pony rides and the Carousel Express train, Carousel Village is fun for the family. Seasonally, Carousel Village hosts Food Truck Fridays, with trucks serving up tasty treats, including tacos, grilled cheese, Korean barbecue and more.
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
The Botanical Center is the largest glasshouse display garden in New England. Inside, you'll find a wide variety of plants, including majestic 40′ tall palms, carnivorous plants, 10' cacti and succulents. The Botanical Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
Founded in 1896, the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium can be considered the "People's University," as it is Rhode Island’s only natural history museum and home to the state’s only public planetarium. The museum is open Friday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features planetarium shows, engaging exhibits and exciting events.
Activities & Events in Roger Williams Park
The Roger Williams Park is home to a number of other fun and family-friendly activities. You'll find luscious green areas for walking, as well as lakes and ponds with water activities, including swan boats, softball fields, tennis courts and more. The park is also home to beautiful event spaces, including the Roger Williams Park Casino, built in 1896, and its adjacent bandstand, the RWP Botanical Center, and outdoor space for tented events.
All Zoos
Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village
Dubbed “the finest zoo in New England” by the Boston Globe. Walk through this beautifully landscaped 40-acre zoo — one of the nation’s oldest — and encounter an African elephant, a Masai giraffe, zebras, a red panda, snow leopard, moon bears, a gibbon, giant ant eater and more in naturalistic settings. Check the zoo's website for hours and admission pricing. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and Christmas Eve. Check our website for any additional early closings. The nationally acclaimed Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular runs evenings during October; check website for dates and details. Dubbed “the finest zoo in New England” by the Boston Globe. Walk through this beautifully landscaped 40-acre zoo — one of the nation’s oldest — and encounter an African elephant, a Masai giraffe, zebras, a red panda, snow leopard, moon bears, a gibbon, giant ant eater and more in naturalistic settings. Check the zoo's website for hours and admission pricing. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and Christmas Eve. Check our website for any additional early closings. The nationally acclaimed Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular runs evenings during October; check website for dates and details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What animals can I see at Roger Williams Park Zoo?
The 40-acre zoo, one of the oldest in the country, is home to African elephants, Masai giraffes, zebras, red pandas, snow leopards, moon bears, a Komodo dragon and more in naturalistic habitats.
- Are there hands-on animal experiences?
Yes. Free Animal Encounters with armadillos and tortoises run all summer in the Connection Corner play yard, and Wild Connection Encounters with red pandas and other animals are available for an extra fee. Kids also love the Alex & Ani Farmyard and Hasbro’s Our Big Backyard nature play area.
- What is the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular?
It’s the zoo’s nationally acclaimed display of carved pumpkins, held on evenings in October. It requires a separate ticket, so check the zoo’s website for dates and details.
- When is the zoo closed?
The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and it sometimes closes early. Check the zoo’s website for current hours and admission prices.
- What else is there to do in Roger Williams Park?
The 435-acre park also has Carousel Village with a historic carousel, pony rides and a train, the Botanical Center (New England’s largest glasshouse garden), the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, swan boats, walking paths and seasonal Food Truck Fridays.
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