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.

*** Be sure to check the zoo's website before you visit for important info about ticketing, and health and safety protocols. ***

More Fun at the Zoo

Don't miss the Explore & Soar area, where you'll find the Woodlands Express train, and for the slightly more adventurous, the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride. Get up close with sloths, giraffes, harbor seals and even armadillos, during one of the zoo's Animal Encounters. The Alex and 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.

Take an Insider Tour and gain exclusive access into the amazing World of Adaptations, get a behind-the-scenes look at the elephants and giraffes, feed the goat herd and more! Along the way, your personal guide will be there to answer your questions, share stories from the zoo’s rich history, and provide you with insider knowledge you never knew you needed to know.

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.