What to do and see in Rhode Island, United States: The Best Zoos & Aquariums

Located amid 40 acres of beautiful woodlands, the Roger Williams Park Zoo provides visitors the opportunity to see animals from all over the globe – some more than a million years old. Naturalistic surroundings are home to more than 100 species of animals including a Komodo dragon, as well as zebras, red pandas, African elephants, Masai giraffes, snow leopards, bears, flamingoes, sloths, and more! Kids from two to 102 have the opportunity to feed giraffes and harbor seals, as well as an array of farmyard animals. For something slightly out of the ordinary, visit our new Explore and Soar area offering an exhilarating zip ride, a train excursion through the woodlands, and ice cream station. The Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and is home to many endangered species. As a result, the Zoo participates in cooperative conservation and breeding programs to help ensure the future survival of many endangered species.

The Biomes Center is New England's only private marine education facility and the most hands-on aquarium in the region. We've been providing interactive marine biology programs for schools and families since 1989. We specialize in teaching children and adults about the marine animals of Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. We offer public hours, special events, classes, field trips, in-class programs, and birthday parties.

Whether you're a local or just visiting the Newport area, the Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium, with its beachfront location, is the perfect family destination. This interactive marine science center is home to more than 140 species from Narragansett Bay, three touch tanks, and a craft center. Children can get face-to-fin with lobsters, crabs, and fish from local waterways. With Newport's only ocean-facing beach just outside the front door, visitors can continue the beachcombing experience after their visit. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day Daily 10am to 4pm Open Labor Day to Memorial Day Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10am to 4pm See website for more details

A 1/4 mile away from the Zoo is the Roger Williams Park Carousel Village offering fun and exciting activities for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the fully accessible Hasbro Boundless Playground open daily all year. Leap, jump and play in the Bouncy House, enjoy a Pony Ride or board the Carousel Express. Frenchy's Cafe offers lunch during the warmer months, and Food Truck Friday is a great way to end the week (May - September). HOURS: January 1 - 31 | Closed February 1 - March 31 | Weekends 12 - 4pm April 1 - June 30 | Weekdays 12 - 6pm & Weekends 11am - 6pm July 1 - Labor Day | Daily 11am - 6pm Post Labor Day - Oct. 31 | Daily 12 - 4pm & Friday/Saturdays 12 - 8pm Nov. 1 - Dec. 31 | Weekends 12 - 4pm Please Note: School Holidays & Vacation Weeks | 11am - 6pm Carousel Village is open year round for birthday parties and private events.