Roger Williams Park Zoo

About

Roger Williams Park Zoo sits on 40 acres of rolling woodlands in Providence, Rhode Island, and holds the distinction of being one of the oldest zoos in the country. Since 1872, it has welcomed visitors to explore exhibits featuring animals from around the world, from snow leopards and red pandas to African elephants and Masai giraffes.

The zoo is organized into several themed areas that take you on a journey across continents. Marco Polo's Adventure Trek features animals from the Asian wilderness, while the Faces of the Rainforest building immerses you in a tropical environment complete with free-flying birds and curious primates. The North America section highlights native wildlife, and younger visitors love the farmyard area where they can get up close with goats and sheep.

Beyond the animal exhibits, the zoo offers a scenic train ride through Roger Williams Park, carousel rides, and seasonal events throughout the year. The surrounding park itself is a gem, with gardens, lakes, and walking paths that make for a full day out.

Plan to spend two to four hours exploring the zoo. Food options are available on-site, including a main cafe and seasonal snack stands. The zoo is open year-round, though hours vary by season, so check before you go. Parking is available in a large lot near the main entrance.

Roger Williams Park Zoo combines conservation education with genuine fun. It's a manageable size that doesn't overwhelm, yet packed with enough variety to keep everyone engaged. Whether you're watching the moon bears play or feeding the giraffes, there's a sense of connection here that makes the visit memorable.

Accessibility

The majority of paths throughout the zoo are accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. However, two paths connecting the lower zoo to the upper zoo are steeper than ADA-recommended slopes, so visitors may want to plan their route accordingly or ask staff for the most accessible way between sections.

Accessible parking is available near the main entrance, and the entrance itself is ADA-compliant with no steps or stairs required to enter. Ticket counters and some exhibit railings are positioned higher than standard ADA guidelines, which may affect visibility for wheelchair users or visitors of shorter stature.

Restrooms throughout the zoo are generally accessible, with one exception: the men's restroom in the menagerie building is not wheelchair accessible. Other restroom facilities on the grounds do accommodate mobility devices.

The zoo's train ride can accommodate manual wheelchairs but cannot fit motorized wheelchairs or EZ carts. Service animals are welcomed on zoo grounds for all disabilities in accordance with ADA standards.

For the most current information on sensory accommodations, assistive listening devices, or quiet spaces, contact the zoo directly before your visit. The surrounding Roger Williams Park has about 1.3 miles of wheelchair and stroller-friendly trails, though these paths may not fully meet ADA standards. Staff are generally available to help with questions about accessible routes and facilities.

More accessible places in Rhode Island

• Roger Williams Park Botanical Center (Providence)
• Roger Williams National Memorial (Providence)
• Providence Performing Arts Center (Providence)
• WaterFire Providence (Providence)
• Providence Place (Providence)
• Providence Children’s Museum (Providence)