Best Zoos and Aquariums Near Rhode Island
Mystic Aquarium, Southwick's Zoo Among Best Places to See Animals
Sep 8, 2009
Taking a child to the zoo can leave a lasting impression. Zoos and aquariums offer experiences that are both fun and educational. However, each location offers something different. Some offer opportunities for children to interact with animals. Others offer kiddie rides or pleasant picnic areas. Each has its own unique creatures that most will never see except for on the Discovery Channel.
One doesn't need to visit San Diego to enjoy a quality zoo. For Rhode Islanders, animals can be found on display within an hour's ride in nearly every direction. Parents who seek a fun-filled day trip or adults who appreciate wildlife can find what they are looking for only a few miles from their doorsteps.
Here is a summary of the best zoos and aquariums within 50 miles of Rhode Island:
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Some Rhode Islanders can walk to Roger Williams Park Zoo. Located at 1000 Elmwood Avenue in Providence, Rhode Island, this zoo is minutes away from the heart of the state capital. It is easy to get to from I-95, North or South. Just take the Elmwood Avenue exit (Exit 16 on I-95 North, Exit 17 on I-95 South), and follow the signs.
Roger Williams Zoo is fairly large, offering everything from penguins to elephants to moon bears to red wolves and red pandas. A highlight would be the zoo's primate enclosure, wherein white-faced saki monkeys and golden tamarins hop from branch to branch and cotton-top tamarins are just out of guests' reach. The zoo divides the animals by continents . . . sort of (North America, Africa, "Australasia?"). Additionally, it offers temporary exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to butterflies. Admission is $12.00 per adult and $6.00 for children (up to 12), an outstanding bargain.
The zoo is surrounded by a vast park that is great for picnicking. There is a carousel, paddle boats, greenhouses, and plenty of ducks and geese to feed, weather permitting.
Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium is located only a few miles over the Rhode Island border in Connecticut. Minutes away from the beautiful Mystic Seaport and adjacent to Mystic Village, the aquarium's location offers more than animals. From I-95 South, take Exit 90 and follow the signs.
The highlight of Mystic Aquarium is its beluga whale exhibit. These smart, lovable, and sociable creatures love to show off. During informal presentation times, the belugas display some of their tricks. They can be viewed from both above-water and underwater viewing areas.
Mystic also offers feeding time presentations for many of their marine animals, including penguins, sea lions, and even sharks. General admission is $26.00, while children (up to 17) get in for $19.00. For those wanting more interactive experiences, the aquarium offers ray feeding and penguin encounter and beluga encounter programs for additional cost.
Southwick's Zoo (a.k.a. Southwick's Wild Animal Farm)
Billed as the biggest zoo in New England, Southwick's Zoo is less than thirty minutes from Rhode Island's northern border. To get there, take Route 146 North to Route 16 East (Exit 3 in Massachusetts) and follow the signs.
Southwick's caters to children in that, in addition to animal displays, it also offers kiddie rides, a petting zoo, and pony, camel, or elephant rides. A giant deer feeding area is located at one end of the zoo. A skyline gives customers a bird's eye view of the exhibits.
Southwick's lives up to its billing. It is a very large zoo with many animal exhibits, including numerous primates, big cats, and exotic birds. The zoo also offers a few shows. One show, "Bird Talk," allows some guests to get up close and personal to feathered friends while learning all about them.
Adult admission to Southwick's Zoo is $18.75. Children get in for $12.75.
Buttonwood Park Zoo
Buttonwood Park Zoo is located in New Bedford, Massachusetts, approximately thirty minutes from Providence. After taking Exit 13A of I-195 East, follow the signs to get there.
Buttonwood is a small zoo, offering no more than 30 exhibits. However, it is a great zoo for those seeking to relax and see some interesting animals - including black bears, elephants, and seals - for a cheap price. Adult admission is only $6.00!
The zoo is surrounded by a nice park inhabited by flocks of waterfowl. It is a pleasant, inexpensive way to spend three hours.
For Rhode Islanders who don't mind going the extra mile, both New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts, and ZooQuarium in West Yarmouth, Massachusetts, are sure to please. No matter which location one decides to visit, he or she is guaranteed a fun, wholesome, educational experience. Rhode Island-area zoos and aquariums are great times for children and adults alike,
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