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Fall Fun and Winter Programs at the Zoo

October 23, 2014
Fun Fall and Winter Programs at the Zoo

About 100 different species of animals call Roger Williams Park Zoo home, but there’s still more for families to enjoy. Each year, the Zoo offers exciting and educational programs throughout the fall and winter for the little ones, and workshops that are fun for all ages.

Halloween is around the corner, and people are always looking for a Halloween experience for the whole family. The Boo at the Zoo Family Overnights are definitely the place to be. This fun, nighttime event for ages 6 and over includes meals and snacks, animal encounters, express entry to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, tours of the Zoo, an animal-themed movie, and more. Bring a sleeping bag, air mattress, blankets, pillows, and anything else to make an overnight stay in the Zoo’s Education Center more comfortable. Pre-registration is required, and spots fill up quick for the two sessions (October 18th and 25th).

New this year, Science Saturdays allows people of all ages to explore the wondrous world of science at the Zoo. This activity offers individuals or families an opportunity to conduct their own experiments using science kits. From finding out what an owl had for dinner, to the sweet secrets of strawberry DNA, this is a fun-for-all journey into the amazing world of science. The science kits are $5 each, and can be reserved in advance online. If a session isn’t full, people interested can also just drop in the Zoo’s Education Center at any time between 1:30pm and 3pm on select Saturdays from October – December.

The Zoo’s education department will bring toddlers (ages 18 months - 3 years) closer to nature with another new program called Creatures ‘n Kids. Youngsters can discover more about animals as they hear a story, meet an animal, color, and engage in free-choice activities. Creatures ‘n Kids runs during the week, with sessions from November – January.

Another oldie but goodie is the Zoo’s Preschool Adventure classes for children ages 3 to 5 and accompanying parents. These 90-minute programs focus on a special animal or area of the Zoo. For example, some classes center on elephants, snakes, or flamingos, while others take an up-close look at how different animals move. The programs include a lesson, fun family activities, crafts, and a program animal encounter. Pre-registration is required for the classes running on select days from September 2014 – February 2015.

Get details on specific dates, program prices, and more at www.rwpzoo.org (Follow links for Education).