April is a great month to venture outdoors after surviving the long, cold winter. It’s also the time of year that places like Roger Williams Park Zoo offer fun events for the whole family. People who enjoyed the Zoo’s animal encounters last year will be happy for their return early in the month. Every Saturday and Sunday in April and May, visitors can experience close-up encounters with the Zoo’s seals. Seal feedings start at 2pm and are $20 per person in addition to Zoo admission. Preregistration is available online, or guests can buy their tickets at Zoo admissions on the day of their visit. Day-of tickets are only available if the feeding hasn’t sold out online.
The Zoo is putting a new spin on their annual Party for the Planet during April school vacation. This year’s five-day celebration will immerse guests in the diverse cultures of regions featured in the Zoo, like Tropical and North America, Africa and Australasia. As always, the Zoo celebrates Earth Day during Party for the Planet with an Environmental Fair on Wednesday, April 22, where eco-friendly New England organizations share tips on how to live greener. Party for the Planet runs Monday through Friday, April 20 – 24 from 11am to 3pm each day, and is free with Zoo admission.
Those who want to test their climbing skills will also enjoy the return of the rock wall at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Available daily during April vacation, visitors can head to Wilderness Plaza and tackle the rock wall, featuring four sides with varying degrees of difficulty. This year, guests can purchase multiple “climbs” that can be redeemed any day the rock wall is open. Prices are $5 for a single climb, $10 for 3 climbs, and $20 for 8 climbs.
Another popular Zoo program happening April school vacation are ZooCamps. At Tadpole Academy (ages 4 – 5) and Spring Zoo Adventures (ages 6 – 10), children experience a week of hands-on and inquiry-driven activities, games, crafts, animal encounters, and tours of the Zoo. A great new addition this year is that campers can also feed the goats and sheep in the Alex and Ani Farmyard. Preregistration is required online. Registration is also available for all Summer ZooCamps, but space is limited.
Get details for these and other events and education programs at www.rwpzoo.org. Zoo hours April to September: 10am – 5pm, with last admission at 4:30pm.
Roger Williams Park Zoo is a Macaroni Kid Providence/Northern RI sponsor.
