Zoo and family attraction

Roger Williams Park Zoo

17.7 road mi · about 27 min

Roger Williams Park Zoo is a 40-acre family attraction about 17.7 road miles from the Polar Express station.

The place

About Roger Williams Park Zoo

Roger Williams Park Zoo presents more than 100 animal species across approximately 40 acres in Providence. The nonprofit Rhode Island Zoological Society manages the city-owned zoo.

Current general hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with last admission at 3:30 p.m. The zoo recommends online timed tickets because capacity is limited, though a valid ticket can be presented without a reservation.

The main path is slightly more than one mile and the zoo suggests about three hours. Most of the zoo is wheelchair-accessible, but hills, uneven ground and unpaved terrain make route-specific planning important.

The zoo publishes accessible parking, first-come manual wheelchair and ECV rentals, sensory bags and quiet zones. Trained service animals are allowed under zoo rules; pets, emotional-support and therapy animals are not.

What stands out

Explore more than 100 species

Use the current map and animal pages because collection presence changes.

Budget a substantial visit

Allow about three hours for the 40-acre site and slightly more than one mile of paths.

Use sensory supports

Borrow a sensory bag and identify quiet zones before the route begins.

Plan for varied terrain

Confirm a suitable path if hills, uneven or unpaved surfaces matter.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Blackstone Valley Polar Express trip

The zoo is about 17.7 road miles and 27 minutes from Woonsocket, offering a substantial daytime family stop before an evening holiday departure.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • HoursDaily 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; last admission 3:30 p.m.; published holiday/event closures apply.
  • Admission$25 adult, $21 senior 62+, $19 child ages 2-12, age 1 and under free; members free.
  • TicketsOnline timed tickets are recommended because capacity is limited; tickets are nontransferable and nonrefundable.
  • ParkingFree parking is published in the main lots and along park roads; accessible spaces in Lots A and B are first-come.
  • TerrainMost areas are wheelchair-accessible, but the roughly one-mile route includes hills, uneven and unpaved ground.
  • RentalsFirst-come manual wheelchair $7, ECV $28, single stroller $8 and double stroller $9.
  • Sensory accessThe certified sensory-inclusive zoo provides free sensory bags and quiet zones.
  • AnimalsTrained service animals are allowed under zoo rules; pets, ESAs and therapy animals are not.

Add industrial history

Add Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark

Pair the zoo with a National Park Service mill tour in Pawtucket.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

What are the current hours?

General hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with last admission at 3:30 p.m. Published event and holiday closures still apply.

How much is admission?

$25 adult, $21 senior 62+, $19 child ages 2-12, age one and under free, and members free.

Should tickets be reserved?

Online timed tickets are recommended because capacity is limited. Tickets are nontransferable and nonrefundable.

Is parking free?

The zoo publishes free parking in its main lots and along park roads. Accessible spaces in Lots A and B are first-come.

Is the whole zoo wheelchair-accessible?

Most areas are accessible, but the site has hills, uneven ground and unpaved terrain. Contact the zoo for a route-specific need.

Are wheelchairs or scooters available?

First-come rentals are published: manual wheelchair $7 and ECV $28. Availability is not guaranteed.

Are service animals allowed?

Trained service animals are allowed under zoo rules. Pets, emotional-support and therapy animals are not.

Do the photos prove current animals?

No. The animal images date from 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2021 and do not guarantee current species presence, habitat, viewing or access.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-17. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.