7 Sizzling Summer Events to Enjoy at Providence Zoo

The animals at Roger Williams Park Zoo are ready to welcome visitors for the summer season.

The zoo's most recent residents, its penguins, have caused quite a stir since waddling back to the zoo. Families have enjoyed the latest aquatic addition after waiting years for something to be done in the former home of Bubba the seal.

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Fun Times Ahead For Zoo Patrons

“We are ready for another fabulous summer at Roger Williams Park Zoo! Our brand-new penguin habitat is making a splash, and dinosaurs are stomping back into town with this year’s Return of the Dinosaurs exhibit," said Vicki Scharfberg, Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

Specialty Events At Roger Williams Park Zoo

Yoga with the Elephants

Saturday, June 7 , 7:30 a.m.

Relax with a 60-minute outdoor yoga session situated alongside the zoo's iconic African elephants. The class is designed for all fitness levels, ages 16 and over. Advanced reservation and payment required.

Dinos at Dusk

Saturday, June 14 and Saturday August 9

Families can journey back in time and enjoy an evening at the zoo from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Your ticket includes access to the entire zoo and the Return of the Dinosaurs walk-through experience.

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Party with Pride (21+)

Saturday, June 19

Get ready for a fantastic lineup of entertainment featuring Ace DJ Entertainment, Queer-e-oke, and drag performances. Discover fascinating “Nature is Queer” animal chats, zoo-themed cocktails at pop-up cash bars, and connect with local LGBTQIA+ allied organizations.

Zoobilee! Party with a Purpose

Saturday, June 28

Join the zoo for a night of roaring fun, all for a great cause! Indulge in delicious bites from dozens of the area’s top restaurants and sip on refreshing cocktails. Dance the night away under the stars and get to know some of your favorite furry (and feathery) friends with special encounters. Plus, your ticket helps save wildlife and wild places. Every dollar raised at Zoobilee supports the Zoo’s mission of conservation and education. Advanced reservation and payment required.

Return of the Dinosaurs: Sensory-Friendly Mornings

Sunday, July 6

Join the zoo for special sensory-friendly mornings an hour before the dinosaur trail opens to the public: designed for those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences and their families from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

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40 & Fabulous- Happy Birthday to Ginny, Kate and Alice!

July 12 (rain date July 13), 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Our beloved elephants are turning 40, and you're invited to the party. Celebrate this milestone with a day filled with birthday treats, kids’ activities, music ,enrichment activities for our girls and a lot of fun for the whole family. Help us make their big day unforgettable (…as if they could forget, they’re elephants!!) Free with admission

Brew at the Zoo (21+)

Saturday, August 23

Sample hundreds of beers, hard seltzers and ready-to-drink cocktails from dozens of local, regional and national breweries. Enjoy live musical entertainment, animal encounters and more at Rhode Island’s largest outdoor beer festival.

Sneak Peek of Dinosaur Trail in Providence

Check out the fun to be had at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence this spring and summer.

Gallery Credit: Michaela Johnson

LOOK: How Many of These Classic Summer Toys Do You Remember?

If you grew up in the Wild West of the '60s, '70s, or '80s, summer toys were a lifeline because many of us were locked outside (until the street lights came on). Inside was no place for a kid! Check out these classic summer toys that kept us cool, kept us busy, and always seemed to add a dash of danger.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz