Reopen - Know Before You Visit

Know Before You Visit

Now open Thursday - Monday from 10 am - 4 pm. NOTE: The Zoo is open on Providence school holidays and vacation weeks. We have implemented enhanced protocols and procedures to help ensure the safety of guests, employees, volunteers and, of course, our animals. This includes a one-way pathway, closure of some buildings, mask requirements and more.

Time ticketing procedures are in place.​ All tickets must be purchased ONLINE ONLY >.  Last admission to the Zoo is 3:30 pm

Please read more below to ensure you and your family have a safe and enjoyable experience:

Plan Your Visit - Safety Protocols, Timed Ticketing & Zoo Memberships
On behalf of our entire Zoo family, thank you for your continued support during these unprecedented times! It is our mission to create engaging experiences that empower guests to join us in conserving wildlife and wild places.
Updated Zoo Map with temporary closures
Safety Protocols Include:
  • Online timed-ticket reservations for guests and Zoo members with a set maximum capacity for each time frame. 
  • One-way pathway with clear social distance markers.
  • Guests and employees are required to wear face coverings (covering nose and mouth) when on Zoo grounds. (Children under 2 and those with medical conditions are exempt)
  • New hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer units have also been installed throughout the Zoo. 
  • Physical barriers and other safety related infrastructure changes.
  • Building and Grounds staff are enhancing all safety and cleaning measures to ensure the already high standards followed for the safety of our animals, staff and guests.

World of Adaptations,and Hasbro's Our Big Backyard are closed. High frequency, high touch play-based activities will not be available.

Faces of the Rainforest open with limited capacity and hours.

Timed Ticketing:

Timed ticketing procedures are in place. Tickets are sold online only. No tickets will be sold at the gate. 

All patrons, including members, must obtain tickets online for one of the following timeslots:

  • 10 am, 11 am, Noon, 1 pm, or 2 pm.
  • Guests are welcome to remain on Zoo grounds until 4:00 pm.
  • No one will be allowed on Zoo grounds without showing a ticket at the parking lot entrance, including members. Members are still required to reserve a timed ticket online ***Please see next dropdown box for detailed instructions.

RESERVE TICKETS NOW >

Please Note: You must have a ticket when you arrive at the front gate. Guests without a ticket will be denied entry and encouraged to purchase tickets online and return for entry. Please have these items in-hand when you arrive:

  • Face mask for each guest
  • Pre-purchased admission tickets for each guest (printed tickets preferred; e-tickets also accepted)
  • Members, have your e-membership card open and ready
Zoo Members:

Tickets are available online-only. Members must pre-register in advance by choosing one of the following timeslots: 10 am, 11 am, Noon, 1 pm, or 2 pm.

  • Members must register (using primary membership email address and contact information) and sign in on the ticket webform to purchase their complimentary member tickets (contact Membership@rwpzoo.org with questions).
    • Please note that due to software limitations the system does require a $5.00 transaction fee for all online purchases. Members will be automatically refunded the fee within 5-10 business days back to the card used for the transaction.

RESERVE TICKETS NOW >

Watch this step-by-step guide for help when reserving your timed tickets.

Download your digital eMembership Card on the App Store or Play Store for fast and easy access.

Out-of-state residents:

Please see the Rhode Island Department of Health's COVID-19 protocols for out-of-state residents HERE.

Other Questions
Are you open even if it’s raining?

Yes! Our zoo will proudly receive guests regardless of the forecast, so we encourage you to dress accordingly.  In fact, all daytime zoo tickets are rain-or-shine.  There are no refunds, rainchecks, or rescheduling available.

Are your rides open?

Rides are temporarily closed for the winter season. Explore & Soar will reopen Spring 2021.

How do the timeslots work?

Each timeslot is one hour long.  You must arrive to the zoo within this hour window (ex: if you have a 1 PM ticket, be sure to enter the zoo between 1 – 2 PM).  Once inside, you may explore the zoo for as long as you’d like, right up to the 4 PM closing. 

Can I get a discount on tickets or use a reciprocal membership from another zoo?

Discounts are not currently available.  This includes military discounts, reciprocal discounts, AAA membership discounts and library pass programs.  We do appreciate your support as every dollar goes toward caring for our animals.  If you like what you see, please consider joining as a member – then you can visit free all year! 

I already have tickets. Can I use them?

Those who have advanced tickets or complimentary tickets will be able to redeem their tickets on any visit day/time.  These visitors will still need to show/surrender tickets at multiple checkpoints and also go through all entry procedures like any other guest.

Please be advised that you will have to provide your contact information to zoo staff, for Department of Health contact tracing purposes.

I bought the wrong tickets/timeslot. How can I fix it?

​Ticket sales are final.   Due to capacity limits, we cannot reschedule or refund your tickets.  If you cannot make your scheduled time, we recommend sharing your non-member tickets with a friend or family members. 

Will you have food available? Can I bring my own?

Yes! Our new food partner, SSA, will be open with increased cleaning procedures, grab-and-go options, limited contact sales/pick-up, and more.

Note: Due to new state regulations for outdoor dining guests must leave their own food and drinks at home for the time being.

Where can I eat lunch with my family?

We have picnic tables and tented areas open for the public, including near each restaurant, our Explore and Soar area (Adventure Tent), and a tented area in Upper Zoo near the gift shop (Event Tent). Right now, our indoor dining areas remain closed.  All picnic tables are limited to one household per table. 

Can I buy souvenirs or gifts?

Discover the Wild, the flagship gift store located in Upper Zoo, will still be open.  This location has been modified with lower capacities to ensure social distancing.  We strongly encourage credit card usage. 

Please keep in mind to keep everyone safe, some retail features (like face painting, wind machines, and small kiosks) are presently unavailable. 

What about strollers and wheelchairs?

Feel free to bring your own!  For added convenience, the zoo will also rent single strollers ($5), double strollers ($7), manual push wheelchairs ($5) and motorized wheelchairs ($25).  All equipment is purchased on-site during your visit (online purchase not available).  For contactless payment, credit cards are recommended. 

 

Motorized wheelchair quantities are limited, so contact VisitorServices@rwpzoo.org with your name, date of visit, and timed ticket slot to reserve one in advance. 

I had tickets to a cancelled program/event. What do I do?

The best thing to do is to respond to the confirmation email.  We’ll connect you to the right department and staff will help you from there.

If you have further questions, please email Info@rwpzoo.org

What are the carousel’s hours?

The carousel building is temporarily closed and will reopen February 2021.

Updated Zoo Map with temporary closures