Early Childhood Programs (Ages 3-5)
Young Explorers:
Early childhood education programs at Roger Williams Park Zoo offer a fun, age-appropriate way for parents and their children ages 3 to 5 to discover the natural world together. Join Miss Mackenzie and friends for a variety of activities during Young Explorers. This free program runs September through April, and themes, dates and times will change monthly. A new and exciting experience awaits participants each day!
Please note this program does not include direct interaction with exhibit animals. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Participants should be prepared to be outside for the duration of the program and should be prepared to get dirty.
- Cost: FREE! No registration required (this program does not include Zoo admission. If you do not have a Zoo membership, you will have to purchase tickets to enter the Zoo)
- Location: Hasbro’s Our Big Backyard
- Drop-in anytime between 10:30 am – 1:30 pm:
2026-2027 Schedule:
Drop-in classes are held each month on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Back To School – Books & Beasts – September 17, 18, 19
Join us as we explore stories that feature some amazing animals. We’ll revisit old favorites and discover new ones. Participants can illustrate their own books covers, listen in during story times and dress up like some of their favorite story characters. Don’t forget to visit our Free Little Library too!
Fall – October 22, 23, 24
Get ready for the Fall season with us! Things might get spooky as we make mud potions and investigate slimes. From pumpkin dissection to leave exploration, participants will get up close and personal with some of the best parts of Fall.
Home Sweet Habitat – November 19, 20, 21
From intricate nests in the rainforest to underground burrows right in our neighborhoods, join us as we explore different habitats and some incredible animal architects that live there.
Animals & Holidays – December 10, 11, 12
Celebrate around the world as we discover how some animals help to connect us to festivities and holidays. From the animals of the Chinese Zodiac to the majestic elephants of India, it is sure to be a celebration.
Wild Winters – January 14, 15, 16
As the snow starts to fall and the cold weather creeps in, joins us as we explore the wonders of nature during the winter season. Looking for animal tracks in the snow, exploring the amazing waterproof feathers of penguins and creating camouflaged arctic foxes is just the beginning. We hope to see you there!
Pets & Vets – February 11, 12, 13
Join us for our second annual Young Explorers Critter Clinic! We invite families to bring special stuffies from home and give them a full checkup at our Critter Clinic. Participants can check their patients in, review X-Rays and provide bandages and medicine. Together we will explore the importance of pet care and the amazing efforts that Vets provide to help care for our animals.
March Movement – March 18, 19, 20
Swimming and jumping and flying, oh my! We are sure to get you on your feet as we explore the many movements of some of our favorite creatures. Why do flamingos dance and how is a cheetah able to run so fast? Join us to find out the how? and the why? as we dance our way through March.
Showers & Flowers – April 8, 9, 10
A little rain is no reason to stay inside! As we SPRING into the new season, we’ll be dissecting flowers and using them as ingredients for our mud kitchen potions. We will also be discovering ways to use those rainy days to create rain art and have splash pad competitions. We will explore the wildlife that we start to see more around our neighborhoods and so much more! We hope to see you during our final month of Young Explorers. We will be back in September for more fun and exploration. Check back to dates in the coming months.