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Early Childhood Programs (Ages 3-5)

Zoo Education Staff during early childhood program showing a picture of an anteater to four children.

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 Schedule:

Drop-in classes are held each month on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

  • Wild Winters: January 8, 9, 10
    • 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!
  • Stuffed Critter Clinic: February 12, 13, 14
    • Bring your favorite stuffed animal friend for a special checkup in Our Big Backyard. Check out real animal x-rays, create a unique ID bracelet for your patient, enjoy hands-on activities and a scavenger hunt. Drop-in anytime between 10:30 am – 1:30 pm.
  • March Movement: March 12, 13, 14
    • 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 fins out the how? and the why? as we dance our way through March!
  • Showers & Flowers: April 9, 10, 11
    • 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 for dates in the coming months.
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