Accessibility Programs & Services
Roger Williams Park Zoo offers many accommodations for visitors to help all guests fully enjoy their Zoo experience. The Zoo has partnered with Kulture City to allow guests with autism and other sensory-processing disorders get better resources and support as they experience all the zoo has to offer.
If you have any questions about other accessibility accommodations you may need for your visit, please contact our admissions department at 401-941-4998 or email info@rwpzoo.org
Accessibility
The Zoo covers about 40 acres, and the path through Zoo grounds is a little more than one mile long. It is mostly wheelchair-accessible, though it does include hills and uneven or unpaved terrain. The average length of stay is three hours. Wheelchairs and strollers are available at the rental kiosk located at the main entrance or online in advance. One and two seat strollers are available on a first come, first served basis for $7 (single stroller) and $9 (double stroller). Manual wheelchairs are available on a first come, first served basis for $7.
An EZ Cart (automated wheelchair) is also available for rental by reservation. They are available for $27 each at the rental area near the Zoo’s main entrance on a first come, first served basis or with an online reservation.
Quiet zones are designated areas where guests can sit and regroup away from bustling crowds or stimulants. Quiet Zones are located at the entrance of the Wetlands Trail (across from the Muntjac exhibit); along the Marco Polo Trail Trek steps away from the moon bear exhibit); and indoors at the EMT room of the Sophie Danforth Administrative Building (across from the Alex & Ani Farmyard).
Sensory bags are available and loaned to visitors free of charge – simply ask the Front Gate Admissions staff when you arrive. Each bag is filled with fidget toys, emotional cue cards, noise-cancelling headphones and other useful toys. These bags are available at both Roger Williams Park Zoo and Carousel Village.
All aboard the Woodlands Express! Hop on-board this fun, family-friendly, premium train all summer long (weather permitting). Designed for all ages, this ride is located adjacent to Hasbro’s Our Big Backyard in the Zoo’s Explore & Soar area.
The Woodlands Express is wheelchair accessible. Please note that the train can only accommodate manual wheelchairs and not motorized wheelchairs/EZ carts.
The Zoo will allow service animals for all disabilities on grounds as outlined by the ADA standards.
Pets, emotional support and therapy animals are not allowed inside the Zoo for the safety and well-being of our guests as well as our Zoo animals.
We’re committed to accessibility of our website for all users. We are working to ensure that our website is fully compliant with ADA Standards, as outlined by the WCAG 2.1 guidelines. Thank you for your patience as we continually work to make improvements to our website.
If you have difficulty accessing our site, or need assistance, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us at 401-785-3510 or email us at visitorservices@rwpzoo.org.
Special Discounts on Zoo Tickets and Memberships
As a non-profit, we are grateful for your admission because it funds our animal care and conservation efforts. Even so, we do have a few limited ways to save:
Free First Saturdays for Providence (Free admission for residents of the City of Providence)
As a “thank you” to Providence residents whose tax money helps to support the Zoo, the first Saturday of every month is free to residents of the City of Providence (not East or North Providence). A valid ID and proof of residency* must be shown at the ticket window, no need to reserve your tickets in advance.
*Acceptable forms of identification or residency include a driver’s license, State issued ID, Providence Municipal IDs, lease agreement, utility bill, etc.
Rhode Island Zoo Access Program (discounted membership for RHODE ISLAND EBT cardholders)
Roger Williams Park Zoo is offering a discounted membership to community members who participate in Rhode Island’s EBT program. Get a $149 Family membership for just $35!
If you are an adult EBT cardholder and currently reside in Rhode Island*, you may be eligible to receive a discounted Family membership. The Family level membership includes 2 adults in the same household and up to 4 children or grandchildren. Memberships are intended for one household, and are non-refundable and non-transferrable. As a Roger Williams Park Zoo member, you will also receive discounts on special events like the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, food and gift purchases, party rentals, education programs, and more.
For details, or to take advantage of this offer, please contact the Membership Department by email at membership@rwpzoo.org Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Please include a photo of your Rhode Island EBT card, RI photo ID and a phone number when emailing.
*This program is limited to Rhode Island state residents, who have RI state issued EBT verification card. This discount can’t be applied to previous membership purchases or combined with any other offer.