Roger Williams Park
Roger Williams Park
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
285 reviews
Excellent
155
Very good
98
Average
24
Poor
6
Terrible
2
DMSMD64
Chester Springs, PA507 contributions
Sep 2020
We had intended to go to the zoo, but discovered that, I’m sure it’s due to COVID, you have to purchase tickets ahead of time so we wandered through the park. The park is fairly busy, It's an old park with historical buildings, e.g. the casino. Walking around it’s easy to forget you are on the middle of a city. The park is old therefore all the landscaping would be considered “mature “. The park, as well as the trails, are fairly well marked. There are numerous places to have a picnic or just sit and relax. On the downside, one thing I noticed was that there are not enough trash cans. I suspect his may be one of the reasons there is abundant trash on the ground. The water ways also appear a bit dirty and somewhat neglected. To enter the park is free, but there are charges for some of the amenities, e.g. carousel, swan boats, zoo. The is plenty of free parking and a snack bar in the park and zoo.
Written October 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann L
6 contributions
Jul 2022
Our visit was nice, the park is pretty and peaceful. There weren't a ton of animals, but we did see a zebra, vultures, an elephant, a monkey, even a few animals I had never heard of before. Well run, plenty of restrooms, some food/snack stands and gift shop. Good for little kids, there are play areas for them too. As an adult, I found it a tad boring, but it was a nice place to spend an afternoon.
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sedum37
Boston, MA1,264 contributions
We visited the Roger Williams Park (on June 14th) and weren't disappointed! As I am a garden fanatic we mostly concentrated on the gardens and botanical center at the park. The Botanical center opened recently (2007). Although the Botanical Center is a work in progress (exterior landscaping is still being installed), the two greenhouses are filled with many interesting and fascinating tropical plants too many to name.
Next we visited the Victorian Rose Garden and Japanese Garden found elsewhere in Roger Williams Park. The VIctorian Rose garden (located near the park entrance) was fabulous and peak bloom on Jun 14th! The Japanese Garden can be found behind the Carousel. Although the Japanese garden was recently renovated in 2006 we were a little disappointed in it as the garden upkeep hasn't been done.
There is a nominal fee to enter the botanical center ($3) while the Victorian Rose and Japanese gardens are free to enjoy.
In addition to the gardens mentioned above there are plenty of things for kids to enjoy: paddleboats on the pond can be rented, there are several playgrounds to enjoy, a neat carousel to ride, a natural history museum to explore and one of the best zoos in the country to enjoy.
Overall well worth visiting for both adults and kids!
Next we visited the Victorian Rose Garden and Japanese Garden found elsewhere in Roger Williams Park. The VIctorian Rose garden (located near the park entrance) was fabulous and peak bloom on Jun 14th! The Japanese Garden can be found behind the Carousel. Although the Japanese garden was recently renovated in 2006 we were a little disappointed in it as the garden upkeep hasn't been done.
There is a nominal fee to enter the botanical center ($3) while the Victorian Rose and Japanese gardens are free to enjoy.
In addition to the gardens mentioned above there are plenty of things for kids to enjoy: paddleboats on the pond can be rented, there are several playgrounds to enjoy, a neat carousel to ride, a natural history museum to explore and one of the best zoos in the country to enjoy.
Overall well worth visiting for both adults and kids!
Written June 17, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
redeco
Warren, MA9,469 contributions
The Roger Williams Park Botanic Garden was established as recently as 2007, but the place is already beautifully developed with an expansive Palm House and several attached greenhouses encompassing 12,000 square feet. The water features and live fish along with attractive seating make this garden very appealing. The garden has lots of free parking and is located just beyond the large pond with swan boats and carousel.
Outside, there are several walkways lined with trees and plants and a small rose garden. Entrance price is $3. I recommend this attraction.
Outside, there are several walkways lined with trees and plants and a small rose garden. Entrance price is $3. I recommend this attraction.
Written September 2, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen H
Woonsocket, RI42 contributions
Oct 2016 • Family
Huge Park on both ends. Scenic, has water all around, Statues throughout, Summer has Swan Paddle Boats, & there's Food Truck Fridays-from 4pm-till 9pm .behind the Carousel. There is usually a Jazz Fest Day on a Sunday during Summer -June, July, Aug. or Sept.-have to check scedual of events for Roger Williams Park for date.There is a Japanese Garden, A Tennis / Ball Court, Plenty of Spots to Play Ball, or to Picnic-no Cookouts. Pathways to Walk, Run or Jog, Roads to Drive, & there is also a Museum, The Botanical Center, A Horse Ranch -to go riding & the Zoo. All Bldgs. have their own price & have reduced fees for Members Only. A Good day out for Anyone ; esp. in Fall, Spring & Summer.
Written April 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca D
5 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
I would have given the park a "very good" because it appeared to be well-maintained and the dock I sat on at Polo Lake was very charming, but I was very disturbed upon finding out that there was not a single person in the park that was able to assist a goose that had a fishing hook stuck in its face.
When I called park staff they said that they did not have anyone on staff that could handle the animals in the park (outside the Zoo I guess?) and proceeded to direct me around to other organizations in the surrounding area (not even to someone in the park). I spoke to at least three different organizations that said they were not able to help, or did not have proper staffing to do so (one organization said they would come pick it up if I trapped it for them....). I asked the last person why he thought that Roger Williams Park did not have someone on their staff that could help an animal on their property (outside the zoo) and he said that it was probably indifference...
Like I said, nice park, but the lack of adequate staffing for a park where lots of animals, other than the ones in the zoo, use on a daily basis, made me rate this place as terrible.
When I called park staff they said that they did not have anyone on staff that could handle the animals in the park (outside the Zoo I guess?) and proceeded to direct me around to other organizations in the surrounding area (not even to someone in the park). I spoke to at least three different organizations that said they were not able to help, or did not have proper staffing to do so (one organization said they would come pick it up if I trapped it for them....). I asked the last person why he thought that Roger Williams Park did not have someone on their staff that could help an animal on their property (outside the zoo) and he said that it was probably indifference...
Like I said, nice park, but the lack of adequate staffing for a park where lots of animals, other than the ones in the zoo, use on a daily basis, made me rate this place as terrible.
Written August 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CoquiD
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico61 contributions
Apr 2011
The gardens are breathtakingly beautiful, peaceful and romantic. The botanical gardens had a number of exotic plants, flowers and beautiful fish ponds. This is a perfect place for picnicking, picture taking, or just walking and enjoying the view. Just a lot of natural beauty everywhere you look. You must try the carousel, whether you're with kids or not. Overall it is a gorgeous place with many varied attractions, good for families or couples. Being there you completely forget you're in the middle of a big busy city. I hope to visit again!
Written April 27, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen B
Cranston, RI35 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
My husband and I took our Chihuahuas for a walk down one of the trails, there were needles all over the ground, clothes, alcohol bottles broken. We actually had to carry the Chihuahuas out of the trail, I don't understand how Roger Williams professes to be a family park, how sad. I understand this is an epidemic with heroin users, but there needs to be more security in the Park so this activity doesn't take place.
Written June 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heidi-ready-2-travel
Crystal Lake, IL2,128 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
Huge, beautiful park with lots to see.
Take a leisurely drive through the park. Stop at the sights that interest you.
I stated by taking a stroll through a garden. There was a lovely pergola, benches, and flowers.
A short distance away was a statue and a gopher having a snack.
We then drove to a cute historical home by a foot bridge and a stream.
Our last stop was the recreation hub of the park: the carousel, the swan boats, and the children's little train.
The Japanese gardens are by the carousel and food truck Friday was set up by the carousel.
Take a leisurely drive through the park. Stop at the sights that interest you.
I stated by taking a stroll through a garden. There was a lovely pergola, benches, and flowers.
A short distance away was a statue and a gopher having a snack.
We then drove to a cute historical home by a foot bridge and a stream.
Our last stop was the recreation hub of the park: the carousel, the swan boats, and the children's little train.
The Japanese gardens are by the carousel and food truck Friday was set up by the carousel.
Written July 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ritaswogger
Atlantic, PA63 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
This park is huge it would be a great place to bring your kids and spend the day wondering around the whole place. There are so many options around the area with the zoo, botanical garden, and museum as well as the water.
Written July 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Quiero celebrar el cumpleaños de mi hijo allí pero mi pregunta es si me permitirían llevar un castillo inflable
Lindsey H
Maryland10 contributions
Are dogs allowed inside this park?
lynnealbright
Warwick, RI188 contributions
Yes, you can walk your dog there but not in the zoo The park is really big so lot of great walking.
Do you have to be 18 to rent a swan boat
Philip F
South Boston, VA332 contributions
I am not sure but most likely with proper ID but call the park's customers service to make sure (401-461-1099)
elv2013
Johnston, RI7 contributions
Is there any place in the park to buy food etc outside of the zoo?
valdezjuan929
Providence, RI21 contributions
yes food you can get outside of the park only a walk away, chinese, spanish
Does it cost anything to visit the park, without visiting the events such as the zoo or botanical garden?
hdthequeen
Galveston, TX61 contributions
It doesn’t. It’s actually a lovely place to just wander around seeing. I think just the attractions have a fee.
j1sea
Baltimore, MD8 contributions
Can I bring my dog?
KenmareLisa
Orlando, FL2,195 contributions
Yes, definitely!!! It's a great place to bring your dog!
Where can I get maps to drive through the park?
Is the park handicapped accessible.
Does the park have wheelchair rentals?
Cost of Admission to Natural History Museum, Planetarium, Botanical Garden.
Where can I get information about the monuments and other markers, and their locations within the park?
valdezjuan929
Providence, RI21 contributions
yes is handicapp accesible
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Claim your listingRoger Williams Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Roger Williams Park
- Hotels near Roger Williams Park:
- (1.93 mi) The Beatrice
- (2.21 mi) Christopher Dodge House
- (1.70 mi) Hotel Providence, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
- (1.89 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown
- (2.01 mi) Homewood Suites by Hilton Providence Downtown
- Restaurants near Roger Williams Park:
- (0.18 mi) Apsara Asian Restaurant
- (0.24 mi) Subway
- (1.70 mi) Pastiche Fine Desserts
- (1.65 mi) Gracie's
- (1.65 mi) Massimo Restaurant