Spring Activities in Rhode Island for Children Under Five: My Top Favorite Locations and Activities

Rhode Island is a wonderful location during any season with many beautiful outdoor locations to visit. The Spring months are my favorite time to live in New England with all of the landscape coming back to life...flowers blooming and trees budding....birds singing and the sound of children playing. Here are my top activities to do in Rhode Island with children under five years old during these great springtime months.

Roger Williams Park Zoo is located at 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907, (401) 785-3510. The zoo is in Roger Williams Park which has many locations throughout where you can have picnics and play games one the nicely manicured lawns. There is a carousel and playground area which is across the street from the paddle boats that can be taken out on one of the water ways. Geese and ducks abound in the various lakes and ponds, which children (and adults) have fun feeding. Fishing and boating can be enjoyed as well.

Ok, so now about the Zoo....it houses over 957 animals representing 156 species. The zoo is set up into areas that house animals from the same locations. There are the Plains of Africa, Madagascar, North America, Tropical America, Marco Polo Trail, Australia, and Wetlands. In addition, there are always special events during the year. In May 2007, the first male giraffe to be born at Roger Williams Park Zoo arrived and was named Mtembei, which means "one who roams". In July 2007, a second male giraffe was born.

This year on Mother's Day the zoo is holding a special event in honor of moms everywhere, admitting all mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers and honorary mothers for half price on Mothers Day, when accompanied by a child.

Oakland Beach is located on Oakland Beach Ave in Warwick RI . This is a great location to go with young children as the beach is never too crowded but has a great area of sand and a playground. There is also the "world famous" Iggy's where you can sample the best in Rhode Island clam cakes and "chowda" (clam chowder for those who are not native). In addition to the playground, there is a grassy park area where several festivals and carnivals are held during the year.

Providence Children's Museum is located 100 South Street in Providence, RI - (401)-273-KIDS. This is a hands on "museum" where children are able to learn about the region as well as waterways, animals, construction and various other topics. There are also special events held periodically, so if you are in the area or plan to be in the area, check out their website or give them a call.