Rhode Island
A Hidden Bristol Gem Is Opening Its Trails for Free
It is one of my all-time favorite places for exploring the outdoors with my kids and this weekend you can go for free.
A Free Day at One of Rhode Island’s Best Nature Spots
On Saturday, April 18, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island (ASRI) is once again hosting their Free Family Fun Day at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol thanks to Bank of America. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. visitors can enjoy the trails, aquarium, and animals of this nearly 10,000 acre natural habitat near Narragansett Bay.
Exclusive to this weekend’s event will be the official opening of a new art exhibit.
New Woodpecker Art Exhibit Debuts This Weekend
Since last fall, work has been underway on the “Wings Unfurled: Downy Woodpeckers Define Their Space” art exhibit with Brown University and RISD. Visitors were even able to help with the painting of giant woodpecker wings that have now been installed along the nature trails.
READ MORE: Hike Rhode Island’s Hidden Coastal Gem Sachuest Point
Those attending this weekend’s Free Family Fun Day event will be among the first to walk the trail and see these giant wings on display. Guided walks of the wing exhibit are just one of the many activities happening throughout the day, taking place at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Nancy Hall/Townsquare Media
There will also be a welcoming talk from the installation’s creators: scientist Nico Moody and artist Stephanie Van Riet, at 10 a.m. and a woodpecker story time at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.
READ MORE: Best Rhode Island and SouthCoast Bird Watching Spots
Yet even if you skip the new exhibit altogether, there is plenty to enjoy at this waterside nature center along Narragansett Bay.
Family Activities Happening Throughout the Day
Throughout the day, crafts, coloring, and DIY pinecone birdfeeder activities will be happening around the property. You can explore the indoor aquarium, featuring a 33-foot life-size model of a North Atlantic Right Whale. Plus, at the back of the nature trails is a wooden bridge path that will eventually lead you to an overlook of Narragansett Bay, with great views and possibly even an osprey sighting.
Nancy Hall/Townsquare Media
With spring weather here and school vacation week kicking off, Saturday may be the perfect time to adventure outdoors for some free family fun at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol. It’s definitely on my to-do list this weekend.
Explore Land and Sea at Bristol’s Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium
Need a day of hiking, biking and seeing a 33-foot North Atlantic Right Whale replica? Then you need to head to the Rhode Island Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol.
You can hike through various habitats, enjoy a peaceful pondside picnic and even enjoy an interactive aquarium full of native fish and sea creatures.
Fun for the whole family can be found at this hidden gem of Rhode Island.
Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall
Simmons Mill Pond Trail in Little Compton Is the Perfect Excuse to Get Outside
Take a walk through the quiet woods of Little Compton, Rhode Island and hit the reset button on life. Simmons Mill Pond Management Area can be accessed via Colebrook and John Dyer roads.
Gallery Credit: Gazelle
See Inside Gorgeous Gardens Hidden Away in Little Compton
For nearly 50 years the grounds of Sakonnet Garden have been growing in what might be the most private garden along the coast.
On certain days, at certain times you can make a reservation to walk among the hundreds of flowers and plants growing in hidden “rooms” on the grounds, or take a sneak peek right now.
Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall