With over 400 miles of beautiful, breathtaking coastline, it is only fitting that Rhode Island be nicknamed the country’s “Ocean State.”
Founded as a small colony in 1636 by Roger Williams, Rhode Island has a long and fascinating history as a trailblazer for American Independence and a leader in design innovation during the Industrial Revolution. The state’s rich history offers endless ways to capture and cultivate youthful minds. From its vast array of interactive museums, learning centers, and a dynamic zoo, there is always something fun and exciting for people of all ages who share an appreciation for animals, history, fine arts, and coastal studies.
Make student group travel stress-free! Access the latest Student Travel Pro magazine for must-know destination insights and expert advice.
Roger Williams Park Zoo (Providence)
Named after Rhode Island’s original founder, the Roger Williams Park Zoo and Carousel Village is a must-visit destination when spending time in the state’s capital. Located near the center of Providence, Carousel Village features an iconic indoor carousel ride suitable for all ages, and the Hasbro Boundless Playground is sure to be a hit with the kids. The zoo offers self-guided tours and other special attractions such as Breakfast With The Animals, where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast alongside your choice of either elephants, wildebeests or rainforest critters. If you want to see a wide variety of animals, the Roger William Park Zoo has you covered, with hundreds of different species of mammals, birds, and reptiles that call this place home, including the cute and lovable Humboldt Penguins.
The Roger Williams Park Zoo provides young learners with interactive and engaging opportunities. Photo credit: Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Facebook
Biomes Marine Biology Center (North Kingstown)
Exciting exhibits await your students at Biomes. Photo credit: Biomes Marine Biology Center Facebook
Located in North Kingstown, the Biomes Marine Biology Center is the only privately owned education facility in the New England region and a fantastic place for big animal lovers. Diverse hands-on interactive experiences include up-close encounters with the center’s more than 100 locally rescued marine animals. Students can explore touch-tanks that allow them to safely pet and handle a variety of marine life, including sharks, stingrays and the center’s very own Darwin the tortoise. On a private field trip, students will have the opportunity to experience the center and its attractions by participating in a carefully curated “Scavenger Hunt.” Learners will visit various learning stations, including numerous hands-on exhibits, for firsthand educational opportunities. While on these hunts, students will be given grade-appropriate questions to answer along the way, and the experience will end with a live animal demonstration from one of the handlers.
Herreshoff Marine Museum (Bristol)
In Bristol, Rhode Island, the Herreshoff Marine Museum stands as a tribute to the legacy of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. Established in 1878, the company proved to be a leading innovator in boat design, particularly in the areas of cruise and racing sailboats. It became a prominent name in the America’s Cup–the oldest internationally recognized competition not only in sailing, but in any sport. Curious about how they accomplished such a feat? Well, you are in luck, because they have a boat-building program. The museum’s vast collection comprises over 500 boat models and restored original vessels for exploration. Educational experiences offered both on and offshore at the Herreshoff Marine Museum provide an excellent opportunity to learn about a piece of local American history while enjoying the famous coastal waters of Rhode Island.
Boat building workshops at Herreshoff provide students with hands-on learning experiences. Photo credit: Herreshoff Marine Museum Facebook
RISD Museum (Providence)
Explore the RISD Museum and let your imagination run wild. Photo credit: RISD Museum Facebook
The RISD Museum of Providence, Rhode Island, has a mission to nurture a space for the creative exploration of integrated art, design and education. Their exhibits represent cultures spanning periods from ancient times to the present, making the museum the perfect place to bring students for a relaxing and thoughtful exploration of fine arts and its history. RISD specifically highlights art’s ability to promote inclusion and connection for an enriching and dynamic learning experience. The museum offers various themed tours that focus on distinct periods of history or art categories. Some of the themes they offer include Imagining the Americas, Gods and Heroes, Think Like an Archaeologist, and Art and Literature. With such a vast range of topics, there will be something fun and engaging for the whole party.
Stay updated on the best student travel experiences! Subscribe to the Student Travel Pro newsletter and receive expert insights, top destinations, and planning strategies straight to your inbox.
Header image: Bring your student group the Herreshoff Marine Museum for in-depth history lessons. Photo credit: Herreshoff Marine Museum Facebook
