January News
Dear Park-goers,
Happy 2026! As you’re wading through your inbox today, we hope you can pause to scroll through this newsletter packed with fun things on the horizon at Roger Williams Park – and maybe begin tomorrow morning with a visit to the new Conversation Nooks (keep reading to learn more)!
Whether your New Year’s Resolution is to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life or to start a new hobby, there’s a full schedule of January events lined up to set you on the right track! Both the Botanical Center and Gateway Center are offering yoga and Tai Chi classes, and check out the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium’s many offerings for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers. Are you trying to read more this year? Look no further than the Botanical Center’s monthly book club: Books & Banter!
Though there’s still snow on the ground, we’re already looking ahead to warmer days and the return of our most anticipated fundraiser event: Rosé in the Roses! Save the date for June 11, 2026, and keep reading to learn how to become a sponsor.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’re soliciting love stories that have taken place at Roger Williams Park! Fill out this form if you’d like to share your memories.
Happy New Year!
Conversation Nooks
The new best seats in the Park were installed last month! These Conversation Nooks are supported by a grant from AARP, through the Community Challenge grant program – designed to fund local projects that help make communities more livable for people of all ages – and installed by the PVD Parks Department. Find two spots along Frederick C. Green Memorial Blvd. and three spots near the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium. Each site features two or three Adirondack chairs, where visitors are invited to gather with a friend or meet new people, while enjoying lesser-known views of our beautiful Park. Visit our website to find each site, and watch a video showing a few of the locations.
People of RWP
Meet Nicole Bruno!
A musician and digital creator, Nicole moved to Rhode Island in 2020 during the pandemic, and Roger Williams Park soon became her safe haven. “My routine trips to the Park inspired me to take up volunteering at the RWP Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, where I can fuse my interest in museum studies with my adoration for Roger Williams Park,” shares Nicole.
Nicole loves discovering new things during her visits. “My favorite spots are the Museum, the Temple of Music, and RWP Zoo, but I have the fondest memories of spending hours simply walking along the paths, discovering new routes and small statues, and taking advantage of every scenic overlook conveniently marked by a bench.” Follow her at @nicole___bruno on Instagram.
Share Your Love of RWP!
Has Roger Williams Park been the setting of your love story? Did you get married somewhere in the Park, engaged on the Iron Bridge, had prom photos taken at the Temple to Music, or simply enjoy quiet strolls with a loved one on the paths every day? We want to hear about it! For Valentine’s Day, we’ll be sharing stories and photos in honor of the month of love. Fill out the short form below if you would like to have your story considered!
Save the Date!
Rosé in the Roses is Roger Williams Park Conservancy’s biggest fundraiser, inviting guests to dress in their garden party best and experience the Botanical Center in full bloom while sipping wine and cocktails, savoring succulent bites, and mingling with friends new and old. Live entertainment and a few surprises are also in store! Block off June 11, 2026 in your calendars now, and keep an eye out for tickets coming soon. In the meantime, do you have a company that might be interested in sponsoring this premier event? Follow the link below to learn more!
Happenings in the Park
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
The Gateway Center
Give Back to the Park
Park Partners
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
The Museum of Natural History is Rhode Island’s only natural history museum and is home to the state’s only public planetarium. During January, the Museum is open daily 10 AM – 4 PM, with planetarium shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM (tickets online); planetarium shows held 1pm and 2pm January 17-19).
The Museum has many events including Outdoor Adventures, Discovery Tykes classes, and other special events.
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
New England’s largest glasshouse display garden, the Botanical Center is a wonderful place to enjoy and explore, with so much to see inside and outside this magical space.
The RWP Botanical Center is open Tuesday – Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM. They host programming for all ages, including Greenhouse Impressionism painting sessions in the winter, Wee-One Wednesdays, Storytime with Chris, Open Paint Fridays, yoga, Tai Chi, and more!
Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel
It’s always an adventure at Roger Williams Park Zoo, which is home to over 100 rare and fascinating species from around the world. Come visit the animals and spend time in the Zoo’s tropical rainforest. WINTER WONDERLAND DAYS
During Winter Wonder Days, enjoy half-priced admission during January and February. The Zoo is open Thursday-Monday, 10 AM – 4 PM.
The Gateway Center at Roger Williams Park
The Gateway Center at Roger Williams Park is a thriving public space for all. Watch for art and recreational activities like yoga, bachata, hip hop aerobics, Tai Chi, and more – follow their Facebook page and website to stay up to date on events!
The Gateway Center is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.
The Roger Williams Park Conservancy is a nonprofit partner to the City of Providence Parks Department and works to boost, amplify and support all of Roger Williams Park and the park venues. The Conservancy’s mission is to sustain and enhance Roger Williams Park as a vibrant public space for all.
