Providence/Warwick attractions reveal the the area's natural and social history

There are so many creatures featured at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, you’ll have to narrow down your must-see list! From alpacas and anteaters to wallabies and zebras, the different environment exhibits get you close to animals that call Africa, the Amazon, Asia and North America home. Watch elephants bathe, birds fly in a free-flight aviary and seals and otters frolic. You can book (check the website) a breakfast-with-the-animals session or other private animal encounter. The zoo also has an excursion train, an exhilarating zip ride and a huge nature play and exploration area with interactive indoor and outdoor activities. Check out Food Truck Fridays in the Carousel Village or grab a slice of pizza, a salad or burgers at different dining sites.

The Crescent Park Carousel, one of the finest surviving examples of hand-carved carousels in the country, was built just prior to 1900 by Charles I. D. Looff as a display model. Open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 7 pm. Easter weekend and Memorial Day weekend and from June through Labor Day. After Labor Day through Columbus Day, open Saturday and Sunday, noon to 8 pm. Wheelchair accessible.

Providence is known for its vibrant culinary, and arts and culture scenes. The RISD Museum is home to nearly 100,000 works of art ranging from the ancient to the avant-garde. Theater lovers will want to see a show at the beautifully gilded Providence Performing Arts Center or at the Tony Award-winning Trinity Rep. One of the city's most popular events, WaterFire, is a multisensory art installation highlighted by a series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence. Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village has delighted generations of visitors and The Alex and Ani City Center boasts ice skating in the heart of downtown. For more things to do in Providence, visit GoProvidence.com.