Roger Williams Park Botanical Center — Attraction in Providence

I have been looking forward to visiting the Botanical Center for some time now, ever since I first learned of it years ago while volunteering on a service project in Roger Williams Park.

My partner and I visited today as part of a day trip to Providence with my mother and were looking forward to spending an hour or two enjoying the warmth of the garden on such a cold winter’s day.

After paying for admission at the gatehouse, we were surprised at the level of noise and commotion with which we were greeted upon entering the greenhouse. Apparently a wedding was being held there the same evening and the vendors had arrived early to stage the event. There were many (unmasked) people coming and going, making a lot of noise moving tables and chairs, dropping large clanging metal pieces. It was difficult to walk around and even more difficult to enjoy the greenhouses as a result. We only saw a portion of the smaller greenhouse because the greater part of that greenhouse was occupied by workers setting up and dressing tables for the function later. The main greenhouse was also dominated by the vendors.

I was very disappointed by my visit today. I let the gatekeeper know this and he apologized and said that the vendors must’ve come early today. We felt rushed and in the way, and left after about twenty minutes due to the commotion. Especially in winter, when the rest of the gardens are closed, it does not make sense to have people pay to enjoy a leisure space which is being used as a workspace.

I would advise that in the future the RWPBC close early or offer free or reduced admission rather than continue to admit people at full cost for a sub-par experience. RWPBC should also disclose this upfront, both in person and on the website. We had alternative plans to visit the RISD art museum this afternoon which we were unable to do because we chose to go to RWPBC instead.

I saw a number of other couples who I’m sure, like ourselves, may have been visiting in part to consider the Center as a possible venue for a future special event such as a wedding. I can confidently say that after today’s experience, we are crossing RWPBC off of our list due to the apparent lack of communication and coordination skills exhibited.

I hope that the Center will be more mindful when coordinating events in the future and disclose to guests when such events are taking place so they can decide to go elsewhere before paying for...

We visited on a late Saturday afternoon in mid-June 2025.

There was a large parking lot with plenty of spots. The center closed at 4PM and we arrived around 3PM. Last entry is at 3:30. We did pay the $5 (13-64 yr old) and $2 (6-12 yr old, military and 65+). Under 6 was free.

There is a little booth with gates next to it as the entrance. If you're not paying attention you could miss it. We did pre-buy our tickets online so we just had to give them in our names and we were good to go. The website had time slots but we were told that this was a left over from COVID and they just haven't updated their website yet.

We didn't have much time so we wanted to hit our must dos and headed straight for the green houses. There was a really cool atrium area that was kind of tropical. There was a couple doing what looked like wedding photo shoots in there. There are a bunch of water features as well. Great spot for some photography.

There is a large concrete hallway to the right which lead to a bunch of other thematic areas. The kids enjoyed the carnivorous plant exhibit. Not a bunch of variety when we were there but it may have been to time of year as well. My youngest enjoyed the desert area which had tons of different cacti.

There is also a outdoor kids play area and indoor play area. We did mess around here for a little bit as there weren't too many little kids around.

We did end up heading out to the rose maze area to take a quick look and outdoor areas too. We did spent a little more time here than the natural history museum about 75 mins and the kids were ready to go by the end. I would've totally stayed longer if they weren't closing. We really rush through a lot of it.

Overall a great experience and the price was reasonable for what we got. I wish we had more time. We would definitely visit again if we were...

Continuing on my hunt for good walking/hiking trails in RI. Took a trip today to Roger Williams Park which boasts a couple of walking trails, in addition to the zoo and the botanical gardens of course. The trails which wind around the lakes are partially shaded, well marked, well maintained and easy to walk. There are couple of trails to choose from of varying lengths. We choose the longest, White Diamond, which is just over 3 miles. Wildlife encountered on our walk included several large geese and cranes seen at a distance across the lake, a tiny chipmunk who clearly felt we are not at a far enough distance and scampered off, several friendly dogs escorted by their equally friendly human companions and a slightly unhappy looking runner with a scowl on his face. Why was runner scowling? No idea, but my guess is because he was running....I know if I were to be running I would probably be scowling too. Anyway, Roger Williams park is located in the city so you never really escape the traffic noise which is a little bit of a bummer. On the bright side though there are large portions of the trail which are tucked between the lake and a hill which completely obscures the infringing neighborhoods from view and creates a slightly more immersive nature experience. Happy...