# Buttonwood Park Zoo Winter Animal Exhibits & Rainforest Pavilion > Place to go for families in the Providence–Warwick area (RI / MA). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Open on its own schedule - Where: Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn St, New Bedford, MA 02740 - Ages: All ages (Free for children under 3; interactive animal exhibits suited for toddlers through elementary schoolers) - Price: $10 adults; $6 children (ages 3–12); Free for toddlers under 3; BPZOO members free - Organizer: Buttonwood Park Zoological Society & City of New Bedford - Official page: https://www.bpzoo.org/ - Last checked: Thu, Nov 5 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/providence/activities/buttonwood-park-zoo-winter-animal-exhibits-and-rainforest-pavilion--listing-14a55ec36bf27c089801e263 ## About Founded in 1894, Buttonwood Park Zoo is the third-oldest zoo in North America and an AZA-accredited hidden treasure located just over the Rhode Island border in New Bedford. In winter, visitors experience intimate wildlife encounters without the summer crowds, observing cold-hardy species such as North American river otters, American black bears, cougars, bison, and playful red pandas navigating the snow. When families need to warm up, the indoor Rainforests, Rivers & Reefs pavilion provides a tropical haven filled with heated exhibits featuring cotton-top tamarins, colorful poison frogs, tropical fish, and rescued marine life. The zoo is completely flat and compact, making it effortless to explore with young children in tow. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Level, paved walkways connect all outdoor habitats, and wide automatic doors provide seamless stroller entry into the indoor Rainforest pavilion. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Heated seating in the Rainforest building and Zoo Cafe; family restrooms equipped with baby-changing counters located near the entrance and cafe. • Age Suitability: Perfect for all ages, particularly toddlers and early elementary-age children who appreciate the manageable, walkable scale of the zoo. • Sensory Tips: Manageable, calm zoo setting with gentle animal sounds outdoors and soothing ambient tropical sounds inside the warm rainforest building. ## Similar picks in Providence - [Innovation Staycation: No-School Days at Buttonwood Park Zoo](https://grassyknees.com/providence/activities/innovation-staycation-no-school-days-at-buttonwood-park-zoo--listing-8c8dc582dfbf68be0c939146) — Wed, Nov 11 (+3 more dates) · 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Buttonwood Park Zoo, New Bedford · Ages 6–10 · From $35 · checked Oct 27. 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