The winter weather has arrived (with more on the way!), and if you're looking for an excuse to get out and enjoy it, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island (ASRI) has just what you need.

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10 AM to 3 PM, the ASRI is hosting a Free Family Fun Day at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol in honor of World Wetlands Day.

So grab your mittens and get ready to celebrate the Ocean State's wetlands at this completely free family event.

What to Expect at Audubon’s Free Family Fun Day

There's plenty packed into the day to keep nature lovers of all ages active for hours at this event designed for hands-on learning about the world around us.

Schedule of Activities for the Day

The day kicks off with a nature story at 10 AM, followed by the first animal interview of the event at 11 AM. Throughout the day a craft table will be open — perfect for creative kids (and those that are kids at heart.)

READ MORE: Easy Winter Art Projects To Do With Your Toddler

Don't forget to join the interactive presentation at 1 PM that focuses on the important role wetland habitats play in creating healthy ecosystems. This presentation will let you get up close and hands on with wetland animal shells, feathers, bones, and more.

A second animal interview rounds out the day at 2:30 PM, plus the grounds of the 28-acre nature center will be open for exploring from dawn to dusk.

Explore the Trails and Aquarium

If things get too cold for you on the trails, head indoors to explore the aquarium which features a 33-foot life-size model of a North Atlantic Right Whale.

READ MORE: New England Aquarium Seeing Fewer Right Whale Births

So get the crew together this January for a day of exploration and learning about the natural world right here in Rhode Island. No need to register — just show up and enjoy!

Explore Land and Sea at Bristol's Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium

Need a day of hiking, biking and seeing a 33-foot North Atlantic Right Whale replica? Then you need to head to the Rhode Island Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol.
You can hike through various habitats, enjoy a peaceful pondside picnic and even enjoy an interactive aquarium full of native fish and sea creatures.
Fun for the whole family can be found at this hidden gem of Rhode Island.

Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall

Simmons Mill Pond Trail in Little Compton Is the Perfect Excuse to Get Outside

Take a walk through the quiet woods of Little Compton, Rhode Island and hit the reset button on life. Simmons Mill Pond Management Area can be accessed via Colebrook and John Dyer roads.

Gallery Credit: Gazelle

Explore Nature in the Nude at Foster's Dyer Woods Nudist Campground

When you really want to get back to nature, there's a place for that in Foster, Rhode Island. If you're into that sort of thing, you can explore Dyer Woods Nudist Campground, where the hiking, swimming and volleyball playing are all done in the buff.
It's actually a beautiful campground with great hiking spots as you can see from the photos below.

Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall

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