Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Owls Hooting, Frogs Croaking, Crabs Shuffling, and Turtles Racing…
Come to Audubon for the BEST April School Vacation Yet!
Events Offered in Bristol and Smithfield, RI and Seekonk, MA.
(March 8, 2022) – Get the kids outside in April! Come to Audubon for outdoor explorations at the pond and shore, get up-close with cool critters, take an evening hike to listen for nocturnal animals, and more. Audubon offers plenty of fun to keep the kids engaged during April School Vacation Week, come join the fun!
April School Vacation Week
at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium
1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI
April 18 – 22, 2022; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Note: Please visit asri.org/learn/naturecenteraquarium for current information regarding mask requirements for visitation.
Spring has arrived! Vacation week programs and activities are available each day and are free with admission. No registration required. Nature crafts will be available from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm each day, as well as a nature story at 10:00 am and animal interviews at 11:00 am and 2:30 pm.
Special programs for children are also available each day at 1:00 p.m. These programs are recommended for children ages 6+*.
Monday, April 18, 2022: Shore Exploration – Join an Audubon naturalist for a walk down to the shore. Look for small creatures, learn about tides, and more! Please dress appropriately.
Tuesday, April 19, 2022: Natural Bookmark – Create a one-of-a-kind bookmark by laminating leaves, flowers, and other natural items. All materials provided.
Wednesday, April 20, 2022: Cartooning with Jerry Shippee – Come learn to cartoon in a special program with the artist and author of Audubon’s coloring book. Participants will create three bird cartoons. *Program for ages 8 and up, advance registration is required for this program. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Thursday, April 21, 2022: Wetland Exploration – Take a walk down to the freshwater wetland and explore the critters that live there. Who might be awake this time of year and who might still be sleeping? (Children will not be getting wet).
Friday, April 22, 2022: Turtle Races – Meet some of Audubon’s animal ambassadors and learn about how turtles survive. Watch them run a race! Are turtles as slow as people think they are? Who will win?
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.
April School Vacation Week
at Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge
12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI
Advance registration is required for all vacation week programs at Powder Mill Ledges. Visit the events calendar at asri.org/calendar to register.
Leo the Lightning Bug and Glow-in-the-Dark Firefly Craft
April 19, 2022; 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Young Leo the lightning bug is learning how to glow. Come hear his story and make a glow-in-the-dark firefly craft to take home.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 3 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Life Under a Log: A Hunt for Mini-beasts
April 19, 2022; 2:00-3:30 pm
There are few purer childhood experiences than exploring in the woods and fields. Come romp through the woods and learn about what animals make their homes under the logs and rocks and bark. Dress for dirt and avoid any insect repellent or sunscreen on the hands as we will be seeking and touching small creatures.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 4 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Mythbusters: The Truth is Better than Fiction
Virtual Program
April 19, 2022; 7:00-8:30 pm
Are owls blind in the daytime? Are snakes slimy? Can you remove the poison from a poisonous mushroom? Audubon naturalists have heard all these questions and know the answers! Join an evening of humor, anecdotes, and truth. If you have questions about nature, this is a perfect time to get answers from experienced naturalists. Participants will be sent the Zoom link in advance.
Virtual Program. Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 7 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Make and Take: Birdfeeders
April 20, 2022; 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Invite your local feathered friends to dinner by making a couple of simple bird feeders to take home. All materials will be provided. Dress for mess. Note for those with allergies, birdseed used may contain peanut or tree nut pieces.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $8/member child; $10/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Raptor Encounter with Audubon
April 20, 2022; 2:00-3:30 pm
Join Audubon for a live raptor meet and greet with an owl and a hawk. Compare a diurnal (daytime) hawk and a nocturnal (nighttime) owl. How are they different?
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Mysterious Sounds of the Night
April 20, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Are you curious about all the hoots, hollers, trills, grunts, barks, and buzzes that you hear in the woods at night? Come to this evening program to learn about nocturnal animal sounds. Start with a fun, interactive quiz on nocturnal animals, and then take a stroll around the refuge to listen and look for critters. Dress for walking at night, bring a flashlight, and wear sturdy shoes. The trail has a slight incline and some rocks.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Rd, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org.
Toad-ally Awesome!
April 21, 2022; 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Toads and frogs are awesome amphibians! Hear a toad story, make a hop-toad craft, and meet a live tree frog and giant marine toad.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Playing with Plants
April 21, 2022; 2:00-3:30 pm
Plants are vital to our survival. They are also fun to play with! Come learn the ins and outs of plants and discover where our food comes from. Make “seed bombs,” plant a baggie garden, and dissect some fruits, veggies, nuts, and flowers. All materials provided.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $8/member child; $10/non-member child. Ages: 7 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Pond Exploration
April 22, 2022; 11:00 am-12:30 pm
You may know that frogs and ducks and turtles live near ponds, but have you ever looked for the small creatures that live in the mud and skate across the water surface? Come along on this search for ALL the life of a pond. Using nets and magnifiers, check out pond plants and animals that often elude the naked eye. Come dressed for mud and wet (water boots recommended). This program is designed for adults and children alike.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member adult/child pair; $5 each additional member; $14/non-member adult/child pair; $7 each additional non-member. Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Nature Photo Scavenger Hunt
April 22, 2022; 2:00-3:30 pm
How many scavenger hunt items can you find and photograph out on the wildlife refuge within an allotted time? Easy items are one point. Harder ones are five or ten points. Special prize for the most points, but all participating children will get a nature treat bag. Bring your smartphone or a digital camera with a view screen for photos.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member team (max 5 people); $14/non-member team (max 5 people) Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
April School Vacation Week
at Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge
301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA
Advance registration is required for vacation week programs at Caratunk Wildlife Refuge. Visit the events calendar at asri.org/calendar to register.
Birding for Kids
April 19, 2022; 9:30 – 11:00 am
Come learn to identify local year-round birds and a few migratory species through sight and sound, as well as how to use binoculars, field guides, and phone apps. Families explore the trails of Caratunk and discover the world of birding! Dress for the weather and bring a mask. Binoculars will be available to borrow. Parents must accompany children.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 7 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
A Froggy Night at Caratunk
April 22, 2022; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Listen to the calls of spring peepers and wood frogs found in the wetlands. You might hear owls and see deer, too! Be sure to dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
12 Sanderson Road ~ Smithfield, RI 02917-2600 ~ Phone: (401) 949-5454 ~ Fax: (401) 949-5788