We love Biomes! It's definitely an eclectic mashups of aquatic animals, but entertaining for sure. They do a good job at setting up things from all ages, whether your kid is only 2 or 10. We had my son's birthday party here in the fall and it was wonderful. They open at noon because the earlier slot is reserved for birthday parties. It's super nice to have the whole place to yourself for a very reasonable price. There is a guided tour and the kids get to see all sorts of animal feeds along the way. A great spot to spend some time on a rainy or freezing day, or to host a party for an aquatic creature lover. read more

Biomes - Aquariums Near Me - North Kingstown, Rhode Island

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This was my first time at Biomes and I was highly impressed! The outside looks pretty unassuming, but inside is super cool! They have a wide diversity of fish, reptiles, and even a couple of ferrets! I appreciated the focus around our local biodiversity and found my visit to be educational. They have many different touch tanks, including horseshoe crabs, eels, rays, and a huge sulcata tortoise. It's a nice, open space. They also have a small area with tons of cool books for kids and adults. Biomes offers birthday parties as well complete with animal feeding opportunities and a guided tour. read more

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My kids are older than most of the kids in some of the other reviews, 10 & 13, and they loved it so we got the annual membership so we can come back when it's not as crowded. Lots of kids and parents were running around which was concerning around the touch tanks because if they bumped you, you'd end up in the water. Besides that, this place is a good place to bring your kids and just walk around and look at the tanks and animals. It was cool watching the octopus get fed and I'll definitely want to go back and watch some of the other feedings. The sharks in there are quite entertaining and it looks like they dance when there's a crowd. read more

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I've been taking my nephews and daughter since they were little (now age 14&19) and my daughter (now 10) always a great time - clean, everyone is friendly - this is such an amazing place for kids of all ages to play, learn and experience. Hands on, wheelchair accessible, gift shop too! read more

Biomes - Aquariums Near Me - North Kingstown, Rhode Island

My kids really enjoyed this place. It's essentially an aquatic petting zoo. There are various pools and tanks where you can interact with different sea life, from sharks to eels to starfish. They also have a number of different live demonstrations throughout the day. read more

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this place was so fun! while it is definitely more geared towards kids, i highly enjoyed it as an adult who loves animals. the admission fee was worth how many experiences we got to have, from befriending a sting ray to getting a manicure from shrimp. the size of the place is compensated by the variety of whom you are able to see. i would definitely come here again! read more

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Hidden Gem.. Perfect for a date night, or fun trip out with the family. Staff are very knowledgeable on the unique species they have here.

I took my girlfriend here on a date, because we are both both fish nerds and we were beyond amazed by this place. The workers were all super friendly. We had an interaction with who I assume was the owner and told us all about the big eyed fish. This place is super kid and adult friendly. Very reasonably priced tickets and very reasonably priced items at the gift shop. We will definitely be coming back! read more

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My nephew had an unbelievable time here! it was such a new experience and the tanks were amazing. we have never found a place as great as this read more

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It was fine. My twin now 9 year olds were fine with the entrance at first. The shark feeding was moments away. My girls were apprehensive when the very nice host gave them plenty of fish to serve to the sharks. They had a good time. It's limited at best. I don't want curtail anyone from going here. Not sure if the price makes the reason to go here. read more

Biomes - Shark feeding time. - Aquariums Near Me - North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Visited the biomes for the first time since having my daughter I had previously been for work. Small cute little aquarium with lots of open areas for the children to touch. There was a children's under six area which unfortunately was not the cleanest and some of the toys looked like they have been there for years as well as ripped books Dirty carpet and chairs that were basically falling apart. With my 13 month old, who is not yet, that was a little disappointing, other than that they have picnic tables in the middle, which you could enjoy snacks and drinks. Reasonable prices. read more

Biomes - Cute fish look area for a little ones - Aquariums Near Me - North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Took my granddaughter and she had fun. She does not walk yet but was still able to enjoy her time. Staff were friendly and helpful. read more

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Amazing colletion of fish, fossils, turtles, etc., in a low key enviroment. This is just as much a living lab as it is a shark petting zoo for kids. Just go! read more

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Careful going here if you have a baby that may do things that babies do....like cry. The staff will tell you to leave because a crying baby is disruptive to the kids running around being you know kids and being loud. read more

This is the first and last time we will be visiting Biomes. First impressions were amazing, we were having fun, additional families started to come in and enjoy what they had to offer, and then my 18 month old son started to cry uncontrollably. My wife and I did everything in our power to try to calm him down whilst trying to keep our 7 and 11 year old entertained. After some time, we did eventually accomplish to quiet him down. I was then approached by an employee who stated that they had received complains from other families that my 18 month old son's crying and screaming were too much and suggested I bring him outside tonight "calm him down". The employee didn't want to be "that guy" but they were. I informed my wife of the situation and brought our son outside. My wife tried to keep the other kids inside and entertained however, the damage was done and she followed suit behind me after about 5 minutes. After we got the kids in the car I went back in to speak with the staff about how we were treated unfairly and asked for a refund. We weren't even there an hour at this point. The employee (who was the same employee that suggested I take my son outside) did not seem incredibly considerate and suggested initially that I can wait for a call from the manager. I requested the manager immediately as I was visibly upset. The manager came and did do the right thing and refund us for the visit. The manager stated "it's very awkward and uncomfortable for us to have even spoke to you about this matter". If it was so uncomfortable, then why bring it up, if you're a family friendly facility? We paid just as much to be there as the other family. I don't understand why we were asked to take him out in the first place. Prior to my son's meltdown, a child approached my older kid while they were playing with legos making a boat with them. The kid took the Lego boat and smashed it to smithereens and screamed as his parents picked him up. We didn't complain. Kids were being kids! read more

Very cool spot. Educational, interesting, and fun. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. My kids love it here and I do, too! Win/win!

Absolutely amazing stop. From the outside you would never know how outstanding this place is. There are SO MANY opportunities for kids to touch & learn. This place is a total find. We were from out of town looking for something to do for a bit & had an amazing time. Darwin (see pics) is AMAZING!!! He walks around 3 pm each day we learned. Relaxed, fun, informative, lovely staff.... Can't say enough!!! Wish we lived closer. And the value! Admission was reasonable & the gift shop was a bargain. Can't say that about this destination. read more

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We took the kids here one rainy day this summer because someone recommended it to us and it's closer and more affordable than going to the aquariums in Mystic or Boston. I have two kids, a 10 year old and a 2 year old, as you can imagine, it's VERY difficult for us to find family friendly activities that appeal to both of them. My older son loved the touch tanks and spent the majority of his time there. He was careful and cautious when exploring and handling the creatures inside each tank. We spent a good amount of time observing each of the different species and commenting on the personality and habits of the animals living there. He also enjoyed reading all of the signs that highlight which local beach the sand and shells in each of the tanks came from. My younger son loved the sensory areas filled with rice, sand, or water that allowed him to get hands on in a perfectly safe and age appropriate way. There's also a fenced in toddler play area that had nautical themed toys and activities for us to play with. We had so much fun that we booked my older sons next birthday party there - what a unique opportunity to have the whole place to ourselves before Biomes opens to the public. I know his friends and our family will be amazed at how up close and personal they can get with some sea creatures, we can't wait to go back! read more

Biomes - This shark just wanted to say "hi" - Aquariums Near Me - North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Went to Biomes with my 2.5 year old for the first time for an event before they opened (Fiddle 'n Fun) which was a good time, and then we proceeded to check out what Biomes has to offer. It's a very open area with fish tanks and open lower set fish tanks right around the height of kids. There were also turtles, a tarantula and a boa constrictor. I think it was a great time and my kid was running from one thing to look at to another. The only feedback I would have is maybe more towels or if you could grab one up front to bring around with you for the hands on activities (yes you can touch some fish, baby sharks or shells in some tanks). Also, there are signs at essentially all of the open tanks specifying whether or not they are "hands on" or not but by the time you are reading the info, the littles already running up and trying to dip hands in - a more obvious heads up would be helpful. It's a good time for littles, I would consider this to be a good spot for a birthday party too! read more

Biomes - Photo spot - Aquariums Near Me - North Kingstown, Rhode Island

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This place is definitely a hidden gem! My first impression was how big the building actually is. After paying for the tickets, our first live animal interaction was a massive turtle eating lettuce and a tomato. We went at our own pace and took many pictures. It was an awesome experience for my nephew as well as myself! The building is filled with different kinds of fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Many exhibits allow guests to dip their hands into a shallow pool to feel the textures of the animals. This place is definitely great for any age and is an unique experience. My one unfavorable remark is the ticket price of $11 per person and $9 for a child. It seems reasonable at first, but when you're buying tickets for more than five people it can get a little pricey. read more

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Attended my nephew's birthday party here yesterday. What a fun place! I had never been here before, but would happily return. Zack ran the party and directed all the kids (and adults) to the various tanks including several touch tanks where they were able to touch the animals and even feed them in some cases. We learned some great facts about the various fish (and tortoises too), and had plenty of space and privacy to enjoy our party since the parties are only hosted when Biomes is closed to the public. This is a fun place to visit, and I'm sure even without the privacy and guidance during a birthday party it would be fun for the whole family. As an adult sea life lover, I was thrilled to pet the sharks as well! read more

I went here and was pleasantly surprised, this was due to how great this place was for my kids . It is a great place to go for younger kids as there are fish that u can touch , a tour toys that you can touch in a designated kids, hang out area for younger kids with toys and there is a white variety of different fish to look at overall it was a great experience and definitely were recommended for people with kids or just for a walk around in general read more

Highly recommend for a day trip or to host bday parties! So much nicer than all the popular aquariums! The staff are so passionate and patient! Great aquarium! read more

We went here for a birthday party and it's an interesting little center to take younger kids (8 and under) to, especially during the winter months. I think older kids will lose interest very quickly. My kid definitely enjoyed himself in the play area in the front, and while it did not seem appealing, he had a blast. They have a small collection of various fish including seahorses and skits among other marine animals. You also have the opportunity to meet a very social tortoise. Overall, if I were alone I would rate this place two stars for presentation and appeal, but our kid had an amazing time and that counts for a lot. read more

Biomes - Beautiful seahorses. - Aquariums Near Me - North Kingstown, Rhode Island

I visited Biomes this past weekend with my boyfriend and his 10 yr old daughter and I was absolutely amazed by this place! I had no idea I could have as much fun as I did. I've been to many aquariums all over the country and this is definitely one of my favorite and most memorable, mainly due to how interactive it is and personable the staff are. Within 2 minutes of walking in I was watching a pufferfish demonstration (super cool) and right after I was able to walk around ask questions of the staff (who knew TONS) watch more demonstrations (Darwin the tortoise is my favorite) and be able to pet fish, sharks, crabs, and many other things I really never thought I would in my life! I am so thankful and grateful to Biomes and the staff for such an amazing experience and We can't wait to go back, 4 hours wasn't enough haha 10/10 recommend! read more

Biomes - Aquariums Near Me - North Kingstown, Rhode Island

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Great stop for families with children. Well done exhibits. Nice touch: picnic tables and other seating available in case family members need to rest a moment. read more

This was such a cool place to visit! Free parking, affordable admission. Cool for kiddos and I saw a lot of marine animals I didn't know existed. I recommend a visit if you have a little extra time. Also, staff was super friendly! read more

Definitely worth a visit! The staff was very helpful and all of the exhibits appeared to be well maintained. We went on a rather busy Sunday afternoon, but it did not feel too crowded. read more

Great spot to take the children for some hands-on marine biology time. The Biomes center is located down a side road off Route 1 in the Shady Lea Mill complex. While not actually in the mill, it shares parking space with the mill businesses and it is located directly behing the mill. You would never, ever find this place if you did not seek it out specifically. If you have children under 10, I think it's worth a visit. Offers a touch tank for rays, crabs, tide pool life and (harmless) sharks. [No-touch]Tanks full of swimming sea life. For additional entertainment they have periodic feedings during the day. You can see an octopus use its tentacles to open a jar full of food. Cool. The center even has options for birthday parties for the littles. Great if you're looking for a different option for your winter birthday girl / boy. It is not fancy. Looks like it could use some cosmetic updates with painting and the like. But kids don't notice that stuff and they think it's great. Get directions before you go. read more

I took my daughters here on a Friday afternoon and they absolutely loved their experience. Overall I was very impressed with the range of activities available for kids. Upon entry I was immediately impressed that they used Square for payment and that I was presented with a laminated schedule with demonstrations that day. During our visit my daughters got a nice mini-class on Horseshoe crabs, including getting to hold them, and feed them. The exhibits are organized around different biomes around Rhode Island, and are hands on to varying degrees; some of the aquatic life you can touch, and each exhibit specifies exactly how much. In addition to the tanks, Biomes also features a play area complete with books and other physical toys. For example there is a box full of various sea shells next to a book aimed at kids explaining the role of shells and who lives in them. Overall my kids had a great visit, and the price was affordable - kids under 3 are free. We'll be back. read more

Absolutely wonderful birthday party we attended!!! The guide was fun and funny, knowledgeable and quick with funny remarks! The center is beautiful and decorated with amazing paintings on all walls and containers, and very clean, very well taken care of. The kids were guided around to feed different marine animals and were told about them. The guide took time to explain about the different animals and told the particular quirks of all the inhabitants of the center, really wonderful!!! If we lived closer - we would love to visit all the time!!! read more

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Sick animals, unnatural behaviors, dirty atmosphere, I've had a birthday party there at the old location, years and years ago, the new location just reflects how much they care about whatever money they get over their sick animals, really sad, don't fund this place, just go to somewhere else in nature. read more

I took my grandchildren to Biomes today for a rainy day activity. It was fabulous. Interesting exhibits, lots of educational info on all types of sea creatures, hands on opportunities. Highly recommend for kids of all ages. read more

Kids love being able to see the tortoise roaming free in the afternoon. There are a lot of open, low tanks that are not touch tanks so small kids have to be watched very closely. read more

Fun quick stop for a whole family to leisurely see some aquatic life. It took our family 2 hours to see everything taking our time. The facility has feeding times for sharks you can watch and a gift shop to purchase little gifts. read more

We were looking for something to do to kill some time in RI and were glad to come across this cute little aquarium! Though I think it's geared more toward younger kids, I did enjoy the shark and ray touch tank and the giant eel and seahorses. Just some tips: I think there should have been more staff around the shark tank cause the sharks were clearly stressed out by all the kids putting their hands in the water. Also not all the exhibits had signs explaining what the animal was or where they were from. Don't expect to spend a whole lot of time here as it's mostly just tanks with fish and turtles and frogs. But other then that it's a great place to go with younger kids because they have activity tables and feeding demonstrations. read more

I went there before the pandemic with my Granddaughter Lily and we had an awesome time, she took lots of pictures and a couple of videos and she was having fun with the eel it was following her and she was videotaping the whole thing she was laughing she really had or I should say we really had a great day. read more

Such a great place. Lots of sea creatures mostly in large aquarium tanks or in large floor style mini pools. Some were touch tank pools many were not. My one suggestion would be to color code those tanks with red signs for not a touch tank and green for ok to touch. This would be a great visual for not yet and or early readers. Staff was fantastic. Lots of interaction and sharing of information when they were able. Some fun demonstrations with the puffer fish, stingrays, tortoise and sharks. Lots to appeal to all ages. Expect to take your time and look and read at each tank, it seemed like you get out of the experience what you put into it and seek out. There was a nice sized science learning area at picnic tables. Some games laid out and puzzles, mostly ocean life related. A small fenced in area for toddler aged kids was also really nice. There was something here for every type of kid. Would like to see a family admission price, with a cap on admission for larger families to make this affordable to all. Would return again! read more

I had a fabulous time! I am a fish enthusiast and i loved all the tanks especially the touch tanks. Very educational and interesting for all ages. I wish I lived a bit closer because I would be there all the time. read more

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This is such a fun place to visit! There are a few great touch tanks and such an interesting variety of creatures to look at and learn about! The information all around is informative and well displayed. The kids play area is great to have as well. Overall, my kids loved it! read more