Lightning Bugs, Bats, and Birds…Summer is Here!
June 2026 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Start your summer off right – in the great outdoors! Discover some of the amazing birds, bats, and insects that thrive in the Ocean State. Pick up a paintbrush at the Maxwell Mays Art Studio, or bring family and friends for a guided nature exploration with your own Audubon naturalist. Audubon offers so much adventure in summer – come join the fun!
Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. Register online and view a complete listing of programs through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.
New!
Outside with a Guide
Audubon Small-group Private Tours
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Offered Wednesdays and Fridays, June through August 2026.
Bring friends and family to explore the great outdoors with your own Audubon guide! Marvel at an owl or hawk in a close-up encounter, discover life on the wildlife refuge, buzz through blossoms in the pollinator garden, and explore marine life in the aquarium. Come wander and wonder with a naturalist at your own pace!
Includes: Private Naturalist Guide – Close-up Encounter with a Hawk or Owl – Exploration of Trails and Gardens – Aquarium Visit – Options for Adult Only or Groups with Children.
2.5 Hours; Maximum 10 per group.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $40/member; $50/non-member; $30/child under age 13. Ages: 5 and up. Book your private adventure at asri.org/nature-center.
Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Locations Across Rhode Island
June 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026; 9:00-11:00am
Audubon offers small-group Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Advance registration is required. Locations will be sent to registered participants in advance.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2026; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Adult Eco-Craft Series at Audubon: Art in Nature Walk
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 4, 2026, 6:00-7:30pm
Join Audubon once a month for eco-inspired craft programs designed for adults who enjoy creativity with purpose. In June, join an Audubon naturalist for a guided walk to collect natural treasures like leaves, rocks, and pinecones. Then head back inside and use your finds to “draw” a picture with your natural materials. Snap a photo of your creation before returning your materials to nature.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar
Biweekly Bird Walk
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 5, 19, 2026; 9:00-11:00am
Join an Audubon naturalist for a morning stroll through the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge in search of birds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, you’ll enjoy spotting and learning about resident species and seasonal visitors. Bring your binoculars and experience the sights and sounds of birding!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Animal Ambassador Meet & Greet
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 6, 2026; 11:00am-12:00pm
Visit the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium to meet one of Audubon’s animal ambassadors and make your own ambassador animal craft to take home! Each month will feature a different animal ambassador. No need to register. Program is free with admission.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.
Audubon Nature Tales Storytime
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 11, 2026; 10:00am-10:45pm
Join Audubon for our monthly Nature Tales Storytime designed especially for children ages 3 to 5. Each session features a nature-themed story followed by hands-on activities that connect the story to the natural world and encourage curiosity and learning.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $8/member child, $10/non-member child. Ages: 3-5. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Studio Soirée with Audubon
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
June 12, 2026; 5:00-8:00 pm
Head to the Maxwell Mays Art Studio where local artists and musicians will gather for an open studio. Bring your own materials to work in the studio or ‘en plein air while listening to relaxing music casually performed. Join other artists for an evening of entertainment and conversation!
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bat Walk at Parker Woodland
Audubon Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
June 12, 2026; 7:30-9:00 pm
Learn about the little brown bat, a species that lives seasonally on the Audubon Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge. An Audubon naturalist will guide this late spring walk through the refuge in search of bats flying over the field and at the pond. A wonderful program for families with children ages 10 and up.
Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, 1670 Maple Valley Road, Coventry, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bats and Brownies with Audubon
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
June 13, 2026; 8:00-9:30pm
Join Audubon naturalists for a sweet snack and relaxing walk to learn all about the little brown bat, a species that lives seasonally on the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy a spring evening on the trails and search for bats flying over the fields and pond. A wonderful program for families with children over the age of 10. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes/boots, bring bug spray and a flashlight.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA. Fee: $12/ member adult, $6/member child; $18/non-member adult, $9/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
En Plein Air Painting Workshop
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
June 13, 2026; 3:00-7:00 pm
En plein air is French for “in the open air,” referring to the practice of painting outdoors on-site to capture natural light. Artist Carol Shelton will walk you through an introduction to outdoor painting. A short lecture will be followed by a demonstration before spending time painting in the beautiful fields of the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge. (Rain date: Sunday, June 14, 2026)
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $75/member, $85/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Nesting Birds with Audubon
Three Dates Offered
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
June 14, 20, 28, 2026; 7:30-9:30am
Discover the amazing nesting birds that live in the habitats of Caratunk Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy a cool, early morning bird walk along the trails with an experienced naturalist and search for Purple Martins, Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallows and more. Participants might also spot Baltimore Orioles, Indigo Buntings, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Blue-winged Warblers. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Bring binoculars if you have them. Advance registration is required. The program is weather dependent.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Family Bat Walk
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 20, 2026; 8:00-9:00pm
Fly into the night at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium for a bat-tasic evening of discovery! Begin with a quick introduction to bat adaptations and local species. Then head on the trails in search of these nocturnal wonders in flight. It’s a family friendly night full of fun and interesting facts!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: All. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Stamp & Sip Cardmaking Workshop
Two Summer Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 25, July 23, 2026; 6:00-8:00pm
Let nature inspire your creativity this summer! Our adult cardmaking programs offer a relaxing, creative way to connect with nature. Create handmade cards inspired by the sea, coastal winds, and warm sunlight. Advance registration is required. Create three designs using a variety of techniques. Materials are provided and all skill levels welcome.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Wetland Investigations
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 23, 2026; 11:00am-12:00pm
Discover the hidden life of the wetlands with Audubon! Learn about the important role these habitats play in our ecosystems. Then grab a net and dip into the water to see what creatures call the wetland home, from tadpoles to water beetles. Use magnifiers, ID guides, and your curiosity to explore this vital habitat up close.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Purple Martins at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
June 25, 2026; 6:30-8:00pm
Martins are fascinating birds! Join Audubon for a presentation on these unique birds and a short walk to the field habitat to observe the resident Purple Martins as they roost in their gourd-shaped birdhouses. Watch other flying foragers like swallows and swifts as well, and if we are lucky, we might get to observe bats and owls. Please dress for the weather. Binoculars can be borrowed if you do not have a pair. Program is weather dependent.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $12/non-member adult/child pair; $7/each additional non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
3-D ‘Birdie’ Needle Felting
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
June 25, 2026; 5:00-8:00 pm
Join fiber artist, Gail Mitchell Slezak at the Maxwell Mays Art Studio as she guides participants through the process of needle felting. Create a sweet little 3-D bird. All materials provided.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $40/member; $45/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Ice Cream and Lightning Bugs at Fisherville
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
June 26, 2026; 7:00-8:30pm
Summer is here and the days are longer. Just as it starts to get dark, the lightning bugs appear. Head to Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge and learn all about these amazing insects. Start the evening by making ice cream sundaes and a talk about what makes lightning bugs so special. Then head out for a hike and look for their flickering lights. If we are lucky, a resident beaver may be spotted along the way. This program is fun for the whole family! Bring a flashlight.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $12/member adult, $6 member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bank of America Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 27, 2026; 10:00am-3:00pm
Thanks to Bank of America, Audubon offers free admission to the Nature Center and Aquarium one Saturday a month. Bring the family for nature stories, animal discoveries, crafts, hikes, and more. No need to register.
10:00am-3:00pm: Craft Table
10:00am-3:00pm: Eco-Engineers Matching Game – Explore the world of eco-engineers at this
hands-on discovery table! Get up close with real animal biofacts, match them to their mystery
animal, and learn how these species shape and transform their environment!
10:00am: Nature Story
11:00am & 2:30pm: Animal Interviews
1:00pm: Nest Building Activity – Test your building skills in this hands-on activity! Learn how
wildlife uses natural and manmade materials to build nests. Then build like birds and try your
hand at building a nest that can protect an egg! For ages 6+.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: Free. Ages: All.
The Art of Collage: Exhibit by Tom Terceira
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Through June 28, 2026; 9:30am-4:00pm
Tom Terceira is a collector of vintage images, illustrations and a creator of collages. He collects and uses photos, postcards, comic books, images and illustrations from old and forgotten books and vintage ephemera in his art. The art of collage (traditional and digital) lends itself to improvisation, spontaneity and the unexpected discovery. Tom begins with no final product in mind, but responds to the materials, finding images that resonate with each other.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; May 1 to June 26, 2026. Free with admission. Ages: All.
Full Moon Hikes at Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Two Dates Offered
June 29, July 29, 2026; 8:00-9:00pm
As the sun goes down, nature comes to life! Enjoy a guided evening walk under the light of the full moon as we search for nocturnal wildlife. Please bring a flashlight and dress for the weather.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: All. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Photos:
Purple Martins at Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA (Program June 25, 2026. Photo by Glenn Osmundson
Bank of America Free Family Fun Day at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium. Kids search for frogs and other wildlife on the boardwalk in the Palmieri Pollinator Garden. Photo by Richard Staples. (Program June 27,2026)
New! Outside with a Guide: Bring family and friends to explore the great outdoors with your own Audubon naturalist!
Family with nets at the field at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium. Photo by Jessica Weinberg.