Chill Out with Nature This Summer
July 2026 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
(June 8, 2026) – Avoid the heat in July and explore nature when the temperatures are cool. Evenings bring fireflies in the field, bats overhead, and moon lit hikes. Enjoy morning breezes on bird walks or cool off during indoor programs and marine life discoveries in the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium!
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 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! Learn more at asri.org/nature-center.
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.
The Creative Naturalist: Art Exhibit by Tracey Hall
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
July 1 – August 31, 2026; 9:00am-4:30pm
An Audubon educator and Camp Director for many years, Tracey Hall is well-known in communities across Rhode Island for engaging all ages in nature programs and outdoor explorations. Drawing and painting since a young child, her pen and ink drawings are popular and beloved illustrations that appear on Audubon camp tee-shirts each summer. Hall also wrote and illustrated “Zach the Raven”, a book about an Audubon avian ambassador, which fulfilled a lifelong dream. Join the artist at the opening reception on July 9, 6:00-8:00pm.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.
Adult Eco-Craft Series at Audubon: Nature Collage Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
July 2, 2026, 6:00-7:30pm
Join Audubon once a month for eco-inspired craft programs designed for adults who enjoy creativity with purpose. In July, get creative in this eco-friendly wildlife collage program. Using recycled materials and magazines, participants will design unique collages inspired by wildlife, plants, and landscapes.
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 with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
July 3, 17, 31, 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.
Walk and Watercolor Wednesdays
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
July 8, 2026; 9:30am-1:30pm
Join a beginner watercolor painting class at the Maxwell Mays Art Studio in Coventry. Start with a short walk on the wildlife refuge to gather inspiration. Following the walk, you will be guided in creating a beautiful watercolor painting all your own. Meet at the Art Studio for a short walk at 9:30am. Lesson starts at 10:30am.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $35 member $40 nonmember $40/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Nature Tales Storytime
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
July 9, 2026; 10:00-10:45am
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.
Bird Banding with Audubon
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
July 11, August 8, 2026; 8:00-10:00am
Learn more about birds by observing bird banding, where experts capture, band, measure, and release songbirds. Birds will be gently removed from tall “mist nets” set in Audubon’s shrubby habitats. The techniques of identifying, measuring, weighing, and banding the birds will be demonstrated before they are released. The migratory habits and life history of each captured species will be discussed. Bring a camera and binoculars. Please register early.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope St. Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member, $25/non-member; Ages: 10+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Animal Ambassador Meet & Greet
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
July 11, 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.
Coastal Exploration with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
July 14, 2026; 11:00am-12:00pm
Take a walk along the shore! Join an Audubon naturalist for a guided adventure along the coastline to discover the incredible plants and animals that live where the land meets the sea. From salt marshes to rocky shores, explore coastal habitats, examine shells, search for signs of marine life, and learn how tides shape these ever-changing environments.
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.
World Snake Day Celebration
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
July 16, 2026; 10:00am-3:00pm
Join Audubon in celebrating World Snake Day! Snakes play important roles in our ecosystems, but they need our help. Learn about snake adaptations, behaviors, and ways you can help protect them. Make a snake craft, listen to a snake storybook, and meet a live snake ambassador. No need to register. Activities are included with admission.
All day: Snake Craft Table
10:00am: Snake Nature Story
11:00am: Snake Interview
1:00pm: All About Snakes: Learn about snake biology, behavior, and adaptations by investigating snake biofacts
2:30pm: Snake Interview
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.
Firefly Glow Party
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
July 18, 2026; 7:30-9:00pm
Join Audubon for a magical summer evening celebrating one of nature’s beloved light-up insects! Kick off the night with a low-light glow party and make your own glow in the dark firefly craft while learning about these fascinating creatures. Then head out on the trails in search of fireflies.
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.
Bank of America Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
July 18, 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: Nature Story
11:00am & 2:30pm: Animal Interviews
1:00pm: Pollination Investigation & Pollinator Walk – Join an Audubon naturalist for a guided walk of the trails to learn about pollinators and search for local pollinator species!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: Free. Ages: All.
Stamp & Sip Cardmaking Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
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.
Raptor Photoshoot with Audubon
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
July 25, 2026; 10:00-12:00 pm
Calling all photographers! Take advantage of this special opportunity to get up close with a Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, Red-tailed Hawk, and Barred Owl. Each bird will be presented in a natural setting for that perfect shot. No tents. No crowds. No jostling for position. While you click, a naturalist will discuss each species, their natural history, and ecological place in Rhode Island. Space is limited, register early.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $75 per member/ $85 per non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Saving the Diamondback Terrapin: Film Screening and Q&A
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
July 22, 2026; 5:30-7:00pm
Join Audubon and the Barrington Terrapin Conservation Project for an engaging lecture, film screening, and Q&A to learn about the fascinating life history and ecology of diamondback terrapins. The Q&A will feature Kathryn Beauchamp, co-leader of the Barrington Terrapin Conservation Project. Since 1990, this community-based, citizen scientist volunteer group has been studying the population of the diamondback terrapin in Barrington. Audubon’s diamondback terrapin ambassador will be available for a meet and greet.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bats and Beer
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
July 24, 2026; 7:30-9:00pm
Join Audubon for a fun evening learning about the fascinating world of bats while you taste some local brew. Start with a brief presentation and learn about the bats that live in the area. Then head out onto the trails in search of these winged creatures. Stop at the pond to watch bats at work catching their evening meal and also look for the resident family beavers at work. Please bring a flashlight.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Moonlight Stroll at Powder Mill Ledges
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
July 29, 2026; 7:30-9:00pm
Join an Audubon naturalist for a mid-summer evening moonlight stroll at Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge. Mid-summer brings warm days and animals active at night. Observe and hear a diversity of wildlife like deer, frogs, tree crickets, occasional owls, and bats taking advantage of plentiful food and good weather. Wear sturdy shoes, bring bug spray, and a flashlight. This program is appropriate for ages 12+.
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: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Full Moon Hikes at Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
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:
Bank of America Free Family Fun Day (July 18, 2026) at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium. Children search for pollinators and other wildlife in the Audubon Palmieri Pollinator Garden. Photo by Richard Staples.
Coastal Exploration with Audubon (July 14, 2026). Photo by Glenn Osmundson
Celebrate Word Snake Day with Audubon (July 16, 2026). Photo by Jessica Weinberg.