things to do with kids in rhode island
Updated Tue 10/13/2026
PORTSMOUTH
GREEN ANIMALS TOPIARY GARDEN
Updated
ABOUT
It features over 80 sculpted trees and shrubs shaped into various forms, including animals like bears, giraffes, and camels, primarily using California privet and English boxwood. The garden is managed by the Preservation Society of Newport County and includes a small display of vintage toys and original family furnishings.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Families can explore the garden's whimsical topiary figures while following scavenger hunt maps provided by the Preservation Society. The grounds also feature 35 formal flower beds, a rose arbor, and vegetable gardens that provide vibrant displays throughout the growing seasons. Children particularly enjoy interactive elements, such as finding the various animal shapes and the small koi pond, making it a delightful experience for visitors of all ages.
GOOD TO KNOW
The topiary program at Green Animals began in 1912 under gardener Joseph Carreiro, who transformed the estate into a horticultural destination. Originally purchased in 1872 by Thomas E. Brayton, the estate was bequeathed to the Preservation Society upon his daughter Alice's death in 1972.
UPCOMING EVENTS as of 10/18/2026
THIS WEEK: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 · COMING UP: THE 4 WEEKS AFTER
No dated events on our list for Green Animals Topiary Garden right now. Most visits here need no event — check hours on their site.
Full schedule at newportmansions.org/events →
Something wrong or out of date here? Tell us — we fix listings within a week.
On nearby this week and next
Next two weeks · from our weekly check of each venue's own calendar
- SUN 10/18 · 10:00am — Lou's Pumpkin Patch at Escobar Corn Maze & Farm · Portsmouth details
- SUN 10/18 — Creative Movement at Newport Recreation Department · Newport details
- SUN 10/18 — Fairy House Competition! at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum · Bristol details
- MON 10/19 · 4:45pm — Girl Scouts Lower Level (Ashley Murphy) at Events / Activities Calendar - Common Fence Point · Portsmouth details
- MON 10/19 · 11:00am — Story Time at Middletown Public Library · Middletown details
- MON 10/19 · 10:30am — Toddler Storytime with Miss Erin - 1st Fall Session at Rogers Free Library · Bristol details
- MON 10/19 · 2:30pm — After School Club at Little Compton Community Center · Little Compton details
- TUE 10/20 · 10:00am — Baby Story Time at Portsmouth Free Public Library · Portsmouth details
- TUE 10/20 · 1:45pm — Calvin & Friends (Lower Level) at Events / Activities Calendar - Common Fence Point · Portsmouth details
- TUE 10/20 · 4:45pm — Girl Scouts Lower Level (Ashley Murphy) at Events / Activities Calendar - Common Fence Point · Portsmouth details