Tour of zoo's exhibit 'Big Backyard'

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - On Monday, June 4, a new outdoor play and nature exploration area will officially be opened to the public at Roger Williams Park Zoo.

The zoo's newest attraction is the largest space that's been developed there and gets kids moving, learning and exploring.

"This gives the public an opportunity to just have fun and to learn at their own pace by playing and just getting outside and connecting to nature," said Chris Hitchener, Program Manager at Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Our Big Backyard allow children to create their own play and let imagination take over. A tree house within the exhibit lets kids use their senses.

"There's interactives inside the the tree house for families that go up and explore smell, sight, sound and touch; and just have a different view of the zoo from up high in the tree house," said Hitchener.

The tree house is complete with kaleidoscope windows, huge binoculars and fun around every corner.

"It's for everybody. Kids, their parents, grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles, to come in and just spend time together, family bonding time, playing games and letting kids play.,"added Hitchener.

Plans call for adding a New England animal collection to the exhibit in 2014, featuring river otters.

Hasbro's Our Big Backyard is the third major project completed since the zoo announced a master plan in 2006.