Things to Do in Swansea

Incandescent fish, turtles, and dolphins illuminate the underwater-themed wonder worlds of Oceans 18’s glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course and two lanes of mini bowling that provide indoor fun year-round. Oceans 18 keeps links-lovers entertained with a full-size golf simulator while mini bowling promises all the fun of the alley without the hassle of wearing rental shoes or a bedazzled bowling glove. Patrons can also carry on their competitive spirit in Oceans 18’s extensive arcade.

Horses trot merrily at Silverbrook Farm, towing carts and bushels of fresh, crisp vegetables behind them. Here, agriculturalists eschew tractors and machinery whenever possible, forcing the steeds to whinny their best impressions of diesel engines instead. While refraining from fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides on their crops, the farmers also use all-natural processes when tending to their livestock, resulting in a bounty of free-range eggs and beef from cows fed with grass rather than the typical Funyuns.

Along with fresh food, philanthropy also thrives at the farm. After baking up pillowy loaves onsite, The Pereira Bread Co. sets aside a portion of its proceeds to donate to Citizen Schools of Massachusetts, and Silverbrook hosts regular events such as the Great Pumpkin Festival in October, appearances from Santa in December, and family movie nights under the stars' outdated, black-and-white constellations.

Past rows of seats covered in crimson, past a red carpet that brings out the auditorium's regality, past a centerpiece chandelier that dangles from the ceiling with the quiet grace of a toddler climbing out of her crib, is a stage. Upon this stage, the Zeiterion Theatre explores the performing arts, hosting national and international performers who enlighten the community to other cultures and inspire the younger population to actively participate in the arts. Every year, Zeiterion, lovingly known as "The Z," also provides 5,000 free tickets to children and families with low incomes, working to make arts more accessible to all.

Perfectly picturesque with white wooden fencing, a bright red barn, and lush, green pastures, Grandview Farm's storybook surroundings provide a welcoming setting for riders to hone their horsemanship skills. Once awakened from their standing slumber inside the 16-stall facility, Grandview equine employees and their certified human handlers teach students saddle seat, hunt seat, and Western riding styles in both private and group lessons.

Named as a Best of Rhode Island 2011 attraction by Yankee magazine, The Butterfly Zoo cultivates a tapestry of colorful flying creatures. Celebrating its 20th summer, the zoo’s enclosure houses hundreds of different butterfly species from across the globe, including white monarchs, common buckeyes, and chinese yellow swallowtails. A variety of mounted butterflies is also available for purchase to decorate a home office or serve as a warning to moths fluttering around your home office. Open until Labor Day, the zoo’s outdoor enclosure is also sometimes visited by larger flying critters, including wild turkeys and hawks.