23 Family Friendly Things to Do in Rhode Island
May 19, 2024
Rhode Island is brimming with attractions and activities renewing plenty of family friendly things to do. From exploring interactive museums to enjoying outdoor adventures, there’s something to delight every member of the family. Here are some of the best family friendly things to do in Rhode Island this summer.
Save The Bay Hamilton Family Aquarium in Newport
One of the newest attractions in Rhode Island is the Save The Bay Hamilton Family Aquarium in Newport. This engaging aquarium offers hands-on exhibits and touch tanks where kids can get up close and personal with marine life. It’s a wonderful educational experience that teaches children about local ecosystems and the importance of marine conservation.
Go on a Rhode Island Red Food Tour
Whether a private group for the whole extended family or hoping on one of our ticketed tours, there’s no better way to enjoy the diverse flavors or Newport or Providence than on one of our food tours. Take in the history of these colorful cities, take in some legends and lore, see where some of your favorite movies and shows were filmed, and enjoy authentic Ocean State food and drink from mom and pop restaurateurs.
Providence Children’s Museum
The Providence Children’s Museum is a must-visit destination for families. It has interactive exhibits and creative play spaces, Particularly, kids can explore, learn, and have a blast. From water play areas to a fascinating time-travel exhibit, the museum stimulates young minds and encourages imaginative play. It’s one of the most iconic things to do in Providence, Rhode Island.
Roger Williams Park Zoo and Carousel Village
Spanning 430 acres, Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence is one of the oldest zoos in the country. It’s home to over 160 species of animals. Kids can marvel at elephants, giraffes, and snow leopards while learning about wildlife conservation. The adjacent Roger Williams Park offers plenty of space for picnics, paddle boating, and exploring beautiful gardens.
For a unique experience, don’t miss Food Truck Fridays at Carousel Village within Roger Williams Park. Every Friday through September, families can enjoy a variety of delicious food from local trucks, and ride the historic carousel. Plus, enjoy live music and entertainment.
Biomes Marine Biology Center in North Kingston
Biomes Marine Biology Center boasts the largest collection of New England marine life in the world. This hands-on science center allows kids to touch and learn about various sea creatures. Furthermore, its a perfect blend of education and fun. It’s an ideal spot for budding marine biologists to explore and discover. For kids who love marine exploration, Biomes is a very exciting family friendly thing to do in Rhode Island.
Block Island Glass Floats
Adventure awaits on Block Island, where families can hunt for legendary glass floats hidden across the island. This ongoing treasure hunt adds an element of excitement to your visit as you explore the scenic beauty of Block Island. It’s one of the truly unique things to do in Rhode Island! Finding one of these beautiful glass orbs is a special keepsake and a unique family adventure.
East Bay Bike Path
For families who enjoy biking, the East Bay Bike Path offers 14 miles of scenic trails stretching from Providence to Bristol. The path winds through picturesque towns, alongside rivers, and offers stunning views of Narragansett Bay. It’s a great way to enjoy Rhode Island’s natural beauty and get some exercise together.
Blithewold Mansion Music at Sunset Concert Series
Blithewold Mansion in Bristol offers stunning waterfront grounds perfect for a family outing. Every Wednesday evening, local artists perform at the Music at Sunset Concert Series, providing a magical setting for an evening picnic. The whole family can relax on the lawn, enjoy the music, and take in the breathtaking views of the mansion’s gardens and the surrounding bay.
Stargazing Nights at Frosty Drew Observatory
In Charlestown, the Frosty Drew Observatory hosts Stargazing Nights where families can observe the wonders of the night sky. Using powerful telescopes, children and adults alike can get a close-up look at planets, stars, and even distant galaxies. It’s an awe-inspiring experience that can spark a lifelong interest in astronomy.
Coastal Queen Cruises
From Newport, Jamestown or Wickford, RI you can enjoy the great outdoors cruising aboard the spacious Coastal Queen tour boat. It offers spectacular views of the lighthouses and historic sights that are found in lower Narragansett Bay. The Coastal Queen has both a cozy and weatherproof main salon that can be heated on chilly days and a covered, open-air top deck with side curtains that roll down for warmth or roll up for catching fresh ocean breezes. All seats have panoramic views. Among others the Daily Cruises offer 75 minute Lighthouse, Seal Mimosa or an Evening Cocktail Cruise for a perfect way to end the day!
Coggeshall Farm Museum
Located in Bristol, the Coggeshall Farm Museum offers a glimpse into 18th-century farm life. Set on 48 acres of coastal farmland, this living history museum recreates the daily experiences of tenant farmers. Kids can interact with farm animals, participate in traditional farming activities, and learn about the history and culture of early Rhode Island.
Newport Car Museum
For kids who love cars, the Newport Car Museum in Portsmouth is a must-visit. The museum showcases a stunning collection of over 95 automobiles, focusing on eight decades of automotive design. It’s an exciting and educational experience that will captivate car enthusiasts of all ages.
Bristol Fourth of July Concert Series
The Bristol Fourth of July Concert Series is a highlight of the summer, running from June 21 to July 2, 2024. Held in Independence Park, this series features live music performances leading up to the town’s famous Fourth of July Parade. It’s a festive and patriotic experience that families will cherish and one of the most beloved things to do in Rhode Island!
Annual Strawberry Festival at Trinity Church
Rhode Island hosts a variety of family-focused events throughout the year, including the Annual Strawberry Festival at Trinity Church in Newport. This delightful festival celebrates the strawberry season with fresh strawberry shortcakes, live music, and fun activities for kids. It’s one of the most simple, old fashioned, fun things to do in Newport, Rhode Island.
Fairy Tea Party in Wakefield
On June 15, 2024, the Fairy Tea Party at the Contemporary Theatre Company’s Riverfront Patio in Wakefield offers a magical experience for young children. Kids are encouraged to dress in their best fairy attire, take photos in the blooming garden, make their own fairy wands, and hunt for fairy houses in a whimsical scavenger hunt.
Sweet Berry Farm
Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown is perfect for a family outing. Their pick-your-own fruit orchards allow kids to gather fresh strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and apples, depending on the season. The farm also has a market and café where families can enjoy homemade treats and picnic supplies.
East Ferry Memorial Square Concerts
From July through August, East Ferry Memorial Square in Jamestown hosts free Sunday evening concerts overlooking Narragansett Bay. These concerts offer a relaxing atmosphere where families can enjoy live music, stunning waterfront views, and the company of the local community.
Audubon Society of Rhode Island Nature Center and Aquarium
The Audubon Society of Rhode Island Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol provides 9,500 acres of woodlands and coastal property for exploration no matter what season! Kids can learn about local wildlife, explore interactive exhibits, and participate in nature walks and educational programs. It’s an ideal spot for young nature enthusiasts.
Norman Bird Sanctuary Summer Outdoor Concert Series
Set amid the bucolic setting of the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown, the 4th annual Summer Outdoor Concert Series is a wonderful way to enjoy music in a natural environment. Families can bring picnic blankets, listen to local artists, and soak in the serene beauty of the sanctuary.
Atlantic Beach Park
A visit to Atlantic Beach Park in Misquamicut, Westerly, offers classic seaside fun. This historic park, dating back to 1921, features a charming amusement park with rides, games, and an arcade. Families can enjoy a day of sun, sand, and old-fashioned entertainment.
Historic Flying Horse Carousel
In Westerly, the famous historic Flying Horse Carousel provides a nostalgic ride for kids and adults alike. As the oldest continuously operating carousel in the United States, it’s a piece of living history and a delightful experience for children.
The Breakers Mansion
A family tour of The Breakers, the famous Newport Mansion, is a journey into the opulent past of America’s Gilded Age. This magnificent estate offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Vanderbilt family and provides a beautiful setting for exploring history. Fans of HBO’s “The Gilded Age” will especially enjoy seeing where much of the series was filmed.
Rhode Island’s Beaches and Kayaking
Rhode Island’s stunning beaches are perfect for family outings. From the sandy shores of Narragansett to the peaceful coves of Block Island, there are countless spots to enjoy swimming, building sandcastles, and picnicking. For more adventurous families, kayaking in the coastal towns and along the Providence River offers a unique way to explore the state’s waterways. And you’d be remiss to not make time to indulge in some ice cream from the many mom and pop stands scattered throughout the state. These charming spots, like Frosty Freeze in Middletown, Brickley’s Ice Cream and the Inside Scoop in South County, Gelina’s Ice Cream Factory in Coventry and the all vegan Sacred Cow Scoop Shop in East Providence, plus many others, offer a variety of delicious flavors and provide the perfect treat to end a day of adventure.
Rhode Island is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities and attractions. Whether you’re exploring interactive museums, enjoying outdoor concerts, or hunting for hidden glass floats, there’s no shortage of fun and adventure for kids and parents alike. So pack your bags, gather the family, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in the Ocean State.
