Gearing up for a family vacation in Rhode Island? This New England gem is a great place to visit with kids year round. From amazing museums to fun coastal attractions, Rhode Island is packed with thrills, learning opportunities, and bonding experiences.
Don’t stress over putting together a perfect itinerary. Just steal some ideas from this list of things to do with kids in Rhode Island.
A tour we think you'll love
1) Take An Unforgettable Boat Ride On The Providence River
An exciting and educational boat tour is one of the best things to do in Providence with kids. While kids savor the excitement of setting sail, parents can sit back to take in incredible views as the captain and crew handle every detail. Providence River Boat Tours is the #1 provider of group and private boat tours in the area. Most of our adventures are open to all ages. Here’s a look at some of our best family boat tours:
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Historic Narrated Tours – Turn your vacation into a history lesson with a 50-minute tour narrated by a USCG-licensed captain. This casual, open-air tour highlights all of the landmarks of the city’s historic waterfront area.
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Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Cruises – We offer special themes on Father’s Day and Mother’s Day weekends that let your family pamper a parent while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Providence waterways!
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Tour of Green Jacket Shoal – Explore Rhode Island’s largest ship graveyard with an expert marine archeologist!
You can also plan a unique river tour with our private charters! This is a popular option among families celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and reunions. We’ve been creating memorable experiences on the city’s beautiful waterways for nearly four decades. Book an adventure your family will never forget with Providence River Boat Tours!
2) Explore And Play At The Providence Children’s Museum
Located in the city’s famed jewelry district, the Providence Children’s Museum became the first children’s museum in the state when it first opened in 1977. This play-focused museum offers a number of hands-on learning exhibits for kids.
Highlights include Water Ways, the Children’s Garden, Blue Blocks, Coming to Rhode Island, Maker Studio, Innovation Lab, and Little Woods.
Pro Tip: The museum recommends visiting between the windows of 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for a complete experience without interruptions from midday closures.
3) Pick Berries With The Family At Rocky Point Blueberry Farm In Warwick
If you’re coming to Rhode Island for a summer getaway between July and August, grab a bucket to pick locally grown blueberries. You can also pick up bushels of picked berries, local honey, and maple syrup at the farm stand if you’re just making a quick stop.
The views alone make this worth a stop! Rocky Point Blueberry Farm is next to Narragansett Bay on the road leading to Rocky Point State Park in Warwick, RI. During blueberry season, the farm is open from 7 a.m. until noon on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. There are also special hours running from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and 4 p.m. through dusk on Thursday evenings.
Pro Tip: Picking happens rain or shine, so be sure to dress appropriately and bring your enthusiasm for a fun and fruitful berry-picking experience with the whole family!
4) Go Wild At The Roger Williams Park Zoo
Founded in 1872, Roger Williams Park Zoo is home to more than 800 animals representing 160 species from across the globe! Here’s a peek at some of the exhibits and activities children love:
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Alex & Ani Farmyard – See life on a typical Rhode Island farm with chickens, goats, sheep, alpacas, and more!
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The Savanna – Head to a safari experience in Rhode Island at this fun exhibit that features zebras, cheetahs, river hogs, giraffes, and elephants.
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Faces of the Rainforest – Voyage to an Amazon rainforest with otters, anacondas, and many more creatures found in this diverse ecosystem.
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Wild Woodlands – See the wild and massive creatures that roam North America. Highlights include the bison and bald eagle.
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Himalayan Trek – See snow leopards, red pandas, moon bears, and more!
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Feinstein Junior Scholar Wetlands Trail – Enjoy a scenic walking path with opportunities to spot blue herons, snapping turtles, ospreys, wood ducks, and a variety of other native Rhode Island species.
Pro Tip: Coming on a Friday? Head to nearby Carousel Village for Food Truck Friday from April through September.
5) Tour Thames Street In Newport
If your idea of relaxing is strolling along a glamorous seaside street to visit individual businesses, check out Thames Street. Found in the heart of Newport’s vibrant commercial district, Thames Street opens up a world of cobblestone streets and wharfs.
Browse great shops, restaurants, and children’s boutiques as you explore the area. Diners can grab tables at waterfront restaurants overlooking Narragansett Bay.
Good To Know: Thames Street is a one-way street that’s easy to navigate with a stroller.
6) Visit Fort Adams State Park In Newport
Take a trip through time that all ages will love at this historic landmark. Located at the harbor mouth, the massive coastal fortification was first used in 1841. This public recreation area is now the setting of the Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival.
In addition to enjoying tours of the historic fort, visitors can partake in kayaking, cycling, picnicking, and saltwater fishing. There are also many stroller-friendly paths to explore.
Pro Tip: Stay in the area after your fort tour to enjoy swimming in a shallow, roped-off area at Fort Adams State Beach.
7) Play In The Sand At Misquamicut State Beach In Westerly
Set aside some time to relax on a beloved New England beach! As Rhode Island’s most popular beach, Misquamicut offers plenty to do for all ages. Visitors like that this neat, beautifully maintained beach offers lifeguards, a playground, outdoor showers, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and gazebos. The shoreline here also provides great options for sea kayaking and water sports.
Misquamicut State Beach is more than just a place to relax; it also hosts fun events during the summer, like live music and beach volleyball games. The lively atmosphere makes it a great spot for families and friends to hang out. With its soft sand and gentle waves, you can build sandcastles or take a nice walk along the shore.
Good To Know: Arrive early to secure a good parking spot, especially on weekends. Keep in mind that dogs are not permitted on the beach, so plan accordingly.
Rhode Island’s Waterways Offer Things To Do For All Ages
If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Rhode Island that your family will never forget, it’s time to start planning some activities on the water. We offer fun, educational cruises that satisfy your curiosity about the area while allowing you to fully relax in a comfortable, safe vessel.
Take the pressure off for a few hours while our captains handle every detail! Book your family’s next big adventure with Providence River Boat Tours today!
