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.
Head to Providence and explore one of the nation’s best zoos, let imaginations run wild at the Providence Children’s Museum, or check out the activities at The Providence Rink in the center of downtown Providence. Take a look below for a variety of fun things to do with kids of all ages!
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 our Captains guide you along the Providence waterways. We are the most award-winning, and longest-running tour operator here in downtown Providence, and most of our adventures are open to all ages, so take a look at some of our best family boat tour options!
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Historic Narrated Tours – Step aboard for a memorable journey through the heart of downtown Providence! Our 50-minute historic narrated tours are the perfect outing for the whole family—fun, scenic, and full of fascinating stories.
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Tour of Green Jacket Shoal – Explore Rhode Island’s largest ship graveyard with an expert marine archeologist!
- Haunted Boat Tours – Surrounded by the moonlit bridges, cobblestone walkways and century-old architecture of downtown Providence, you will hear stories of our capital city’s “dearly-deceased-but-not-so-departed” residents; local literary giants and humble servants alike; their restless souls still stirring among the living. Climb aboard…they’ve been waiting for you! Appropriate for ages 10+
You can also plan a unique river tour with our private charters, 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) Paddle Through Providence!
Discover urban Providence at your own pace as you paddle throughout the picturesque bridges, cobblestone walkways and green riverbanks of the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, Riverwalk and Waterplace Park! Providence Kayak Rentals available on weekends only, now through Columbus Day Weekend.
3) 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.
4) Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Roger Williams Park Zoo
Don’t miss the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular this Halloween season, as it returns to Roger Williams Park Zoo from September 26 through November 2.
A true, one-of-a-kind experience for audiences of all ages, the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular features thousands of artistically carved, illuminated pumpkins. This year’s “Trivia – 2nd Edition” theme challenges guests to test their knowledge on everything from pop culture to sports to history. Immerse yourself in tricky trivia as you enjoy the magic of fall.
5) 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.
6) WaterFire Providence
WaterFire, an award-winning fire sculpture installation on the three rivers in downtown Providence, has become a must-see for visitors.
WaterFire centers around a series of nearly 100 bonfires that blaze just above the surface of the three rivers that pass through the middle of downtown Providence.
Join us for unparalleled views of WaterFire from the best seat in town…on our boat rides through the fires!
7) Visit One of Our Downtown Parks!
The Downtown Providence Parks Network formed in 2021 to help steward and activate Providence’s unique waterfront parks system in the center city. We work across the public spaces that run from Waterplace Park to Greater Kennedy Plaza to the Michael Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge. DPPN is cultivating connectedness, pride and vibrancy in Providence that will last generations.
Providence truly allows you to do your own thing! Sample the latest dishes at a red-hot restaurant. Score a one-of-a-kind find in distinctive neighborhood shops, or check out our public art, great museums, award-winning theater and cool music. With so many options, you can curate a vacation that is uniquely yours. Pick your Providence today!
