Rhode Island Activities with Kids

1. Belcourt Castle

Located in Newport, Belcourt Castle celebrates Rhode Island’s unique culture and history.

An eco-conscious restoration effort was spearheaded by Carolyn Rafaelian, a local business mogul, whose massive undertaking has garnered the attention of Forbes magazine and The History Channel. Originally designed in 1891 by Richard Morris Hunt, the estate served as a summer retreat for Oliver Belmont and his many horses.

Carolyn and her team of experts relied on old photos to guide the process of reviving the mansion to its original grandeur. Vaulted ceilings that tower two stories high, immaculate plasterwork, wood panel walls, marble fireplaces, stained glass windows, and crystal chandeliers are just a few of the estate’s exquisite features.

657 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI, Phone: 401-846-0669

2. Beavertail State Park

Hundreds of people flood Jamestown each summer, eager to explore Beavertail State Park, which boasts fun for the whole family.

Beautiful views along the New England rocky coastline can be seen by vehicle or accessed on foot at one of the four overlooks. Scenic hiking trails and saltwater fishing capture the adventuresome spirit.

Children will love splashing around in the tide pools, which are brimming with sea life. The park offers a unique blend of interactive marine and geological education opportunities.

Visitors may enjoy a guided walk along the Beavertail fault line, while learning about its story. The onsite aquarium also hosts several activities, including a marine life scavenger hunt.

Beavertail Road, Jamestown, RI, Phone: 401-884-2010

3. Biomes Marine Biology Center

Biomes Marine Biology Center has been providing interactive marine and biology programs for schools and families since 1989.

Guests to the center will enjoy learning about local marine animals from Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Sea life petting stations feature tide pool animals offering children a chance to get their hands wet, and an opportunity to touch tide pool animals.

Eels, horseshoe crabs, sea turtles, and even sharks can be found in the petting pools. The center offers family memberships, for those who attend frequently. Biomes happily hosts birthdays, field trips, and even a traveling tide pool. Children under two years old receive complimentary admission.

6640 Post Road, North Kingstown, RI, Phone: 401-885-4690

4. Blithewold Mansion Gardens and Arboretum

Built in the early 1900s, the Van Wickle family summer estate is emblematic of the “Country Place Era”, a time during which wealthy Americans commissioned extensive landscape architecture in an attempt to emulate the European gardens they saw while traveling abroad.

Blithewold Mansion Gardens and Arboretum spans 33 acres, has views of the Narragansett Bay, and a boasts a greenhouse housing rare plant and tree species – a trademark of the garden’s commitment to excellence in horticulture.

The mansion has 45 rooms and is filled with heirlooms. Intimate dairies and photographs display personal accounts of the family’s history. Guided tours run April to October.

A children’s summer day camp, planting classes, and botanical drawing classes are just a few of the estate’s yearly offerings.

101 Ferry Road (Rt. 114), Bristol, RI, Phone: 401-253-2707

5. Burlingame State Park

Located in Charleston, Burlingame State Park’s campground is nestled within 3,100 acres of rocky woodland.

There are 700 rustic campsites to choose from. The grounds host 20 cabins, with conveniently located restrooms and shower facilities. Each cabin has two, mattress-free bunkbeds.

A freshwater beach, playground, and arcade offer families plenty of entertainment options. Canoe rentals are available for scenic paddles across Watchung Pond.

A number of hiking trails give campers a chance to explore the natural beauty of the forest. There are no utilities at this campground. Guests may purchase firewood at the Burlingame Camp Store.

Route 1, Charlestown, RI, Phone: 401-322-8910

6. Coggeshall Farm Museum

Located in the historic town of Bristol, the Coggeshall Farm Museum is a working farm that offers unique ways to explore 18th-century farm life. Forty-eight acres of woodland, open fields, and salt marsh characterize the farm. There are a variety of programs designed to entertain every age. Preschool-aged children will love the “Story Walk”.

Giant storybook pages from the fictional book “Hard Scrabble Harvest” meander through the farm’s various settings, narrated by a guide in character.

Older youth and teens will enjoy learning how to make candles and lip balm, or how to compete in garden meadow games. Practical skills like wood processing, feeding animals, collecting eggs, milking, and spinning wool are also taught. Hours vary by season.

1 Colt Drive, Bristol, RI, Phone: 401-253-9062

7. Goddard Memorial State Park

Goddard Memorial State Park attracts thousands of visitors each year as Rhode Island’s most popular metropolitan park. Spacious lawns, open fields, and thickly forested areas offer visitors scenic views. There is no shortage of fun to be had at this fresh-air getaway.

A nine-hole golf course, equestrian showroom, and lifeguard attended beach are just a few of the activities to be shared. There are 18 miles of bridle trails, 11 game fields, and a performing arts pavilion available for use.

Gazebos, picnic pavilions, and 355 picnic tables offer places to gather. The park has multiple restrooms. A small-craft launch area is on-site. The park is open sunrise to sunset.

1095 Ives Road, Warwick, RI, Phone: 401-884-2010

8. Haines Memorial State Park

The Haines Memorial State Park has 33 picnic sites, each with a fire pit and table. Picnic areas are reserved on a first come, first serve basis. There are various game fields located at the park, all available to reservation.

A bike path offers guests a scenic cruise through the trees. Fishing is permitted at the water’s edge and along the beach.

There is no lifeguard on duty, so families with small children or weak swimmers will want to exercise caution. The boat ramp is wheelchair accessible. A bathhouse and restrooms are available to the public.

Route 103, East Providence, RI, Phone: 401-253-7482

9. Hannaway Blacksmith Shop

Located next door to Hearthside House Museum, the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop originally opened in 1880. True to its era, the shop has wood plank walls and dirt floors.

Original blacksmithing tools that are 100 years old hang on the walls. Blacksmithing classes and demos are offered to youth who have an interest in craftsmanship. Students learn how to hand forge; shaping steel and iron into intricate designs.

Each class is two hours in length and is available to a maximum of two students at a time. Children must be at least 11 years old to attend, and kids under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

677 Great Road, Lincoln, RI, Phone: 401-726-0597

10. Historic Fort Adams

Regarded as the largest, most sophisticated fortress in North America, the historic Fort Adams stands guard at the entrance to Narragansett Bay. Visitors to the fort will observe spectacular views of Newport harbor and the bay.

Tours run 75 minutes in duration and travel from the top of the fort walls, all the way down to the underground tunnels.

Nearly 190 years of American history and French military culture, architecture, and engineering are on display.

Golf cart “hard hat” tours explore the Fort Adams Advanced Southern Redoubt, dubbed “The Lost Fortress”. Guests may also tour the Eisenhower summer house, once home to commanding officers. Youth overnight stays within soldiers’ quarters are offered. Lucky visitors will catch a Civil War reenactment.

90 Fort Adams Drive, Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI, Phone: 401-841-0707