Beyond the sailboats and shoreline, Rhode Island is a small state with big adventures for kids. I love how easy it is to mix beach days, hands-on museums, and historic charm—all within a short drive and without the stress.
To me, Rhode Island means exploring tide pools at Colt State Park, meeting harbor seals at Roger Williams Park Zoo, and climbing aboard pirate ships at the Providence Children’s Museum. We take peaceful walks through the whimsical grounds of Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, ride the old-school carousel at Easton’s Beach in Newport, and hunt for seashells along Misquamicut State Beach. In Providence, the summer WaterFire events light up the rivers and delight families with music and glowing art. Spring through early fall offers the best weather for outdoor play, but cozy museums and sweet treats make winter fun too.
Picture this: The kids are building sandcastles, steering a pretend fishing boat, and eating Del’s Lemonade under a lighthouse view—all in one perfectly coastal Rhode Island day.
"Beaches, boats, and bright-eyed wonder? This is Rhode Island with kids!"
For Teens and Tweens
1. For romantics: Belcourt Castle
Tour elegant rooms and admire unusual antiques on a romantic weekend trip.
A stunning symbol of Gilded Age elegance and Rhode Island heritage, Belcourt Castle is one of Newport’s most distinctive architectural treasures. Designed in 1891 by famed architect Richard Morris Hunt for socialite and equestrian Oliver Belmont, the estate originally served as a lavish summer retreat for both man and horse.
Highlights:
- Designed in 1891 by Richard Morris Hunt
- Originally the summer estate of Oliver Belmont
- Eco-conscious restoration led by Carolyn Rafaelian
- Features include stained glass, marble fireplaces, and crystal chandeliers
- Gilded Age architecture with rich Rhode Island history
Pro Tip:
Check the schedule for guided tours or special events—these offer deeper insight into the estate’s past and the meticulous restoration work behind its revival.
Belcourt Castle, 657 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
Phone: 401-846-0669
2. For lighthouse fans: Beavertail State Park
Walk rocky shores and enjoy sweeping ocean views on a peaceful fall outing.
Perched on the southern tip of Jamestown, Beavertail State Park is a beloved summertime destination offering breathtaking coastal views, family-friendly activities, and hands-on marine exploration. Each year, hundreds of visitors flock to its rocky shores to experience the natural beauty and educational opportunities that define this scenic Rhode Island gem.
Highlights:
- Stunning rocky coastline with four scenic overlooks
- Family-friendly tide pools full of marine life
- Hiking trails and saltwater fishing opportunities
- Guided walks along the Beavertail geological fault line
- Onsite aquarium with educational exhibits and scavenger hunts
Pro Tip:
Visit during low tide for the best tide pool discoveries, and bring water shoes for safer exploration along the rocky shore. Early mornings offer the most peaceful views and best light for photos.
Beavertail State Park, Beavertail Road, Jamestown, RI
Phone: 401-884-2010
3. For families and kids: Biomes Marine Biology Center
Touch sea creatures and explore aquatic life during an exciting kids-friendly trip.
A hands-on marine science experience for all ages, the Biomes Marine Biology Center in North Kingstown has been delighting and educating families and school groups since 1989. Specializing in the marine life of Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the center features interactive exhibits, petting stations, and close encounters with a wide variety of local sea creatures.
Highlights:
- Hands-on marine exhibits and local sea life education
- Petting pools with sharks, eels, sea turtles, and tide pool creatures
- Programs for schools, families, and birthday parties
- Family memberships and a traveling tide pool outreach program
- Complimentary admission for children under two
Pro Tip:
Arrive early to enjoy smaller crowds and more time at the touch tanks. If visiting with children, ask the staff for feeding times and interactive demos—they’re a highlight for little ones!
Biomes Marine Biology Center, 6640 Post Road, North Kingstown, RI
Phone: 401-885-4690
4. For garden lovers: Blithewold Mansion Gardens and Arboretum
Stroll flower-filled grounds and admire historic beauty on a relaxing spring visit.
A timeless example of Gilded Age elegance, the Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol, Rhode Island, offers a window into the “Country Place Era” of early 20th-century America. Originally built as the Van Wickle family’s summer estate, the 45-room mansion and its surrounding 33 acres of gardens were inspired by the grand landscapes of Europe.
Highlights:
- 33-acre estate with formal gardens, arboretum, and bay views
- Historic 45-room mansion with personal Van Wickle family artifacts
- Greenhouse with rare and exotic plant species
- Guided tours available April through October
- Seasonal programs including camps, art, and horticulture classes
Pro Tip:
Visit in spring for peak garden blooms or in fall for the vibrant foliage across the arboretum. The greenhouse and daffodil display are must-sees for garden enthusiasts.
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Road (Rt. 114), Bristol, RI
Phone: 401-253-2707
Unique Attractions
5. For campers: Burlingame State Park
Camp under the stars and hike wooded trails on an affordable nature getaway.
Tucked into the woodlands of Charlestown, Burlingame State Park offers one of Rhode Island’s most expansive and rustic camping experiences. Set on 3,100 acres of forest and rocky terrain, the park’s campground is ideal for nature lovers and families seeking an off-the-grid getaway.
Highlights:
- 700 campsites and 20 rustic cabins within 3,100 wooded acres
- Freshwater beach, playground, arcade, and canoe rentals
- Access to scenic Watchaug Pond and miles of hiking trails
- Restrooms and hot showers; no electricity or water hookups
- Firewood available at the Burlingame Camp Store
Pro Tip:
Arrive early for the best campsite selection, especially on summer weekends. Don’t forget your sleeping pads and flashlights—cabins are cozy but primitive!
Burlingame State Park, Route 1, Charlestown, RI
Phone: 401-322-8910
6. For history lovers: Coggeshall Farm Museum
Discover colonial life and explore farm sights on an educational family outing.
Located in the charming coastal town of Bristol, the Coggeshall Farm Museum offers an immersive step back in time to experience life on a working 18th-century New England farm. Spanning 48 acres of salt marsh, woodland, and open fields, the museum invites visitors of all ages to engage with history through hands-on learning and live demonstrations.
Highlights:
- Living history museum on a working 18th-century farm
- 48 acres of salt marshes, woods, and fields
- Interactive programs for preschoolers to teens
- Learn traditional skills like spinning wool, milking, and wood processing
- Guided “Story Walk” with giant storybook pages and costumed narration
Pro Tip:
Check the website for seasonal hours and special event days—fall and spring are especially active times at the farm. Wear sturdy shoes and be ready to get your hands a little dirty!
Coggeshall Farm Museum, 1 Colt Drive, Bristol, RI
Phone: 401-253-9062
Outdoor Spaces
7. For picnickers: Goddard Memorial State Park
Ride horseback trails and picnic by the bay on a fun weekend trip.
As the most visited metropolitan park in the state, Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick offers a wide array of outdoor activities across sprawling lawns, wooded groves, and open fields with scenic waterfront views. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the park is a favorite destination for family outings, group picnics, and active adventures.
Highlights:
- Rhode Island’s most popular metropolitan park
- Nine-hole golf course and equestrian show ring
- Lifeguard-attended beach and small-craft boat launch
- 18 miles of bridle trails and 11 game fields
- Picnic areas, pavilions, and a performing arts pavilion
Pro Tip:
Arrive early on weekends to claim the best picnic spots. Horseback riders should bring their own horses and check trail conditions in advance. Don’t forget your binoculars—this park is great for birdwatching!
Goddard Memorial State Park, 1095 Ives Road, Warwick, RI
Phone: 401-884-2010
8. For walkers: Haines Memorial State Park
Bike scenic paths and enjoy a peaceful retirement-friendly riverside afternoon.
A peaceful and family-friendly escape in East Providence, Haines Memorial State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities and amenities nestled along the shores of the Barrington River. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, this charming park is perfect for picnics, fishing, and scenic bike rides.
Highlights:
- 33 picnic sites with fire pits and tables
- Reservable game fields and shaded green space
- Scenic bike path through wooded areas
- Fishing and small boat access along the waterfront
- Accessible boat ramp, restrooms, and bathhouse
Pro Tip:
Visit on a weekday for a quieter experience, and bring your own firewood for grilling. Cyclists can connect to the East Bay Bike Path for a longer, picturesque ride through the region.
Haines Memorial State Park, Route 103, East Providence, RI
Phone: 401-253-7482
For History Buffs
9. For heritage travelers: Hannaway Blacksmith Shop
Watch live demonstrations and learn historic trades on a quick, unusual visit.
Step back in time at the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop, located next door to the Hearthside House Museum in historic Lincoln, Rhode Island. Originally opened in 1880, this authentic 19th-century blacksmith shop retains its rustic charm with wood plank walls, dirt floors, and original blacksmithing tools that are over a century old.
Highlights:
- Authentic 1880 blacksmith shop with original tools and features
- Blacksmithing classes for youth ages 11 and up
- Small-group instruction in hand forging techniques
- Historic atmosphere with dirt floors and wood-plank walls
- Located next to the Hearthside House Museum
Pro Tip:
Pair your visit with a tour of Hearthside House for a full immersion into 19th-century life. Classes fill up fast—reserve early if your child is interested in this unique hands-on experience.
Hannaway Blacksmith Shop, 677 Great Road, Lincoln, RI
Phone: 401-726-0597
10. For scenic explorers: Historic Fort Adams
Tour coastal defenses and look at panoramic bay views on a summer adventure.
Towering over the entrance to Narragansett Bay, the historic Fort Adams is the largest and most complex coastal fortress in North America. Strategically located in Newport, this grand military structure offers sweeping views of the bay and harbor—and an unforgettable walk through nearly two centuries of American military history.
Highlights:
- Largest coastal fort in North America
- Guided tours of walls, underground tunnels, and historic quarters
- “Hard hat” golf cart tours to the Advanced Redoubt
- Eisenhower summer house and commanding officers’ quarters
- Youth overnight experiences and occasional Civil War reenactments
Pro Tip:
Wear comfortable shoes for uneven terrain, and bring a light jacket for the tunnels, which stay cool even on warm days. Arrive early for the best chance to join a tour without a wait.
Fort Adams, 90 Fort Adams Drive, Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI
Phone: 401-841-0707
FAQ:
- What makes Rhode Island a unique destination for families?
- History, glamour, ingenuity, and seaside culture offer a unique selection of things to do with kids in Rhode Island.
- What are some of Newport's famous attractions?
- Newport is known for its many mansions, such as The Breakers and the Marble House.
- What is Newport's connection to sailing?
- Newport is an esteemed sailing destination, and there are more than 30 islands within the bay, including the largest, Aquidneck Island.
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