Coastal Family Fun
It's time to plan your visit to the Ocean State. Here are some ideas to pack your stay with family fun on the coast!
Newport & Bristol
In Newport, the Cliff Walk is always a wonderful walk, with great views on both sides of the trail. During the off-season, the beaches are much less crowded and a fantastic place for a walk, run, picnic, or playtime. What child (as well as adult!) doesn't love combing the beach for treasures of shells, sea glass, and driftwood? You can also take in Newport Daffodil Days while you're there. If you have a rainy day, Ryan Amusements is a fun arcade featuring more than 50 games. Newport Indoor Golf, located in the Newport Car Museum in Portsmouth is another good rainy day option. While in Portsmouth on a non-rainy day, check out Green Animals Topiary Garden (little ones will love it). For food in the area, try Diego’s for great Mexican fare or Gary's Handy Lunch for breakfast or lunch in a fun, '50s diner setting. From Portsmouth, you can cross the Mount Hope Bridge and take in Daffodil Days at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum. Or, you can take the Jamestown Bridge over to Jamestown and explore Beavertail State Park. The lighthouse museum and gift shop aren't open yet, but there are walking trails and the views are truly amazing. While in Jamestown, you can check out Fort Wetherill State Park for more great views. It's also a great place to hike, explore, and picnic.
South County
In South County, you can bring the kids to run around on beaches as well, and each beach is unique. Some have playgrounds, some have tidepools, and more. Bring a bucket and shovel, or a kite and have some fun! The shops and bamboo forest at The Fantastic Umbrella Factory are wonderful to explore as you walk by, around, and amongst the chickens that live there. You could spend a day at Adventureland Family Fun Park between the mini-golf, carousel, and pavilion, batting cages, and more. Check out Crazy Burger (great vegan options), George’s of Galilee, Gansett Wraps, and Bluebird Café for dining ideas. At George's kids can keep an eye out for the fishing boats that come in and out of Point Judith.
Block Island
For children, the fun starts before you even reach Block Island. The ferry ride is full of amazing views and being on the open water is always exciting for little ones. Once you arrive, there's plenty to do for fun. You can visit the beautiful beaches and have some fun in the surf and sand. For older kids, there are watersports like parasailing and kayaking, and you can rent surfboards and stand-up paddleboards (and book lessons) at Diamondblue Surf Shop. Next, take in the views 200 feet above the sea at Mohegan Bluffs near the Southeast Light, or take the stairs all the way down to explore the secluded beach below (probably best for older children). Pay a visit to see the animals at 1661 Farm & Gardens, an easy walk from the ferry. You can explore some of the 28-miles of Greenway Walking Trails or the sunken, glacial meadow of Rodman's Hollow. Keep your eyes open for the countless species of birds that live on and visit Block Island, as well as for the glass floats hidden around the island. You can also visit the beautiful beaches and have some fun in the sand. Dining options on BI include Bethany's Airport Diner and Los Gatitos.