Great Outdoors Family Adventure
If you love to see your kids active and enjoying the fresh air, there are so many options to choose from around the state, that wherever you decide to explore, you’ll have plenty to do!
Bristol
If you’re here with teens (14+) during the week, consider a Wednesday Morning Bird Walk with the Audubon Society in Bristol. Be sure to register in advance. All ages can explore the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Nature Center and Aquarium and Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge for some fun with a side of education. Taking the guided boardwalk tour over the marsh will be interesting to children and adults, plus it's a cool walk through tall reeds that ends overlooking the water. Next, let the kids run (or bike if you've brought them) around Colt State Park while you enjoy the view of Narragansett Bay. It's also a great place to bring your pup! Whatever you do in Bristol, don’t miss Daffodil Days at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum this April. Walk the 33-acre seaside estate and peruse more than 50,000 daffodils. For breakfast, lunch, or pastry, try the Beehive Café. For some terrific Irish pub fare and more, or Sunday brunch, head to Aidan’s Pub. And if you're at Aidan's at 5 PM on Sundays, you'll be treated to live Irish trad music!
Newport
In Newport, you can check out the gorgeous mansions or go seal spotting on a Save the Bay Seal Watch and Nature Cruise. Little ones will love Green Animals Topiary Garden and if you encounter a windy day, pick up some kites and head to Brenton Point to have a picnic and fly them. Dine at Hungry Monkey for a yummy breakfast or lunch in a fun atmosphere. And enjoy a laid-back family dinner at Newport landmark, Brick Alley Pub, which has a varied menu from burgers and nachos to ahi tuna sliders and lobster Reubens, as well as kid-friendly staples.
Block Island
The air doesn’t get fresher than the ocean breezes of Block Island, where families can take a bicycle tour, visit 1661 Farm & Gardens and gaze at the ocean from 200 feet above the sea at Mohegan Bluffs. Keep an eye out for the elusive Block Island Glass Floats while you’re there!
South County
Take the ferry back to Point Judith and enjoy fantastic fresh seafood at George’s of Galilee as you watch the fishing boats come in and out. After you can take a walk to look for seashells at Salty Brine State Beach. You’ve got lots of opportunities for animal encounters in South County at Matunuck Alpaca, Festival Farm, and Biomes Marine Biology Center. The Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge Trail in Wakefield is a nice 2.5-mile, kid-friendly hike and great for birdwatching. Phil’s Restaurant on Main Street in Wakefield is a great breakfast spot and is open for lunch and dinner, but there’s also Tavern on Main and Mews Tavern on that street as well.
Warwick & West Bay
Moving up through Warwick, equestrians will love horseback riding through Goddard Memorial Park in Warwick, which you can follow up with doughboys or clam cakes and chowder at Iggy’s Doughboy and Chowder House.
Providence
In Providence, you could spend a whole day at Roger Williams Park Zoo and Carousel Village and if you plan to go on a Friday, you can take part in various Food Truck Fridays. The Zoo is always hosting interesting and fun events throughout the year so check their website for your next enjoyable experience. If you like tours, you’ll love seeing the capital city with Providence River Boat Company. In Providence try Providence Coal Fired Pizza, NicoBella’s, or Red Stripe for lunch or dinner.
Blackstone Valley
North of Providence, you and your little ones can walk, run or picnic at Lincoln Woods State Park and there’s horseback riding available as well. The Lodge Pub and Eatery is a great family spot for lunch or dinner while in Lincoln.