It may be the smallest state in the union, but tiny Rhode Island has plenty of fun attractions to offer families. From beautiful beaches, a great zoo, historical attractions and hometown sports, Rhode Island provides vacationing families with fun day trips for both kids and parents.
IN PROVIDENCE
Providence is the capital of Rhode Island and home to many of its best family attractions. Along with Waterplace Park, known for its summer Waterfire displays and The Providence Place Galleria, a huge shopping mall part of the downtown renaissance, there are many other attractions as one would expect in any first class city.
Roger Williams Park & Zoo (Elmwood Ave, Providence 401-785-9450) Roger Williams founded Rhode Island back in the 17th century after some persnickety Puritans kicked him out of Massachusetts. The park that bears his name offers families a lot of fun, good-weather options. The big draw here is the Roger Williams Zoo which has 40 acres worth of animal exhibitions including your basic giraffes, elephants and monkeys. They also have special walk-through exhibits on a temporary basis. A recent one was dinosaur-themed. There are several snack bars including one with a view of the pond. Adjacent Roger Williams Park has an outdoor theater, a carousel and pony rides. There may also be paddle boating available. Also check out the Roger Williams Park Museum of Natural History which has a planetarium and educational exhibits.
The Children’s Museum Of Providence (100 South St. 401-273-8107). This museum is great for the under-8 crowd (or, maybe under 9). There are tons of hands on exhibits involving science and history. Fun includes a water room, dress-up areas, and tons of other cool stuff. Smaller than the same-named museum in Boston, it is easier to navigate. You can easily spend a few hours here with your young kids. There’s also a small gift shop with fun, if only slightly related, items.
THE OCEAN STATE
Frances Fleet Whale Watching: (Point Judith, 33 State St/Port Galilee) Don’t let the urban charm of Providence let you forget that Rhode Island is The Ocean State. Beside taking in one of the various beaches, set out for a cruise to see dolphins, whales and other aquatic fare. One warning, cruises last four-and-a-half hours.
Block Island (Chamber of Commerce, 401-466-2982). Block Island is a big Rhode Island summer spot. An actual island, it is approachable by ferry (between 30 min to 2 hrs depending on which one you take). Outdoor activities include biking, hiking and taking in the nature trails at your leisure. There’s also the North Light lighthouse and it’s nearby beach walk.
Beaches: Rhode Island has some great beaches and ocean shore state parks. Many of them are in Newport including Brenton Point State Park (401-849-4562), Easton’s Beach/First Beach (401-848-6491), King’s Park Beach, and Fort Adams St. Park which is also a historical park with a old military fort. Other beaches include several in Middleton – like Atlantic Beach (401-846-2119) and & Third Beach (401-849-2822) not to mention Second Beach. Also check out the towns of Portsmouth and Jamestown for beach areas.
GOOD SPORTS
Families can catch major minor league action in Rhode Island. The state is home to the minor league teams of two of New England’s most storied franchises. The Pawtucket Red Sox are the AAA farm team for the 2004 World Champs. If you’re lucky, you might catch a big leaguer rehabbing at McCoy Stadium (in Pawtucket, 401-724-7300) or you can just enjoy the ambience of baseball uncluttered by big league issues. The Providence Bruins, farm team for Boston team play at the Dunkin Donut Center throughout the winter months. The Dunk also hosts Big East basketball in the form of The Providence College Friars.
HISTORICAL FUN
Famlies can explore history in a fun and exciting way in Rhode Island, from mansions to museums, there’s plenty to check out.
The Breakers (44 Ochre Point, Newport, 401-847-1000) Sure your kids have seen the big mansions today’s pop stars live in, but have they ever actually stepped foot in one? With its amazing 3-mile cliff walk and ocean view, The Breakers was home- well, one of the homes, to the Vanderbilt’s in the early 20th century and is a testimony to the opulence of some of Americas first multi-millionaires. Tours through the mansion can be followed up with a look around the yards and that ocean view. You may also want to swing by some of the other mansions including The Elms, Rosecliff and The Astor Museum, and another Vanderbilt’s mansion, Marble House, all on Bellevue Ave. Newport was a happen’ place.
Slater Mill (67 Roosevelt Ave, 401-725-8638). Is there anything that kids like more than learning about the Industrial Revolution? Okay, so this might not be their first choice of venues, but young kids and the intellectually curious might enjoy the costumed historical re-enactors explaining how Samuel Slater kicked butt inventing new machines to pump out textiles at record rates.
These are just a handful of fun places for families in the Rhode Island. There are many more to explore with your family.
