Libraries are the best place to visit with kids and engage them in educational activities, stimulate their imagination, and simply broaden their horizons, as opposed to spending their time solely with technology.

Providence and its environs abound with terrific libraries! Kids will discover their beloved books and revel in captivating Storytime. Moreover, parents can join in the fun with a multitude of activities. Several of these libraries even offer toys and external play areas for young ones to rest and unwind!

Where: 251 Benefit Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA

The Providence Athenaeum is not part of the public library system, which means you will have to pay a fee to check out books. However, the library offers events such as storytime and other activities that are free to the public!

The fourth oldest library in the country is home to the Children’s Library: a technology-free sanctuary designed to help children do what comes naturally: play, be silly, create, discover, and learn. Behind glass doors and amongst mountains of books, puzzles, stuffed animals, art supplies, and games.

Where: 41 Grove Ave, East Providence, RI

The Library is dedicated to the special interests of children and their caregivers encouraging a love of reading and learning. Programs on a variety of topics are offered in a welcoming, clean, safe environment for all.


The Weaver Library is a branch of the East Providence Library and it’s great for children five years old and younger. There’s a soft play area with large foam blocks for kids under three to climb on and explore and a separate room with all kinds of toys from puppets to blocks and puzzles!

Where: 1810 Mineral Spring Ave, North Providence, RI

The North Providence Union Free Library features a children’s area where kids will find a toy room, coloring pages, touch-screen computers, and more!

The library offers amazing events for the little ones, including lego club, storytimes, and more!

Where: 281 County Rd, Barrington, RI 02806,

Barrington Public Library is a dream destination for children: it features many family programs and events, a huge selection of books, movies, and toys that children will find in the Kids’ Room, and even a playground with slides!

Where: 471 Angell Street, Providence, RI 02906

Books on the Square family and dog-friendly independent bookstore since 1992.

The bookstore offers weekly storytimes and other family-friendly events!

Where: 708 Hope St, Providence, RI 02906

The Rochambeau Library is a  branch of the Providence Community Library located on the East Side.

There are many events and programs for kids, including storytimes for all ages!

Where: 20 Main St, Slatersville, RI 02876

Located in historic Statesville and built on the edge of Centennial Park, North Smithfield Library features walking trails that lead to the library.

The library offers many events for the little ones, both indoors and outdoors!

Where: 134 Roosevelt Ave, Tiverton, RI 02878

Tiverton Public Library is great for kids!

This large library offers many events and programs such as drop-in playtimes and storytimes! The main branch also has a playground and skatepark next door!

Where: 1464 Diamond Hill Road in Cumberland, RI.

The Library is housed in a former monastery built in 1900!

This extensive library offers events for kids such as storytime, and it also has a playground and walking trails for non-stop fun!

Where: 1274 Victory Hwy, West Greenwich, RI 02817

The drive to West Greenwich from Providence is worth it for this small library!

Kids will find toys and games, and a playground in the back. The library offers many events for the little ones, including, of course, storytimes.

Where: 1043 Main St, West Warwick, RI 02893

The West Warwick Public Library is perfect for kids!

They can enjoy multiple selections of books, events such as story times, playgroups, sensory-friendly events, and even a weekly fresh food market!

Where: 100 Tinkham Ln, Burrillville, RI

Children’s Department programs at the Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library are geared toward kids ages 10 and under.

Children will also find toys, books, and awesome events for all ages to enjoy!

Where: 773 Ten Rod Rd (Rt 102), Exeter, RI 02822

For families living near Exeter, the Exeter Public Library although small, is an awesome option for your kids!

The library hosts many events and programs, such as storytimes and sensory-friendly storytimes. Kids will also find an outdoor playground.