There are many unique places and activities for the entire family to enjoy in and around Providence, but if you are feeling like spending time outdoors in the fresh air and looking for options, then you’ve arrived at the right place!
If you’re tired from being indoors all day and want to make every moment count, away from screens and just enjoying some time under the sun, take a look at our top picks for fun outdoor activities in Providence that you can enjoy with children!
Where: 475 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02908, USA
Waterfire is a must if you live or are visiting Providence.
WaterFire Providence presents groundbreaking, world-class art experiences on the rivers of downtown Providence and at the WaterFire Arts Center in the Olneyville neighborhood.
This is an award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence, and has been praised by Rhode Island residents and international visitors alike as a powerful work of art and a moving symbol of Providence’s renaissance.
Where: 160 Yawgoo Valley Road, Exeter, RI 02822, USA
You can visit Yawgoo Valley all year long!
During Winter, you can enjoy activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. During Summer, visit the awesome waterpark with the little ones!
Where: 101 Dyer Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
Families can enjoy guided tours of approximately 90 minutes and all the equipment and tour are included.
During the tours, you’ll get to explore the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, Riverwalk, and Waterplace Park as the guides highlight nautical & historical points of interest, architectural landmarks, and the picturesque parks that line the waterways.
Where: 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI, USA
The zoo is always a great plan!
You will see over 100 rare and fascinating species from around the planet, enjoy varied programs, and events, and kids can also visit the Carousel Village!
Where: 2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
You might think The Providence Rink is only for winter months, but you can enjoy roller skating during summer as well!
All the activities you can enjoy throughout the year include Roller Skating, Roller Disco, SFAC Leagues, Roller Hockey League, Movies, and the Trinity Beer Garden for adults!
Where: 112 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
Adventureland features a nautical-themed 18-hole mini-golf course, bumper boats, figure 8 go-kart tracks, a Carousel with a 28’ Victorian-style ride, batting cages, and more!
You sure will find an attraction for everyone in the family!
Where: 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
This is New England’s largest glasshouse display garden!
Families will find a quiet reprieve in any one of the four year-round greenhouses where a wide variety of plants can be found, including majestic 40′ tall palms, carnivorous plants, 10′ cacti, and succulents. Visit the calendar to view special events, workshops, and other activities.
Where: 1000 New London Ave, Cranston, RI 02920, USA
Whether you are a serious golfer family, a baseball/softball player, or just out to have fun, Mulligan’s Island provides something for everyone, young or old.
Among the attractions, you will find Driving Range, Mini-Golf, Batting Cages, Pitch & Putt, Spargo Golf, Volleyball League, Party Area, and Tiki Hut.
Where: 583 3rd Beach Road, Middletown, RI 02842, USA
Norman Bird Sanctuary is a nonprofit wildlife sanctuary and environmental education center that features more than 300 acres of diverse habitats and 7 miles of hiking trails.
Get your binoculars and go for a walk along the well-maintained trails. You will be sure to see a variety of wildlife, including local and migratory birds, depending on the season.
Where: 23 America’s Cup Ave, Newport, RI 02840
Newport Travel Trolley Tours offers sightseeing tours and charter services in luxury and comfort for the whole family to enjoy! Kids will love the narrated trolley tour of Newport’s mansions and breathtaking scenery, and everyone will have a blast while learning something new!
Parks always have one thing going for them: they’re free!
And when parks have unique features and fun playgrounds, they instantly become our kids’, and ourselves, new favorite spots to spend the days!
Where: 2 Manchester Print Works Rd, Lincoln, RI 02865
Lincoln Woods State Park is just a short ride from Providence, and it offers so much to do!
Kids will have a blast swimming at the freshwater beach, trout fishing, playing ball, hiking, jogging, horseback riding, or just relaxing under a shade tree!
This is a must for families who are in Providence or northern Rhode Island. You will enjoy scenic trails, and many other cheap and free kids’ activities!
Rhode Island is brimming with picturesque hikes, many of which are suitable for the little ones!
Get ready to explore some of the most awe-inspiring areas near Providence with comfortable shoes, and make unforgettable memories with your loved ones!
Where: 2321 Hartford Ave, Johnston, RI 02919
The whole family will have a blast enjoying this 1,000-acre undeveloped property that boasts self-guided walking trails, beautiful trees, flowers, plants, and a working farm as well.
Snake Den State Park is a terrific and fantastic nature escape for travelers of all ages.
With their free access, and being such an exhilarating playground experience for children, splash pads are undeniably a hit amongst families with young kids.
Splash pads, usually free of cost, offer a lot of fun and require no swimming skills for kids. These little playgrounds with special water features offer children a great option for running around and cooling off during summer!
