The scenic state of Rhode Island offers plenty of activities for children during the warm-weather months. Whether your children like to explore the outdoors or prefer to stay indoors at a museum, Rhode Island has activities to suit any preference and budget. Mild summer temperatures make outdoor activities practical and pleasant, but, of course, the state also offers a variety of indoor outings for hot or rainy days.
Beaches
Rhode Island offers over 400 miles of shoreline that are sure to delight children during the summer months. The kids can spend the day playing in the waves, building sand castles and searching for seashells. Many of Rhode Island's beaches offer additional activities. For example, Easton Beach in the Newport area offers a playground, bumper boats, carousel and a skate park.
Whale Watching
If your youngsters love marine life and want to get an up-close look at the creatures beneath the sea, take a day trip onto the open seas. Numerous companies throughout the state offer full- and half-day trips during the summer months. Keep an eye on the water for humpback whales, sharks and turtles. Look above for glimpses of sea birds.
Zoos
At a zoo, children have the opportunity for fun and education. One of the country's first zoos, Roger Williams Park and Zoo, is found within Rhode Island's borders. In addition to the animals, the area offers paddleboats in the summer, train and pony rides and a carousel. There are also numerous petting zoos in the state that allow children to interact with a variety of docile, domesticated animals.
Farms
To give children a glimpse of what life on a farm is like, Rhode Island offers a number of working, family-owned farms. Many farms offer pick-your-own fruit in the summer and hay rides. Most farms allow children to view livestock and, in some cases, get up close to sheep, goats and other tame animals. Two notable Rhode Island farms that are open to the public are the Casey Farm, established in 1750, and Coggeshall Farm, founded in 1790.
Museums
On a particularly hot day, a museum is an ideal place to cool off. The state offers traditional art and history museums, and one museum is specifically created for children from 1 to 11 years of age. The Providence Children's Museum offers nine exhibits. The Water Ways exhibit is particularly suited to summer, offering children a chance to play with boats, make fountains and read a variety of books on wet wonder.
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