Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Providence - 2021
Best Places to Take Kids in the Providence area
2021's best places to take kids in Providence, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. This list provides some great ideas, but there is LOTS more to do in Providence, all year round: Our Top 20 results page only scratches the surface! Check out our day-by-day calendar and seasonal resource lists, and sign up for our fabulous weekly e-newsletter...plus don't miss everything that's free!
1. Roger Williams Park Zoo
Roger Williams Park Zoo strives to engage guests in an extraordinary and unique educational experience to improve their understanding of and appreciation for the natural world. We contribute significantly to the conservation of our earth's animals, plants and other natural resources by challenging ourselves and our audience to act as responsible environmental stewards.
2. Fab-YOU-Us Family Fun Center
Fab-YOU-Us Family FUN Center is 4,500 square feet of fun, including an Indoor Play Structure , Interactive Beam EYE-Click technology, Imagination Station, Arts and Crafts/Game Room, Large Gym/Studio for group games and classes, and lots of open space for gross motor activity and creative play. We offer Summer FUN, Vacation, and Before and After School Programs, Pre K Programs, ZUMBINI, Adult/Tween/Teen Dance Classes, Parent Escapes, Family Playdates, Birthday Parties, and so much more. Fab-YOU-Us is where families can play, get fit, and celebrate ...together!
3. My Local Library
Of course, the libraries in the Providence area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them to the list of the best places to take kids this year!
4. Providence Children's Museum
The mission of Providence Children's Museum is to inspire and celebrate learning through active play and exploration by presenting hands-on, play-based exhibits and programs that explore arts, culture and science, technology, engineering and math. The Museum welcomes children and adults of all backgrounds and from all communities. Its focus is on serving southern New England children, ages 1 to 11, and the adults who care for them. Now open every day from 9 AM - 5 PM.
5. The Newport Mansions
The Family Tours at The Breakers and Marble House bring these Gilded Age mansions to life for kids. Learn about the dragon in the dining room and hear the Sun God brag about his fabulous curly hair! Guaranteed to appeal to children’s curiosity and imagination – and grown-ups enjoy it, too. Also check out Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, filled with whimsical creatures, where you can picnic with a green giraffe and play among a unicorn and teddy bears!
6. Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art (RIMOSA)
The Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art (RIMOSA) is a space where people of all ages – particularly adolescents through adults - can explore open-ended, hands-on exhibits and activities related to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math). Our mission is to kindle curiosity and encourage experimentation; RIMOSA empowers visitors not only to answer questions but to ask new questions and seek creative, innovative solutions. RIMOSA offers walk-in visits, field trips, family and adult programs, professional development and team building events as well facilitated outreach programs at schools, camps, after-school programs and more.
7. Jaswell's Farm
Jaswell's Farm is the oldest operating apple orchard in Smithfield and currently being run by the fourth generation of the Jaswell family.
8. Edaville Family Theme Park
Edaville Family Theme Park is New England’s ultimate destination for a day of family fun. A favorite for generations, Edaville includes Dino Land (seasonal), Thomas Land and Cran-Central! Edaville Family Theme Park now offers numerous attractions and events for children to ride, roar and explore, all for the price of one admission!
9. Adventureland Family Fun Park
Adventureland Family Fun Park is South County's #1 Family Entertainment Venue: Family fun for everyone - every day of the week! Go-Karts, Bumper Boats, Batting Cages, Mini Golf, Bank Shot Basketball, a Victorian Carousel, Arcade, Spin Zone Bumper Cars, and more! Enjoy a delicious scoop of Gifford's homemade Ice cream before you leave. Picnic areas are available. No General Admission charge.
10. RISD Museum
The RISD Museum–southeastern New England's only comprehensive art museum–was established in Providence in 1877, alongside the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). The museum's collection of more than 100,000 objects includes paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, costume, furniture, and other works of art and design from all over the world, from ancient times to the latest in contemporary art.
11. Monster Mini Golf
Monster Mini Golf is an exciting indoor monster themed glow in the dark 18 hole miniature golf course that offers a host of fun activities at every turn. Play mini golf among a scary but cool monster décor with custom and animated props at every turn. Fun for the all ages! Our courses are challenging enough for adults to navigate, yet very playable for children. Throughout your stay, you will be entertained by our own in-house crazy DJ.
12. Audubon Society of Rhode Island
The Audubon Society of Rhode Island Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, RI is a natural history museum offering interactive exhibits that explore the habitats and wildlife found in Rhode Island. Situated on the 28-acre Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, it offers walking trails through upland meadows and a boardwalk that leads to Narragansett Bay. The facility and trails are handicap accessible and offer nature exploration for all ages. For hours and program details, visit www.asri.org.
Audubon Society of Rhode Island is Rhode Island's oldest, independent environmental organization. With 17,000 members and supporters, the organization is dedicated to education, land conservation and environmental advocacy.
13. Boston Children's Museum
For over 100 years, Boston Children's Museum has been engaging children in joyful discovery experiences that instill an appreciation of our world, develop foundational skills, and spark a lifelong love of learning.
14. FantasyLand Family Entertainment Center (recently closed)
Seven full-size carnival rides, hundreds of brand new arcade games, a full food court that specializes in our own homemade pizza as well as many other great items, and a redemption area where your child can pick out a fantastic prize with the tickets that they win! ALL LOCATED INDOORS. Heated in the winter and air conditioned in the summer: No more worrying about the weather.
15. Rustic Tri View Drive-In
Authentic 1950s Drive-In entertaining Rhode Island under the stars Since 1951. Three giant outdoor screens playing two first-run feature films or special event. Open for the summer months from late April through late October. All Digital Projection, with FM sound through your car stereo. Full concessions stand with a soft-serve ice cream shop. Only $27 per carload! (Campers, RV's and oversized vehicles incur an additional charge).
16. Providence Performing Arts Center
The Providence Performing Arts Center presents a full roster of touring Broadway theatricals and contemporary engagements. PPAC is a 3100-seat, world class venue located in the heart of Providence’s arts and entertainment district.
17. Trinity Repertory Company
Trinity Rep is Rhode Island’s Tony-Award winning theater with something for everyone, conveniently located in downtown Providence. Their annual production of A Christmas Carol – which is re-invented each year with new actors and designs – has been Rhode Island’s family holiday tradition for more than 40 years. Members of its education staff are leaders in their field and their inventive programming includes classes and summer programs for students in grades 1 – 12+. Recognized nationally for excellence and innovation, and cherished locally for high quality and diverse programming, Trinity Rep is proud to be a creative home for Rhode Island’s artists, audience, students, and community partners.
18. Wicked Tulips Flower Farm
Wicked Tulips Flower Farm has the largest u-pick tulip field in New England-Tulip lovers mark your calendars! Tiptoe through our tulip fields in Exeter, RI and Preston CT. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of spring and bring home a fresh, handpicked bouquet of the most amazing tulips you have ever seen. Young, old, singles, families, friends, romantic dates, green thumbs or black thumbs, bring your camera a blanket and prepare to make some beautiful memories.
19. WWI Memorial Park and Zoo
The park is equipped with numerous picnic areas, a ski slope, playgrounds, an open field for sports (used most for lacrosse), a sledding hill, and a petting zoo. Julia's Garden has a wonderful playground, grass areas, benches, and more. There is a large playground across from the fire tower, and a small playground for the younger kids right next to the zoo building. The newest spot is the Beach Area, which has a little board walk and sandcastle toys and shovels.
20. YMCA of Greater Providence
The mission of the YMCA of Greater Providence is to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, through programs, services, and relationships that are based upon our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. The YMCA of Greater Providence is the larger non-profit organization representing eight Y branches across Rhode Island and Massachusetts: Bayside; Camp Fuller; Cranston; East Side/Mt. Hope; Kent County; Newman; Providence Youth Services; South County.
Top Arts Educator
Dance Theatre of RIDance Theatre of Rhode Island is excited to announce we are entering our 31st season! Located in the Berkley Business Center on 30 Martin Street in Cumberland, RI, we offer ballet, tap, jazz, acro, hip hop, tiny tot programs and much more. We have both recreational and competitive programs that fulfill any dancers desires with age ranges from 3 to adult. Please check out our website dancetheatreofri.com and follow us on Facebook @dtrionly for new season registration, info and updates! We hope to see you soon at the number one dance studio in Rhode Island!
Top Sports Educator
YMCA of Greater ProvidenceThe mission of the YMCA of Greater Providence is to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, through programs, services, and relationships that are based upon our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. The YMCA of Greater Providence is the larger non-profit organization representing eight Y branches across Rhode Island and Massachusetts: Bayside; Camp Fuller; Cranston; East Side/Mt. Hope; Kent County; Newman; Providence Youth Services; South County.
Top STEM Educator
Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art (RIMOSA)The Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art (RIMOSA) is a space where people of all ages – particularly adolescents through adults - can explore open-ended, hands-on exhibits and activities related to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math). Our mission is to kindle curiosity and encourage experimentation; RIMOSA empowers visitors not only to answer questions but to ask new questions and seek creative, innovative solutions. RIMOSA offers walk-in visits, field trips, family and adult programs, professional development and team building events as well facilitated outreach programs at schools, camps, after-school programs and more.
