Best Things to Do in Newport with Kids
Newport Rhode Island is known for its stunning mansions, festivals, and shopping, but there’s also a ton of things to do in Newport with kids. I am thrilled to have Beth from Cloud Surfing Kids sharing the top 5 family friendly things to do in Newport, Rhode Island, because it looks like a great place to visit!
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Fun Things to Do in Newport with Kids
Newport, Rhode Island is a great vacation spot for families. I could easily make a list of twenty, but today I’ll share 5 family friendly things to do in Newport, Rhode Island. When my husband was twelve, his family visited Newport, Rhode Island.
Watching the America’s Cup 12 Metre boats sailing there, he was so inspired that he dreamed of sailing in the America’s Cup. He followed that dream, and long story short, he won the Cup in 1992 with America3!
Sailing isn’t the only thing happening in Newport, though. We visit Newport, Rhode Island yearly and these are 5 family friendly things we are always sure to do:
1. Easton’s Beach: Aquarium, Carousel, Playground
Easton’s Beach, also known as “First Beach”, is the first beach you come across heading up Memorial Blvd. It’s popular for its long (3/4 mile) beach and boardwalk and it’s also the starting point of the Cliff Walks. But I love this beach because there are so many activities for kids!
Our favorites are the carousel, the aquarium, and the playground. The Save the Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium is small but perfect for young kids. There are daily activities and story time. Kids can explore the touch tank, observe octopus, sea horses, jellyfish, sting rays, and more!
2. Ride the Rails
If your kids are train fanatics, this is the perfect day out! In Newport families can ride the rails on a Rail Explorer. These pedaled bikes take you along abandoned rail lines for a view unlike any other. The departure point is Portsmouth (about 20 minutes away) and there are two different routes to take. Book your tour at Rail Explorers and be ready for an adventure you’ll never forget!
3. Aquidneck Growers Market and Newport Creamery
If you’re in Newport on a Wednesday, the Newport Aquidneck Growers Market is really nice and fun to explore with kids. It is open on Wednesdays from 2pm-6pm. I love picking up some fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks in between our restaurant meals while on vacation. It’s a great option if you haven’t figured out where to eat in Newport.
After the Farmer’s Market we always head across the street to eat a late lunch at the Newport Creamery in the Bellevue Shopping Center. Vacations with kids can be stressful, especially if everyone is tired.
The Newport Creamery is relaxing to me as a parent, because of their casual atmosphere and understanding of kids. There is no judgment if your child is tired and cranky; they are not impatient if your child can’t decide what to order; they do not roll their eyes if your child changes his mind three times about what kind of ice cream he wants.
The kids usually order the standards: Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, applesauce, and ice cream. I always order the Tuna Melt or Turkey Burger and sweet potato fries.
Photo credit: Cloud Surfing Kids
4. Brenton Point State Park
Brenton Point State Park is a beautiful spot halfway up Ocean Drive. A wide open field on one side is great for a picnic and kite flying and the rocky shoreline on the other side is fun for climbing and exploring the tide pools. There are picnic tables, hiking trails, and public restrooms (May 1-October 31).
There is little shade, so be sure to bring hats and sunscreen. And wear sneakers or sturdy water shoes (vs. sandals or Crocs) for safer climbing on the rocks. This is one of those places that adults enjoy just as much as the children. Last year we planned to spend an hour here but ended up staying for two hours and wanted to stay even longer.
Photo credit: Cloud Surfing Kids
5. Cardines Field
Take the kids to a ball game at the historic Cardines Field, one of the oldest baseball fields in the U.S. We are usually there off-season, but still enjoy the views of the baseball field and playing at the playground behind the ballpark. The playground is one of our favorites and we play there on most of our vacation days. It’s inspiring to look across the baseball fields while swinging as high as you can.
Newport is about a half hour from Providence and just over an hour and a half from Boston. If you’re visiting Rhode Island with kids, it’s definitely worth a visit.
About the author: Beth Henry is a flight attendant mom and founder of Cloud Surfing Kids, where she offers tips for flying with and without kids plus shares her travel experiences. Beth lives in Long Island, NY with her husband and two children, ages 8 and 3. They visit Newport often, usually in conjunction with sailboat races in which her husband participates. Their next trip to Newport, RI is coming up at the end of September. You can follow their adventures at CloudSurfingKids.com as well as on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
