Rhode Island - Kids Trails

Glocester Greens & Goats
1535 Snake Hill Road
Glocester, RI  02857  
Phone: 401-567-8872

These farmers raise gourmet salad greens and mini-Nubian goats. Children and adults are welcome to hold, pet, and feed the goats. The owners are eager to teach kids about kids and allow them to spend ample time with the animals. Gift shop sells salad greens, goat milk soap, and skin care products.

Slater Memorial Park Carousel
Newport Avenue (Route 1A)
Pawtucket, RI  02861  
Phone: 401-728-0500 ext. 252

The stately grounds of this park include an early carousel by Danish immigrant Charles I. D. Looff. The carousel boasts 42 horses, three dogs, and a lion, camel, and giraffe; they are some of the earliest examples of Looff’swork. Rides are a mere 25 cents. Open during warm weather: Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Call ahead for changes in hours.

Abrams Animal Farm
1 Spring Street
Block Island, RI  02807  
Phone: 401-466-2421

This outdoor facility, operated by the owners of 1661 Inn and Hotel Manisses, is a menagerie of exotic animals -- llamas, emus, sheep, goats, and ducks – that live next to the inn. Cost: Free. Open: Daily, dawn-dark.

Block Island Ferry and Island Tour
New Shoreham, RI  02807
Phone: 800-383-2474 for Chamber

For children, a big part of the fun of Block Island is traveling to the island and getting from place to place on this bucolic piece of New England. The Block Island Ferry departs from Point Judith – nosing its way out of a cluster of commercial fishing boats -- and the 30-minute ride is fun all by itself. The ferry can accommodate cars and bikes. Also, high-speed ferries travel to Block Island from New London, Connecticut, and Galilee, Rhode Island. On the island, bicycles and mopeds (permitting a driver and a passenger) are available for rent. The island, with its lovely town and spectacular beaches, is a joy simply to explore; no further entertainment is necessary.

Block Island Southeast Lighthouse
At Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island
New Shoreham, RI  02807  
Phone: 401-466-5009

The lighthouse, built in 1875, can be reached by walking about 30 minutes from the ferry terminal or by taxi. There is a small museum and gift shop in the lighthouse, and the tower is open for tours in the summer. Other buildings still standing are the attached keeper's house, two cisterns, garage, storage building, and boathouse.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Environmental Education Center
1401 Hope Street, Route 114
Bristol, RI  02809  
Phone: 401-245-7500
Email: eec@asri.org

The Audubon Environmental Education Center is a state-of-the art natural history museum and aquarium that puts fun and excitement into experiencing nature. Look inside a 33-foot life size Right Whale. Discover life in a tide pool. Observe Narragansett Bay’s marine life. The Center’s interactive exhibits feature local habitats. Situated on the 28-acre McIntosh Wildlife Refuge the Environmental Education Center has walking trails with a ¼ mile boardwalk that winds through fresh and saltwater marshes leading to a majestic view of Narragansett Bay. The refuge is along the East Bay Bike Path allowing bikers and walkers access to the refuge’s natural beauty. The Center offers guided tours, nature walks, special family programs and much more throughout the year. The facility and trails are handicapped accessible.

Coggeshall Farm
Poppasquash Road
Bristol, RI  02809  
Phone: 401-253-9062

This historical farm is set on 40 acres that has been cultivated by Europeans since the late 17th century and earlier by Native Americans. The museum's 1790 farmhouse overlooks an inlet of Narragansett Bay. Near to the farmhouse are a kitchen garden, pastures, a stone springhouse, and animal barns.

Crescent Park Carousel
700 Bullocks Point Avenue
Riverside, RI  02915  
Phone: 401-433-2828

Built in 1895 by Charles I.D. Looff, one of the earliest and foremost carousel designers, This carousel contains more than 60 hand-carved figures and four chariots. The neo-baroque organ by A. Ruth and Sohn has carved moving figures. Overall richness of effect was Looff's trademark. Open: Mid-June through Labor Day, Thursday-Sunday, noon-8 p.m.; Labor Day to Columbus Day, Saturday and Sunday, noon-8 p.m.; all holidays, noon-8 p.m.

Newport Butterfly Zoo
409 Bulgarmarsh Road
Tiverton, RI  02878  
Phone: 401-849-9519

During the warm-weather months, visitors are free to explore the zoo independently or with a guide, who will point out the species of butterflies that are in the greenhouse that day. The zoo has up to 30 species, including many from Africa, Malaysia, South America, Thailand, New Guinea, Costa Rica, and the Philippines. Butterflies are most active on warm and sunny days with little wind. Bring a camera and wear brightly colored clothing. Call ahead for hours.

The Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology
300 Tower St.
Bristol, RI  02809  
Phone: 401-253-8388

Open: June-August, Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; September-May, Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

The museum originated with the private collection of Rudolf F. Haffenreffer, located on the former headquarters of Metacom, or King Philip, a 17th-century Wampanoag sachem. While strongest in Native North American materials, the museum also contains significant material from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Classic Cruises of Newport
Bannister’s Wharf on America’s Cup Avenue
Newport, RI  02840  
Phone: 401-847-0298

Speedboat tours, sailing tours, and chartered yacht tours in beautiful, island-sprinkled waters of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Cruise by the legendary Newport mansions and rock-rimmed islands of the bay in 19th-century style with 21st-century comfort. A delight for kids and adults who are enthralled by sailing and the sea.

Cliff Walk
117 Memorial Blvd.
Newport, RI  02840  
Phone: 401-849-8048

Fantastically beautiful three-and-a-half-mile walk on paved and elevated path along craggy, rocky, irregular shoreline. Views of Newport mansions, but no access from the path. Some walking on rocks; not appropriate for children under 6. Access to a few small sandy beaches and long rocky beaches. No refreshments available along the trail. Open daily, year-round, sunrise to sunset.

Fire Department Memorial Building
50 Narragansett Avenue
Jamestown, RI  02835  
Phone: 401-423-0062

Open: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; weekends by appointment

Antique firefighting equipment is on display here, including a horse-drawn steam engine from 1894 and photographs of fire fighters at work and at play. In the museum is an authentic hand tub dating from the mid-19th century.

Green Animals Topiary Garden
Cory's Lane
Portsmouth, RI  02871  
Phone: 401-683-1267

Hours: May 24 – October 12, 2008, open daily at 10 a.m.; last tour admission at 5 p.m.; close at 6 p.m. Schedule is subject to change; call 401-847-1000 for more information.

Both kids and adults will be charmed by 80 giant living sculptures of animals scattered throughout a spectacularly landscaped property.

Museum of the Artillery Company of Newport
23 Clarke Street
Newport, RI  02840  
Phone: 401-846-8488

Open: May–October, Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and by appointment the rest of the year.

In the Newport Armory, built in 1836, the museum contains a large collection of military artifacts, both from the U.S. and foreign sources representing more than 100 countries past and present. The museum is run by the Rhode Island Militia, which was chartered in 1741 and is the country's oldest military organization. Cost: Admission is free; donations are accepted.

Norman Bird Sanctuary
583 Third Beach Road
Middletown, RI  02842  
Phone: 401-846-2577

This wildlife refuge encompasses more than 300 acres and seven miles of trails that wind through many habitats. Woodlands are the most prominent plant community and four ridges provide spectacular views of ocean and ponds. Visitors center is located in a 19th-century barn, which also offers educational trailside exhibits and a gift shop.

The Asters’ Beechwood Mansion
580 Bellevue Ave.
Newport, RI  02840  
Phone: 401-846-3772

Visitors to this Gilded Era mansion get swept up into a domestic drama as costumed actors playing the roles of the household staff greet them and put them to work. If you visit during the winter, you will come to apply for a position on Mrs. Astor's staff. In the spring, the house is in a tizzy as everyone prepares for Mrs. Astor's arrival. The action takes place in the late 1800s, so visitors are strictly warned not to discuss matters of any later dates. Kids love to pretend, and the costumes and props here are all top-drawer quality.

Bank of America City Center skating rink
2 Kennedy Plaza
Providence, RI  02903  
Phone: 401-331-5544

This public skating rink in the heart of the downtown is a little reminiscent of Rockefeller Center. Open during the cold-weather months, it offers skating for adults and children on a 14,000-square-foot rink. Skate rentals and concessions in an adjacent pavilion. Open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Chase Farm
100 Great Road
Lincoln, RI  02865  
Phone: 401-333-1100

This 118-acre dairy farm is preserved as a green space and is used for activities such as summer concerts. Also on site are a butterfly garden and the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop, which is open several times a year for blacksmithing demonstrations. Open from dawn to dusk.

Providence Children’s Museum
100 South St.
Providence, RI  02903  
Phone: 401-273-5437

Kids and grown-ups play and learn together through hands-on exhibits and programs for children ages one to 11 that explore the arts, culture, history, and science. Exhibits are based on the developmental needs of children and embrace a wide range of learning styles.

Roger Williams Park and Zoo
1000 Elmwood Ave.
Providence, RI  02907  
Phone: 401-785-3510

This beautiful park, constructed in the Victorian period, includes waterways, walks, outdoor gardens, a Carousel Village, Museum of Natural History and Cormack Planetarium, and the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Children's activities in the park include paddleboats, a carousel, miniature train ride, pony rides, and a jungle gym. The zoo is home to more than 1,500 animals of 150 species. Major exhibit areas include Plains of Africa, the Marco Polo Silk Road, Madagascar, The Farmyard, and Tropical America. Open year-round.

Slater Mill Historic Site
67 Roosevelt Avenue
Pawtucket, RI  02862  
Phone: 401-725-8638

Open: December, January, and February for scheduled group visits only; December 26-31, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; March 4-November, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Site of several colonial structures, including Slater Mill (1793), birthplace of American industry, the Sylvanus Brown House (1758), and Wilkinson Mill (1810), home to an authentic 19th century machine shop. The site also features a eight-ton working water wheel, constructed in 1826, and regular demonstrations of early textile machinery, hand-spinning, and weaving. Cost: Adults $9; seniors (65 and older), $8; children age 6-12, $7.

Casey Farm
2325 Boston Neck Road
Saunderstown, RI  02874  
Phone: 401-295-1030

This working farm overlooking Narragansett Bay, with its fields, barns, and family burial ground, is one of the original plantation farms of the Colonial period and the site of activity during the Revolutionary War. Children will enjoy the house museum and hiking trails. Farmers market on Saturdays in the summer. Events include visits by chefs, children’s days, and artisan/craft days. Open June 1 to October 15.

Flying Horse Carousel
Bay Street
Watch Hill, RI  02891  
Phone: 401-596-7761

A National Historic landmark, this merry-go-round was built by the Charles W.F. Dare Co. of New York around 1867. Its 20 horses are suspended from a center frame and they swing out when in motion. Each horse is hand carved from a single piece of wood and embellished with real horsehair tail and mane, leather saddle, and agate eyes. Open daily Memorial Day to Columbus Day.

Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum
815 Gilbert Stuart Road
Saunderstown, RI  02874  
Phone: 401-294-3001

This is home to the famous artist of the Federal Period who painted a well-known portrait of President George Washington. The birthplace and museum is a showplace for Stuart’s work as well as a restored workingman’s home. The homestead features a partially restored grist mill and a fish ladder, which is packed in the spring with migrating herring. The property has authentic 18th-century gardens and a children's activity garden. Rowboats for rent. Open May to October.

South County Museum at Canonchet Farm
Strathmore Street and Anne Hoxsie Lane
Narragansett, RI
Phone: 401-783-5400

Open: May, June, September, and October, Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; July and August, Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m.

On scenic and historic Canonchet Farm (see listing above), the South County Museum features a variety of exhibits and artifacts from Colonial and Victorian Rhode Island. These include a kitchen exhibit, maritime exhibit, antique toys and dolls, cobbler shop, and an antique carriage collection with tack and livery. In season there are regularly scheduled events, demonstrations and lecture series. Cost: Adults, $5; seniors, $4; children age 6-12, $2.

Tomaquag Indian Memorial Museum
390A Summit Road in Arcadia Village
Exeter, RI  02822  
Phone: 401-539-7213

Open year-round by appointment only.

Artifacts and information about local tribes and Native American groups across the country. Artifacts include an authentic birch bark canoe, a collection of Southern New England ash splint baskets, and a large doll collection.