Newport history and outdoor adventures make it a great place for kids

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.