Rhode Island family friendly lodging, hotels, resorts welcome kids

For countless families, the scenic Weekapaug Inn, on the Rhode Island shoreline overlooking lovely Quonochontaug Pond and the Atlantic, has been their fun, go-to place to vacation together. The comfortable rooms and suites are suitable for stretching out, the dining is fresh, farm-to-table fare, and the pool is sparkling. But it’s the activities that are the big draw, from complimentary kayaks, paddleboards and pedal boats to crabbing and exploring the tideline or going on a nature walk with the resort’s naturalist. Sandy 2-mile Weekapaug Beach and a lagoon boat tour beckon, as do kites, fishing poles, lawn games – even a special hunt to discover “fairy houses” on the property.

Visit our sister properties - Ocean House Resort - Watch Hill Inn

It’s a family affair when you visit the natural wonder that is Block Island and stay in one of the condominium units at the Neptune House. The room-to-stretch units feature full kitchens with all the comforts of home for up to six people. There are tennis courts, a pool table, board games, BBQ grills and shaded picnic tables – and washers and dryers onsite. This summer, a heated outdoor pool adds to the things to do at the resort. On the island, families enjoy 17 miles of beaches, 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, 365 freshwater ponds, a skateboard park, boutique shopping, lighthouses, bonfires on the beach – even an animal farm where camels, emus and a fainting goat roam.

It’s no surprise that families are drawn to the lovely Watch Hill Inn, where accommodations are spacious, comfortable – and wired with today’s technology. Order up food from your suite’s iPad or relax with Apple TV. Then get out and enjoy the picturesque surroundings, from the inn’s charming property to the pretty village of Watch Hill (there’s a great “free-flying” carousel, a lighthouse museum and hidden ruins of an old battle fort as well as fun shopping and restaurants). Your stay also gives you access to the nearby Ocean House and Weekapaug inns, which means a private beach, saltwater pools, fitness centers, a host of dining options and complimentary kayaks, paddleboards and sailboats. See the website for information on COVID-19 readiness.

Visit our sister properties - Ocean House Resort - Weekapaug Inn

It’s not hard to see why an Ocean House Resort vacation is a tradition for so many families. For starters, there’s room to spread out, whether it’s in a waterview suite or a cottage with multiple bedrooms. Then there are the activities, from launching your paddleboard to swimming off the private beach to croquet on the lawn to weekend clambakes. Rent a bike or go for a sail to explore the area. Nearby activities include everything from the Flying Horse Carousel to a lighthouse museum and miles of beaches. Casual dining is everywhere from The Bistro’s brasserie fare to tacos at the beach Taco Shack and ice cream and candy at the Below Deck shop.

Visit our sister properties - Weekapaug Inn - Watch Hill Inn