Summer may be coming to a close but family fun in Newport is still at its peak. Just as the crisp air settles in, so does a brand new roster of family-friendly festivals, events and outdoor activities that everyone in your crew will love. From apple picking and scarecrow building to plenty of pumpkin patches, hayrides and a corn maze they'll love wandering through, find our favorite family-approved picks below.
COVID-19 NOTE:
When you're ready, we can't wait to welcome you back to The Classic Coast. Rest assured, the safety and well-being of both visitors and locals remains our top priority. The mask mandate requiring face coverings in Rhode Island has been lifted, however local businesses may ask you to wear a mask when visiting their establishments. Please be prepared for individual business mask policies. Additionally, shops, attractions and tours are monitoring the number of guests at any given time and may ask you to socially distance to enter.
All we ask when you land on these shores is that you play your part in keeping everyone safe. Please be kind, adhere to guidelines and maintain social distancing.
hotel deals
View All
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
HARBOR CRUISES
When: Through mid-October
Where: Newport Harbor
Admission: Prices vary
There's something intoxicating about a fall harbor cruise—when the water remains warm but the air is newly crisp. Help raise the sails on a legendary America's Cup yacht, climb aboard an authentic lobster boat, spot seals lounging off the coast on an education vessel, or sip a mimosa on an 80-foot, turn-of-the-century-style pilot schooner.
HAYRIDES
When: Weekends in October
Where: Pachet Brook Tree Farm + Escobar's Highland Farm
Head to Pachet Brook Tree Farm, a 90-acre family-run farm in Tiverton, for a 30-minute hayride through the fields and woods decorated for the season, ending at the pumpkin patch. Hayrides are also offered at Escobar's Highland Farm in Middletown.
ESCOBAR'S HIGHLAND FARM CORN MAZE
When: Fridays - Sundays through November 7
Where: Escobar's Highland Farm
Admission: $10 ages 12 and up, $8 children 5-11, free for children under 4 (cash only)
Your kids will love making their way through the 8-acre corn maze at Escobar's Highland Farm. Not to worry, they'll rescue you if you get lost.
RAIL BIKE TOURS AT RAIL EXPLORERS
When: Through October
Where: Rail Explorers USA
Climb aboard a pedal-powered rail bike for a ride along Narragansett Bay with Rail Explorers. Rail bikes are easy to ride and great for kids. Choose your experience below for an adventure they won't forget.
CLIMB THE TOWER AT BEAVERTAIL LIGHTHOUSE
When: Dates vary
Where: Beavertail Lighthouse
Admission: Free
Located on the southernmost tip of Jamestown, Beavertail Lighthouse & Museum features a collection of information, artifacts, and conversation about the history and site of the third-oldest lighthouse in North America. Lace up your sneakers and climb to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of Narragansett Bay.
GOAT HIKES AT SIMMONS FARM
When: Dates vary
Where: Simmons Farm
Admission: $10 - $40
When nature calls (literally), head over to Simmons Farm in Middletown for a two-hour goat hike around the historic family-owned farm. Led by farmer Karla and her crew of adventurous, spirited goats, you'll get your own goat to walk on a leash along the designated trail. Stop along the way to feed your goat a treat and to take in stunning views of the preserved farmland, and conclude your journey with a cup of hot chocolate.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
From the highly anticipated Rogue Island Comedy Festival to the return of the Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival, these festive happenings offer the perfect dose of autumn on the coast.
The festivals below are scheduled pending state and local health guidelines. Please check back for more information, events are subject to change.
BOWEN'S WHARF SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
When: Saturday, October 16 - Sunday, October 17
Where: Bowen's Wharf
Honoring the “Harvest of the Sea,” the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival offers fresh, local seafood. Fish tacos, lobster rolls, stuffies, chowder, fried calamari, clams, oysters, signature cocktails and cold beer accompany continuous live music, and family fun, all beneath the Wharf’s colorful tents. As you savor some delectable dishes, relax and enjoy the beats from area musicians. Live folk, surf rock, Caribbean and blues music are just a taste of what you’ll hear.
NEWPORT FOOD TRUCK + CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
When: Saturday, October 16 - Sunday, October 17
Where: Fort Adams State Park
The Newport Food Truck + Craft Beer Festival arrives at Fort Adams State Park with the area's most popular food trucks dishing out fan favorites. Trucks include Binge BBQ, A Mano Pizza + Gelato, Friskie Fries, Haven Brothers Mobile, La Costa, Mom on the Go, Moyzilla, Lobsta Love and more. Enjoy outdoor games like cornhole, giant jenga, giant checkers and more alongside craft brews from 15+ breweries.
AUTUMN LEAVES MUSIC SERIES
When: TBA
Where: Bowen's Wharf
Enjoy live performances on the waterfront throughout October. Local shops and restaurants at Bowen’s Wharf welcome you to join the tradition of local live music, waterfront dining, shopping, and crisp autumn air in Newport this Fall.
Note: All events are weather permitting and the schedule is subject to change.
SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND GIANT PUMPKIN WEIGH-OFF
When: Saturday, October 9
Where: Frerichs Farm & Greenhouses
Since 2000 Frerichs Farm has hosted the Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Grower’s Annual Weigh-off on Columbus Day Weekend. Visit the farm and enjoy pumpkin palooza happening weekends through October, and catch the giant pumpkin drop-off and weighing.
COGGESHALL FARM PHANTOMS + FIRES
When: Saturday, October 9
Where: Coggeshall Farm Museum
Explore the museum after hours where you'll find spooky delights, from bats and bonfires to cauldrons and candy. There's something for your entire family around every corner. Pre-registration is required; purchase tickets below.
PUMPKIN PARTIES
PUMPKIN PALOOZA
Frerichs Farm & Greenhouses is hosting Pumpkin Palooza every weekend through October 31 (closed on October 10) filled with family fun. Stroll through the holiday house, enjoy make your own scarecrows, paint a pumpkin and more.
When: Weekends through October
Where: Frerichs Farm & Greenhouses
TRINITY CHURCH ANNUAL PUMPKIN PATCH
Trinity Church's Annual Pumpkin Patch offers a wide selection of pumpkins, mums, decorative cabbages, gourds and more. Once you've picked all your favorites, enjoy home-made goods, freshly popped popcorn and hot cider. Enjoy hot lunch, live music and vendors on the weekends.
When: October 16 - 31
Where: Queen Anne Square
more to explore
GET SOCIAL
Tag your photos #TheClassicCoast for the chance to be featured on our accounts.