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 interactive museums to plenty of pumpkin patches, hayrides and a corn maze they'll love wandering through, find our favorite family-approved picks below.
SEASONAL ADVENTURES
Think: farm stands, hay rides, pop-up pumpkin patches and hayrides. Harbor side food festivals, interactive museums, harvest fairs, lighthouse tours and so much more.
Harbor Cruises
Back to Top of ListWhen: 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, 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
Back to Top of ListWhen: 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 Portsmouth.
Escobar's Highland Farm Corn Maze
Back to Top of ListWhen: September 7 through early November, Fridays - Sundays
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 Explorer
Back to Top of ListWhen: 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
Back to Top of ListWhen: Dates vary, ends Columbus Day
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.
Newport Mini Golf
Back to Top of ListMini Golf is not just a summer game.
Head to Middletown for a thrilling game of putt-putt at the newly opened Newport Mini Golf. Ahoy There, Mateys, enjoy a pirate themed course, with Capt'n Lucky Puttz at the helm. After (or before, we don't judge) grab a cone of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream for a quintessential fun fall night.
Goat Hikes at Simmons Farm
Back to Top of ListWhen: Dates vary
Where: Simmons Farm
Admission: $10 - $50
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.
The Sailing Museum
Back to Top of ListWhen: Open Daily
Where: The Sailing Museum
Admission: Adults: $18, Senior/Military/College: $15, Youth: $12, Child (under 10): Free
Make your way to The Sailing Museum conveniently located in downtown Newport. Experience hands-on activities and exhibits like, create your own adventure QR code bracelets to tailor your museum journey, teamwork, friendly competition, knot-tying, history of the sport and so much more.
Save The Bay Aquarium
Back to Top of ListBowser and friends are ready to meet you! Welcome to the new, one-of-a-kind, Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium located in downtown Newport. Get face-to-face with the creatures living here in our Bay, with touch tanks and interactive exhibits, while learning about the issues that challenge our natural resources and how Save The Bay helps protect them.
Nothing fishy here, the aquarium is open, Daily, from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
PUMPKIN PATCHES & PARTIES
PUMPKIN PALOOZA
When: October 12th, 2024
Where: Frerichs Farm & Greenhouses
Looking for a perfect fall day? Mark your calendars for October 12th, a day filled with Giant pumpkins, food trucks, free corn mazes, family fun and more at Frerichs Farm in Warren for their annual Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off.
Oh, and by Giant pumpkins, we're talking B-I-G pumpkins, in previous years the winning pumpkin weighed in at 2201lbs. What do you think the winning pumpkin will weigh this year?
Can't make the weigh off? Head to Frerichs Farm weekly for Pumpkin Palooza ay Frerichs Farm happens every weekend from September to late October. Ride the Magic Pumpkin Coach, make your own scarecrow, stroll the mum fields, choose your own pumpkin and so much more.
TRINITY CHURCH ANNUAL PUMPKIN PATCH
When: October 10th (Tentative) - October 31st
Where: Trinity Church at Queen Anne Square
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.
CASTLE HILL INN
When: October 27th, 2024 from 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Where: Castle Hill Inn
Head to Castle Hill Inn on October 27th from 2:00 - 5:00 PM for their inagural pumpkin patch. Enjoy cider, donuts, grilled cheese, and other fall favorites while you choose and paint your own pumpkins. Must register in advanced.
For more pumpkin patches, click here
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Sandcastles Sundaes & Shakes
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FESTIVALS & EVENTS
From the highly anticipated Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival to the return of the Broadway Street Festival, these festive happenings offer the perfect dose of autumn on the coast.
Norman Bird Sanctuary Harvest Fair
Back to Top of List- Where:
- Norman Bird Sanctuary, Middletown
- When:
- October 5th & 6th
50th Anniversary Harvest Fair!
The annual Norman Bird Sanctuary's old-fashioned Harvest Fair will once again usher in Autumn October 5th - October 6th, 2024. The fair offers something for everyone, including sack races, hay rides, mud pit, tug-of-war and fair games with prizes.
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Broadway Street Fair
Back to Top of List- Where:
- Broadway, Newport (from Equality Park to Farewell Street)
- When:
- October 12th
The Broadway Street Fair is back, October 12th at 11:30 AM, until 4:00 PM from Equality Park to Marlborough Street and Long Wharf, and 8:00 PM from Marlborough Street to Washington Square.
This year's event will span across Broadway from Equality Park to Marlborough Street, Washington Square, and Long Wharf, filled with local artists, live music, food, and more.
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Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival
Back to Top of ListHonoring 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.
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