Guide: The Best Things To Do in Newport With Kids

Sure, Newport's opulent mansions, luxury boutiques, elegant restaurants, sprawling vineyards, rooftop bars, and historic attractions are nice, but when it comes to kids, we've got a few tricks up our sleeve for delivering maximum fun.

From casual eateries with some of the best grub around, to scavenger hunt bingo and chances to try sailing, welcome to the time of their lives.

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.

Aug 1-Oct 3

David Rogers’ Big Bugs

Green Animals Topiary Garden will be buzzing this summer when David Rogers’ Big Bugs arrives. Even…

Aug 1-Oct 1

Becorns! Art, Nature, and Play Come Together in David Bird’s Becorns

David Bird is a photographer based in Danielson, CT. He makes characters out of acorns, sticks, and…

Aug 6-Aug 27

Summer Stories at the Whitehorne House

This free program recommended for kids aged Pre-K to 1st grade takes place in our beautiful pocket…

Aug 7-Sep 25

Newport International Polo Series

Witness the action field-side as the home-team, USA/Newport, takes on weekly challengers from home…

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES

1 Try Sailing

Where better to earn your sea legs and try sailing than in The Sailing Capital of the World? This one-hour experience with Sail Newport allows your kids to partake in the thrill of sailing with the safety of an expert sailor. Don't forget to pack hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and a jacket or fleece to layer.

Details:

Up to two adults and three children
All ages invited
Life jackets of all sizes available
Runs May through October
By appointment only

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2 Pick-Your-Own Orchards

Your kid is going to love rolling up their sleeves to pick their own apples, strawberries, blueberries and more at the area's lengthy collection of pick-your-own farms and orchards.

Pro Tip: When they've picked to their heart's content, head over to one of the Newport Mansions or Green Animals Topiary Garden for the "Stroll the Gardens and Grounds" where you can bring your own picnic to enjoy overlooking the sights.

3 Spot a Seal

Climb aboard Save the Bay's education vessel to catch a glimpse of migratory harbor seals lounging on Citing Rock near Rose Island. You'll learn all about the life of a seal, from their migration patterns and food habits to the laws and regulations involved in conserving this species, all while taking in 360-degree views of Narragansett Bay and historic Newport Harbor. (Operate seasonally)

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Seal Watch Tours Save the Bay 2020

4 Transport Back to the 18th Century

Explore 18th-century farm life in Rhode Island at Coggeshall Farm in Bristol, where history comes to life. Set on 48 acres of coastal farmland, you'll roll up your sleeves and experience the daily life of a tenant farmer while guided by live interpreters in costume. Think: blacksmithing, tinsmithing, maple sugaring, animal husbandry, making textiles and pottery, raising crops and homemaking. You'll even help cook a meal over the hearth to enjoy by candlelight.

Details:

Open weekends through April 16, 2021
Open Thursdays - Sundays April 17 - October 11, 2021

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5 Pet a Sea Urchin

Get up close and personal with a variety of sea creatures at Save the Bay's interactive marine science center and aquarium. Home to more than 40 species from Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island, the center houses three touch tanks and dozens of exhibits to acquaint you with little skates, dogfish sharks, urchins, crabs and lobsters, seahorses, turtles, and more.