That feeling when winter blues fade into springtime blooms, trading snow boots for boat shoes, parkas for pullovers, and the sweet energy of summer is just around the bend. It’s spring break on The Classic Coast, and when school is out, Newport is in.
Find our top picks for spring break below.
Spring Break Activities
With a plethora of activities to put that spring back in your step, school vacations are made easy on The Classic Coast.
Daffodil Days
Back to Top of ListNearly 1.5 million daffodils fill Newport in a burst of sunshine throughout the month of April providing the perfect backdrop for a family photo (it's never too early to get a start on holiday cards.) In addition to the million blooms, a series of family friendly events encourage visitors to ‘Get Daffy.” Be sure to check out Miantonomi Park, the city’s largest daffodil field on Sunday, April 14, where you can stroll the yellow carpet for picture taking, get sloppy at a Lemon Pie Slam-down and messy at a Daffy Dust-up Color Run. The fun keeps blooming on April 20 when bicyclists will “Petal-on” to view Newport’s fields of daffodils, including a private garden with over 20,000 blooms.
NEW: Save The Bay Hamilton Family Aquarium
Back to Top of ListThe highly anticipated new Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium will be open in time for Spring Break! The Aquarium represents an expansion of Save The Bay’s previous Exploration Center and Aquarium on Easton’s Beach, which relocated to this new, larger 7,000-square-foot, space to expand its educational offerings.
The goal: A facility featuring species that come from, and are returned to, Narragansett Bay. With over a dozen exhibits that focus on the Bay’s habitats—from the rocky shore to its deeper waters—the Aquarium offers a plethora of discovery opportunities; complete with three touch tanks, hand-painted murals, and even an augmented reality watershed model.
Save The Bay Seal Tours
Back to Top of ListSpeaking of Save The Bay—After enjoying the new Aquarium, continue the nature exploration with one of their Seal Tours, running through April. The whole family will enjoy a harbor tour and take in 360º views of harbor seals resting on Citing Rock off of Rose Island and under the Newport Bridge.Tours depart from Perrotti Park at 39 America's Cup Avenue.
Coastal Queen Harbor Tours
Back to Top of ListWant to earn your sea legs? Summer isn’t the only time to get out on the water!
Coastal Queen Cruises are the perfect way to enjoy the spring season seaside. Complete with enclosed seating (for the cool April breezes), their Daffodil Days Tour is narrated by a local guide and Coastal Queen's beautiful teak wood bar will be open for refreshments. The boat is spacious, warm and cozy and each seat has a panoramic view!
Newport Car Museum
Back to Top of ListYoung children to teenagers, and adults alike will be floored with the amazing collection of 95+ cars on display at the Newport Car Museum. The museum features seven galleries: Corvettes, Ford/Shelby, World Cars, Porsches, Fin Cars, Mopars and American Muscle. Enjoy as well a collection of Mid-Century Modern furniture on display throughout the Museum, a giant gift shop and free parking.
Simmons Farm Goat Hikes
Back to Top of ListEver wanted to walk a goat? Well we have a spot just for you!
The goats of historic Simmons Farm welcome you to lead them on a hike through their picturesque pastures. Enjoy sweeping views of Narragansett bay, from the highest privately-owned point on Aquidneck Island. The mile-long, ninety minute, guided hike will include stops for rest, browsing and grazing (for the goats that is), and a quick history about the farm and the animals that live there.
A Day in Bristol
Back to Top of ListHead just a few miles north to one of our nine coastal communities, Bristol, Rhode Island. Known for hosting the The oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in America, exploring this coastal town is picture perfect in any season.
Meander through the dozens of shops, restaurants and cafes in their downtown district. Or head over to the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium to explore interactive exhibits or take a stroll through the miles of nature trails on the 28-acre property. Throughout April break, they offer daily family friendly activities from Turtle Races to Fairy Fort Building, nature crafts and more.
More blooms? For adults and kids alike, don’t miss stopping by Blithewold Mansion to explore the seaside estate and grounds during their Daffodil Days, boasting over 100,000 daffodils throughout their 33-acres.
The Sailing Museum
Back to Top of ListWhile you are visiting the Sailing Capital of the World—learn more about the history of the sport at The Sailing Museum. With interactive exhibits kids will love, get a (virtual) glimpse of what feels like to be part of the crew. Create your own burgee and collect rewards for your virtual locker. After you’ve collected all your rewards, explore the National Sailing Hall of Fame and sail into history. A trip to the museum is not complete without a visit to the gift shop, for a souvenir to remember your trip.
Ryan Amusement
Back to Top of ListPerfect for any kid (or kid at heart) Ryan's Amusement offers dozens of arcade games to keep the whole family entertained. Think: Two floors of fun, games, and prizes in the heart of downtown Newport.
Newport Mansions
Back to Top of ListA visit to Newport isn’t complete without a tour of the Newport Mansions. For the kids, take the Family Tour at The Breakers and Marble House; an audio tour featuring the stories of the children of the Gilded Age including ancient superheroes and a 2-foot high ice cream cake! Dreams do come true.
Kids still have energy to burn? Check out these hotels with pools!
more spring break activities
Explore Cliff Walk
Craving serenity? Newport's enchanting 3.5-mile Cliff Walk is the perfect place for your moment of…
Audubon Society of RI Nature Center and Aquarium
The Audubon Society of Rhode Island, is dedicated to education, land conservation and advocacy…