WHY: Located right off Spring Street in downtown Newport, the Newport Public library is the an ideal rain or shine pit stop when exploring the city.

Here you will find sections for children of all ages, including a section that will have you breathing a sigh of relaxation, complete with games, puzzles, comfy chairs for reading, and books of course. This area also boasts three beautifully designed wooden play houses (think miniature colonial homes) complete with little couches, kitchens and play cooking ware.

Your job? Sit back, relax, and take a moment to plan your next stop, or just breathe. 

PRO TIP: Aquidneck Park, located directly next to the library, is now home to two elephant sculptures from The Great Elephant Migration in 2024, and a playground just up the lawn from the elephants. Stop here for a photo-op and some outdoor energy fun. 

PAIR WITH: Check out the nearby International Tennis Hall of Fame, Audrain Automobile Museum, Kingscote (open seasonally) or The Elms located a short walk (or drive) down Bellevue Ave.

WHY: Touch tanks, interactive exhibits, an ‘underwater’ crawling zone, glow in the dark fishes and so much more.

The aquarium is unique due to its local marine life, get up close and personal with the creatures of Narragansett Bay, have fun and explore, all while learning about the issues that challenge our nearby oceans and how Save The Bay helps to protect them. 

PRO TIP: If weather (and time) permits, head over to the playground across the street near Cardines Field for additional play.

PAIR WITH: After the playground, grab a bite at nearby Mother Pizzeria or head down to Belle's Cafe who features a small kids menu (yes, they have their famous pancakes), take in a Newport Gulls baseball game during their summer season, and check out Umbrella Sky Newport in Brick Market Place. 

WHY: Outdoor open spaces, seasonally pick-your-own fresh fruits, a charming cafe and farmers marker, and a stationary tractor to play on for the perfect photo op.

Located just over the border of Newport in neighboring Middletown, Sweet Berry Farm has been a family favorite for decades—for good reason. Grab a seat at the many picnic tables or a spot on the lawn in the back to enjoy your farm fresh goodness, also giving additional movement space for even the youngest farmer. 

PRO TIP: Head over to Howland Park, a nearby playground to continue the outdoor adventuring.  

PAIR WITH: After berry picking and playground exploring, you’ll hopefully have a calmer kiddo which is perfect timing to enjoy a responsible glass at nearby Greenvale Vineyards, less than 3 miles away. 

Ryan Amusements, Newport 

WHY: Three floors of pure fun, games galore, prizes, a photo booth, air hockey—need we continue?

Located in the heart of downtown Newport on Thames Street, Ryan Amusement has been a staple in Newport for years and continues to be the must-stop family pit stop year round, rain or shine. 

PRO TIP: Save your arcade card, and check out another Ryan Amusements second location on the quaint neighboring island of Jamestown, just across the harbor. Drive across the Newport Bridge or hop on the Jamestown Newport Ferry for a scene view. 

PAIR WITH: Shopping downtown at Bowen's and Bannister's Wharves or nearby Franklin Street. Be sure to stop at one of the many ice cream shops or opt for The Cookie Jar on Bannister’s Wharf for a much needed sweet treat.

The Arcade at Conanicut Gift Shop, Jamestown 

WHY:  Newly opened in summer 2025, The Arcade at Conanicut Gift Shop is the second Ryan Amusements location in Rhode Island and a great family pit stop when exploring Jamestown.

Enjoy two rooms of games, points and prizes, all located within the Conanicut Gift Shop, where parents can indulge in some retail therapy, while the kids play games

PRO TIP: From the Newport area take the Jamestown Newport Ferry (seasonally mid-June - mid-October) to travel to Jamestown by water, take in views of the Newport Bridge, Rose Island and more. After a short boat ride you’ll arrive right in the heart of Jamestown, just a short walk to the arcade. 

Arcade and island hopping by boat? Sign us up!

PAIR WITH: A stroll through the quaint downtown Jamestown, full of unique shops and coastal-inspired dining. If you are traversing by car or up for a longer walk check out the Jamestown Community Playground (one of the noteworthy playgrounds in the area) just up the street from the arcade. 

WHY: More than 300 acres and 7 miles of trails, whether your family loves the outdoors or just looking for some fresh air exploration, Norman Bird Sanctuary has been welcoming outdoor enthusiasts of all ages for over 75 years. 

With a variety of trails that span from a lighter stroll to more advanced, acres of open space, native wildlife sightings, and the cutest curated gift shop around—Norman Bird Sanctuary is a haven of nature just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Newport. 

PRO TIP: Fall through spring, stop by their Curiosity Lab—a space dedicated to hands on exploring and S.T.E.A.M (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) for all ages. Note: the Curiosity Lab may be closed during the summer season to accommodate for summer camp groups. 

DON'T MISS: The annual old-fashioned Harvest Fair happens every autumn—and brings something for everyone, including sack races, hay rides, mud pit, tug-of-war and fair games with prizes.

PAIR WITH: Continue the nature theme with a trip to Newport Vineyards and Taproot Brewing Co., roughly 3 miles away. Here the whole family can dine for lunch or dinner, while parents can responsibly taste estate grown wine or craft beer.

Be sure to check out their events calendar for live music happenings, seasonal festivals, and so much more that the whole family can enjoy. 

WHY: The oldest topiary garden in the country is one of the top spots for the youngest of explorers. Welcome to Green Animals Topiary Garden. 

With over 80 topiary animals, children of all ages will have a blast scavenger hunting to find topiary animals like a lion, giraffe, bear, and more. Set on over 7 acres and overlooking Narragansett Bay, after exploring the gardens enjoy the large lawn and porch front rocking chairs to catch a break. 

PRO TIP: Pack and picnic and enjoy it on the sprawling lawn with seaside views. 

PAIR WITH: After exploring the topiary gardens, continue the adventure with Rail Explorers. Ride the rails on pedal-powered rail bikes and explore the coastline in one of the most unique ways. Before you go, please click here for infant and toddler safety.