Family Fun in Providence
Head to Providence and explore one of the nation's best zoos, let imaginations run wild at the children's museum, or ice skate in the center of downtown Providence. Take a look below for a variety of fun things to do with kids of all ages.
Highlighted Things To Do
Roger Williams Park Zoo
The Roger Williams Park Zoo is the third oldest zoo in the country (since 1872). The zoo's population numbers nearly 1,000 animals, with some 165 species on display at any given time, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects.
Providence Children's Museum
The Providence Children's Museum presents hands-on exhibit areas and lively programs designed for children ages 1 to 11 that explore the arts, culture, history and science. The museum offers exhibits and programs that are based on the developmental needs of children and embrace a wide range of learning styles and forms of expression.
WaterFire Providence
WaterFire Providence is a series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence. The event occurs several times a month from May to November and has become a "must see" for visitors to the city.
Providence Kayak
Discover Providence at your own pace as you paddle throughout the picturesque bridges, cobblestone walkways and green riverbanks of the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, Riverwalk and Waterplace Park.
BankNewport City Center
The BankNewport City Center provides outdoor ice skating for adults and children plus a Subway concession area rink-side. The BankNewport City Center is available in the winter for private events on full ice, corporate and social outings, school groups, and in the summer as an event center. For all details about the winter ice skating season and the summer event center season,
Mulligan's Island
Adventure awaits at Mulligan’s Island! Imagine a picturesque getaway in the heart of Rhode Island that features every kind of golf experience for every kind of player. From our award winning 60 stall driving range to our Scottish designed 9-Hole Pitch n Putt Course, to Mini-Golf and our Par-3 Executive Golf Course - complete with water hazards and sand traps, we have it all! Our 64-acre Island escape also features baseball and softball batting cages and accommodations for group events.
Family-Friendly Events
Dragons & Mythical Creatures
- Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village
- May 5, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024
Lovera Sunday Brunch
- May 5, 2024 - Jun 30, 2024
Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour
- Providence Ghost Tour, LLC
- May 5, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024
Wicked Tulips Exeter, RI U-Pick Event
- May 5, 2024 - May 11, 2024
Walking Tour! College Hill's Temporary Public Art
- May 6, 2024 - May 12, 2024
Charlestown Craves Food Truck Nights
- May 9, 2024 - Jun 6, 2024
Bring Your Own Improv’s Family Friendly Comedy Show
- May 10, 2024 - Nov 29, 2024
Food Truck Friday Roger Williams Park - 10th Year
- Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village
- May 10, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
Mimosa Cruises
- Providence River Boat Company
- May 11, 2024 - Oct 6, 2024
Narrated Boat Tours of Providence
- Providence River Boat Company
- May 11, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024
Private Boat Charters
- Providence River Boat Company
- May 11, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024
Moms FREE at Newport Car Museum
- May 12, 2024 - May 13, 2024
Warwick Food Truck Night - Crowne Plaza
- Crowne Plaza Providence Warwick
- May 16, 2024 - Oct 4, 2024
Sunday Food Truck Funday - Sacred Cow
- May 26, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024
Food Trucks & Concerts - Chase Farm 2024
- May 27, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024
Johnston Food Truck Nights - Memorial Park
- May 30, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024
Newport International Polo Series 2024
- Jun 1, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024
Twilight River Cruises
- Providence River Boat Company
- Jun 1, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024
WaterFire Boat Rides
- Providence River Boat Company
- Jun 1, 2024 - Nov 2, 2024
Haunted Boat Tours
- Providence River Boat Company
- Jun 2, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024
Midweek Mobile Munchies and Music
- Jun 5, 2024 - Aug 7, 2024
Providence Architecture Boat Tours
- Providence River Boat Company
- Jun 10, 2024 - Oct 7, 2024
Food Trucks at the Gates - Fall River
- Jun 13, 2024 - Aug 8, 2024
Vineyard Voyages - A Floating Wine Tasting!
- Providence River Boat Company
- Jun 13, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024
Food Trucks Hop into Hopkinton
- Jun 19, 2024 - Aug 1, 2024
Food Truck Sunsets - Safe Harbor New England Boatworks 2024
- Jun 22, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024
Boat Tour of RI's Largest Ship Graveyard
- Providence River Boat Company
- Jun 23, 2024 - Oct 5, 2024
Food Truck Picnic in the Park 2024
- Jun 23, 2024 - Aug 18, 2024
Assembly of Food Trucks 2024
- Jun 30, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party
- Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024
FUN ALL YEAR – WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER & FALL
Museums & Historic Attractions
Battleship Cove
- 5 Water Street
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
- 101 Ferry Road
Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon
- One Patriot Place
Herreshoff Marine Museum/America's Cup Hall of Fame
- One Burnside Street
International Tennis Hall of Fame
- 194 Bellevue Avenue
John Brown House Museum
- 52 Power Street
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
- Roger Williams Park
Museum of Work & Culture
- 42 South Main Street
New Bedford Whaling Museum
- 18 Johnny Cake Hill
Newport Mansions of the Preservation Society
- 424 Bellevue Avenue
RISD Museum
- 224 Benefit Street
Roger Williams National Memorial
- 282 North Main Street
Tomaquag Museum
- 390 Summit Rd
Touro Synagogue
- 85 Touro St
Outdoor Activities & Sports
Despite being an urban capital city, Providence boasts an impressive array of green space and recreational opportunities.
Plan Your Trip Now
Getaway Packages
Plan your stay by choosing from an array of inclusive getaway packages being offered by Providence area hotels.