Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Providence

Of course, the libraries in the Providence area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them to the list of the best places to take kids this year!

The Museum of Natural History is Rhode Island’s only natural history museum and is home to the state’s only public planetarium. For more than a century the museum has served as a unique educational, scientific and cultural resource by offering exciting exhibits and programming that provide ways for children and families to learn about our world and its people.

Looking for a time of Excitement and Adventure? Look no further than Adventureland Family Fun Park of Narragansett RI! With a wide range of activities to choose from, there's something for everyone! Race your friends around our thrilling Go-Kart Track, play a round on our nautically themed Mini Golf course, or test your skills in our state-of-the-art Batting Cages. Spin Zone Bumper Cars are our newest attraction at Adventureland . For a fun and refreshing experience, hop into one of our Bumper Boats and make a splash on the water and with your friends. All-time favorite Poppy's Carousel has over 17 creatures and a spinning cup. Burdick's hard- scooped Ice Cream offers 15 different flavors to choose from ! So, what are you waiting for? Come Experience all the Excitement and Adventure this summer at Adventureland.

BattlegroundZ is an amusement complex located in Lincoln, RI featuring adrenaline rushing activities such as Lazer Tag, Dart Warz, Dodgeball, Gel Blasters, Airsoft, Paintball, Archery Tag and an Arcade that will keep your family entertained for hours! With mouthwatering Char-Grilled Burgers, Pizza, Loaded Fries, Subs and much more at The Mess Hall, you can grab a bite to eat here to recharge, or enjoy an adult beverage at The Battle Bar. BattlegroundZ has over a decade of experience with hosting events such as Birthdays, Team Buildings, Field Trips, Bachelor/ Bachelorette Parties, Baby Showers, fundraisers and far more! All activities are now open every day for the Summer!

The Family Tours at The Breakers and Marble House bring these Gilded Age mansions to life for kids. Learn about the dragon in the dining room and hear the Sun God brag about his fabulous curly hair! Guaranteed to appeal to children’s curiosity and imagination – and grown-ups enjoy it, too. Also check out Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, filled with whimsical creatures, where you can picnic with a green giraffe and play among a unicorn and teddy bears!

We love the night sky and everything astro. We are true astro-geeks and you can be one too! Every Friday night we open our Observatory, Sky Theatre and telescopes to the public for free stargazing. We usually open around 7:00 pm during the months surrounding the winter solstice and shortly after dusk during the months surrounding the summer solstice. We also open for meteor showers, eclipses, and many other celestial events taking place throughout the year. If you're looking for that awesome astronomy thing to do, then check us out and be blown away by the cosmos!

Wicked Tulips Flower Farm has the largest u-pick tulip field in New England. Tiptoe through our tulip fields in Exeter, RI, Johnston, RI and Preston, CT. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of spring and bring home a fresh, handpicked bouquet of the most amazing tulips you have ever seen. Young, old, singles, families, friends, romantic dates, green thumbs or not, bring your camera and prepare to make some beautiful memories.  While our 2023 season has ended, please visit us in spring 2024 (tickets required).  For ticket announcements and other information, sign up for our newsletter on the website.

Old Sturbridge Village, the largest outdoor history museum in New England, depicts a rural New England town of the 1830s. Step inside more than 40 original buildings, and explore homes, meetinghouses, a district school, country store, bank, working farm, three water-powered mills, and trade shops – all situated on more than 200 scenic acres. Talk with authentically costumed historians and see heritage breed farm animals. Discover the endless ways to immerse yourself in the Village.

Monster Mini Golf is an exciting indoor monster themed glow in the dark 18 hole miniature golf course that offers a host of fun activities at every turn. Play mini golf among a scary but cool monster décor with custom and animated props at every turn. Fun for the all ages! Our courses are challenging enough for adults to navigate, yet very playable for children. Throughout your stay, you will be entertained by our own in-house crazy DJ.

Trinity Rep is Rhode Island’s Tony-Award winning theater with something for everyone, conveniently located in downtown Providence. Their annual production of A Christmas Carol – which is re-invented each year with new actors and designs – has been Rhode Island’s family holiday tradition for more than 40 years. Members of its education staff are leaders in their field and their inventive programming includes classes and summer programs for students in grades 1 – 12+. Recognized nationally for excellence and innovation, and cherished locally for high quality and diverse programming, Trinity Rep is proud to be a creative home for Rhode Island’s artists, audience, students, and community partners.

Roger Williams Park Zoo strives to engage guests in an extraordinary and unique educational experience to improve their understanding of and appreciation for the natural world. We contribute significantly to the conservation of our earth's animals, plants and other natural resources by challenging ourselves and our audience to act as responsible environmental stewards.