Things To Do
Beaches, events, outdoor activities, and attractions across Rhode Island.
85 articles
Best paddleboarding spots in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers exceptional paddleboarding at Ninigret Pond in Charlestown (perfect for beginners with calm, protected waters), Narragansett Town Beach (for experienced paddlers seeking ocean waves), Potter Pond in South Kingstown (ideal for wildlife viewing), and the Providence River near India Point Park (for urban paddling with city views). The state's 400+ miles of coastline provide diverse options from tranquil salt ponds to open ocean experiences, with the best conditions typically from May through October when water temperatures range from 60-72°F.
Top dog-friendly beaches in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers several dog-friendly beaches where your canine companion can enjoy the sand and surf, though most have seasonal restrictions. The top options include Barrington Town Beach (dogs allowed year-round), East Beach in Charlestown (off-season only), and Roger Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett (off-season access). During summer months (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day), most Rhode Island beaches prohibit dogs entirely or restrict them to early morning and evening hours, so timing your visit is crucial for beach access with your pet.
Pumpkin picking in Rhode Island 2026: best farms and fall activities
Rhode Island offers excellent pumpkin picking from late September through October 2026 at farms like Confreda Farms in Cranston, Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown, and Salisbury Farm in Johnston. Most farms charge $8-15 per person for admission, with pumpkins priced by size ($5-30). Peak season runs from late September through Halloween, with weekends offering the fullest experience including corn mazes, hayrides, and farm stands. Call ahead to confirm availability.
RI250: How Rhode Island Is Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary in 2026
Rhode Island is marking America's 250th anniversary (the semiquincentennial) throughout 2026 with signature events: the Bristol 4th of July Parade's own 250th edition, a full WaterFire lighting with the RI Philharmonic on July 4th weekend, public display of the state's copies of the Declaration of Independence at the State House, and commemorations of RI's claim as the first colony to renounce allegiance to the King in May 1776.
New Year's Eve events in Providence RI 2026
Providence will ring in 2026 with multiple New Year's Eve celebrations including First Night Providence, an alcohol-free family festival with performances across downtown venues; upscale galas at the Providence Biltmore and Omni Providence Hotel; dinner parties at restaurants like Gracie's and Al Forno; and nightclub events on Federal Hill and downtown. Most events run from 6 PM to 1 AM with tickets ranging from free to $200+.
Colt State Park Bristol RI: Biking, Picnics, and Bay Views Guide
Colt State Park is at 114 Hope Street (Route 114), Bristol, RI 02809, and is open daily from roughly sunrise to sunset. There is no entrance fee and no parking fee. The park covers about 464 acres of open shoreline along Narragansett Bay, with four miles of paved bike paths that connect directly to the East Bay Bike Path, plus more than 400 picnic tables and a popular waterfront wedding chapel.
Best Thrift Stores in Providence RI: Vintage and Secondhand Shopping
The best thrift shopping in Providence splits into two categories. For curated vintage, head to the West Side along Broadway and Westminster Street, where shops like Rocket to Mars specialize in mid-century furniture, lighting, and clothing from the 1920s through the early 1980s. For high-volume bargain hunting, use the large-format chains — Savers at 1925 Pawtucket Avenue in North Providence and Goodwill locations across greater Providence.
Best mini golf in Rhode Island 2026
Rhode Island offers several excellent mini golf courses for 2026, with top picks including Mulligan's Island Golf & Entertainment in North Kingstown (featuring two 18-hole courses and arcade), Adventure Land in Narragansett (a classic family-run course operating since 1959), and Lazer Gate in Cranston (combining mini golf with laser tag). Most courses open seasonally from April through October, with prices typically ranging from $10-15 per round for adults and $8-12 for children.
Best state parks in Rhode Island 2026
Rhode Island operates 11 state parks that offer diverse outdoor experiences, from coastal beaches to forested hiking trails. The top state parks for 2026 include Colt State Park in Bristol for waterfront picnicking and cycling, Lincoln Woods State Park in Lincoln for freshwater swimming and trails, Beavertail State Park in Jamestown for dramatic ocean views and lighthouse visits, and Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick for family activities and equestrian trails. Each park requires a seasonal parking fee ($7 weekdays/$14 weekends for out-of-state visitors, with Rhode Island residents receiving discounted rates).
Haunted places in Rhode Island: ghost tours and spooky history
Rhode Island''s best-known haunted sites are the Mercy Brown grave in Exeter, tied to a real 1892 vampire panic, the Sprague Mansion in Cranston, Belcourt Castle in Newport, and Providence''s H.P. Lovecraft landmarks. Ghost tours run seasonally in Providence and Newport, peaking in October. Most sites are free to visit; tours typically cost $20-$35.
Best antique shops in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers exceptional antique shopping experiences, with top destinations including the historic Wickford village in North Kingstown (home to over a dozen antique shops within walking distance), Providence's Benefit Street and Wickenden Street districts, and Newport's Thames Street and Franklin Street corridors. The state's concentration of 18th and 19th-century estates and maritime history makes it a treasure trove for American furniture, nautical antiques, and colonial-era collectibles, with shops ranging from high-end dealers to affordable vintage finds.
Ice skating rinks in Rhode Island: indoor and outdoor options 2026
The Alex and Ani City Center rink in downtown Providence is Rhode Island's signature outdoor skating experience and about twice the size of the Rockefeller Center rink. For indoor year-round skating, try the state-run rinks in Providence, Warwick, Woonsocket, and North Smithfield. Most offer public skate sessions plus rentals for a modest fee.