Things To Do
Beaches, events, outdoor activities, and attractions across Rhode Island.
83 articles
Best family activities in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers exceptional family activities year-round, from exploring Roger Williams Park Zoo's 100+ acres with over 100 species to enjoying Misquamicut State Beach's gentle waves and carousel rides. Families can visit WaterFire Providence (free admission, select summer and fall evenings), tour historic mansions along Bellevue Avenue in Newport, or spend a day at the Providence Children's Museum at 100 South Street. The Ocean State packs remarkable variety into its compact size, allowing families to experience beaches, museums, parks, and cultural attractions all within a 45-minute drive.
Rhode Island vineyard and winery guide 2026
Rhode Island has approximately 10-12 active vineyards and wineries scattered primarily across the southern coastal regions and Aquidneck Island, with most concentrated in Little Compton, Middletown, and Portsmouth. The state's maritime climate and diverse soil types create ideal conditions for cool-climate varietals, and most wineries offer tastings year-round with seasonal hours. Notable establishments include Greenvale Vineyards (est. 1982), Newport Vineyards, and Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyard, which collectively produce thousands of cases annually and host events ranging from intimate tastings to large festivals.
Rhode Island lighthouse tour guide
Rhode Island is home to 21 historic lighthouses, more per square mile than any other state, with 10 open to the public for tours or climbing. The most accessible lighthouses include Beavertail Light in Jamestown (museum open weekends May-Columbus Day), Point Judith Light in Narragansett (grounds open daily), and Rose Island Light in Newport (accessible by ferry with overnight stays available). Most lighthouses are managed by preservation societies and the U.S. Coast Guard, with visiting hours typically running from late spring through early fall.
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.
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+.
Bristol 4th of July Parade: America's Oldest Parade — Complete Guide
The Bristol 4th of July Parade has run continuously since 1785, making it the oldest Independence Day celebration in the United States. The 2026 parade marks its 250th anniversary. It steps off at 10:30 AM on Hope Street in Bristol, RI. Arrive early — most spectators claim spots by 7 AM. Roads close from 6 AM.
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.
PC Friars basketball 2026: tickets, schedule, and Amica Mutual Pavilion guide
PC Friars basketball tickets for 2026 are available through the Providence College Box Office, Ticketmaster, and StubHub, ranging from $20-$150 depending on opponent and seating. The team plays at Amica Mutual Pavilion (1 LaSalle Square, Providence) with the 2025-26 Big East schedule typically released in late summer 2025. Season tickets start around $300, with individual game tickets going on sale in early fall.
Rhode Island ghost tours guide 2026
Rhode Island offers several ghost tours throughout 2026, with the most popular being Newport Ghost Tours, Providence Ghost Tours, and seasonal walking tours in historic areas like Benefit Street and Federal Hill. Tours typically run April through November, with peak Halloween season offerings, and cost between $20-$40 per person. The state's 400-year history provides plenty of haunted locations, from Colonial-era graveyards to notorious mansions and waterfront buildings.
WaterFire Providence fall 2026 schedule and guide
WaterFire Providence fall 2026 typically runs on select Saturday evenings from September through November along the downtown Providence rivers. The 2026 schedule will be announced in early spring 2026 on waterfire.org. Full lightings generally occur from sunset until 12:30 AM, featuring nearly 100 bonfires on the Providence, Woonasquatucket, and Moshassuck Rivers. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged to support this award-winning installation.
Holiday markets in Rhode Island 2026: craft fairs, gift markets, and festive events
Rhode Island's 2026 holiday markets run from late November through December, featuring festive shopping at the Wintertime Farmers Markets in Providence and Pawtucket, seasonal craft fairs at the Rhode Island Convention Center, artisan markets at historic mansions in Newport, and community events throughout the state. Most markets operate weekends with free admission, though some juried craft fairs charge $5-10 entry fees. Vendors offer handmade gifts, local foods, and unique Rhode Island products.
Surfing in Narragansett RI: best spots, conditions, and lessons
Narragansett is New England''s best-known surf town. Narragansett Town Beach is the main break and the best place to learn, with Point Judith and Ruggles in Newport offering more advanced waves. Fall is the best season thanks to hurricane swells and warm water. You need a wetsuit year-round — 3/2mm in summer, 4/3mm or thicker with boots and hood in winter.