Things To Do
Beaches, events, outdoor activities, and attractions across Rhode Island.
83 articles
Best bike trails in Rhode Island 2026
Rhode Island offers over 400 miles of bike trails in 2026, with the East Bay Bike Path (14.5 miles from Providence to Bristol) and Blackstone River Bikeway (18 miles when complete) ranking as the state's most popular multi-use paths. The Washington Secondary Trail provides 19 miles of inland riding from Cranston to Coventry, while the William C. O'Neill Bike Path (South County Bike Path) spans 8 miles through South Kingstown. These paved, mostly flat trails accommodate cyclists of all skill levels and connect dozens of Rhode Island communities.
URI Rams sports guide: tickets, schedule, and game day tips
The URI Rams compete in NCAA Division I, with men''s basketball at the Ryan Center and football at Meade Stadium on the Kingston campus. Basketball is the marquee program, playing in the Atlantic 10 conference. Tickets are generally affordable, parking on campus is straightforward, and games against Providence College and other A-10 rivals draw the biggest crowds.
Winter activities in Rhode Island: ice skating, sledding, and things to do
Rhode Island offers excellent winter activities including outdoor ice skating at Alex and Ani City Center in Providence and the Providence Rink at Kennedy Plaza, sledding at Neutaconkanut Hill Park and Blackstone Park, and indoor attractions like WaterFire Arts Center. Most outdoor rinks operate December through February with admission around $5-8, while sledding hills are free. Indoor alternatives include The Rink at the International Skating Center and various museums for cold-weather days.
Skiing near Providence RI: closest ski resorts within 2 hours
Yawgoo Valley in Exeter is the only ski area in Rhode Island, about 30 minutes from Providence, and it is small but perfect for learning. For real skiing, Wachusett Mountain in Massachusetts is about 75 minutes, Blue Hills is closer but tiny, and southern Vermont and New Hampshire resorts are two and a half to three hours away.
Labor Day Weekend in Rhode Island: Events, Beaches, and End-of-Summer Guide
Labor Day weekend is Rhode Island's last big beach weekend, and it's busy — state beach lots at Scarborough, Misquamicut, and Narragansett fill by mid-morning on sunny days. The upside: water temperatures peak in late summer, making early September the best swimming of the year, and crowds thin dramatically the week after. Book restaurants ahead and expect heavy Route 1 and I-95 traffic Friday afternoon and Monday evening.
Best sunset spots in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers exceptional sunset viewing locations along its 400 miles of coastline and inland waters. The top spots include Beavertail State Park in Jamestown for dramatic ocean views, Castle Hill Inn in Newport for sophisticated seaside sunsets, Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island for clifftop vistas, and Scarborough State Beach in Narragansett for classic beach sunsets. Each location offers unique perspectives, with prime viewing times varying by season from approximately 4:30 PM in winter to 8:15 PM in summer.
Best swimming holes in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers several excellent swimming holes, with top options including Stepstone Falls in West Greenwich, Queen's River in Exeter, Tarbox Pond in Burrillville, and the Chipuxet River in South Kingstown. These natural swimming spots provide relief from summer heat and are typically free or low-cost alternatives to crowded beaches. Most swimming holes are best visited during June through September when water levels are ideal and temperatures are warmest.
Best Dog Parks in Rhode Island: Off-Leash Areas and Rules
Rhode Island's best off-leash dog parks include the Gano Street dog run in Providence, the Warwick City Park dog park, the Portsmouth Dog Park on Braman's Lane, and fenced runs in South Kingstown and East Providence. Most are free, open dawn to dusk, and require dogs to be licensed and vaccinated. Outside designated dog parks, leash rules apply in nearly every RI city and town.
Best farmers markets in Rhode Island 2026
Rhode Island hosts over 50 farmers markets from May through October, with the Hope Street Farmers Market in Providence, Aquidneck Growers Market in Middletown, and Pawtuxet Village Farmers Market in Cranston consistently ranking among the best for variety, local vendors, and community atmosphere. Most markets operate Saturday or Sunday mornings during peak season (June-October), with select winter markets including the Rhode Island Winter Farmers Market at Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket running year-round on Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Best escape rooms in Providence 2026
Providence offers several top-tier escape room venues in 2026, with Trap Door Escape Room on Westminster Street leading the pack with themed rooms like "The Speakeasy" and "The Heist." Other popular options include Riddle Room Rhode Island in the Jewelry District and Break Out Games in nearby East Providence. Prices typically range from $28-35 per person, with most experiences lasting 60 minutes and requiring advance reservations, especially on weekends.
Providence Performing Arts Center guide: shows, tickets, and parking
Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), located at 220 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence, is Rhode Island's premier Broadway theater hosting touring productions, concerts, and comedy shows. Tickets range from $35-$150+ depending on the show and seating. The venue offers 3,100 seats across orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony levels. Parking is available at nearby garages including the Providence Place Mall garage ($8-$15) and on-street metered spots.
Apple picking in Rhode Island 2026: best farms and pick-your-own orchards
Rhode Island's apple picking season runs from late August through October 2026, with over a dozen pick-your-own orchards across the state. Top farms include Barden Family Orchard in North Scituate, Jaswell's Farm in Smithfield, and Appleland Orchard in Greenville. Most charge $20-$35 per half-peck bag, and many offer additional fall activities. Call ahead to confirm apple availability, as popular varieties sell out quickly during peak September weekends.