Continuing to live in our state as a tourist this summer, our next destination is Newport, RI! What a wonderful mix of beaches, history, education and fun! Whether you are visiting Rhode Island for the day, weekend or week, add Newport to your “must see” list! Newport is a 20-minute drive from Narragansett, RI.
10 Must See Family Stops in Newport, RI:
- Educational Fun at the Newport Mansions – Newport, RI offers many historical mansion tours. See how the rich and famous lived back in the day. Keep in mind, these were their summer homes! The Breakers is a top pick for families with children, as it gears their tour information with facts and memories from some of the children that vacationed in these homes. Most mansion tours offer a self-guided iPad tour with headphones. Group mansion packages are also an option of you are looking to see mansions from other families or eras. Visit http://www.newportmansions.org for tour information. (Recommended for school-aged children).
- Take a scenic stroll on the Cliff Walk. Walk along the edge of this beautiful shoreline.
- Explore the Rhode Island ocean life! Visit the Save the Bay Exploration Center and have the opportunity to touch sea life from the RI coast. After your visit with the fish, take a ride on the Carousel and cool off with a refreshing Del’s Lemonade (frozen lemonade at it’s finest, only in RI!) Visit http://www.savebay.org/aquarium or http://www.cityofnewport.com/departments/easton-s-beach for more information.
- Relax on various Newport Beaches! My children’s favorite Newport Beach is Gooseberry Beach, where the hermit and sand crabs capture their attention every time!
- Go fly a kite! Take a scenic ride on Ocean Drive toward Brenton Point State Park. Watch in awe as various people fly their kites at this beautiful location on Newport. Bring your own kite to fly or, at times, we have spotted kite vendors on the grass. Enjoy a picnic lunch and watch the waves crash into the rocks.
- Take a boat ride! An economical way to take a boat ride in Newport is to take a Harbor Shuttle, it will take you around the Newport Harbor, and your driver will also point out various famous yachts, ships, and landmarks in the Harbour. The boat also stops at Fort Adams (we have never been on the official tour here yet, but plan to soon!) Visit http://www.newportharborshuttle.com for stops, prices and sights!
- Tailgate at a Polo match! This is on our Summer’s to-do list. Have fun with family and friends while tailgating with a picnic and lawn games at a Newport Polo match. Visit http://www.nptpolo.com for match schedule and prices.
- Take a short drive over the bridge to Jamestown, RI! Visit Beavertail Park for scenic ocean views, nature strolls, a “mini” aquarium of RI sea life, a lighthouse and a Musuem on the history of the lighthouse. Visit http://www.riparks.com/Locations/LocationBeavertail.html for more information. Treat yourself to ice cream at Spinnakers or Island Scoop. Climb aboard a unique playground made with tires… The Jamestown Community Playground will sure be a hit with kids, no matter what age! Visit http://www.jamestownri.gov/town-departments/parks-recreation/parks-and-facilities-/head-s-beach/community-playground for location.
- Visit the oldest lending library in America ! My daughter loves to read and learn about history. We visited the Redwood Library and Athenaeum for an informative tour on this library’s amazing history (Tour recommended for school-aged children). Visit http://www.redwoodlibrary.org for tours and information on a children’s story time that they offer.
10. Indulge in designer cupcakes! Visit Cupcake Charlies near the historic cobble and brick Thames Street for an incredible treat! My favorite is the Hostess Cupcake (just like the original!). Check out http://www.cupcakecharlies.com/ for hours and directions.
Home Sweet Mama Mia 