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3-Day Rhode Island Itinerary with Kids: Beaches, Ice Cream, and Coastal Adventures
See the sights of Rhode Island on a 3-day family getaway in New England.
10/17/25
- By N Ferreira
The "cottages" on the shores of Newport are a must-see on a 3-day family visit to Rhode Island.
The natural sights of Narragansett are ideal for a visit on a 3-day Rhode Island getaway!Photo by Anarnold via Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0
Julian's Providence
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Harry's Bar & Burger
Providence Children's Museum
Providence Coal Fired Pizza
Corner Cafe Newport
The Breakers
Brenton Point State Park
Flo's Clam Shack
Newport Lobster Shack
Save the Bay's Hamilton Family Aquarium
Brick Alley Pub
Newport Creamery
Crazy Burger Cafe & Juice Bar
Narragansett Town Beach
Ninigret Park
Matunuck Oyster Bar
So, you’re thinking about a Rhode Island getaway with kids? Excellent choice. The Ocean State may be tiny, but it’s overflowing with family fun — think beach days, seaside strolls, history, and more ice cream shops than anyone could possibly need (but you should absolutely try anyway).
We’re talking about zoo mornings, lobster roll lunches, mansion walks, and ferries that make kids feel like pirates. Here’s how to make the most of 3 perfect days in Rhode Island — from someone who’s done it, melted ice cream cone and all. Be sure to check out the Mommy Poppins Family Fun Travel Guide. And for more great trips in the region, explore our Family Road Trips from Boston: Getaways in New England and Beyond.
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Take off on a fun family adventure to Rhode Island. Photo courtesy of Roger Williams Park Zoo
Rhode Island with Kids Day 1
Providence — Big City Feel, Small Town Ease
Start your trip in Providence, where the energy is lively but never overwhelming. Breakfast at Julian’s on Broadway is a must — it’s funky, full of color, and the pancakes are the size of dinner plates. Parents can grab a strong latte while kids marvel at the murals and mismatched art on the walls.
Once everyone’s fueled up, head to Roger Williams Park Zoo. It’s stroller-friendly, has plenty of habitats, and even offers animal encounters (for an added fee). And the playground here is one of the best in New England — seriously, you could spend half the day just letting the kids run wild.
For lunch, head straight to Harry’s Bar & Burger. It’s casual, quick, and a local favorite for sliders, hot dogs, and milkshakes that make for a happy table all around.
In the afternoon, make your way to the Providence Children’s Museum, where kids can splash, climb, and build to their heart’s content. If it’s nice out, stroll along the Providence Riverwalk afterward — the bridges are perfect for stroller walks, and the street art adds just the right dose of “cool” for older kids. If your trip falls on a WaterFire weekend, stay for the show. Watching bonfires float down the river feels magical, and kids love the drums and lights.
Dinner at Providence Coal Fired Pizza is an easy win. The crust comes out just right, and the menu keeps everyone happy — from the picky eater who only wants cheese to the grown-ups craving something with a little char.
Rhode Island with Kids Day 2
Newport — Mansions, Marine Life, and Ocean Views
Day two is all about the coast. Grab breakfast at Corner Café, a Newport favorite that’s small but mighty. Expect stuffed French toast, big omelets. There’s usually a wait — but trust me, it’s worth it.
After breakfast, hit the Cliff Walk. This is one of those rare touristy spots that totally lives up to the hype. Waves crash below, and fancy Gilded Age mansions line the other side. Start near Easton’s Beach for an easier, stroller-friendly section, and let the kids count sailboats or hunt for shells along the rocks.
Next, make your way to The Breakers, Newport’s most famous mansion. The kids’ audio tour is surprisingly fun — it turns what could be a “no-touch zone” into a bit of an adventure. If that feels too formal, skip it and head to Brenton Point State Park instead. It’s the best place to let kids run wild while parents soak up the ocean view.
The "cottages" on the shores of Newport are a must-see on a 3-day family visit to Rhode Island.
Lunch options are endless, but Flo’s Clam Shack is classic Rhode Island — a little salty, a little sandy, and totally delicious. Or grab food from Newport Lobster Shack and have a picnic at Brenton Point.
In the afternoon, stop by Save the Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium on America's Cup Ave. It’s small and interactive — the touch tanks are a huge hit with kids. If you’re visiting between November and April, check out the Save the Bay Seal Tours — you’ll spot seals lounging on rocks during this short and easy boat ride.
For dinner, Brick Alley Pub is the move. It’s busy in a fun way, with big booths, colorful décor, and a kids’ menu that actually feels thoughtful. Make sure to treat yourself to a well-deserved libation. We recommend Marc’s Cucumber Lemonade! Wrap up the night with dessert at Newport Creamery — order the famous “Awful Awful” milkshake. (It’s “awful big, awful good,” and the kids will definitely repeat that all night.)
If you can, sneak down to King Park Beach for sunset. It’s a favorite local spot with fewer crowds and the prettiest golden light reflecting off the boats in the harbor. The kids will be good and tired, so head back to your hotel and get a good night's sleep because day three is packed with more fun!
Rhode Island with Kids Day 3
South County — Sand, Seafood, and That Classic Beach Day Feel
The natural sights of Narragansett are ideal for a visit on a 3-day Rhode Island getaway!Photo by Anarnold via Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0
On your last day, drive down to Narragansett. Breakfast at Crazy Burger Café & Juice Bar is an experience — half surfer hangout, half breakfast paradise. They’ve got everything from banana pancakes to veggie scrambles, plus smoothies if you’re craving something lighter after the burgers and cocktails from last night.
Afterward, walk right across the street to Narragansett Town Beach. It’s clean, well-kept, and super family-friendly. There are bathrooms, snack stands, and gentle waves that are great for little swimmers. If you head to the sea wall by The Towers, you’ll almost always see surfers out, which keeps the kids entertained between sandcastle sessions.
When hunger hits, drive a few minutes to Aunt Carrie’s. It’s a Rhode Island legend and has been serving clam cakes and chowder for over a century.
Spend your last afternoon relaxing hunting for trolls at Ninigret Park in Charlestown. These giant-sized creations are the work of Danish artist Thomas Dambo and are such a cool addition to the park. There three more trolls in North Kingstown, Richmond, and East Providence.
Wrap up the trip with dinner at Matunuck Oyster Bar, where you can enjoy ocean-to-table oysters while the kids dig into crispy fish and chips. Before heading home, stop at Brickley’s Ice Cream in Wakefield. It’s a local favorite — homemade, simple, and the perfect sweet ending to your Rhode Island escape.
Rhode Island with Kids
Day 4 (Optional): Family Fun on Block Island
If everyone’s up for one more adventure, hop on the ferry and make your way to Block Island. The ferry from Point Judith takes just over an hour, and the boat ride itself feels like part of the vacation (bonus: kids love spotting seagulls and watching the waves).
Once you arrive, rent bikes or mopeds to explore the island at your own pace. Stop by The Oar for a casual lunch overlooking the harbor — they have a big lawn for kids to run around on while parents enjoy a well-earned lobster roll or frozen mudslide. After lunch, hit Mohegan Bluffs for a bit of adventure (and a great view). It’s 141 steps down to the beach, but the climb is doable with kids who love a challenge.
If 141 steps is 140 too many, we recommend Fred Benson Town Beach with plenty of tidepools to explore, restrooms, lifeguards, and calmer waves. Before calling it a day, grab an ice cream cone from Aldo’s Bakery, then catch the late afternoon ferry back to the mainland.
3-Day Rhode Island Itinerary: Local Parent Tips
- Best time to go: June through September for beaches, but May and early fall mean fewer crowds and lower prices.
- Parking: Download the apps ahead of time — Narragansett’s parking system can be quirky.
- Rainy day idea: If weather turns, head to Biomes Marine Biology Center in North Kingstown — it’s small, local, and great for young kids.
- Snack secret: Keep an eye out for Del’s Lemonade stands — they pop up everywhere, and yes, you’ll want one every day.
Places featured in this article:
Julian's Providence
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Harry's Bar & Burger
Providence Children's Museum
Providence Coal Fired Pizza
Corner Cafe Newport
The Breakers
Brenton Point State Park
Flo's Clam Shack
Newport Lobster Shack
Save the Bay's Hamilton Family Aquarium
Brick Alley Pub
Newport Creamery
Crazy Burger Cafe & Juice Bar
Narragansett Town Beach
Ninigret Park
Matunuck Oyster Bar
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