Downtown Providence is a great place to explore with children of all ages!
For just $2 per person, the Providence LINK Trolley takes riders from Kennedy Plaza to some of the city’s main attractions including Federal Hill, the East Side, and Roger Williams Park & Zoo. Enjoy the ride, and have fun when you arrive at your destination. Just make sure to take the trolley right back to Kennedy Plaza for plenty of other kid-friendly activities!
Kennedy Plaza is bustling year-round. In the summer, you’ll find a calendar of programs like storytelling hours and farmers’ markets on kidoinfo (a blog about kid-friendly things to do in Rhode Island). Once temperatures start to drop, thousands of people enjoy ice skating in the Bank of America City Center rink from November through March. And of course, in between our two extreme seasons, there’s no better place in the city to enjoy an outdoor picnic with a gorgeous view.
3. Big Nazo Lab
Visitors are always welcome at the Nazo Lab at 25 Fulton Street (at Eddy Street), across from City Hall. Experience the exhibition space and workshop where Providence’s unforgettable larger-than-life sized puppets are actually created.
4. Providence Public Library Children’s Room
The library offers special programs for infants through eight year-olds and their families. Beyond just listening to stories, children learn through interactive play, singing, dance and more. Visit the website often for an up-to-date calendar.
5. Providence Children’s Museum
A few blocks south of the main downtown core in the Jewelry District, you’ll see the large green dragon protecting a building at 100 South Street. Don’t be scared. Once you get past him, you’ll enjoy play-filled exhibits and programs that explore the arts, culture, history and science. Check out the museum’s new play spaces and self-guided Discovery Studio!
6. RISD Museum
You can drop in unannounced for a variety of activities, like the Family See + Sketch or the Family Film Series, or reserve a spot for the interactive Tours for Tots, aimed at children ages 5 and younger. As your kids grow, you’ll want to keep coming back to experience the museum in new ways.
7. IMAX Theater
What could be more fun than taking the kids to Providence Place for IMAX movies and dinner? Check the website for a schedule.