Kidoinfo is going on vacation until the New Year. But I have left a list of family-fun events to do in the Rhode Island area while I’m gone. Most of the events on this list are FREE or free with membership. Area libraries are running some fabulous special events. And many libraries have passes you can check out that allow free or discounted admission to places like the Mystic Aquarium and Boston Science Museum.
If you are not a daily Kidoinfo reader, you may have missed some book recommendations or craft projects. Browse past stories for additional suggestions to get you through the holiday break. Send us your own creative ideas, projects, parenting tips, New Year’s resolutions, or daytrips. We would love to hear from you!
2007 DECEMBER VACATION EVENTS (also check our Winter Guide or Weekend Picks)
Wednesday, December 26
– Toe Jam Puppet Band
Shows at 1 pm & 2 pm. Back by popular demand! Don’t miss this popular, hilarious performance filled with songs, stories, and music. Kids ages 3 to 11 are invited to dress up and join in the fun. Providence Children’s Museum – 100 South Street, Providence, RI. 401-273-5437. Free with membership.
Thursday, December 27
– Sparky’s Puppets: “Stories from Snowy Lands”
10 am. Watch Jack Frost’s magic bring a snowman to life. Find out what happens when a boastful bear goes ice fishing. And visit a hard-working toymaker in her shop on a cold winter’s day. Sparky’s puppets dramatize favorite children’s stories with colorful hand puppets, lively humor and plenty of audience participation. This program is free and open to all ages. Children under age 5 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited to 150 participants. Barrington Public Library – 281 County Road, Barrington, RI. 401-247-1920 Ext. 4.
– Audubon Environmental Education Center (Dec. 27- 29)
10 am – 3 pm. Take a break from the holiday madness and discover nature with your family! Kids can make nature crafts each day from 10 am – 11:30 am, and there will be a nature story reading at 11 am and 3 pm. Audubon Environmental Education Center – 1401 Hope Street (Rte 114), Bristol, RI. 401-245-7500. Free with membership.
– The Hoopoe Show
Shows at 1 pm & 2 pm. English mime Chris Yerlig brings Hoopoe to life using pantomime comedy, magic tricks, and balloon wizardry to create a hilarious show for kids. The audience is encouraged to join Hoopoe on stage and create magic illusions! Providence Children’s Museum-100 South Street, Providence. 401-273-5437. Free with membership.
– Family Afternoon Movie: Underdog
2 pm. Underdog is rated PG and has a 84-minute running time. Children with their families are invited for a free movie and snack! (Kids ages 10 and older may attend without an adult.) Children’s Room –Pawtucket Library – 13 Summer Street, Pawtucket, RI. 401-725-3714 x208. Afterwards, take your kids on a tour of the Providence landmarks used in the film.
Friday, December 28
– Audubon Environmental Education Center (Dec 27, 28 & 29)
See Thursday for details.
– Making Music
10:30 am. Make musical instruments using everyday recycled materials. Then join the jam session to play and see how the instruments sound! Free and open to all ages. Children’s Room – Pawtucket Library – 13 Summer Street, Pawtucket, RI. 401-725-3714 x208.
– The Singing Ringing Tree
Shows at 1 pm & 2 pm. Kids become the actors in this interactive fairy tale performance by Sarah Salerno-Thomas. With beautiful paper mache masks, children become panthers, princes, and pigs as they are encouraged to use their creativity and imagination on stage. Providence Children’s Museum -100 South Street, Providence, RI. 401-273-5437. Free with membership.
Saturday, December 29
– Audubon Environmental Education Center (Dec 27, 28 & 29)
See Thursday for details.
Sunday, December 30
– Knitting for All Ages
1 – 3 pm. Knitting for all ages will take place on Sunday afternoons. Open to all levels of expertise. Please bring your own needles and yarn. Registration is not required. Knitting will take place in the children’s area of the library. Jamestown Philomenian Library – 26 North Road, Jamestown, Rhode Island. (401) 423-7280. Free Event.
Tuesday, January 1
– Visit the Animals
9 am – 4 pm. Roger Williams Park Zoo – 1000 Elmwood Avenue . Providence, RI. 401-785-3510. Free Admission on New Year’s Day.
More free events:
– Pawtucket’s Winter Wonderland – 400 decorated and illuminated Christmas trees. Trees are lit every evening from 4:30 pm to 10 pm through Dec. 31. Twenty Victorian buildings for kids to explore. Special events are planned for December weekends leading up to Christmas, including Frosty the talking snowman, free visits with Santa, photos with Santa, train rides, hay rides, carousel rides, a tented food court serving hot dogs and hot chocolate, and free entertainment. Check website for details. Free admission & parking. Slater Memorial Park – Armistice Blvd/Newport Ave., Pawtucket, RI. 401-726-3185
– Submarine Force Museum – Dedicated to U.S. Submarine Force, hosts the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine. Open daily 9am – 5pm, Tuesdays 1pm – 5pm. Open Christmas and New Year’s Day from 1- 5 pm. Submarine Force Museum – Groton, CT. 1-800-343-0079. Free admission and parking.
Missed some of these events. Got me thinking I should’ve visited this resource.
Glad you able to find what you were looking for. I know there have been many times myself when I lose a flyer or forget what an event is called. Here at KidoInfo we try to have it all in one place. And if you hear of any great events, please let me know. I am happy to share it with our readers.
Thanks, Anisa for such a great website resource. One of the evenings during the holiday week, my husband and I were looking to do something with the kids. I couldn’t remember the website for the “Slater Park winter thingy”, but hoped to find the details on your site, and sure enough, there it was. We took the kids, had a nice family evening, and look forward to connecting with more such events in the future on KidoInfo!