Summer weekends are stretching out before us, and before we know it all the kidos will be on vacation. Here are four of my favorite ways to have a local adventure with the family… for about $10 (or less!).
Rhode Island’s carousels
There are many lovely carousels, most of them historic, located around the state. Plan to visit all this summer…. see if you can visit all the major ones before Labor Day. Where: Providence, East Providence, Watch Hill, Pawtucket, and Newport (as well as nearby Fall River, MA, Attleboro, MA).
COST: $1 — $2 per ride. Get details here: Carousels around Rhode Island.
WaterFire
It’s a bit different every single time, it never gets old for kids of all ages and best of all, it’s free. Fires are always lit at sunset, and for older kids, things wind down close to midnight (which is a quieter, magical time). WaterFire,Where: Along the river, Downtown Providence, COST: FREE
Summer Reading Program
Rhode Island’s Summer Reading Program varies in specifics from library to library but in general incentives are provided to encourage children to read a book each week such as weekly raffles, free admission passes to 13 places like the Roger Williams Park Zoo and the Providence Children’s Museum for each book read, and prizes and a party at the end. There will be approximately 240 performances this year by storytellers, entertainers and educators, along with crafts, activity sheets, and many special theme-related events to encourage continued participation throughout the summer.
COST: FREE. Some of the performances may require pre-registration but these events are usually fabulous, free and open to the public. Check library for details. Get more details here: Summer Reading Program.
Polo (yes, polo)
It may be the sport of kings, but here in Rhode Island, kids go for FREE. The Newport International Polo Series, takes place every Saturday throughout the summer and early fall, at 5:00 pm in June, July, August and at 4:00 pm in September. The matches are open to the public, and take place on the polo grounds of historic Glen Farm in Portsmouth, on the outskirts of Newport. Tickets are available at the gate on the day of the match. Tailgate picnics are welcome with field-side general admission for lawn seating or grandstand seating.
COST: $12/adult and kids up to the age of 15 are free. Get details here: The Newport International Polo Series.
