location: Pawtuxet Village is a section of the towns of Warwick and Cranston, Rhode Island. It is located at the point where the Pawtuxet River flows into the Providence River and Narragansett Bay.
The lovely little town of Pawtuxet Village is a wonderful place to explore. With its beautiful water views, small shops, restaurants and cafes, it has a lot to offer to both residents and visitors alike. For families with children, the village especially comes alive in the warm season. All in a day’s visit you could find yourself playing at the playground, gazing out at the cove, admiring the swans, or taking a walk through the woods. 
A visit to Pawtuxet Village with kids is never complete without spending some time at the beautiful Village Playground on Commercial Street. Just a few short years ago this popular playground went through a full-scale renovation. Adults love it because it is fenced in, clean, and shady; children love it because it has plenty of play structures and space to run around. At the Village Playground there is something for everyone; no child or adult will be disappointed!
Just one block from the playground is the main strip of town. Little Falls, a local café, is a great place to grab a coffee or baked good. Don’t hesitate to stop in with the kids; there is a shelf of donated children’s books specifically for their reading pleasure! If the kids are in the mood for an extra special treat, Dear Hearts ice cream shop is located just down the street overlooking the river.
After enjoying a dessert, it’s nice to relax in the peaceful Pawtuxet Park located next to Pawtuxet Cove. This park provides a wonderful setting for a picnic. In the center of the park stands a lovely gazebo along with two stone chess tables, and a small, sandy play area equipped with a slide and swings. The kids will love admiring all the waterfowl that visit the cove; there are always ducks, geese, and swans galore! In the spring and summer, you may even catch an outdoor concert, theatre performance, or festival, such as the Gaspee Days Arts and Craft Festival held in May.
Those who enjoy the outdoors may find themselves at the opposite end of town behind the famous banquet hall, Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, for a refreshing stroll through the woods. Here you can follow the Pawtuxet River Trail for an easy one-mile hike. Nature abounds with trees, wild berry bushes, small streams and wildlife. Two baseball fields at the edge of the woods provide a great spot for ball playing, watching a game, or just some good old fashion running around.
Every Saturday, from May to November, Pawtuxet village also boasts its own outdoor farmer’s market. It is located along the quiet road down to Rhodes on the Pawtuxet and a visit makes for a nice family outing. Friendly farmers and proprietors offer up their local produce, delicious baked goods, sweet honey, homemade breads, and more. Throughout the season, various family friendly events such as hayrides and costume swaps are hosted at the market by the wonderful Friends of Pawtuxet Village, a volunteer run organization. They have a great website where you can find all the information and dates about upcoming events. Check it out! (http://www.friendsofpawtuxetvillage.org/).
The friendly residents, beautiful scenery, and exciting events make Pawtuxet Village the perfect place for a weekend day trip. Bring the whole family and you are sure to have a fun time!
