Indoor Play in Rhode Island and Beyond

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January 22, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Play in Rhode Island and Southeastern MA is here! We have searched high and low to find all of the local spots to play regardless of the weather, and complied them into one huge guide to make it easier for YOU to get the kids out of the house and get them playing! For more ideas check out our Rhode Island Family Rainy Day Guide, head out to a local library, or, for budget friendly options check out one of these 27 local places you can get in free!

Food & Fun

Sports & Games

Arts & Science Fun

Riddle Rooms

Trampoline Parks and Bounce Houses

Play Centers & Open Gyms

Food & Fun

Chuck E. Cheese’s:
650 Bald Hill Rd. Warwick, RI
287 Washington St. South Attleboro, MA

McDonald’s:
721 Taunton Ave. East Providence, RI
531 Pleasant St. Attleboro, MA
444 Washington St. Attleboro, MA
876 Bald Hill Rd. Warwick, RI

Chick-fil-a
1100 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, MA
252 Washington St, South Attleboro, MA
1500 Bald Hill Rd, Warwick, RI
9 Taunton St, Plainville, RI

Dave & Busters
40 Providence Pl, Providence, RI

Knead Doughnuts: 135 Elmgrove Ave, Providence, RI
The east side location features a pretend doughnut shop play area to keep the kids occupied while you sip coffee with a friend. And the doughnuts are killer too, of course.

Breaktime Bowl & Bar, Pawtucket, RI
The only place on this list that is for grown ups only (because we deserve to play too!). Located in Hope Artiste Village, this upscale pub is home to the oldest continually running duckpin bowling alley in New England and serves grub that is leagues beyond your typical bowling alley fair. The perfect low-key date night. 21+

Sports & Games

Monster Mini Golf Seekonk, MA
It’s Halloween at year at this glow-in-the-dark mini golf spot.

Rock Spot Climbing, Multiple RI Locations
All ages rock climbing. (Yes, they even have toddler classes!)

United Skates of America, East Providence, RI
Roller skating is a great indoor activity for the whole family. They even offer training skate rentals for the youngest skaters in your life.

Battleground Z, Lincoln, RI
Battleground Z offers a full range of indoor play and sporting actives including things like dodgeball, archery tag, (foam) dart wars, laser wars and more. Something for every age range ages 3 and up.

New England Sports Village, Attleboro, MA
A large indoor ice rink with public skating hours throughout the week.

Fantasy Land, Seekonk, MA
This family arcade is basically an indoor amusement park with seven full sized rides for kidsto enjoy. (Kids must be 36 inches tall to ride so break out the growth chart before you go.)

Snapdraggon Baseball, Exeter, RI
Use those cold and rainy days to work on your swing. Batting cage rentals are available for 60 minute or 30 minuet slots. Book online before you go.

Ryan Amusements, Newport, RI
This Newport game room has over 50 games, on two floors for kids of all ages.

Ace Archers, Foxboro, MA
Kids and adults can embrace their inner Robin Hood at this indoor archery range. Ages 8+

Cranston Veterans Memorial Ice Rink, Cranston, RI
When it’s a little too wintery outsides this indoor rink is the perfect place to hit the ice.

Laid Back Fitness, Warwick, RI
This indoor Ninja Warrior style gym has operate open gym hours throughout the week for kids ages 4-10 and for kids ages 11+.

Lazer Gate, Swansea, MA
This place has everything. Laser tag, indoor black lit mini golf, bumper cars and seven indoor bounce houses.

Duckpin Bowling, Various locations
The small ball size makes duckpin bowling perfect for the younger crowd. A couple places to get you started are Town Hall Lanes in Johnston and Dudek Bowling in Warren.

Arts & Science

Thank you to the Children’s Museum for Sponsoring the Arts & Science Section of our Guide to Indoor Play. We love our membership to the Providence Children’s Museum because the kids find something new they love every time they go & we know they are learning valuable skills.

Fab-You-Us Family Fun Center, North Providence, RI
Drop in music, dance, arts, crafts and movement classes for kids and adults with both drop off and stay and play options.

Museum of Natural History & Planetarium at Roger Williams Park, Providence, RI
In-house scavenger hunt and hands on exhibits will gets keep your kids engaged while they learn. =

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Part natural history museum, part aquarium this educational center has hands on exhibits for kids of all ages and a designated play area for kids under 6 stocked with books, puzzles, nature toys and lots more.

Biomes Marine Biology Center: “New England’s most hands on Aquarium” will hold the attention of the whole family and there is a gated marine life themed play area for kids ages six and under.

Paint Your Own Ceramics, Various Locations

Channel that rainy day energy into a work art at one of these studios:

Pea Poddery, Cumberland, RI

Weird Girl Creations Pottery Studio Barrington, RI

Create! Color Art Studio, Naragansett, RI

The mission of Providence Children’s Museum is to inspire and celebrate learning through active play and exploration. The Museum welcomes children and adults of all backgrounds and from all communities by:
-Presenting hands-on, play-based exhibits and programs that explore arts, culture and science, technology, engineering and math.
-Fostering children’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.
-Embracing a wide range of abilities, learning styles and forms of creative expression.
-Creating safe and welcoming environments in which visitors and staff share with and learn from one another.
-Being accessible and responsive to all families – culturally, physically and economically.
-Working in partnership with other organizations to meet the needs of children and families.
-Increasing awareness and knowledge of the ways in which children and families learn.

Riddle Rooms

Great Escape, Providence, RI
The in room game master provides personalized guidance and clues if you need it. This Riddle Room is 12+

Escape RI, Providence, RI
Four escape rooms for 2-6 players. 10+

Lock & Clue Escape Room, Pawtucket, RI
The only local escape room with an experience especially designed for kids! The “Zany Zoo” is “especially made for younger escape enthusiasts in training aged 7-11.” All rooms are private rooms. 7+

RI Riddle Room
Kids as young as seven may participate, but the game themes may be too mature for many young kids. 7+

All in Adventures Emerald Square Mall, North Attleboro, MA
Nine rooms of various difficulty levels and maturity levels. All ages welcome.

Trampoline Parks & Bounce Houses
Trampoline Parks:

Skyzone, East Providence, RI
Altitude Tampoline Park, North Attleboro, MA
Launch Trampoline Park, Warwick, RI
Aero Trampoline Park, Woonsocket, RI
Fun City Trampoline Park, Seekonk, MA

Bounce Houses:

Bounce U, Warwick, RI

Forekicks, Taunton, MA

Play Centers & Open Gyms

Renaissance Gym: East Providence, RI
Open gym hours all week long for walking children under the age of 5.

Providence Children’s Museum: Providence, RI
Burn some energy while you learn through play. Featuring something for kids fo all ages. There is even a Littlewoods section that is designated for kids under the age of four.

The Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River: Fall River, MA
This place is loaded with fun activities from climbing, to legos. Even the hallways are lined with things to do and explore.

Bellani Maternity, Warwick, RI
In addition to the variety of classes Bellani offers for the preschool and younger crowd, they also have open gym hours several times a week for active kiddos ages six months to three years

Wiggle Kids, Swansea Mall, MA
Inclusive fitness classes for all ages & abilities. All classes are on a drop in basis, pay one price and take as many class you want that day!

We’d love to hear about your favorite place for Indoor Play in Rhode Island! Comment if we missed a spot!

Best Sledding in Rhode Island

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Rhode Island Moms

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January 22, 2024

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With snow on the horizon it’s time to talk sledding! There is nothing more quintessentially winter than sledding. Dust off your snow pants and check out one of these local favorite spots for Sledding in Rhode Island.

Please use common sense by choosing an area free of trees and other obstacles to keep everyone safe with you enjoy your snow day. For more info on sledding safely, check out these tips from Kids Health.

Colt State Park, Route 114, Bristol

Colt State Park is right on the water, so be prepared for cold. But there is plenty of parking, gazebos for cover & ample options.

Chase Farm, 669 Great Rd., Lincoln

Diamond Hill Park, 4300 Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland

Diamond Hill used to be a small ski resort, so the sledding is top-notch with some trails that are several miles long. Pack a thermos and snacks, the kids won’t want to leave!

India Point Park, 201 India St, Providence

Bundle up, it will be cold by the water, but the sledding is great and it’s just a short trip into Providence to grab some Hot Cocoa to warm up!

Roger Williams Park, 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence

There are hills galore of various sizes at Roger Williams Park. Bonus! If the kids get too cold you can head over to the Botanical Center or the Rainforest Exhibit at the Zoo to warm up.

Fort Adams State Park, 80 Fort Adams Dr, Newport

Fort Adams is great to visit anytime of the year, but covered in snow it’s even more beautiful. With lots of parking, plenty of history, and close proximity to lots of great Newport lunch options this would make a great family excursion the day after a storm.

Johnston War Memorial Park, 1583 Hartford Ave, Johnston

Great hills behind the softball fields and easy parking!

RI Country Club, Barrington, 150 Nayatt Rd, Barrington

The Country club is a great choice for older kids who want big hills, but there are also some great smaller hills for the younger set.

Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy, Legion Memorial Dr, Providence

This popular sledding spot is a great place for hiking & they even offer guided hikes in the winter. Follow them on Facebook for details.

Capron Park & Zoo, 201 County St, Attleboro, MA

Just over the border in Attleboro, Capron Park Zoo has some great sledding spots, ample parking & popcorn in the Zoo’s gift shop!

Ice Skating in Rhode Island

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Rhode Island Moms

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January 22, 2024

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Maybe it’s all the Hallmark Movies we’ve watched over the years, but ice skating just screams “Winter Wonderland” to us. Here are our favorite places to go ice skating in Rhode Island! Make sure you hit up one of our local favorite spots for hot cocoa after. Be sure to wear long socks, warm clothes, and pack any safety gear that might help your kiddo to feel more confident on the ice!

The Providence Rink | The Providence Rink 2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI

Gurney’s Newport Skating Center (outdoor, waterfront winter skating rink in Newport RI) 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport, RI

Winter Skate at Patriot Place, 2 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA

Ocean Community YMCA Washington Trust Ice Rink, 61 Main St, Westerly, RI

For those of you who prefer to go ice skating in Rhode Island indoors, here are a few rinks that offer public skating year round!

Smithfield Municipal Ice Rink

Levy Rink

Boss Ice Arena

New England Sports Village (Attleboro, MA)

RI Sports Center

Cranston Veterans Memorial Ice Rink

Pirelli Veterans Arena (Franklin, MA)

Did we miss your favorite spot to go ice skating in Rhode Island? Let us know in the comments below and our team will be sure to add it!

Rhode Island’s Best Hot Cocoa

By

Rhode Island Moms

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January 22, 2024

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There is absolutely no better way to warm up after a long day of sledding or ice skating, and it’s a perfect way to spend some special one on one time with your kids. We can guarantee an afternoon at one of these places will turn around the gloomiest of Rhode Island winter days. Don’t see your favorite cuppa on our list? Let us know what we’re missing! Here are a few of Rhode Island’s Best Hot Cocoa spots:

The Shop | Fox Point: 460 Wickenden St, Providence, RI

Wildflour Vegan Bakery: 727 East Ave, Pawtucket, RI

Bolt Coffee Company at The Dean Hotel: 122 Fountain Street, Providence, RI

Dave’s Coffee: 5193 Old Post Rd. Charlestown, RI

Getting out of the house not in the cards? We love this homemade hot cocoa recipe from Smitten Kitchen

1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (8 grams) cornstarch
3 ounces (85 grams) semi- or bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
1/2 cup (40 grams) cocoa powder, any kind you like
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract or the seeds from a tiny segment of fresh vanilla bean
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt or 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until powdery, or chop/grate the chocolate as much as possible and add to the rest of the ingredients. To use, heat one cup of milk in a pan until steamy and add three tablespoons of mix. Whisk until mix is dissolved and hot cocoa begins to simmer. Store leftover mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 months.

5 Great Kids Podcasts

By

Tracy Slater

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January 22, 2024

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5 Great Podcasts to Enjoy with Your Kids

When things start to get out of control at my house the combination of fine motor activity + podcast has been a salve that has worked very regularly. I plop all three kids (ages 8, 5 & 3) down at the table with play-doh, legos, a sensory bin, crayons, whatever. I’d throw on one of our favorite 5 great kids podcasts and they would easily play well, for at least an hour! To be honest, I usually ended the activity before they were tired of it.

These five great kids podcasts tried and true podcasts are the perfect thing to keep my kids busy and learning anytime when things at home start to get a little crazy.

Eat Your Spanish
Short family-friendly episodes that combine music, stories, and interactive content, we discovered Eat Your Spanish due to my guilt over completely neglecting the kid’s Spanish Education. (Their school Spanish starts in first grade.) Even my three-year-old has been singing along with the songs. “It teaches you Spanish really well and it’s also REALLY fun to do because you get to listen to songs and play games with the words.”-My 8 year old

Brains On
My science-loving 2nd grader can’t get enough of this podcast, but the content is engaging and well presented enough that most kids would be drawn in. “It teaches you about science and different things.” – My 5 Year Old

Smash Boom Best
This has long been my family’s favorite car trip podcast for a while. Smash Boom Best is a debate show that faces off two fun things (chocolate vs. cheese, unicorns vs. dragons) against each other. Over the course of three rounds, two debaters make their case for their side and after each round, a kid-judge awards a point. There are sound effects, and all the while kids are learning some interesting things about the topics presented. It encourages great conversation, when we listen to it we pause the show in between each “round” and talk about which debater we each think won and why.

Story Pirates
This one is more fun than educational, but the kids love it. Story Pirates take stories written by kids and turn them into songs and sketch comedy shows. It is a riot, and their lineup of special guests (Kristen Bell, Billy Eichner, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Dax Shepard, Bowen Yang, Paul Scheer, Claire Danes, John Oliver, David Schwimmer, and Lake Bell) is impressive.

Smash Boom Best

This is a debate style podcast from the same makers of Brains On. In their words, “Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best.” Batman vs Spiderman, Narwhals vs Jellyfish, Pancakes vs waffles..you get the idea and you can probably see how this could lead to a friendly (but fiery!) family debate of your own. Especially that last one. I mean, who likes pancakes better than waffles? Right?

What kids podcasts does your family enjoy together? Let me know in the comments!

Best Kid Friendly Libraries in Rhode Island

By

Niki Robinson

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January 22, 2024

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The Ocean State is home to an awesome network of local libraries, offering a huge range of activities for kids and families to do together. Even better, any Rhode Island library cardholder can visit any library in the state to take advantage of their awesome free programs! (Did you know you can check out a book in Coventry and return it in Cumberland?) We polled our contributors and readers and compiled this list of the best kid-friendly libraries in Rhode Island. Let us know your favorite library and why! Is yours on our list?

Weaver Library: This branch of the East Providence Library is especially great for the five and under crowd. A soft play area with large foam blocks for kids under three to climb on and explore is perfect for when you just need your little one to burn off some energy. They also have a separate room with all kinds of toys from puppets to blocks and puzzles. Top it off with friendly and helpful staff and you’ve got yourself a winning combination.

Cumberland Public Library: Housed in a former monastery, Cumberland’s library grounds are both extensive and beautiful with walking trails and a playground!

North Providence Union Free Public Library: This children’s area has a fully loaded toy room, coloring pages, touch screen computers, and a sweet bunch of librarians that will learn your kid’s name. Not only that, but storytime, lego club, and other kids’ activities take place in their own separate rooms off of the main children’s area. Oh, and it’s a Pokéstop….if you’re into that sort of thing.

North Smithfield Public Library: This library is located in historic Statesville and built on the edge of Centennial Park, which has walking trails leading right to the library. They host tons of events for kids and even incorporate the outdoor grounds into some activities like StoryWalk and FairyWalk.

Louttit District Library: Quietly tucked away in West Greenwich, this small library will keep your kids engaged for hours with its collection of toys and games, and when the weather is nice the fenced-in playground out back is the perfect place to sit back and watch your kiddos burn off some energy!

Barrington Public Library: The best part of this library is the huge, fenced-in playground with two sides, one geared towards the little kids, and one for the bigger guys. After you get your wiggles out, head inside to browse their enormous Kids’ Room. In addition to many wonderful family programs, it boasts a huge selection of books and movies, and toys.

Clark Memorial Library: This beautiful library has lots of natural light and programs for the whole family.

Tiverton Public Library: Drop-in playtimes and events like ‘Popcorn Day’ and ‘Build-it Day’ make this library a favorite among our readers! The main branch also has a playground and skatepark next door!

West Warwick Public Library:Story times, playgroups, sensory-friendly events, and a weekly fresh food market can all be found at this favorite library!

Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library: Located in Harrisville, this library is huge and has something for everybody. Their children’s department is wonderful with toys for various ages and stellar programs. (They offer extensive programming for teens too!)

Harmony: The friendly staff alone makes Harmony worth the drive. They always have crafts out and available, and a playground outback. Check out their website to register for upcoming programs.

Rochambeau Library: This branch of the Providence Community Library is located on the East Side, and has storytimes for all ages! Check out their Toddler Zumba to get your kids moving while still staying indoors.

Exeter Public Library: This is another small library with a great playground outback. They offer a variety of story-times and kid’s programs, including sensory-friendly storytime.

Coventry Public Library: “Coventry Public Library should also be on this list! Great book selection, lots of creative play toys available, and a small outdoor (fenced-in) playground. Plus, the children’s librarians are super helpful and friendly!!” Thanks to our reader Stephanie for letting us know!

Warwick Public Library: Arts and crafts, multiple play areas, tablets, and computers make the main Warwick library a great place to visit anytime. The Pontiac branch is smaller, but with a playground nearby!

Table and chairs at Warwick Public Library Kids Room — Warwick Public Library

The Providence Atheneum: This is the only library on our list that isn’t part of the public library system, but if you’re a book lover it’s worth taking a trip for the historic value alone. (Did you know it’s the fourth oldest library in the country? Or that H.P. Lovecraft used to frequent it himself? ) While you can’t check out books without a paid membership, The Atheneum offers weekly story-time, free craft supplies, and other activities that are free and open to the public. Pro Tip: On the East Side of Providence parking can be scarce. Plan to walk a couple of blocks to check out this historic beauty.

Did we miss any of the best kid-friendly libraries in Rhode Island? Let us know in the comments!

Water Safety: 7 Guidelines for Parents

By

Amelia Sugerman

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January 22, 2024

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drowning water safety Providence Moms Blog

Warning: This post will scare you. It is actually my intent, but it’s for your own good.

Did you know that it only takes two inches of water for a baby to drown? It’s a startling statistic and one that doesn’t even seem possible. Unfortunately, it’s true. People drown when excess water gets into their lungs. When that happens, the lungs can’t put oxygen in the blood. Then, too little oxygen gets to the brain and the rest of the body.

Drowning is the second most common cause of death from injuries among kids under the age of 14. There I go, scaring you again; it’s my intent.

When the summer weather hits, everyone wants to be in or around the water. As a pool owner, we take our responsibilities very seriously. Our pool is gated with a lock and key even though it is above ground and we are not required to do so by law in the city we reside in. We’re very upfront and honest with friends (and their children) about the rules of the pool: no one goes on the deck without an adult, no running on deck, and no diving.

But it just takes a second: a simple phone call, the doorbell, the chicken wings burning on the grill, and tragedy can strike.

How should you make it a priority?

Swim in designated areas with a lifeguard in a public pool/beach setting
Start children in swimming lessons at a young age (even if it’s just to acclimate to the water)
Set rules based on a child’s age and abilities
Never leave a child unattended (regardless of age) in the pool, even if you think an older child is self sufficient and can watch – they can’t!
Keep toys out of pool when not in use so it doesn’t attract young children to water
Always keep the pool gate locked, even if it can be a pain when hosting
If a child is missing, check the water immediately!

Giving children the tools to learn to swim is a valuable investment and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It may be the difference between life and death down the road.

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Our Favorite Outdoor Activities for a Rhode Island Winter

By

Rhode Island Moms

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January 22, 2024

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Stir-crazy? Cabin Fever? It may be cold outside, but there are still so many great local outdoor activities in Rhode Island to try! Don’t let the cold keep you from enjoying some of the best things about winter in RI!

Maple Sugaring

Maple Sugaring is truly a New England pastime and you don’t have to drive to Vermont or New Hampshire to participate. Once you’ve got your local syrup, try your hand at a little Sugar on Snow, another old New England tradition!

Spring Hill Sugarhouse, 522 Gardner Rd, Richmond

Coggeshall Farm Museum, 1 Colt Drive, Bristol, RI

Chepachet Farms & Sugar House, 226 Tourtellot Hill Rd, Chepachet

Woodville Maples, 217 Wood Street, Hopkinton, MA

Go Sledding

Try Snowshoeing Or take advantage of one of the many other winter classes offered by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. Audubon Society of Rhode Island | Connecting People with Nature

Take a Winter Hike You don’t have to be a wilderness master to enjoy a walk through the snowy woods. Winer is a great time to have fun learning about animal tracks. There are plenty of resources online or grab a guide and hit the trails. If you don’t already have a favorite hiking spot, check out RI Families in Nature, The Audubon Society of Rhode Island for ideas, or jump in on a “Park Rx” Family Hike. Other favorite hiking spots include Lincoln Woods State Park, (2 Manchester Print Works Rd, Lincoln) and Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy, Legion Memorial Dr, Providence

Take a Seal Watching Tour Did you know the seal is the Rhode Island state mammal? Learn all about them and try to spot some in the wild on a Save the Bay Seal Watching Tour in Newport. They offer a variety to choose from November- April.

Visit Yawgoo Valley Rhode Island’s only location for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. Group and private lessons available for everyone ages 3 & up. Prices & hours vary.

Ride Bumper Cars on Ice The Providence Rink is one of the only place in the state where you can try driving bumper cars on ice and young kids can share a car with a parent! Hours alternate between bumper cars and ice skating so be sure to check their website for hours and ticket availability before you head downtown. (Ticket Price: $12 for 20 min)

Visit the Cape We know when you hear “Cape’ you think summer, but winter is the perfect time to snag a deal with that off-season pricing. Take the whole family on vaca or sneak off for a romantic kid-free weekend.

A Family Guide to Winter Activities in Rhode Island

By

Rhode Island Moms

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January 15, 2024

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Rhode Island State House in snow

Let’s face it, winter sometimes feels like the longest of seasons. But if you look for it, there’s as much charm in a Rhode Island winter as there is in the summer (well, *close* to as much). With the help of local moms, we’ve pulled together all the winter activities you need to know about to make this winter a memorable one for you and your family!

Did we miss your favorite local spot or Rhode Island winter activity? Let us know in the comments!

Do you have an event local families will want to know about? Add it here.

Outdoor Adventures

Ice Skating

Beautiful winter forest landscape, trees covered with snow

Happy boy with red hat, skating during the day, having fun

Hot Cocoa

Sledding

Hot chocolate drink with marshmallow in a cup on wooden board with cinnamon and star anise, top view.

Festivals and Favorites

We’d love to hear about your favorite Rhode Island Winter Activities! Comment if we missed a spot!

Mom’s Must-Haves for Cold and Flu Season with Kids

By

Jessica Johnson

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January 3, 2024

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I love everything about this season. Well, almost everything. Sharing food, laughter, and time with loved ones makes this season such a joyous time of year. One thing I could do without sharing, though, is the germs. Having a young family during this season is hard because inevitably, we all will get sick. Despite our best efforts, there’s no way to avoid it altogether. The key is to be prepared. I put together a list of things (other than Tylenol) to have on hand in your medicine cabinet, so you can hopefully avoid those late-night runs to CVS this season.

Thermometer: It may sound like common sense, but go ahead and change those batteries now, so you aren’t caught off guard by a feverish kiddo. That is unless you’re fancy and have one of those that doesn’t require batteries. In that case, you have much more trust in your temperature reading abilities than I do, and for that I commend you.
Vapor Rub: Ah, just imagining the smell brings up images of Bob Barker and Campbell’s soup. There are a ton of natural vapor rub products on the market if that’s your jam, too. Please make sure to follow the instructions for use. Don’t put it anywhere on your kiddo’s face, or nose as it can block nostrils if you aren’t careful.
Pedialyte or other electrolyte-filled drink: I hope you can escape this cold and flu season without getting a stomach bug. But if not, it’s nice to have your drinks on hand. That way, when the bug hits and everyone has bought all of the Pedialyte in New England, you will have your hydration system all set and ready to go.
Nasal Saline + Nose Frida: Saline is an effective, natural way to clear those stuffy noses. And trust me on the Nose Frida. It grossed me out until my fourth child had the cold of her life. In a moment of desperation, I bought it, and immediately regretted not getting it years earlier to use with my other young kids. It’s not as gross as it looks, and it’s quick and effective.
Hand Sanitizer: Obvious, but it’s good to be reminded.
Honey + lemon juice: Am I the only person who drank a concoction of honey, lemon, and apple cider vinegar as a kid? Well, these old remedies have stood the test of time for a reason. Studies show that honey is just as effective as an over-the-counter cough suppressant. Of course, be careful when giving your child honey. They need to be over one year old to reduce the risk of botulism, which can poison infants.
Humidifier: Ok, this won’t fit in your medicine cabinet, but hear me out anyway. Moisture in the air helps break up thick mucus. Some people add oils or breathing agents to their humidifiers, but there is plenty of benefit to just filling it with water and letting it run in your child’s room as they sleep. If your child has asthma, anything with fragrance (even natural fragrance) can trigger an attack. Water is natural and effective. If you need something stronger than a humidifier, steaming up the bathroom with a hot shower works wonders for kids too. Last year, croup kept us in our bathroom so often, that I renamed it “Sauna Johnson.” Maybe this year, I’ll add a lovely eucalyptus treatment to the package.
New toothbrushes: This is just something I do in my own home, but anytime we get over a sickness, we get new toothbrushes. The kids love it because it’s kind of a morale boost. “Hey, we made it through this cold in one piece, here’s a new toothbrush to celebrate.”

If you have a favorite multivitamin or immune-boosting regimen, now is a good time to start it. And if you’re managing asthmatic kids, make sure you refill those inhalers and nebulizer treatments too, so you aren’t scrambling during sickness.

Here’s to a healthy winter season ahead of us.

Food & Fun

Sports & Games

Arts & Science

Paint Your Own Ceramics, Various Locations

Riddle Rooms

Trampoline Parks & Bounce Houses Trampoline Parks:

Bounce Houses:

Play Centers & Open Gyms

Colt State Park, Route 114, Bristol

Chase Farm, 669 Great Rd., Lincoln

Diamond Hill Park, 4300 Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland

India Point Park, 201 India St, Providence

Roger Williams Park, 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence

Fort Adams State Park, 80 Fort Adams Dr, Newport

Johnston War Memorial Park, 1583 Hartford Ave, Johnston

RI Country Club, Barrington, 150 Nayatt Rd, Barrington

Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy, Legion Memorial Dr, Providence

Capron Park & Zoo, 201 County St, Attleboro, MA

Getting out of the house not in the cards? We love this homemade hot cocoa recipe from Smitten Kitchen

5 Great Podcasts to Enjoy with Your Kids

What kids podcasts does your family enjoy together? Let me know in the comments!

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