Things to do with kids in Newport

18 family-friendly places in Newport: zoos, aquariums, playgrounds and more.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

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Fort Adams
Containing over 180 years of history, the fort itself is the largest coastal fortress in the United States and offers seasonal guided tours that showcase the property’s soldier’s quarters, Naval War College Museum Exhibit, beautiful architecture and engineering. Besides looking at the splendor that is Fort Adams, you can see the view of the Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay from Fort Adams State Beach. A beautiful beach with picnic and fishing areas; concession stand and public bathrooms are also available. Fort Adams is not just a historical part of Newport, it is also home to various festivals and events that take place on the fortress’ six and a half parade field and lawns. Some of these festivals include Family Day, a celebration for families, especially those with small children, which include clowns, face painting, and other fun activities and attractions. Fort Adams is also home to the annual George Wein’s Folk Festival, George Wein’s Jazz Festival, and McGrath’s Public Clambake.
Guided tours $20; ages 6–17 $10; 5 and under free
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International Tennis Hall of Fame
Newport Casino
A non-profit institution made to preserve the history of tennis. Built in 1880, it shows the icons of tennis and showcases the largest collection of tennis memorabilia in the world. Visitors of all ages can come to this historical casino and experience the art gallery, and the plaques that commemorate the great players.
9:30AM-5PMAdults $11, seniors, military or students with ID $6, under $16 4, family rate $20
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National Museum of American Illustration
Museum at historic Vernon Court houses works by Norman Rockwell, J. C. Leyendecker, N. C, Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish, and more.
Summer Hours: Fri 3PM Tour, Sat Sun 11AM-5PMGeneral Admission. $18 Adults, $16 Seniors/Military, $12 Students, $8 Children (ages 5–12 only)
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Bailey's Beach
Rejects' Beach
This private beach is one of the most exclusive on the East Coast. The beach club has historically been a summer getaway for Senators and other wealthy families. Tennis courts, parking, and concessions are not available to the public. Though the beach mostly remains off limits, the northeast end is accessible to the general public—separated by a fence, of course. This section is popularly known as Reject's Beach, though club members refer to it delicately as "the public end.".
Sunrise-sunset dailyFree
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Ballard Park
If there were any particular area in Newport that would be described as park perfection, Ballard Park is the unrivaled paragon of parks in Rhode Island, let alone in Newport. Surrounded by a dense forest, the park itself is also shadowed by a massive stone wall in the background, creating a very unique setting to have any sort of event, such as stage music, jack-o-lantern trails, and family picnics. The owners of Ballard Park have hosted many similar public events in the past, all of which had been considered large community successes.
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Bowen’s Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting
First Saturday in December, America’s Cup Ave. Frosty the Snowman arrives at 4:30PM, children’s musical program begins at 5PM. The mayor lights the tree at 6PM and Santa arrives by a Coast Guard Crash Boat (weather permitting) immediately after tree lighting.
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Brick Alley Pub
Extensive, massive menu including steaks, seafood, drinks, pasta dishes, children's menu and they serve a great lobster roll and clam chowder. Custom made salad bar with decorative walls and accessories every place you look. Very, very busy place with a friendly staff.
11:30AM-9PM daily$20-30
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Buskers
Buskers is a middle-of-the-road traditional Irish pub restaurant. Here, the bartenders have the authentic Irish accent and a fully stocked bar. The atmosphere is appropriate for both families with children or just a group of friends looking for a few good laughs of Guinness drafts. Buskers is complete with a menu full of variety with appetizers, sandwiches, Irish fare and entrees.
Noon-1AM daily$18-25
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Eastons Beach
First Beach
One of the top 10 beaches in New England, this 3/4 mile sandy beach has a wonderful view of the beautiful Cliff Walk as well as ocean swimming, beach board, surf board, umbrella and beach chair rental. A skateboard park, playground, seasonal carousel, and an exploration center for "Save the Bay" are available for children and adolescents. The concession stand is seasonal, so if you are visiting during the off season, be sure to pack a lunch. Picnic tables, indoor/outdoor showers and restrooms are available. Many restaurants and hotels are within walking distance. Free parking is available off of side streets off Memorial Boulevard.
9AM-9PM dailyIn season parking $10, $15 on weekends
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International Great Chowder Cook-off
The Great Chowder Cook-Off provides an opportunity to taste the Nation's best chowder in the downtown Newport. The Cook-Off features over 25 international and national restaurants competing for the coveted title of Best chowder in the Nation in 3 categories: clam, seafood, and creative. This event offers 3 stages of continuous entertainment, culinary demonstrations, a community tent with activities for children.
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International Oktoberfest
The ending of the fall festival season, an authentic German Oktoberfest celebration with lively Bavarian music from throughout New England, delicious German food and American cuisine (seafood, pierogies and more), an International Biergarten, Weingarten, and special area for children.
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Newport Waterfront Irish Festival
Each Labor Day weekend, the Newport Waterfront Irish Festival offers a celebration of Irish music, culture, food, libations and crafts. This event provides quality family entertainment and an authentic cultural experience. It is a community celebration that features five stages of national and international entertainment, an Irish Marketplace with Irish and handcrafted items for sale, a dance hall and a children's play area. A festival great for all ages!
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Newport Winter Festival
Citywide. Features more than 150 individual events combining food, music and entertainment for all ages. Includes concert series, sand sculptures, chili cook-off, citywide scavenger hunt, ice sculpting competition, children’s fair, pizza cook-off and fantasy auction.
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Perro Salado
Mexican restaurant located in an old Victorian home. Serves dinner only and brunch on Sundays. Two floors of seating with a lively but small bar downstairs. The well lit rooms, some of which have fireplaces, offer a charming atmosphere perfect for a date night or a friendly gathering. They are very accommodating for parties with small children, too, especially if you arrive before 6. Fish tacos and Yucatán pork are favorites. Reservations recommended.
Mon-Fri 5-9PM, Sat 4-9PM, Sun 11AM-3PM, 5-9PM$18-25
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Red Parrot
The atmosphere in this restaurant is casual and light-hearted. The menu includes lobster, oysters, corn dogs and fries and is family-friendly. No reservations.
11:30AM-9:30PM daily$18-28
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Taste of Rhode Island
The Taste of Rhode Island offers a unique experience featuring food, crafts, talent and culture. This annual event includes over 100 exhibitors comprised of restaurants selling appetizer size portions of the areas finest cuisine, beverages, craft and marketplace vendors. Live entertainment, strolling acts, a wine garden, and children's activities are some of the exciting happenings to be enjoyed.
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Newport Art Museum
76 Bellevue Av
Labor Day to Memorial Day: Mon-Sat 10AM-4PM, Sun noon-4PM; Memorial Day to Labor Day: Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun noon-5PMAdult admission to the museum is $10 and children under 5 are free
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The Breakers
Built between 1893 and 1895 for the Vanderbilt family.
Open daily year-round$29, youth (6-12) $10

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Newport (CC BY-SA 4.0).