By late June, the city's parks become some of its busiest gathering places, filled with kids cooling off in splash pads, families lingering over lunch, and neighbors making the most of the long summer days. As the school year gives way to summer vacation, these community spaces take on an even bigger role, offering places to play, learn, and connect. This year, Providence is once again investing in those experiences with the return of free summer meals, recreation programs, waterparks, pools, and enrichment activities designed to serve families across the city.
Beginning June 29, children and teens ages 18 and under can enjoy free meals at 32 parks and participating library locations throughout Providence. The program, a partnership between the City of Providence, the Providence Parks Department, and Sodexo, served more than 65,000 meals in just seven weeks last summer. Meal sites will operate Monday through Saturday through the start of the school year, helping ensure young residents continue to have access to nutritious lunches while school is out.
Mayor Brett Smiley says the goal is to create a summer where every child has the opportunity to stay active, engaged, and supported. "Summer in Providence should be a time for kids to stay kids," he says. "Whether they are cooling off at one of our waterparks or pools, participating in activities across our parks or joining a community program, every child deserves a summer filled with opportunity and support."
Children and teens ages 18 and under can access free lunches at parks, community spaces, and select Providence Community Library locations. On rainy days, meals will be available at all nine Providence Community Libraries, with daily lunch service offered at South Providence, Wanskuck, Olneyville, and Fox Point libraries.
Providence's pools and waterparks will open citywide from June 29 through August 14 and operate Monday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., giving families plenty of opportunities to beat the heat close to home.
At 17 Eat, Play, Learn park sites, trained youth ambassadors will lead arts and crafts projects, games, reading activities, and creative play throughout the summer.
Families can also expect regular visits from the Bookmobile and Zoomobile, along with live performances coordinated by the city's Arts, Culture and Tourism Department during lunch hours.
DoorDash Community Credits will return this summer, with $25 gift cards randomly distributed in free lunches at participating sites. Additional healthy snacks and fresh produce will also be available through the Zappos Miles for Meals initiative. For meal locations, recreation schedules, pool information, and summer programming updates, visit EatPlayLearnPVD.com.
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