With school behind us and back-to-school still far enough away that we’re not thinking about it yet, July is truly the sweet spot of summer. If you’re looking to fill your calendar with memory-making family fun, here are 10 uniquely Rhody favorites to check out.
July is peak blueberry season in Rhode Island so head out to places like Rocky Point Farm (Warwick), Smith’s Berry Farm (Saunderstown), or Sweet Berry Farm (Middletown) and spend a few hours filling buckets together. Bonus: kids somehow become much more enthusiastic about fruit when they pick it themselves. Find more PYO produce and locations at RIFB.org
Adventureland brings all the summer nostalgia with mini golf, bumper boats, arcade games, and go-karts. It’s old-school fun that feels exactly the same as you remember, except now you get to watch your own kids experience it. Seriously, when was the last time you went to an arcade where the games still take quarters? Narragansett
The Bristol celebration is much more than just the parade (but that’s really fun, too!). The days leading up to July 4 include concerts at Independence Park (pregamed by reading sessions with Mrs. Katz and Her Hats Storytime), a carnival at Bristol Town Common, and fireworks over Bristol Harbor (July 3). It’s one of Rhode Island’s classic summer traditions for a reason. Bristol
There’s something about piling everyone into the car with blankets and snacks that feels like stepping back to a simpler time. Both the Rustic Tri-View Drive-In and the Misquamicut Drive-In provide an experience kids will remember long after the credits roll. Arrive early, let the gang stretch their legs before the movie starts, and settle in for a classic summer night under the stars. North Smithfield, Westerly
Whether you’re a polo expert or have absolutely no idea what’s happening on the field (same), it’s really about the atmosphere. Think lawn picnics, fun hats, and divot stomping. Matches take place on Saturdays at Glen Farm, with food trucks and vendors on site offering something for everyone. For lawn seating, children 15 and under are free. Portsmouth
If your kids are fascinated by creepy crawlies, Roger Williams Park Zoo’s larger-than-life exhibit lets visitors get up close to giant insects and discover the interesting world of bugs. Plus, you can make a full day out of exploring the rest of the park afterward. Carousel Village, a quarter-mile from the Zoo, is where you’ll find the historic carousel, open late during Food Truck Friday season. Providence
Some of our favorite family outings are the simple ones. Libraries like Cumberland Public Library, Exeter Public Library, Louttit Library (West Greenwich), Barrington Public Library, and Jamestown Philomenian Library have playgrounds nearby, making it easy to combine outdoor play with browsing for books. With an Ocean State Libraries card, you can borrow and return to any member library in the state.
Take a ride on pedal-powered rail bikes along Narragansett Bay for one of our state’s more unique family outings. The route offers water views and a different way to experience the beauty of the area, and kids think the novelty of riding on railroad tracks is pretty cool. Children must be accompanied by a rider at least 16 years of age to operate the brakes. Portsmouth
Spend a summer evening cheering on Rhode Island FC at Centreville Bank Stadium. Even if you’re not a huge soccer family, live sports are always fun with kids, and the game-day atmosphere makes for a memorable night out. And if you do have a young fan, check out the TerRIFC Kids Club presented by the Providence Children’s Museum and Community Libraries of Providence, it’s free with fun perks. Pawtucket
On July 11 and 12, head to Brenton Point State Park for the Newport Kite Festival, two days of looking up to marvel at colorful kites filling the sky, plus activities, music, performances, and food trucks. The expansive lawn on Ocean Drive is the perfect location for kite flying, thanks to breezes from the Narragansett Bay at its juncture with the Atlantic, so keep a kite in the trunk!
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