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Summer Bucket-List in Rhode Island!

By Joyce Campbell, Macaroni KID Southern RI Publisher June 12, 2024

Summertime in Rhode Island is filled with diverse activities, scenic landscapes, and cultural events.  Rhode Island, known as the Ocean State, boasts over 400 miles of coastline.  Having lived in RI my entire life, I know the beauty and wonder of our beaches, yet we are far more than just beaches and riverfronts.  Rhode Island is filled with adventures and festivities that will keep us entertained and engaged all summer long.  

Here are just a "few"  of my bucket list picks. ๐Ÿ˜Ž I hope you get out there and enjoy some!

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Adventure-Land

Outdoor Adventures

Beyond the beaches, Rhode Island offers plenty of outdoor activities:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore trails in places like Lincoln Woods State Park and the East Bay Bike Path.
  • Camping: Sites like Burlingame State Park provide great spots for camping.

#RIWalksChallenge
Bike
The Bluffs at Block Island
Glass Float Project
Rail Explorers
Trolls
Watch the sunset/sunrise

Adventure-Water

Water Sports

With its extensive coastline and numerous bays, Rhode Island offers excellent opportunities for:

  • Sailing and Boating: Newport is a hub for sailing enthusiasts.
  • Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Explore the coastal waters and inland waterways.
  • Fishing: Both deep-sea and shore fishing are popular.

Deep-Sea fishing
Freshwater fishing
Kayak or canoe
Lighthouse cruises
Paddleboard
Sail away on the Block Island Ferry...
Seal and whale-watching tours
Sunset and dinner cruises
Surfing

Educational

Historic and Cultural Attractions

  • Newport Mansions: Tour the opulent summer homes of America's Gilded Age elite.
  • Providence's Waterplace Park: Enjoy gondola rides and strolls along the riverwalk.
  • Block Island: A short ferry ride away, offering stunning cliffs, beaches, and quaint shops.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Biomes
Fort Adams State Park
Frosty Drew Observatory
International Tennis Hall of Fame
Library Summer Reading
Newport Mansions
Newport Car Museum
Norman Bird Sanctuary
RISD Museum
RWPZoo
Visit a lighthouse

Entertainment


Drive-In
Movies on the Beach
Outdoor concert
Polo
RI Philharmonic at Narragansett Beach
Riverfire
Theatre by the Sea
Waterfire
Wickford Harbor Fire

Food

Culinary Delights

Rhode Island's food scene is vibrant, especially in summer:

  • Seafood: Fresh catches like clam cakes, lobster rolls, and quahogs are must-tries.
  • Farmers' Markets: Visit local markets for fresh produce and artisanal goods.
  • Dining by the Water: Enjoy meals with waterfront views at numerous seaside restauran


Awful Awful
Berry Picking
Dels
Cabinet
Clam Cakes and Chowder

Coffee Milk
Doughboys
Farmers Market
Food trucks
Pizza Strips
Soft serve

Games & More!


Baseball game, Gulls or Waves!
Bumper boats
Enjoy a carnival
Go Carts
Mini Golf
RI Scavenger Hunt
Riddle Room
Swan Boats
Umbrella Factory

Festivities


Festivals and Events

Summer in Rhode Island is packed with festivals and cultural events, such as:

  • Newport Folk Festival: A historic and world-renowned music festival.
  • Newport Jazz Festival: Another iconic event, drawing jazz lovers from around the globe.
  • WaterFire Providence: A unique art installation featuring bonfires on the rivers of downtown Providence, accompanied by music and performances.


Blessing of the Fleet
Bristol 4th of July Parade
Charlestown Seafood Fest
Newport Jazz or Folk Festival
Wickford Art Fest
Washington County Fair

Pack your patience


Tips for Enjoying Summer in Rhode Island

  • Weather: Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C).
  • Travel: Plan for traffic, especially on weekends, as coastal areas can get busy.
  • Accommodations: Book early, particularly in popular spots like Newport and Block Island.

Summertime in Rhode Island combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and a relaxed coastal vibe, making it an ideal destination for a memorable summer vacation.


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These sites are proudly published by a local mom who curates weekly local family events and activities, searching for family fun classes, family-focused businesses, and any bucket list adventures around!  Our newsletters bring all this and any recipes, crafts,  and guides we have worked on just for you!  
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