Your Summer Itinerary

If You Are: Looking for Some Family Fun

Posted

8am
Sleeping in? That’s for wimps. You’ve been up for hours already and are probably anxious to get out of the house. Whether you live on the East Side or the West, pop into Seven Stars Bakery. Not only is it kid-friendly, you and your brood can nosh outside. Remembering that a full mouth is a quiet mouth, feed them some healthy walnut raisin toast while you enjoy your coffee... in peace. Olga’s Cup and Saucer also has outdoor seating. Both you and your kids will enjoy the cheery color scheme and Olga’s delicious baked goodies.

10am
While the Providence Children’s Museum (pictured above) is fun-ducational any time of year, it’s particularly so in summer; the Children’s Garden is a perfect place to explore native plants and do some active outdoor play.

Insider Tip: The garden is also perfect for a picnic, so bring your breakfast with you, if you’d like.

The playground at India Point Park features a maritime theme with a mosaic mural wall, boat-shaped sandboxes, climbing ropes and more. Best of all, it’s on the water. Speaking of which, the Community Boating Center is right next door. In addition to offering boat rentals, they run RiverRomp Family Paddling sessions; these guided kayak tours are new this year and occur (most) Saturdays, from 9-11am. The center also offers sailing lessons specifically for kids ages 8-17.

11:30am
There’s a new program at Burnside Park this summer: Art in the Park is a seven-week series in which kids can create their own magical world via facepainting, sidewalk chalk and games. It will follow Storytime at Burnside Park, which takes place every Thursday in July and August at 10:30am. Best of all, it’s free.

12:30pm
Stop into Fellini Pizzeria for a Chicken Pesto pie to go, and have lunch beside one of many ponds at Roger Williams Park. Lactose intolerant? Grab a sandwich (hold the cheese) to go from the nearby Waters Edge CafeĢ. Your kids will enjoy eating on the grass... while ruining their clothes.

1pm
You’ve calmed their rumbling tummies; now check out all the fun that the park has to offer. First, visit Roger Williams Park Carousel Village. It features a Victorian carousel that costs just $1 a ride. Of course, stopping in to see the animals at Roger Williams Park Zoo is a must. There’s even a two-toed sloth on exhibit, perfect for photo ops and joke fodder.

Insider Tip: Zoo admission is free to Providence residents on the first Saturday of every month.

While you’re at the 435-acre park, head down to the pond and rent a paddleboat or a Swan Boat. Your kids will have fun while you work on your tan.

3pm
Your kids will dig Waterplace Park and Riverwalk (pictured above). They can climb up and down the steps, watch the water flow by from Venetian-style footbridges and examine the painted tile walls – what’s not to love?

5pm
Traditional grocery shopping can be a bore; with kiddos in tow, it can be a downright nightmare. On Wednesdays, try the Farmer’s Market at Lippitt Park, where you can stock up on grub from local vendors including Beltane Farm, New Harvest Coffee and Providence Granola. The Extraordinary Rendition Band – a real marching band – hosts a jam session at 6pm. Have a seat on the grass and watch them perform.

Insider Tip: Grab some homemade ice cream to go from Three Sisters and enjoy while you band geek it out.

7pm
If your little ones aren’t too tuckered out, cap off their best-day-ever by bringing them to see the PawSox at McCoy Stadium (pictured above), where there’s not a bad seat in the house. Make sure you consume a glass or two of mommy-and-daddy juice (aka: wine and beer). You’ve earned it.

Insider Tip: McCoy offers a Barbecue Tent where you and a group can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet prior to the game. It’s not a bad summer birthday party idea – not bad at all.

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