Looking for a picturesque getaway that’s kid-friendly, too? Newport, Rhode Island is just three hours north of New York City and makes for a convenient weekend away. Whether you have a future architect, a sports fanatic, or beach baby, Newport is great to visit any season, but especially during the summer months. Spend time outdoors at the marina, local parks, and beaches — like Gooseberry Beach, which is set back in a cove and is family friendly. Or, go out for fresh seafood, shop downtown, and tour historic homes like the Vanderbilt’s 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo, The Breakers.
Families visiting the area can learn about its history, and enjoy the beauty of scenic water views while basking in the sun and breeze of the “city by the sea.” Newport is best known for its well-preserved architecture dating back more than three centuries, but also boasts many sporting events and music festivals that bring a youthful vibe to this historic beach town. For the foodies, there are even restaurant weeks in the fall and spring!
Newport is a great location for a family trip, but if the grown-ups are seeking time alone or a night out — give a call to Newport Babysitting Service or Newport Nannies. These companies cater to travelers visiting the area with children. (Yes, you can bring the kids and still go wine tasting.)
Here are my top 10 Newport activities:
1. Audrain Automobile Museum [222 Bellevue Ave. in Newport, (401) 856–4420, www.audrainautomuseum.org]
Established in the fall of 2014, the Audrain Automobile Museum’s collection showcases more than 160 automobiles. They range from early 20th century to modern day. The entire collection is never displayed all at once. The vehicles are exhibited by theme and exhibitions change periodically. This is the perfect place to bring your little (or big) car enthusiast.
2. Cardines Field [20 America’s Cup Ave. in Newport, (401) 845–5806, www.newportgulls.pointstreaksites.com]
Now home to the Newport Gulls of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, this family-friendly venue served as a baseball field as early as the late 1800s. It is an affordable option for family entertainment and great for the sports-loving traveler. Alongside both residential and commercial buildings, this small, urban gem of a ballpark is definitely worth the outing.
3. Cliff Walk [Memorial Boulevard and Eustis Avenue in Newport, (401) 845–5300, www.cliffwalk.com]
The 3.5-mile picturesque walk offers crashing waves on one side and beautiful mansions on the other. Stroll along the Atlantic coastline on this designated National Recreation Trail. Parking is available along Narragansett Avenue and a section of the walk is handicap accessible; however, there are no services or restrooms along the trails.
4. Fort Adams State Park [84 Fort Adams Dr. in Newport, (401) 847–2400, www.riparks.com]
Fort Adams State Park offers panoramic views of both Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. There is a wide range of activities offered at the park. Visitors are welcome to go fishing and boating as well as participate in sports such as soccer or rugby. Fort Adams is best known for its annual summer concerts. Newport Folk and Jazz festivals draw thousands of visitors to the outdoor space.
5. Historic Mansions [424 Bellevue Ave. in Newport, (401) 847–1000, www.newportmansions.org]
Take a tour (docent led or audio) of the mansions or “summer cottages” and learn about the people that lived and worked in them. The Preservation Society of Newport County maintains the homes and gardens of its properties, preserving the landscape. During summers, your little ones can participate in three-day camps that include hands-on experiences. Children will go on behind-the-scenes tours of the mansions and learn about conservation, landscape design, and architecture.
6. Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad and Ice Cream Train [America’s Cup Avenue (Route 138A) in downtown Newport, (401) 295–1203, http://trainsri.com]
The Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad offers its visitors a classic railroad travel and dining experience. Departing from downtown Newport, parents looking for a family-friendly activity will love the Aquidneck Island Rail Tour and The Ice Cream Train. These are shorter rail excursions, but lunch menus for both kids and adults are offered. Save room for ice cream sundaes with all the toppings!
During winter, the Polar Express Train Ride on the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad operates on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Nov. 21 through the week after Christmas. Trains depart at 4:30 and 6:15 pm. Seats sell quickly, so be sure to book early!
7. International Tennis Hall of Fame [194 Bellevue Ave. in Newport, (401) 849–3990, https://www.tennisfame.com/]
The newly renovated International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to preserving the history of the sport of tennis. The exhibitions guide you from the sport’s medieval roots to its present day rise in popularity. With more than 25,000 objects in its collection, the museum is housed in the historic Newport Casino building and sits on a seven-acre site (which includes grass courts). The museum has interactive components dispersed throughout, making it more accessible to young visitors. Admission for children is free.
8. Newport Art Museum [76 Bellevue Ave. in Newport, (401) 848–8200, www.newportartmuseum.org]
For more than 100 years, the museum has served as a cultural gathering place dedicated to individual growth and learning. The collections reflect Rhode Island’s rich cultural heritage and maintain an emphasis on the art and artists of Rhode Island. The Minnie and Jimmy Coleman Center for Creative Studies, housed in the museum, encourages people of all ages and abilities to explore their creativity through art. The museum offers classes, camps, workshops, and other educational programming, including family events throughout the year.
9. Polo [250 Linden Ln. in Portsmouth, (401) 846–0200, www.nptpolo.com]
Newport Polo is host of the Newport International Polo Series and a founding member of the United States Polo Association. The site offers public exhibition matches as well as polo instruction year-round.
10. Sailing [60 Fort Adams Dr. in Newport, (401) 846–1983, http://www.sailnewport.org]
Sail Newport is New England’s largest public sailing center and home to the Dr. Robin Wallace Youth Sailing Center. The center serves hundreds of children each season. Sail Newport is located at Fort Adams State Park and offers easy and affordable access to sailing.
Other links:
Discover Newport: disco
Gooseberry Beach: Newpo
The Breakers: newpo
Festivals: newpo
Restaurant Week: discovernewport.or/restaurant-week
Newport Babysitting: newpo
Newport Nannies: newpo
Wine Trail: coast
Shnieka Johnson is an education consultant and freelance writer. She is based in Manhattan where she resides with her husband and son. Contact her via her website: www.shnie
