This Magical Family-Friendly Resort Is Less Than 3 Hours from NYC
The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort has family-friendly activities for all ages.
When I wanted to escape New York City and spend time with my family, I wasn’t quite sure where to go. I had already discovered most of the East Coast, from dining in D.C. to kicking it in the Carolinas. I thought I had seen it all until I discovered The Preserve Sporting Club and Resort in Richmond, Rhode Island.
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Tucked away in the quiet, serene landscape of Rhode Island, I was stunned by how much the property had to offer. Aside from its vast acreage of lush greenery, nine sparkling ponds scattered about, and petite lights that gently caressed the lamp poles, the property offered many activities for adults and children, making me feel like a kid in a candy shop again.
The last time I took a family-friendly trip was when I was around ten years old. To be fair, I spent it at a local hotel chain that only offered a five-foot pool and twin-sized rooms. Now, over 15 years later, I was looking for an escape to spend with my mother as she entered her golden years. This resort offered everything we needed, from a luxury two-bedroom apartment-like suite, complete with healthy snacks and a balcony overlooking their famous hobbit houses, to axe throwing, Bentley cruising, horse bonding, and more.
Ahead, I list my favorite things about the property that any family, big or small, and of all ages can enjoy when looking for a little slice of heaven away from city life.
The Hobbit House
Only one of four places licensed to use ‘The Hobbit’ trademark, the tiny homes offer enchanting and picturesque scenery, from holiday magic to fields of flowers. Families can wine and dine and enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal made in the finest Le Cruset cast iron cookware. Children sip on mocktails and enjoy the true-to-life Hobbit masterpieces nestled into hillside boulders, complete with round and quirky doors, an exact imitation of the movie.
OH! Spa
If you’re looking to quiet down and step away from the kids to your own slice of serenity for a moment, the OH! Spa is there to help you out. I received a pore-minimizing facial that refreshed my skin. The dimly lit room is warm and welcoming, complemented by calming sounds of nature and a heated massage bed. My esthetician, Caroline, and I chatted as she performed my facial, a refreshing experience that cleansed my skin, opened and cleaned my pores with warm steam, and left me with a calming glow. The spa also offered warming whirlpool tubs that offered relaxation and an infinity pool overlooking the gorgeous greenery of Rhode Island.
Gather Around the Campfire
What child doesn’t dream of making s’mores as they gaze upon the stars? When I was in the city, there was too much light pollution for me to see anything properly, but the skies were clear at the resort. Families can stargaze around a warm fire as they make toasted marshmallows and melted chocolate. Alternatively, if there’s still a nip in the air, the Preserve offers family game nights, with family favorites Monopoly, chess, and Scrabble as you sip on warm hot chocolate.
Kids Craft Club
Led by experienced instructors, children ages 5-12 can explore their artistic creativity, from painting and crafting to birdhouses, fostering both skill development and a love for self-expression in a playful and supportive environment, creating a birdhouse as they soak in the beautiful nature of the property. There is also a workshop for kids to craft their own slingshot.
Horse Bonding
Being from the city, I have never had an up-close and personal experience with farm animals—definitely not horses. The property’s Equestrian Center is a child’s dream. At first glance, they can be a bit intimidating due to their massive stature, but thankfully, I was able to ask for a miniature horse, whose name was Sprinkles.
Friendly and gentle horses graze the property and stand perfectly still as you brush their bodies and braid their manes. They will slightly tickle your palm as you feed them fresh grass or carrots, and children can enjoy an authentic bonding experience. Families can opt to stay at the center in a quaint home refurbished from the 1800s, and wake up to the quiet sound of sheep grazing on the grass or the soft trot of horses as they give carriage rides around the neighborhood.
The center also offers child-friendly horseback riding lessons and pony rides for children ages 3 and up. If your little one is still up for an adventure, they can participate in a farm scavenger hunt, culminating in a prize and a treat for an hour of wholesome fun.
Go For a Family Hike
It’s no secret that New York City is low on green space, which made me appreciate these trails even more. The property offers miles of trails through scenic and rugged landscapes. Families and children can enjoy a history lesson along the trail, which is scattered with Colonial-era foundations, root cellars, hand-dug stone-lined spring wells, and stone walls. Reconnect with nature and enjoy tranquility as you breathe the fresh air of Rhode Island and explore the woods.
Bentley Cruising
If your little one is racecar-obsessed, take them cruising on a Bentley Off-Road expedition. Ride in the luxury cars and experience the rugged roads and wooded areas as you indulge your inner child and get a rush of adrenaline.
Outdoor Sports
There was still quite a chill in the air during my visit, so I wasn’t able to take a dip in the pool, but the property offers many outdoor sporting activities that aren’t water-based. If your energetic child needs to burn off some energy and needs playtime, look no further. There’s a lush green tennis court, perfect for wide swings and plenty of running. Children can also enjoy archery with faux practice targets, show their strength with axe throwing, or learn coordination with rock climbing. If they’re still feeling a little froggy, they can head to the many property ponds for some fishing.
All in all, my stay was refreshing, energizing, and revitalizing. My mother and I spent quality bonding time together, from mornings on the balcony to bonding with animals. If anyone is looking for a sliver of serenity, The Preserve has everything you need.
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