Heading to Newport, Rhode Island, with kids? Known as the summer playground of rich industrialists during America’s Gilded Age (the late 1800s), this Narragansett Bay town still retains its resort status and offers plenty for families to enjoy. From hitting the beach to visiting mansions and museums, Newport has a range of engaging activities perfect for a family getaway.

Walk the Cliffs

Address

Cliff Walk, Newport, RI 02840, USA

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The easiest way to soak in the Gilded Age splendor of Newport is to explore its famed 3.5-mile Cliff Walk. This paved trail winds along the coast and passes dozens of historic mansions reminiscent of Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence. Moreover, this trail offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Get Your Bearings With a Trolley Tour

Address

Newport Bus Terminal/Hamilton Family Aquarium, 23 America’s Cup Ave Post 3, Newport, RI 02840, USA

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Phone +1 401-847-6921

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Take a delightful guided tour of Newport with Newport Trolley Tours, which offer various itineraries, including mansion tours and scenic routes. Discounted tickets are available for kids, making it an affordable option for families.

Step Back Into the Gilded Age

Address

44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

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Phone +1 401-847-6544

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The most iconic of Newport’s impressive mansions is The Breakers, an opulent 70-room “summer cottage” built by Cornelius Vanderbilt’s son. This estate epitomizes the ultra-wealthy lifestyle of American robber barons in the early 1900s. The Breakers also features a special audio tour designed for kids, sharing engaging stories from the young residents who lived there.

Stock Up on Taffy and Fudge

Address

168 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840-6629, USA

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Phone +1 401-842-6990

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For families with a sweet tooth, the Newport Fudgery (359 Thames St.) offers saltwater taffy and homemade fudge. If you’re lucky, you might catch the candy makers in action as they whip up fudge in copper kettles.

Take a Sunset Schooner Cruise

Address

24 Bannister’s Wharf, Newport, RI 02840, USA

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Phone +1 401-847-0000

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Experience sailing in Newport with a 90-minute sunset harbor cruise aboard the stunning 72-foot Madeleine. This triple-masted schooner beautifully combines 19th-century charm with modern yacht comforts. Daytime cruises are also available for an enriching family experience.

Get Your Art Fix

Address

492 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

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Phone +1 401-851-8949

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For aspiring young artists, Newport is home to the National Museum of American Illustration. Founded in 1998, it is the first national museum dedicated solely to American illustration artwork, providing an enriching experience for families interested in art.

Sample an Awful Awful

Address

181 Bellevue Ave #4, Newport, RI 02840-3589, USA

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If you love milkshakes, the Newport Creamery is a must-visit. It is the home of one of Rhode Island’s most iconic drinks, the Awful Awful. This rich blend of milk, flavored syrup, and frozen ice milk is affectionately named for its slogan “Awful Big, Awful Good.” Available in numerous sizes and flavors, it’s a delicious treat for all ages.

Root for the Newport Gulls

Address

20 America’s Cup Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

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Phone +1 401-845-6832

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If your family enjoys baseball and visits during the summer, consider catching a game of the local wooden-bat collegiate team, the Newport Gulls. They play in downtown Newport, where tickets are reasonably priced for a fun family outing.

Join a Seal Safari

Climb aboard for a thrilling one-hour boat ride with Save the Bay Seal Watch Cruises around historic Newport Harbor. This tour provides delightful views of seals resting on Citing Rock and the Newport Bridge, making it a fun family adventure.

Easton’s Beach

Address

175 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 02840-3659, USA

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Phone +1 401-845-5810

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At the beginning of the Cliff Walk lies Newport’s largest public beach, Easton’s Beach, affectionately referred to as First Beach. Families can enjoy the boardwalk features, including a snack bar renowned for serving some of the best lobster rolls in town. Additionally, kids can enjoy riding the vintage carousel, a cherished fixture since 1958. (175 Memorial Blvd.; 401/845-5810)

Pet a Spider Crab

Address

175 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 02840-3659, USA

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Phone +1 401-324-6020

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The Save the Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium showcases over 40 species of marine life native to the Narragansett Bay area. Families can delight in three touch tanks where kids can interact with little skates, urchins, spider crabs, sea stars, dogfish sharks, and more, making it an educational experience.

Visit the Tennis Hall of Fame

Address

194 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

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Phone +1 401-849-3990

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The International Tennis Hall of Fame, located in the historic Newport Casino, is a wonderful destination for tennis-loving families. The museum showcases the sport’s rich history, featuring a vast collection of tennis memorabilia from the Middle Ages to modern times, making it an engaging visit for all ages.