Are you planning a day trip to Providence RI? This is your toddler-tested itinerary for a perfect day in the city!
There are so many things to do in Providence RI. However, not everything is toddler-friendly. Toddlers are active with a short attention span so not every activity that is kid or family-friendly will also be toddler-friendly.
We are going to share the best toddler-approved activities so you can plan your perfect Providence Rhode Island day trip.
We’ve organized the activities into a one-day itinerary that is practical to complete with a toddler. It’s not too jam-packed and provides some quiet time for a nap. You can use this itinerary for your day trip to Providence RI, or you can split the itinerary between two days for a weekend in the city.
Let’s get started with everything you need to know for a day trip to Providence RI with toddlers!
One Day in Rhode Island
Rhode Island might be the smallest state in the U.S., but there is a lot to see and do.
The state is part of New England and it’s definitely worth a stop if you are exploring the area. So don’t just drive through on your way to a bigger state in the region.
While you can definitely spend a weekend or even a week taking in all Rhode Island has to offer, it also makes for a great day trip. Make it a stop on your New England road trip or make a visit on the weekend if you live in a nearby state.
Providence is the capital of Rhode Island and offers excellent toddler-friendly places to explore. If you have one day in Rhode Island, Providence is a great place to spend it!
Is Providence Worth Visiting?
Yes, yes, yes! Providence is totally worth visiting!
There is something for everyone in the city. You will find historical places for the history buff, breweries for the beer lover, museums for the art connoisseur, and plenty of opportunities to get outdoors for the nature lover.
And best of all, there are toddler-friendly things to do in Providence RI!
Visiting Providence RI
If you are taking a day trip to Providence, then you are probably traveling by car. However, there is an airport just outside Providence in Warwick and Amtrak has a station in Providence.
Providence is not a big city and is easy to get around by car. Our itinerary talks about parking at each stop. Spoiler Alert – every place on the itinerary has parking! And most of it is free!
Since Providence is located in New England, it experiences all four seasons. Summers are warm with July being the hottest month, and winters are cold with January being the coldest month.
When packing for a day trip to Providence RI, you will want to check the weather and pack for the season. If you are visiting in the summer, make sure to bring sunscreen and hats. In the winter, you will want to pack scarves, gloves, and beanies. It also doesn’t hurt to throw in an umbrella or raincoat if visiting in the spring, summer, or fall.
Itinerary for a Day Trip to Providence RI with Toddlers
We are sharing our itinerary for a day trip to Providence RI with toddlers. This way you know the best places to take your little one when visiting the city.
While the itinerary is busy, it is also realistic to accomplish with your toddler. Bonus – it’s an enjoyable itinerary for the whole family while keeping your little one entertained.
Providence Children’s Museum
We recommend making the Providence Children’s Museum your first stop. The biggest reason for this is parking. The museum has a free parking lot but is small and fills up quickly. So if you want to take advantage of free parking, you will want to get there early.
You can easily spend 90 minutes at the museum. There are two floors full of activities as well as outdoor space.
There is a water exhibit on the first floor. The museum provides smocks, but we recommend bringing a change of clothes for your little one. The smocks are great, but toddlers always find a way to still get wet.
If you plan to explore the outdoor space at the museum, there is a sandbox. Just saying, you’ve been warned. We recommend having extra shoes, clothes, and a bag to put any wet or sandy items in.
Roger Williams Park Zoo
The next stop is the Roger Williams Park Zoo. The zoo is only about 10 minutes from the Providence Children’s Museum, which means you will arrive around lunchtime.
If you are a member at a zoo that has a reciprocal benefit, then make sure to bring your zoo membership card so you can possibly get a discount on admission.
We recommend bringing your own picnic lunch to the zoo. You can bring outside food into the zoo and there are picnic tables. Pack your lunch at home before leaving for your Providence RI day trip.
The zoo is big and a toddler won’t walk the whole loop through the zoo. You will want to bring your stroller with you. You can store your picnic lunch, along with all your other gear, in the stroller until you are ready to eat.
There are a lot of animals to see and things to do, like the petting zoo. We recommend allowing a good two hours for your visit. Plus some additional time to eat lunch.
There is plenty of parking at the zoo and the best part is…it’s FREE!
Roger Williams Park
By the time you finish with the Providence Children’s Museum and Roger Williams Park Zoo, it will probably be past your toddler’s naptime.
Great news – the Roger Williams Park Zoo is in Roger Williams Park, which is huge!
After you finish at the zoo, you can pop your little one in their stroller and explore the walking paths in the park. The walking paths are paved for a smooth ride so hopefully your toddler can nap for a little.
Obviously, this can be easier said than done. At the very least everyone can get a little quiet time enjoying the natural beauty of the park before moving on to another high-energy activity.
Carousel Village at Roger Williams Park
Okay, I’m sure at this point you are wondering if you are ever leaving Roger Williams Park. You will be…just not yet!
At Carousel Village you will find an indoor carousel that kids and adults can ride. There is also an outdoor train for the whole family. The train isn’t open year-round so you will want to check their website before visiting.
There is also a playground at Carousel Village – Hasbro Boundless Playground. Your little one can expend their energy by climbing all over the play equipment.
You can easily spend an hour enjoying all the activities at Carousel Village with your toddler!
Water Place Park
After taking in all that Roger Williams Park has to offer, it’s time to head downtown.
Water Place Park is about 15 minutes from Roger Williams Park. The park is located in downtown Providence on the Woonasquatucket River.
You can find parking at Providence Place. If you stay less than 2 hours, then parking is free. You will have to pay for parking if you are there longer.
The entrance to Water Place Park is across the street from Providence Place. The park is a beautiful place to walk right along the river.
It can be difficult to navigate with a stroller. There are stairs and the path is cobblestone. You will want a stroller that is light and compact, but with sturdy wheels for uneven terrain.
After enjoying the park, you can go back to Providence Place and grab a bite to eat before heading home.
Providence RI with Kids: What to Pack for a Day Trip
It’s crazy how one toddler can require so much stuff for a day trip. Here are some toddler essentials you want to bring with you for your Providence Rhode Island day trip.
- Change of clothes
- Bag to put dirty/wet clothes in
- Diapers, wipes, and bags for dirty diapers
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Snacks and portable snack containers
- Sturdy shoes
- Seasonal attire – sun hat, sunglasses in summer; scarf, gloves, beanie in winter; rain jacket if rain is forecasted
- Toys for the car ride
- Stroller
This post was all about a day trip to Providence RI with toddlers so you are prepared for your trip and can make unforgettable family memories!
Other Posts You May Like
- If you plan to spend more time in Rhode Island, check out 5 Things No One Tells You About a Day Trip to Block Island so you can be prepared before you go!
- Before taking any toddler trip, you will want to read How to Travel with a Toddler | 9 Essential Tips so you have the best trip ever!
