 |
Children Vacation Block Island Style: Kid Friendly Family Fun
The island and its buildings have a certain smell that stirs emotion & calls up memories of Block Island Family Vacations as a kid. A new generation of kids are vacationing here and looking for hot activities. Here's what not to miss! Let's start with the obvious: Most days on Block Island are spent on the beach bodysurfing and building sandcastles. A Block Island summer is warm and breezy, perfect for outdoor activity. There are two Movie Theaters on Block Island. The Empire Theater on Water Street in Old Harbor, and Oceanwest Theater at Champlin's Marina in New Harbor. Both theaters show first run movies nightly in the Summer. Rainy Day Matinees. Empire: 401-466-2555 -or- Oceanwest: 401-466-2971 Located at Smuggler's Cove on West Side Road in New Harbor, the center is dedicated to educating students through a variety of programs. Sailing, Kayaking, Diving, Snorkeling, Marine Science and Aquaculture Programs and Pirate Day! No Website for the Institute but you can call at 401-466-7938. 
This non-profit organization has activiites that connect children to nature. Nature Walks, Birding and Bird Banding, Night Sky Viewing and Art Programs are a few of the offerings here.This Club is located on Corn Neck Road and open during the summer. Sailing and Club Activities such as Tennis, Swimming and Arts & Crafts for kids is the focus here. No website yet but here's their number - 401-466-5939 No Children Vacation is complete without a trip to one of the three Video Arcades on Block Island. One is next to the Empire Theater on Water Street in Old Harbor. Another is on the porch of the National Hotel next to Froozies. The third arcade is at Champlin's Marina in New Harbor. Besides the best free beaches on the East Coast, kids love all water based activities! No Block Island beach vacation is complete without a Parasail or Banana Boat Ride. Check out my buddies Bobby & Sara Littlefield at
Block Island Parasail.
They also rent speed boats and do Sunset Cruises.
There's one place to go horseback riding on Block Island. Rustic Rides. Owner Tim McCabe and his guides will take you on a great trail ride right on the beach! Very kid friendly. Ponies for the children. The farm is located up on the West Side of the island but don't worry, Tim has a taxi and if you call him, he'll pick you up. 401-466-5060. Hour long trail rides are around $45. Nestled right next to the Historic and Majestic Manisses Inn is an animal farm. Very close to town on Spring Street, this farm has Camels, Lamas, Emus and a Kangaroo! Check it out next time you are looking for some action. Block Island's only Skate Park is the Ian Kortbeck Memorial Skate Park. Find it at the Ball O'Brien Park on West Side Road. It's free. There's also a swing set and jungle gym for the younger kids in your family. For the bigger kids there's Basketball & Tennis. 
Champlin's is one of the most Family Friendly places on island. You do not have to have your boat at the marina to enjoy all the amenities. The owners invite islanders and visitors and it's a great place for kids! Free outdoor Barbecues and picnic tables, Video Arcade, a restaurant and snack bar, pool, daily entertainment by the pool or at the Tiki Bar at the end of the Dock, state of the art playground. For a fee you can ride the Bumper Boats, rent Sailboats or Kayaks or play Tennis. Learn to fish! Catch the Biggest Striped Bass! Click here for more Information on Block Island Fishing. Take a Charter Trip and see what you can catch. Block Island has several charter Boats, Captains & Beach Guides. 
Rent a surfboard and head to the Beach! Baby Beach has good waves to learn on. So do Scotch & Mansion Beaches Resident Surf Instructor Scott Cooper can usually be found over at Juice 'n Java Cafe. Track him down and sign up for a lesson.
Kid Friendly Programs at The Island Free Library Located on Dodge Street in Town. The Children's Librarian Morgan Rose has many free activities planned for the kids. Great for rainy days! 401-466-3233 Use these Activities and more to create your Annual Family Traditions.
|
