Kid Friendly Family Fun
Kid friendly vacation experts find Block Island, RI one of the best places in New England for family vacations. If you've been to this island before, you know there's a familiar feeling of excitement driving down the escape road in Pt. Judith on the way to the Block Island Ferry.The island and its buildings have a certain smell that stirs emotion & calls up memories of Block Island family vacations growing up. A new generation of our kids are vacationing here and looking for fun things to do. Here are the top activities not to miss. Share a story about your favorite thing to do on Block IslandLet's begin with the reason most families love it here:
The Beaches
Most days on Block Island are spent on the beach body surfing and building sandcastles. Island summers are warm and breezy, perfect for outdoor fun. The MoviesThere are two movie theaters on the 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 The Block Island Maritime InstituteLocated 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's day. 401-466-7938.
The Ocean View PavilionThis non-profit organization has activities that connect children to nature. Nature walks, birding and bird banding, night sky viewing and art programs are a few of the offerings here. Children Vacation at the Block Island ClubThis Club is located on Corn Neck Road and open during the summer. Sailing and club activities such as tennis, swimming and arts & crafts for every kid is the focus here. 401-466-5939 The Arcade No child's vacation is complete (in their eyes, anyway) without a trip (or seven) 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. Water SportsBesides the best free beaches on the East Coast, kids love all water based recreation. No beach vacation is complete without a Parasail or Banana Boat Ride. Check out Bobby & Sara at
Block Island Parasail.
They also do Sunset Cruises.
Horseback RidingThere'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 from $45. The Abrams Animal FarmNestled right next to the historic and majestic Hotel Manisses is an animal farm. Very close to town on Spring Street, this farm has camels, llamas, emus and even a kangaroo. Playgrounds & ParksBlock Island's only skate park is the Ian Kortbek 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 Marina 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 most of the amenities. This is a great place for a kid. 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. *recently the pool has only allowed guests with boats in the marina. Charter FishingLearn 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.
SurfingRent a surfboard and head to the beach. The east beaches have good waves to learn on, especially right across from the Beachead restaurant. The Diamond Blue surf shop on the corner of Dodge Street and Corneck Road rents surf boards, boogie boards and paddle boards.
Kid Friendly Programs at The Island Free Library
Located on Dodge Street in town. The Children's Librarian has many free activities planned. Great for rainy days. 401-466-3233 Use these activities and more to create your annual family traditions. _______________________________________Share a story about your favorite thing to do on Block Island.
What's Your Favorite Thing to Do?
Do you have a great Block Island story to share? I'm sure others would love to hear it.
What Other Visitors Have Said
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sitting
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Just to sit down & watch the sunset.

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