Top Winter Activities in Rhode Island For Children Under 5

For those people that realize Rhode Island is not part of Long Island, then they probably know that it is the Ocean State. Although the best time of year to visit "Little Rhody" is the summer season, there is plenty to do in any season.

During the winter, those with young children are probably the ones that are most looking for indoor activities. However, I have outlined a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for this age group.

Providence Children's Museum is located at 100 South Street in Providence RI. The winter hours are Tuesday - Sunday 9am-6pm and open during school vacations Monday holidays and until 8pm the third Friday evening of each month for "MetLife" Family Friday - Free at Five!" This museum has activities and hands-on exhibits that allow kids and parents to play together and learn. There are water-ways where the children can build pipes together to re-direct the water and learn damns and levies. Local history is outlined in a walk through exhibit where children (and parents) can learn about the immigrants that came to Rhode Island through the centuries.

In addition to the exhibits, there are activities at various times that are based around holidays and certain times of the year. There are also rooms that can be used for special community activities and have craft activities at various times. For more information visit their website.

Roger Williams Park Zoo is located in Providence, Rhode Island and has many variety of animals. Although the winter is not a time that you would consider visiting the zoo, but they are open all year long. The page on the website detailing tips for visiting during the winter months is http://www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org/calendar/WinterTips.cfm

Showcase Cinemas, Warwick RI (1200 Quaker Lane (401) 885-1621) has "Baby Pictures", a unique, weekly program which offers unique baby-friendly setting for new parents to view new movies.

Dim lighting to allow for easy child care in the auditorium
Movie volume will be lowered for babies' sensitive hearing
Baby changing stations
Area for strollers
Food cart offering breakfast goodies and concessions for sale In addition, there is other family oriented programs at this cinema including Kidtoons, Book Worm Wednesdays, and Reel Kool Birthday Parties.

Providence Performing Arts Center is located in Providence, RI and will at times have family shows. This is a live theater and is a great opportunity to introduce children to plays. This venue will also have shows like Dora the Explorer, Sesame Street Live, etc. Visit their website for more information.

Yawgoo Valley Ski and Sports Park is located at 160 Yawgoo Valley Rd Exeter, RI. 02822. They have skiing and snow tubing. Although this is not something that everyone will want to do with a young child, under 5 years old, if you enjoy skiing then you might want to get your child into it early. Yawgoo has ski lessons available for all ages.