Things to do · Rhode Island & New England

Rhode Island Life Activities

The ultimate boredom breaker: 42 kinds of things to do, Rhode Island first, then the best of nearby New England. Tap a button to jump straight there.

Pick an activity ↓ 💕 Date night ideas

Activities

Thrills & Adventure

Skydiving

Tandem jumps with a certified instructor. Tandem jumpers must be 18+.

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Helicopter Tours

Scenic flights by reservation, weather permitting.

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Flying Lessons

Try a “discovery flight”: an intro lesson where you take the controls with an FAA-certified instructor.

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Balloon Rides

Sunrise and sunset flights; weather decides the day. We found no balloon ride company based in Rhode Island, so these are the closest in Connecticut.

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Gun Ranges

Ranges open to the public, with classes for beginners. Rules, ID and age requirements vary; check before you go.

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Archery

Beginner-friendly ranges with equipment provided.

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Rock Climbing

Indoor walls and bouldering; no experience needed at most gyms.

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Obstacle Courses

Ninja courses, ropes courses and quest-style challenges.

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Zip Lines & Adventure Parks

Aerial trails, ziplines and treetop obstacles.

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Go-Karts

Indoor and outdoor tracks.

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Axe Throwing

Coached axe throwing; age limits apply.

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Activities

On the Water

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Rentals, tours and lessons.

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Whale Watching & Sailing Cruises

Seasonal trips; book ahead in summer.

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Fishing Charters

Party boats and private charters out of Galilee / Point Judith.

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Surfing

Lessons and camps at RI’s surf beaches.

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Beaches & Lighthouses

State beaches charge parking in season; lighthouse hours are seasonal.

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Activities

Family Fun

Video Game Arcades

Arcades and game rooms.

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Mini Golf & Driving Ranges

Putt-putt for the family and grass ranges open to the public.

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Bowling & Candlepin

Ten-pin and RI-style duckpin. Note: candlepin is a Massachusetts/northern New England thing; Rhode Island has none.

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Trampoline Parks

Indoor jump parks; grip socks and waivers usually required.

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Ice Skating & Roller Rinks

Public skate sessions.

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Zoos & Aquariums

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Farms, Orchards & Pick-Your-Own

Seasons depend on weather; call or check the farm’s page before you go.

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Horseback Riding

Guided trail rides and lessons.

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Activities

Indoor & Rainy Day

Also great indoors: 🕹️ Video Game Arcades · 🎳 Bowling & Candlepin · 🦘 Trampoline Parks · 🧗 Rock Climbing · 🏛️ Museums · 🏎️ Go-Karts

Escape Rooms

Private rooms, about 60 minutes.

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Paint-Your-Own Pottery & Art Classes

Studios and drop-in art.

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Activities

Outdoors & Sightseeing

Fitness Challenges & Races

Free group workouts, run clubs and race series that anyone can join.

🏃 Races, turkey trots & plunges on the calendar →

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Bike Paths

Paved, car-free paths (RIDOT).

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Walking Tours

Guided history and ghost walks.

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Bus Tours

Narrated city tours.

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Sightseeing

Rhode Island icons.

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Astronomy

Public stargazing nights. All are weather-permitting; check the observatory’s page the day of.

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Sports Leagues

Rec leagues and organizations that take sign-ups.

🏆 Sports events on the calendar →

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Activities

Arts & Culture

Live Theater

Stage theaters (for movie theaters see the Movies page).

🎭 Theater & arts events on the calendar →

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Museums

🏛️ Museum events on the calendar →

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Art Fairs

Outdoor art festivals (most are once a year; dates below are from each organizer).

🖼️ Art fair & open studio events on the calendar →

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Live Poetry

Open mics, slams and readings.

📜 Poetry nights on the calendar →

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Activities

New England Adventures

Snowmobiling

Winter trips; trail status depends on snow.

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Mountain Climbing & Big Peaks

Big-peak hikes; check summit weather before you go.

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Amusement Parks

Mostly seasonal; check opening dates.

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Ski Areas

Closest hills first.

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Two tickets, please

Date Night Ideas

Hand-picked from the activities above: tap one to jump to its details and official site.

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