• Rhode Island offers lots of family friendly activities.USA states series: Rhode Island. Political map with counties image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
  
  The state of Rhode Island has many activities available for kids to enjoy, from hiking outdoors to visiting a museum. The change of seasons creates a cool fall and early spring that lends itself well to hiking and biking, while warm summers bring fun water activities. Snowy winters are great times to enjoy indoor activities. While the costs of activities can vary, there are things that budget-minded families can do for free.
  
  

Providence Children's Museum

• Providence Children's Museum in the state capital of Providence has exhibits that teach about culture, history, science, and the arts. The museum is open every day except for Monday. While the museum typically costs $6.50 per person, the first Sunday of every month is free thanks to a program called CVS Free Sundays.
  
  Providence Children's Museum
  
  100 South St
  
  Providence, RI 02903-4749
  
  401-273-5437
  
  

Outdoor Activities

• Rhode Island's mild weather lends itself to outdoor activities. These activities are free for everyone in the family and can be enjoyed by all ages. Rhode Island's heritage trails, like the Blackstone River Valley Heritage Trail, are walking trails that take you through cultural and architectural sites in Rhode Island. The trails are free and can take you through the entire state. Rhode Island also has many nature trails, such as a coastal nature trail and garden nature trail, that are marked and include information throughout on the types of birds, trees and other things to keep an eye on as you hike. Rhode Island boasts 100 miles of biking trails, with 10 places to stop as you travel along. The bike trails are easy and free to access and are kid-friendly. Rhode Island state parks have been fee free since 1998 and offer campsites for families with running water, fishing, hiking, and bird watching, just to name a few activities. East Beach and Camp area and Pulaski State Park are among some of the free parks. Some of the state parks are exempt from being fee free. Make sure to check before visiting.
  
  

Historical Sites

• Rhode Island has a rich history to explore. From the Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown to the Slater Mill historic site in Pawtucket, many of these sites are free for residents and guests to explore. Baker Street Fire Museum in Warren, RI, is a free destination that any kid who loves fire trucks would love. The Coggeshell Farm museum in Bristol is a destination for any animal loving child. Fort Adams is a standing fort that was actually used for protection from the 1800s to 1950 and is located in Newport.