things to do in newport for kids

Hi my family and I are going to Newport the Saturday after Christmas and kids are coming. I was wondering what some good activities are for a 12 year old and a 8 year old.

things to do in newport for kids

As a teen I always thought it was fun to walk around the wharves, docks, and shops at Bowens Wharf %26amp; Brick Market. There%26#39;s also Ryan Family Amusement Arcade right downtown. Newport is pretty fun for all ages, I think. Or you could go to Fort Adams.

things to do in newport for kids

Whenever we have out-of-state visitors with kids, and we head to Newport, we always take them to Aquidneck Lobster Co. It%26#39;s on Bowen%26#39;s Wharf right off Thames St. and it%26#39;s filled with large, water filled wooden pens with lobsters of all sizes. Kids always love it, it%26#39;s free, and you can even plan to buy some to have crated up and take back or shipped home. If a local could chime in and let you know it%26#39;s still open on that Saturday...? Cliff walk will be cold, but if you%26#39;re bundled up, it%26#39;s always enjoyable. Park by 40 steps and walk to the right for awhile to get behind the Breakers mansion. Again, free. We%26#39;d always stop in to Ochre Court, a mansion now used as Salve Regina University%26#39;s administration building, to get a free peek at the architecture of one of Newport%26#39;s ';cottages';. It%26#39;s Christmas break, though, so don%26#39;t know if they lock the little side door to the left of the main ones....Also, Bretton Point on Ocean drive has nice paths behind the park bldg. that leads to a stone tower with stairs you can climb for a nice view. Free as well. Do the kids play tennis? I%26#39;m not sure of their winter hours, but the Tennis Hall of Fame is on Bellevue and although not free, it%26#39;s good to see.

Also, try the website christmasinnewport.org They list everything for the holiday season. You might be able to get a better feel for what your kids would like. The holiday train might be fun - I%26#39;ve never done it so can%26#39;t advise...

Sorry, CTCHarlie - holiday fatigue brought on a typo - it%26#39;s Brenton Point. Also, Bowens wharf is of of Americas%26#39; Cup before it turns onto Thames. My bad.

How about a seal watch cruise with Save The Bay?

They have a 10am and 11 am cruise scheduled for both Sat. and Sun.

Got some good tips above. Also, while the mansions might be booring to alot of kids, perhaps the Marble House or the Elms would hold their interest long enough. unlike the Breakers which is a guided tour, these are self guided. you get an i-pod like device to wear, and then you press different numbers to learn more about each room....for exmple you%26#39;ll press 1 to get an overviewe of the room for about a minute, and then you can press other numbers to find out more details (like apicture might have a number attached to it, or a piece of furniture, etc...) It%26#39;s a little more interactive for kids than the Breakers.

Alsso, the Mariott hass a big gingerbreadd house in the lobby if you%26#39;re in the area.

Also, on Long Wharf there is a shop called Goodies by the Sea which has lots of vintage candy as well as the modern stuff....we always see kids with smiles on their faces there.

Also down on lower Thames St, just before the Yacht Restoration School, there is a Magic/Joke Shop...I think it%26#39;s open year round, if any of your kids are into that sort of thing. And as somebody previously mentioned, Ryan Family Amusements (Arcade)