Playgrounds abound in the Ocean State. From pirate ships to huge playscapes, there is no shortage of recreational activities for the little ones in this state. You will find indoor fun parks and historic places, beachside playhouses, and mini clam shacks, unique play structures, and various climbing walls, and it is all in the name of playing. Here are our favorites.
India Point Park is located in the Fox Point neighborhood of Providence, where the Seekonk River and Providence River meet. Essentially, it is 18 acres of rolling lawns and forested areas that lead out to an open view of the Narragansett Bay. Its proximity to both the ocean and the town makes it premiere gathering spot for many activities and events, including the Food Truck Festivals of America, https://www.impossibledreamplayground.org/
This playground is integrated to support children of all types of physical abilities, and the “no-fee” policy furthers the playground’s mission of acceptance. Founded in 1982, these grounds cater to those who are chronically ill or physically handicapped, and the current administrators simply ask for a small donation to keep the place open and safe for future generations.
This party and play center offers an indoor playground as well as a safe, clean environment for fun and activities. Also an amusement and theme park, Kidz Kastle offers bouncy houses, giant slides rides, climbing walls, adventure zones, and more. Plus, you can book a party, or sign up for the Kidz Club newsletter for all the latest news and events.
Created in memory of Brandon Goldner (son or Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner), who died in 2015, Brandon’s Beach offers a ton of unique play features for children to enjoy. Along with typical play structure like slides and swings, there are one-of-a-kind climbing structures for kids to play on, as well as climbing ropes and tightrope-walking rigging. You will also find a merry-go-round and a jungle gym, as well as many other interesting features.
Featuring a brand new playground as well as multi-sport recreational fields, Captain Stephen Olney Memorial Park is based on the farmhouse and surrounding lands of Revolutionary War veteran Captain Stephen Olney. The farmhouse was built in 1802 and was listed as a historic landmark in the national registry in 1947. The park and playground offer multiple climbing structures, monkey bars, slides, and a merry-go-round.
Although there are reportedly no dogs allowed, Manville Memorial park has a new playground with a large play structure that is suitable for a wide variety of ages. The park is fenced in and the playground is equipped with a large number of climbing elements, a steep slide, and a baby swing set. But, with a reported lack of shade, you had better bring some water.
Known for its playground and ball fields, Flat Top Park is a fenced-in property with a bathroom and a small playground. Featuring a play structure with a slide for small children, there is plenty of parking and grassy areas for picnics. Also, the location offers a quarter of a mile nature trail where one can walk through thick pine groves as well as to a brook and floodplain and over a boardwalk.
The playground at Glenlyon Park offers many classic pieces of playground equipment, including a slide and a swing set. You will also find access to a baseball field, tennis court, basketball courts, walking paths, and a soccer field. Open year round, there are also pavilions, picnic tables, a covered patio, and a nature trail.
Besides being a mecca of sports and recreational activities, the Bristol Park offers a waterfront view, access to State Park hiking trails, a bike path, and a kids playground. Surrounded by grassy picnic areas, you’ll find a climbing gym, slides, swings, and more. Plus, you get access to ball fields, volleyball and basketball courts, and a skateboard park.