Going outdoors with the family to marvel at nature and stretch your legs sounds like a great idea! Hiking is a wonderful activity to spend time outdoors with the kids, allowing them to enjoy nature, breathe fresh air, witness amazing views, and spend time together as a family.
Rhode Island is brimming with picturesque hikes, many of which are suitable for the little ones! Get ready to explore some of the most awe-inspiring areas near Providence with comfortable shoes, and make unforgettable memories with your loved ones!
1
2082 Victory Hwy, Coventry, RI 02816,
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge
This is a paradise for nature-loving families! You will find four miles of trails in several color-coded loops, which give walkers plenty of options for how long to hike and what to see. There are flat and wide trails that are easy for everyone, starting at a pine forest and continuing to the 11-acre Carr Pond where you’ll get to see plenty of beaver activity! This trail is perfect to spot the wildlife that calls the preserve home.2
Little Compton, RI
Simmons Mill Management Area
There are many opportunities to see and hear birds and wildlife while hiking this easy trail! The 433-acre preserve features a wide and flat path that circles six ponds! Kids will be entertained waiting for wildlife to show up! You will find tons of hand-lettered signs along the trails that describe the trees, wildlife, rocks, and rich history. This is a super fun and easy trail for the whole family, with plenty of benches along the way to admire the natural space and its features!3
29 Meetinghouse Ln, Little Compton, RI 02837
Whitehead Preserve at Dundery Brook
Experience an awesome hiking trail surrounded by wetlands and a scenic wooded journey! The inland boardwalk is ½ mile long and very easy for all ages!4
1580 RI-114, Barrington, RI 02806
Osamequin Nature Trails and Bird Sanctuary
Families will enjoy easy, flat, filled-with-nature trails that circle through the 42-acre refuge along the west shore of the Barrington River’s Hundred Acre Cove. Families will love spending some time surrounded by nature and wildlife. In all, there are 1.5 miles of easy-to-follow paths.5
E Rd, Tiverton, RI 02878
Weetamoo Woods & Pardon Gray Preserve
Weetamoo Woods & Pardon Gray Preserve features a 4.7-mile loop trail that is color-coded to help you not get lost. You can pick a color and be surprised! After the hike, you can visit Tiverton Four Corners for post-hike treats.6
Legion Memorial Dr, Providence, RI 02909
Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy
You will want to keep going until the end of the hill to be rewarded with a nice resting spot and a breathtaking view of downtown Providence! You will find several trails that loop up and around the hilltop. Get ready to walk through a grassy meadow with a view of the skyline, wetlands, brooks, and lots of nature!7
Seven Mile Rd, Hope, RI 02831
Lawton Farm Hike
Get ready to witness 54.4 acres of rolling hills, pastures, and fields, edged with trees, hedgerows, and stone walls! There are several loop trails to choose from for a 30-, 60- or 90-minute walk, including a perimeter trail that runs along lines of red maples, black walnut, beech trees, and lots of interesting wildlife.8
41-199 Old Forge Rd, Smithfield, RI 02917
Mowry Conservation Area Red Trail
With less than ½ mile long, the awesome Red Trail at Mowry Conservation Area is perfect to navigate with the little ones! The highlight for the kids will be crossing the footbridge over the water and continuing through the scenic pine grove.9
Middletown, RI
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
What’s better than enjoying some active fun with ocean views? This 2.4-mile flat and sandy trail is perfect to navigate with kids and even strollers! There is plenty of wildlife all around, including wildflowers, butterflies, and a few deer!10
1 Rocky Point Ave, Warwick, RI 02889
Rocky Point State Park
This awesome state park feature 1.6 miles of flat, paved walks, which makes it perfect for kids! The best part is that the trail leads to the former Rocky Point Amusement Park so there’s plenty to see and explore!11
Waterview Dr, Smithfield, RI 02917
Wolf Hill Forest Preserve
This awesome trail has plenty of interesting things to see along the way, including a WWII memorial that pays tribute to 3 airmen whose plane crashed there in 1943, and a former Boy Scouts camp.12
Portsmouth, RI
Melville Park Blue Trail
This 0.8-mile trail is generally considered an easy route, and it takes an average of 17 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, camping, and fishing, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The Blue Trail is perfect for children! They will love the little footbridges and the little waterfall.13
Jerimoth Hill, Foster, Rhode Island 02825
