Outdoor Activities
NOTE: The events listed are subject to change, and this page will be updated with the latest information.
Adventureland in Narragansett
Adventureland opened April 17, with plans to be open on weekends in May then daily starting in June. The hours vary, so check the website for details.
Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens in New Bedford
A former New Bedford nursery turned 6-acre park and horticultural gem. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, free of charge.
Battleship Cove in Fall River
Battleship Cove is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Capacity restrictions may limit ticket availability.
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol
The 33-acre summer estate has a view of Narragansett Bay and is known for its history. The mansion and gardens are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s also open most Monday holidays, but will be closed on July 4. The mansion will occasionally close early for special events and for weddings on many weekends.
Block Island Ferry
There’s a traditional and fast ferry from Point Judith and a hi-speed ferry from Newport. Visit the ferry’s website for schedules and fares.
Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford
From April to October the zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets must be bought in advance and will have a specific entry time.
Boating at Roger Williams Park
Rent swan boats, electric boats, kayaks or pirate tours at Roger Williams Park. Times have not yet been released for the summer.
Kinney Azalea Gardens in South Kingstown
The peak bloom of azaleas is mid-May. The garden is open daily during daylight hours, but will be closed May 15 for a private party. There is no fee to enter, but donations are welcome.
Massachusetts State Parks
Parking passes are only available for Massachusetts residents and cost $60. Seniors can buy a pass for $10. A full list of locations and schedules can be found on the state’s website.
Middletown Beaches
Parking passes for Third and Sachuest beaches are available online only, with in-person sales expected to begin in mid-May. A Middletown resident season pass is $70, compared to $65 for town seniors and $30 for resident motorcycles. For non-residents, the cost of a seasonal pass is $140, with $130 for seniors and $60 for motorcycles.
New Bedford Beaches
Parking passes are now available for Fort Taber, West Beach and East Beach. Tickets are available at the Parks, Recreation & Beach administration office, the City Clerk’s Office, the Traffic Commission at the Elm Street Garage, and at the beaches themselves. Tickets are $10 for residents, $5 for residents over 65, $20 for Greater New Bedford residents and $50 for non-residents.
Newport Beaches
Daily parking beach passes will be available for non-residents and residents, while seasonal passes are for residents only. Prices can be found on the city’s website.
Newport Mansions
The Marble House and Green Animals Topiary Garden are currently open daily at 10 a.m. with the last tour admission at 4 p.m. and the grounds closing at 5 p.m. Beginning May 3, The Breakers and Green Animals Topiary Garden will be open daily at 10 a.m. with the last tour admission at 4 p.m. and grounds closing at 5 p.m. The Marble House will be closed May 3 through May 27, but will reopen May 28, still opening daily at 10 a.m., with the last tour at 5 p.m. and the grounds closing at 6 p.m. Beginning Sept. 7, the Breakers, the Elms and the Green Animals Topiary Garden will be open daily at 10 a.m. with the last tour at 5 p.m. and grounds closing at 6 p.m.
Outdoor Synthetic Ice Skating Rink in Narragansett
An outdoor synthetic ice skating rink is scheduled to open May 23 at the Parks and Recreation Field on Clarke Road outside of Scarborough beach. The rink will be open year long.
Providence to Newport Ferry
This ferry carries passengers between Providence, Bristol and Newport. The summer schedule is expected to be released soon.
Rhode Island State Beaches
State beaches will open at full capacity starting on May 15. Masks must be worn in crowded areas like concession stands. Resident, non-resident and senior beach passes are now available for purchase on RIparks.com or at the Scarborough State Beach Auxiliary Lot from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. You can also get a daily flex pass, which allows for one-day parking. Season passes allow entry into parking lots at all eight of Rhode Island’s state beaches and are tied to to your license plate.
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center in Providence
The gardens are open for special events, including an upcoming Mother’s Day special on May 8. Check the website for details.
Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence
The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All tickets must be purchased online in advance for a timed entry.
The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum in New Bedford
The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum was built by shipwrights in 1834 for a whaling merchant. The gardens include over 350 rose bushes, a boxwood garden and a historic pergola. The hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with special events throughout the summer.
Seastreak Ferry in New Bedford
There are two destinations from the New Bedford port: one ferry goes to Nantucket and the other brings travelers to Martha’s Vineyard. Both operate seasonally from May 5 through Oct. 11.
Six Flags New England in Agawam
Six Flags will open with rides on May 14 for members and season pass holders, and May 15 for the general public. All visitors must reserve their spot at sixflags.com/reserve to manage capacity and arrival times.
Yawgoo Valley in Exeter
The water park at Yawgoo Valley opens on July 1. Park hours are 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with tickets available for three timed sessions.
Water Wizz in Wareham
Southern New England’s largest water park has not yet released an opening day for this summer, but their calendar starts on June 19.