For some family bonding time in Rhode Island, take your kids trekking through the forest or for a nice stroll along the beach. The Ocean State affords a variety of landscapes for the most immaculate hikes. And don’t worry if the little ones tire easily, or if you have a less-experienced hiker in your group, there’s something for everyone with these five awesome hiking trails in Rhode Island.
This 860-acre conservation area offers a gradual incline that provides a good challenge for kids. You might even spot a few rock formations along the way—you can read about their history, too, if you’re lucky enough to find the tallest one. Try taking the easy orange trail or the blue loop for a longer hike that takes your walk from two miles to 4.5.
Make sure to pack some sun block for this beautiful hike along the bluffs. This walk includes a stroll along the beach where you might stop and picnic or dig up shells, a staircase along the bluffs, and views of the charming Southeast Lighthouse. Leave plenty of time to catch your ferry back to the mainland at the end of the day, too!
Pack up your binoculars—it’s time to go birdwatching! There are trails galore within the Norman Bird Sanctuary, perfect for hikers of every skill level. The Shady Glade Trail offers a more leisurely walk great for young families. Children under three are free, but others must pay a small fee to hike these trails.
An ideal way to immerse yourself in the vibrant nature of this trail’s surrounding wetlands is from the safety of a boardwalk. Because the Dundery Brook Trail is a boardwalk, it makes it handicapped accessible, too! The incredible forested swamps and wetlands showcase Rhode Island’s natural beauty at its finest. Everyone can enjoy the Dundery Brook Trail.
This Middletown wildlife refuge offers about three miles of beautiful nature trails. The area has a long and storied history, being utilized for farming from the mid-1600s to the early 1900s, and also used as a U.S. Navy site in World War II. The nature trails offer abundant opportunity for incredible wildlife viewing with kiosks and interpretive panels. Children will enjoy every moment of this, and learn something along the way.
