Family-Friendly Adventures in Newport, RI!

Newport Cliff Walk

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Day Trip to Newport Cliff Walk

Morning: Arrival and Start of Cliff Walk

Begin your journey early in the morning by heading to the starting point of the Newport Cliff Walk at Memorial Boulevard. There"s a public parking area nearby where you can leave your car. Start your adventure at the Easton’s Beach end of the walk to fully enjoy the rising sun over the Atlantic. The first part of the Cliff Walk is paved and easy, ideal for families with children.

Interesting Fact: The Newport Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile public access walkway that borders the shore line and is designated as a National Recreation Trail.

Mid-Morning: Exploration and Mansions

As you stroll along, you"ll witness breathtaking vistas and the grandeur of Newport"s famous mansions like The Breakers and Rosecliff. These homes tell tales of America"s Gilded Age, providing not just architectural beauty but also a peek into 19th-century opulence.

Lunch Break: Brenton Point State Park

Pack a picnic lunch and pause at Brenton Point State Park, which offers spectacular ocean views and a pleasant area for a rest. Here, kids can play on the grassy areas while adults enjoy the scenic beauty.

Afternoon: Further Along the Cliff Walk

Continue your journey south where the path becomes a bit more rugged and natural. This section is a bit challenging but offers more privacy and intimate views of the wild coastline.

Interesting Fact: Look out for the famous "40 Steps" near Narragansett Avenue, a popular spot where servants from the nearby mansions would gather during their off hours.

Late Afternoon: Completing the Walk and Departure

Finish the walk at Bailey’s Beach. From here, you can catch a local bus back to your starting point or arrange for a taxi. Celebrate your day with a treat from one of the local ice cream shops before heading home.

This itinerary offers a blend of natural beauty, historical insight, and relaxation, tailored for a memorable family outing in Newport.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Rough Point

Why Visit?

Rough Point, located in Newport, Rhode Island, offers a splendid family getaway with its rich history and stunning seaside views. Originally the home of tobacco heiress Doris Duke, Rough Point presents a glimpse into early 20th-century luxury and art collection.

Morning: Tour of Rough Point Mansion

Begin your day at Rough Point Mansion, open from April to November. You can purchase tickets online in advance to ensure entry. Upon arriving, join the guided tour which starts every half hour. The tour showcases impressive collections of European art, intricate furniture, and personal artifacts of Doris Duke, revealing stories that captivate both kids and adults. Don’t miss the peculiar camel topiaries in the garden, a nod to Duke’s love for exotic animals.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a picnic on the beautifully landscaped grounds with an ocean backdrop. Bring your own snacks and relish a relaxing break by the sea.

Afternoon: Explore the Cliff Walk

Post lunch, take a short drive or a leisurely walk to the famous Newport Cliff Walk, beginning just a few miles from Rough Point. This 3.5-mile trail offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the opulence of Newport"s historical mansions on the other. The walk is mostly easy, making it suitable for children, with some rocky stretches that offer a little adventure.

Evening: Thames Street

Cap off your day with a stroll down Thames Street, just a 10-minute drive from Rough with its quaint shops, ice cream parlors, and local eateries. It"s a perfect spot for dinner and to enjoy the charming ambiance of Newport.

Interesting Fact

Rough Point showcases a quirky collection of canine portraits, reflecting Doris Duke’s love for her dogs, which adds a uniquely personal touch to the mansion"s grandeur.

This itinerary blends culture, history, and scenic beauty, making Rough Point a memorable stop for families exploring Newport.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Touro Synagogue National Historic Site

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Touro Synagogue National Historic Site

Good morning! Start your adventure in Newport, Rhode Island, by heading to the Touro Synagogue National Historic Site, a gem steeped in American history.

Morning: Visit Touro Synagogue

- Address: 85 Touro Street, Newport, RI

- Getting There: Located in central Newport, easily accessible by car or a short walk from downtown. Parking is available along nearby streets.

- Tour Details: Begin with a guided tour starting from the Loeb Visitors Center, where engaging exhibits offer a fun learning experience about the history and significance of the synagogue. Tours typically run hourly.

- Interesting Fact: Touro Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the United States, established in 1763, and a magnificent example of colonial architecture and enduring freedom.

Lunch Break: Picnic at Touro Park

- Enjoy a Family Picnic: Just a short walk from the synagogue, Toro Park offers a peaceful setting for a relaxing picnic. Grab some local takeout—seafood is a must-try!

Afternoon: Colonial Newport Walking Tour

- Meeting Point: Washington Square

- Getting There: A leisurely 10-minute walk from Touro Park.

- Tour Experience: Dive into colonial history with a family-friendly walking tour, discovering historic buildings, quaint streets, and stories that shaped Newport. Don’t miss the Old Colony House and the Brick Market Museum.

- Interesting Fact: Newport’s colonial quarter is among the best-preserved in the U.S., offering a real glimpse into 18th-century American life.

Evening: Sunset at Newport Harbor

- Location: Bowen"s Wharf

- Getting There: End your day with a 15-minute walk to the bustling Bowen"s Wharf, watching a stunning sunset over the harbor while enjoying ice cream from a local vendor.

This itinerary provides a fantastic blend of history, learning, and relaxation, ideal for a family outing at the Touro Synagogue National Historic Site and its surroundings. Enjoy your trip!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

National Museum of American Illustration (NMAI)

Why Visit?

Family Day Out at the National Museum of American Illustration (NMAI)

Morning Arrival & Exploration

Start your journey at the National Museum of American Illustration, located in the historic Vernon Court in Newport, Rhode Island. This architectural marvel, modeled after the 18th-century French chateau "Le Petit Trianon", is not only a feast for the eyes but also houses the largest collection of American illustration art.

Getting There

The museum is easily accessible by car and public transport. If you"re driving, it"s a short trip from downtown Newport. For those taking public transport, buses regularly run to and from the area.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the museum building itself, Vernon Court, dates back to 1898 and is considered a Gilded Age gem?

Interactive Tour

Upon arrival, dive into an interactive tour starting at 11:00 AM. The tour is designed specifically for families, making it engaging for both adults and kids. You"ll see works by famous illustrators like Norman Rockwell, J.C. Leyendecker, and Maxfield Parrish.

Lunch Break

Break for lunch around 1:00 PM. Enjoy a picnic in the beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the museum. These gardens are inspired by French parks and are a perfect spot to relax and reflect on the art you"ve seen.

Afternoon Activities

Post-lunch, participate in a family-oriented workshop where everyone can try their hands at creating their illustration based on the techniques observed. It"s a fun way to immeragine the styles of iconic American illustrators.

Departure

Wrap up your visit by 4 PM, ensuring you have plenty of time to browse through the museum shop for exclusive prints or books to remember your day.

Remember, the NMAI offers a unique glimpse into American culture through the art of illustration, making it an enriching experience for the whole family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Bellevue Avenue

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Bellevie Avenue, Newport

Morning: Bellevue Avenue Historical Tour

Start your day with a stroll down Bellevue Avenue, famed for its Gilded Age mansions and historical significance. Arrive early to beat the crowds and fully enjoy the grandeur of the architecture. Begin at The Elms (44 Ochre Point Ave), a stunning example of a late 19th-century summer estate. Parking is available onsite. The mansion opens at 9 AM; be sure to pick up the family audio tour that cat escort kids through the servant"s quarters and beautiful gardens, making history come alive in an engaging way.

Lunch: Picnic at The Elms

After touring The Elms, enjoy a relaxing picnic in the mansion’s expansive gardens. Pack your own lunch or grab some local treats from a nearby cafe before you visit.

Afternoon: Tennis Hall of Fame

A short 10-minute walk from The Elms will take you to the International Tennis Hall of Fame (194 Bellevue Ave). Here, you can explore the history of tennis through interactive exhibits ideal for kids. The museum offers a "scavenger hunt" which involves finding clues scattered throughout the exhibits, perfect to keep the little ones excited and engaged.

Evening: Stroll and Gelato

Cap off your day with a leisurely stroll back along Bellevetnue Avenue, soaking in the views of the historic buildings as the sun sets. Stop at Sprinkles Ice Cream (130 Bellevue Ave) to enjoy a refreshing gelato in a variety of flavors.

Interesting Facts

- Bellevue Avenue is part of a larger district listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it a pivotal part of America"s architectural history.

- The Tennis Hall of Fame is located at the Newport Casino, an architectural gem itself and a social club dating back to the 1880s.

This family-friendly itinerary combines educational enrichment with leisurely fun, ensuring a memorable day for both kids and adults on Bellevue Avenue.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.