Fun Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day in Rhode Island
Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 21, and there are plenty of creative ways to celebrate dad locally.
Photo from Getty Images.
With Father’s Day approaching and the summer season in full swing, Rhode Island has many unique spots for families to celebrate their dads. From breweries and live music to rail tours and outrageously large ice cream sundaes, there is no doubt there is something exciting to do with your dad this year.
If your family loves to be active, take a look at these activities:
Go Golfing at Mulligan’s Island
Venture to Mulligan’s Island this Father’s Day and take part in one of two thrilling eighteen-hole mini-golf courses from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (or 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays). Fun for the kids and an opportunity for dad to work on his swing, both courses feature a tropical theme complete with caves, waterfalls and an active volcano. Is dad more of a baseball guy? Not to worry — visit the batting cages and work on your curveball! Perfect for a family-friendly Father’s Day, Mulligan’s Island awaits. 1000 New London Ave., Cranston, 401-464-8855, mulligansisland.com
Climb the Walls at Rock Spot Climbing
For especially active families, Rock Spot Climbing is a great spot to break a sweat and learn a new activity. All skill levels are welcome. The facility offers day passes, family memberships, lessons, and gear rentals. Prices vary depending on booking type, age, military ID, and rentals. 100 Higginson Ave., Lincoln, 401-727-1704; 42 Rice St., Providence, 401-217-2772; 1174 Kingstown Rd., South Kingstown, 401-789-7768, rockspotclimbing.com
Enjoy the Outdoors with the Kayak Centre
As the weather warms up, spending the day on the water is the perfect way to spend Father’s Day. The Kayak Centre offers kayak rentals for the Wickford Harbor or Narrow River areas starting at (depending on the type of kayak) $37 for two hours. If your family wants to make it more of a regular excursion, the centre has season passes available as well. 70 Brown St., North Kingstown, 401-295-4400, kayakcentre.com
Explore Aquidneck Island with Rail Explorers
Rail Explorers provides rail bike tours that allow people to view the gorgeous scenery of Aquidneck Island from a unique perspective. Dad would love to take the brunch tour, which features coffee, mimosas and muffins, but you need to book fast to reserve one for Father’s Day. It’s a good thing Rail Explorers also provides tours into the evening, in which families can bring picnics and enjoy rail bike tours with lanterns and s’mores. Prices vary by trial and party size. Any group larger than six should check the site for details. 1 Alexander Rd., Portsmouth, 877-833-8588, railexplorers.net
Race to Lincoln for the R1 Indoor Karting Father-Child Race Event
If dad is looking for something with more speed, try R1 Indoor Karting Entertainment Center. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. $65 per person can get you up to three races and a lunch buffet. You and dad can get behind the wheel and race around the 1/3-mile track, speeding up to forty-five miles per hour. If that’s too much speed put your throwing skills to the test at the axe bar or dart city and if you’re looking for less physicality, try the arcade! While games are fun you might be looking for something more mentally stimulating, R1 has that too. Try their mission and escape rooms, stimulating group missions that require quick thinking and teamwork. See site for more details. 100 Higginson Ave., Lincoln, 401-721-5554, r1indoorkarting.com
Hook, Line and Sinker at Beavertail State Park
If dad is a fisherman, Beavertail State Park is one of Rhode Island’s most popular fishing destinations. The waters surrounding its rocky shore are teeming with fish including black sea bass, flounder and stripers. The lighthouse built in 1856 stands tall nearby, marking the entrance to beautiful Narragansett Bay. The Beavertail Lighthouse Museum is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Many devoted anglers visit the park’s waters on calm nights, reeling in a variety of ocean life. The park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and a fishing license is required to cast your line. Beavertail Rd, Jamestown, 884-2010, riparks.ri.gov
Take in the View at Newport Cliff Walk
Witness the architectural history of Newport on this 3.5 mile walk while spending quality time with dad. A pathway along the sea, Newport’s world-famous Cliff Walk is notorious among Rhode Island residents and tourists for its up-close view of the sea and intimacy with wildlife. This coastal trail began to take shape in 1880 with additions made over the following century. Now, Father’s Day can be spent basking in the ocean air on this peaceful hike across Newport’s shore. Memorial Boulevard, Newport, 401-845-5544, discovernewport.org
If Dad is looking for a more relaxing weekend, check out these alternatives:
Dive into the Gilded Age at the Breakers
If dad is a history buff, try a tour at the Breakers. Vanderbilt’s historic summer “cottage” is one of the most famous architectural masterpieces in Rhode Island. It displays the financial and social prowess of the Gilded Age of the late nineteenth century in America. The Breakers is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the family audio tour allows both kids and parents to enjoy an immersive experience of the rich history encapsulated in the mansion. The tour lasts forty-five minutes and includes separate audio for kids and for adults that follows the same route while explaining the history and architecture of the building. Tickets are $32 for adults, $14 for kids. 44 Ochre Point Ave., Newport, 401-847-1000, newportmansions.org
Celebrate Cars as Works of Art at the Newport Car Museum
Take dad on a journey through time at the Newport Car Museum. The range of cars on display date back to the 1950s and show the progression of automotive design throughout history. This collection houses ninety-plus vehicles of different models, styles and colors, appealing to not only dad, but the entire family. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids and $16 for students but dad’s admission will be free on Father’s Day as a token of gratitude for all that he does all year long. 1947 West Main Rd., Portsmouth, 401-848-2277, newportcarmuseum.org
Cruise Along the Water in Providence with Some Drinks
Float down the Providence River with dad on his big day and enjoy the city from a unique perspective. The narrator onboard will give insight into famous Providence locations while dad’s worries cruise along downstream. The tour sets sail at The Landing and ventures down the Providence River, Riverwalk, Waterplace Park and Providence Harbor during a fifty minute tour between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Seats are limited to eighteen guests per boat so families should act quickly. Tickets for adults are $35 and kids are $30. 101 Dyer St., Providence, 401-580-2628, providenceriverboat.com
Sail on Narragansett Bay
Dad can set sail this Father’s Day with a small crew on Narragansett Bay. Climb aboard one of the many great boats within the Narragansett’s fleet and learn about the invigorating sport of sailing. Not only will guests be able to catch a glimpse of the Bay from afar but a first-hand look into Rhode Island’s deep seas. The family can join dad on this exciting ride as trips take place daily with tickets for adults priced at $100 and kids, $65. 49 America’s Cup Ave., Newport, 846-5868, americascupcharters.com
Enter the Wild at Roger Williams Park Zoo
Witness fatherhood in the wild as dads of all ages get free admission into the Roger Williams Park Zoo from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stroll through the Savanah to find the Red River Hogs or Masai Giraffes or maybe look at the faces of the rain forest to see the Golden Lion Tamarins and Giant Otters. Dad can find sixty-six different animals spread across nine different exhibits. Tickets for Adults are $25 while kids ages two to twelve can attend for $19, and toddlers and younger are free. 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, 401-785-3510, rwpzoo.org
This blog was adapted from a post previously written in 2020 by Theresa Brown and 2022 by Anna Downes.
