When it comes to family vacations, you want to find the perfect beach that suits all of your needs. In Rhode Island, you’ll find plenty of options that are great for families and children of all ages. Some of the top beaches in Rhode Island for families include Misquamicut State Beach, East Matunuck Beach, and Watch Hill Beach.
In this article, we have covered some of the best beaches to take your family to in Rhode Island, from quiet, secluded options to bustling, active locations.
Misquamicut State Beach
This gorgeous beach stretches for seven miles, providing plenty of room for visitors–you’ll always be able to find a spot on the sand at Misquamicut. Want to get out on the water? There are paddle boats available to rent here. The water is calm so it’s perfect for even the youngest swimmers. Lifeguards are stationed here as well to provide additional safety.
Restrooms are available on the beach and there are a variety of food stands to check out. You can also bring your own lunch and eat at one of the many picnic tables available. There is plenty of shade at Misquamicut if you’ve had enough of the sun. In the evenings, stick around for some entertainment–in the summer, there are often fireworks and concerts here.
Easton’s Beach
A perfect destination for families, Easton’s Beach has everything you need for a day at the beach. There are restrooms and showers available and just in case you forgot to bring something, there is a shop that sells everything you need like sunglasses or sunscreen. When you get hungry, make use of the grills and picnic areas or grab a bite to eat at the snack bar.
Young children will enjoy the playground and carousel, while older kids can spend hours at the skateboard park. Be sure to check out the Save the Bay Exploration Center. Here you will find dozens of sea creatures like turtles and seahorses. Chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards are all available to rent at Easton’s Beach.
Narragansett Town Beach
This lovely beach stretches for about one mile along the coast. Though there can be crowds on the weekend, visiting during the week is a good option for a quieter visit. Plenty of picnic areas adorn this beautiful beach, so pack a lunch and some snacks and enjoy the day.
Restrooms are also available at Narragansett Town Beach. This area is popular with surfers who prefer to ride the waves early in the mornings–if you want to watch, get here early and claim a spot in the sand. The swimming here is also excellent!
East Matunuck Beach
A stunning beach that features relatively warm water, the younger kids will enjoy swimming here. Sea shells are in abundance at East Matunuck and children of all ages will enjoy searching through and picking out the ones they like best.
This beach is less busy during the week and can get crowded on the weekends. Lifeguards are present in the summer, making this a great choice for families with beginner swimmers. There are showers and restrooms available at the beach. When you’re ready for lunch, head over to the beachfront restaurant for a bite to eat.
Napatree Point Beach
If you’re looking for something a little more rugged and natural, head over to Napatree Point Conservation Area where you will find this beautiful stretch of coastline. What you won’t find at Napatree Point Beach is crowds–it’s easy to find a spot for your family here to enjoy the sand and the water.
Enjoy the abundance of wildlife while you’re on the beach. This spot features several species of birds including the endangered piping plover. If you’re lucky, you’ll also spot some foxes, deer, and osprey.
Rocky Point Beach
This beach is a historic favorite as it is the former home of an amusement park. Today visitors will enjoy strolling along the beach, swimming in the water, and checking out the walking trails along the cliffs.
Here you’ll find stunning views including seeing the Conimicut Point Park lighthouse and surrounding vistas. Small children will enjoy playing in the tidal pools here and collecting sea shells along the coast. Plenty of picnic areas are available to enjoy your lunch at Rocky Point.
Watch Hill Beach
One of the highlights of visiting Watch Hill Beach is the 1867 carousel. Children and adults alike will enjoy seeing this historic attraction. The soft sand is lovely for walking along and the waves are gentle and small, making this an ideal beach for families. Restrooms and showers are also available on the beach.
During the summer, this beach plays host to various activities and attractions, so there’s always something to keep you occupied. Plenty of shops are nearby as well as walking trails to explore. Take a hike to the nearby lighthouse for a fun excursion on the beach.
Ballard’s Beach
At Ballard’s Beach, you’ll enjoy great swimming and a beautiful stretch of coastline with amazing views. Kids will have a blast building sandcastles here and playing in the water. There are chairs and umbrellas for rent in case you forgot yours at home.
During the summer, the evenings at the beach include musical entertainment and bonfires for some extra fun. If you want to enjoy the beach at a quieter, less crowded time, visit in the early mornings when you’ll have this beach more to yourself.
Crescent Beach
You won’t find too many crowds at Crescent Beach, since it’s only accessible by ferry. Once you reach the beach, you can enjoy a two and a half mile stretch of white sand and clear water. Pack your lunch or try one of the food stands available nearby.
There are chairs and umbrellas for rent here, as well as boogie boards if you want to try something fun! You can even rent bicycles if you want to explore further beyond the beach. The presence of lifeguards provides some peace of mind for families of young children.
