Family events in Newport, RI

The 69th Annual Snowflake Bazaar returns to Saints John & Paul Parish, continuing a community tradition that began in 1957. Recognized as one of the state's largest holiday bazaars, it features seasonal booths with gifts, jewelry, knitted items, religious goods, baked treats, pastries and more. Attendees can try their luck with lotteries and raffles, enter for chances at Baskets Galore themed baskets, take part in Gift Card Bingo and Holiday Cheer, and aim to win a beautiful hand crafted quilt. The 7th annual Cow Chip Bingo adds a playful twist. Children can visit Twinkle Town for photos with Santa, hands on crafts and skill games with prizes. The kitchen serves breakfast and lunch along with a variety of snacks, and the Cookie Jar offers freshly baked homemade cookies. Music adds to the festive atmosphere throughout the day. Credit cards are accepted. Please note that outside vendors are not accepted and any solicitations or third party posts suggesting otherwise should be disregarded.

Designed for ages 2 to 3, this toddler dance class at Dance Clinic channels a love of jumping, twirling, and wiggling into playful movement and music. Young dancers explore imagination and play while building confidence, coordination, independence, and readiness for a classroom environment. Families can choose the path that fits best, either a non-recital option with no costumes or stage performance that emphasizes a full season of learning, or a recital option that requires a costume and dance shoes and includes a live stage experience for family and friends. A complimentary trial class is available, and reservations can be made by texting 508-321-6410. Enrollment tends to fill quickly.

The Ocean State Ramblers bring lively, toe-tapping bluegrass back to the Southcoast Open Air Market, entertaining shoppers and vendors with music that blends upbeat energy with an easygoing, sometimes sentimental feel. This friendly five-piece invites sing-alongs as they put their own homegrown spin on bluegrass standards along with folk and country favorites given a bluegrass twist. They also appear at farmers markets, libraries, bars, and other events.

Step into history with a family-friendly trick-or-treat and marketplace at the Gen. Nathanael Greene Homestead. Explore eras from ancient Rome to the Vietnam War as living historians bring the past to life and vendors offer period-themed goods. This gathering is presented in partnership with the Rhode Island Historic Marketplace, featuring unique finds for reenactors and the general public. Special highlights include an appearance by J. Alex Ruiz of Volundr Forge, a past History Channel Forged in Fire champion, along with live Celtic and traditional music by Lurgio & Cook. Collect candy along the timeline, tour Spooky Spell Hall, and visit the gift shop. All ages are welcome, and the event welcomes living historians, reenactors, and historic militia from many time periods. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. The Gen. Nathanael Greene Homestead is a 501(c)3 non-profit National Historic Landmark on 50 acres in Coventry, Rhode Island, and contributions support the effort to replace the homestead roof.

Seaside Stones returns to the RI Mineral Hunters' Gem and Mineral Show at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Cranston. Explore a selection of cabochons and a variety of rocks, including carvings, spheres, and more.

Spooky Zoo is a favorite Unlikely tradition and a fun outing for families. Details and ticket information are available on the zoo’s website.

This free, annual Halloween gathering brings the witches back for a community photo day. Brooms will be landing as the witches arrive for pictures, followed by a lively dance performance, and there are treats for everyone. Costumes are encouraged, families are welcome, and pets can join the fun as well. The gift shop will be open to the public, and every purchase includes a raffle entry.

Bring a well-mannered dog for a relaxed lunch on scenic grounds. Enjoy delicious food while pups unwind in a welcoming, pet-friendly setting, with canine menu specials available. It also offers a chance for pups to make new friends.

Celebrate Halloween at West End Grill with an annual, family-friendly gathering that welcomes costumes, candy, and a friendly community atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to dress up and enjoy trick or treating hosted by vendors for a festive dose of spooky fun.

This workshop introduces sourdough bread making in a group setting. Participants will decorate two focaccia loaves, arranging vibrant vegetables and fragrant herbs into creative designs. It provides a chance to connect with others with snacks to enjoy. The experience suits date nights, a friends night out, family activities, or gifting something a little different. No prior experience is required, and children ages 7 and older are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring plenty of enthusiasm for a hands-on kitchen session focused on flavorful bread.

A festive Trunk or Treat at the PA Club in South Dartmouth welcomes families for Halloween fun. Children can arrive in costume and trick or treat from creatively decorated car trunks. Participants are encouraged to bring a decorated vehicle to share candy and show off their Halloween spirit. Costumes are encouraged, treats will be plentiful, and everyone is welcome.

Celebrate Halloween with a family-friendly night at the Judi T. Dance Studio’s annual Spooktacular trunk-or-treat celebration. Kids can collect candy from decorated trunks, meet and take photos with princesses and other favorite characters, and enjoy dancing, games, and other seasonal activities. Local businesses and vendors will be part of the fun. Costumes are encouraged. Admission is free for currently registered Judi T. Dance Studio students, $5 for non-registered students, and $10 for a family pass covering up to three children. Adults do not need tickets. Proceeds support the Judi T. Dance Company Competition Team. This event is open to everyone.

A WaterFire boat ride places you in the heart of one of Rhode Island’s signature traditions. During the lighting, the water glows with flickering reflections while music drifts around you. Running since 1994, these open air cruises offer a close-up view on the water, set apart from the busy walkways. They often sell out quickly.

Enjoy a relaxed cars and coffee gathering with no registration or entry fee. Breakfast is available at Sports Kitchen, located on the second floor of the facility.

Every Sunday, the Art Museum offers a family-friendly art-making program for children ages 4 to 12 with their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends. Guests can learn about the museum’s exhibitions and create their own artwork in a relaxed, welcoming setting. The program is drop-in, allowing arrival at any time. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Roll into an intergenerational bowling night for South Coast LGBTQ+ community members at Wonder Bowl in New Bedford. Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere that brings people of different ages together to share the lanes and build community. Registration is requested to help with headcount.

Dogs can put their noses to work in a fall themed scavenger hunt at Dogtopia of Warwick. Pumpkin shaped toys and tasty treats will be hidden for them to sniff out and enjoy. Check in at the front desk to register your dog.

This weekly drop-in activity offers a self-guided craft for children at the New Bedford Howland Green Branch Library. A fresh project is set out on a table in the children’s area each Monday and is available to make any time throughout the week. No registration is required.

Dance Clinic is now enrolling toddlers ages 2 and 3 for playful, confidence-building classes that blend music, movement, imagination, and games. Little dancers develop coordination, listening skills, and independence while making new friends in a supportive setting led by caring instructors. Families can select a non recital track that skips costumes and stage appearances, or choose a recital path that includes a beautiful costume and a live performance in June 2027. A free trial is available, and trial reservations can be made by texting 508-321-6410. Program options include Tumble Tots and ballet.

All ages and experience levels are welcome for a New Bedford Chess Society session at the Downtown library. The group meets on the second floor in the CreateLab area. Chess boards are provided, and instruction is available for anyone seeking guidance.

This chess club meets on Tuesdays and welcomes players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are learning the basics or refining your strategy, it offers a friendly setting to enjoy the game with others.

Visit the Lawler Branch with your toddler for a cheerful story time paired with playful activities. Enjoy shared stories and simple fun for little ones.

This all-ages introductory skating class offers patient, attentive instruction for beginners. Adults can learn alongside their kids while building confidence and foundational skills. After class, participants may continue skating for the rest of the session at no additional cost. Skate rentals and safety gear are included in the class fee. Registration is available online or in person, and walk-ins are accepted before class starts. A parent or guardian must be present for minors and must sign a waiver for participation.

A welcoming peer group for dads offers a supportive place to connect, trade real-life experiences, and build one another up as parents and as individuals. Conversations often cover parenting and co-parenting, child welfare, recovery, relationships, and other areas of fatherhood. Light dinner and refreshments are provided.

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox presents a newly crafted show that gives favorite songs a vintage makeover. A cast of singers, dancers, and instrumentalists reimagines 70s rock, 80s Britpop, contemporary hits, film themes, and even video game music with a classic flair. The program is packed with tunes made for dancing and big showpiece moments, fitting for a night on the town or a family outing. Attendees are welcome to embrace the vibe with retro attire and step into an immersive Postmodern Jukebox experience, a feel-good journey through musical time that honors the past, energizes the present, and celebrates a future shaped by human artistry.

Timed for the Halloween season, this program explores the world of bats with expert Julia Chase-Brand. Known to many from Nickelodeon as the Bat Lady and recognized as a pioneering distance runner, she also made history as the oldest person to earn a medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University. Growing up in Groton, Connecticut, she spent more than a quarter century studying bats in the mountains of Trinidad and the rainforests of Australia. The discussion delves into myths and realities, explaining why blind as a bat is a misconception. Bats in the Americas use echolocation, and research shows they also depend on vision for navigation, avoiding obstacles, escaping danger, and even recognizing patterns when it suits their needs. A vivid range of species takes the spotlight, including red, white, and striped bats, bats that fish, bats that build tents, bats that eat frogs, and even frogs that prey on bats. Field stories introduce other unforgettable animals too, from an amorous gorilla to a tarantula measuring seven inches and a friendly capybara that liked to curl up with people. The program engages both children and adults and highlights a lifetime of exploration, discovery, and learning. Parking is available at Barlow Nature Preserve. WLT members and youth may attend at no cost, and not-yet members pay $10 per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and space is limited.

Spooky State House returns with a free family-friendly celebration at the Rhode Island State House, featuring trick or treating, creative arts and crafts, and a chance to enjoy the building’s spooky decorations. Children of all ages are welcome, and costumes are encouraged. Attendees are invited to bring canned goods and other nonperishable donations for the RI Food Bank. Those who contribute will be entered into a raffle. Admission is free. For questions, email civics@sos.ri.gov. Please note that photography and video will be taking place during the event. By entering, you consent to the Rhode Island Department of State capturing and using your image and likeness, as well as those of any minors in your care, for publication across print, web, digital display, and other media. The department retains ownership of all images and recordings, provides no compensation for their use, and is released, along with its affiliates, employees, representatives, and agents, from any claims or liability related to their use, including matters of privacy, publicity, defamation, and copyright. If you do not agree, inform event staff.

Enjoy a weekly story time paired with a craft, welcoming participants of all ages. This program is free and no registration is required.

Every Friday at the New Bedford Howland Green Branch Library, storytime features stories and craft projects that encourage creativity and support early learning. The session combines storytelling with hands-on making to spark imagination.

Celebrate an extension of Providence’s Wicked Walk with a free, family-friendly Halloween experience in Roger Williams Park. Enjoy door-to-door trick-or-treating and seasonal fun at the Museum of Natural History & Planetarium and the Roger Williams Park Gateway Center. New this year, the Roger Williams Park Conservancy is sponsoring a Halloween arts and crafts table where kids can get creative and make something to take home. Costumes are encouraged, and activities for children of all ages include trick-or-treating, hands-on crafts, and other festive, family-focused fun across two park destinations. Guests may wish to dress up and bring trick-or-treat bags to make the most of the celebration.

Take part in a monthly Pokemon-themed BINGO session featuring multiple rounds and a prize pool that grows with attendance. Entry is $10 per player and includes one BINGO card that can be used for every round, with extra cards available for $5 each, up to a total of four per player. Prizes may include Elite Trainer Boxes, Mini Tins, Booster Bundles, Booster Packs, and Prize Packs. A brief sign-in period before play is used to hand out cards and markers and complete registration. If a round ends in a tie, the winners share the prize evenly, though ties are uncommon.