Family events in Providence County, RI

Narrated cruises along the Providence River share the city’s colorful past, weaving together stories of notable early residents, architectural standouts, and episodes of triumph, curiosity, and scandal. Seeing familiar landmarks from the water offers a fresh perspective on the capital and the river that helped shape it. Now marking its 35th season in 2026, this longstanding tradition welcomes both locals and visitors and has earned multiple honors, including statewide Best Local Tour from Best of Rhode Island, Best City Tour from Yankee Magazine, a Member of the Year distinction from GoProvidence.com, and the Mary J. Brennan Tourism Award from the RI Hospitality Association. Tours are popular and operate weather permitting.

This weekly classic car show takes place at the A&W location in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Show car entry is $10.

The West End Makers Market offers an evening centered on local creativity, food, and music. Explore goods from area makers and small businesses, savor bites from local food vendors, and enjoy live music. Activities are available for children, and SNAP/EBT is accepted. It is a family friendly gathering where neighbors can connect, discover new favorites, and support the local community.

Set in Lippitt Memorial Park, the Providence Artisans Market celebrates its 14th season with a fall festival presented alongside the Hope Street Farmers Market. The event features fine art by local creators, fresh produce, food trucks, and live music. Across 27 straight Saturdays, the market showcases more than 300 artists and offers a family friendly atmosphere. Artists interested in participating may apply.

At Bierman Autism Centers in Cranston, the annual sensory-friendly trunk-or-treat features whimsically decorated trunks filled with safe treats and surprises created with sensory needs in mind. Guests can take part in approachable games like ring toss, bean bag toss, and balloon pop, enjoy face painting, and get creative with craft activities. The celebration is free for the special needs community. A designated quiet corner will be available, and the experience is arranged to be calm and welcoming so each child can explore at a comfortable pace.

St Luke’s Church hosts a vendor fair that brings together participating sellers in a friendly marketplace setting, making it easy for visitors to browse a range of offerings in one place.

This Trunk or Treat features a sensory-friendly window at the start, followed by the main celebration. Trunk decorators may arrive ahead of time to set up. Attendees who are not decorating a trunk are asked to bring two bags of peanut and tree nut free candy to help keep the treat supply stocked.

Michael Carbonaro presents WONDERBOY, a new live tour from the performer known from truTV’s The Carbonaro Effect. The show brims with playful audience participation, quick-witted improvisation, and the mind-bending illusions that define his style. It delivers an upbeat, comedy-packed outing suitable for every age group. Blending magician and comedian into one mischievous presence, Carbonaro puts magic in the spotlight with laughter right alongside it, while reality never quite keeps up.

The Providence Figure Skating Club offers a fall Learn to Skate program at Schneider Arena in Providence. Participants from ages 3 through adult can develop both figure skating and hockey skills with guidance from instructors who hold certification. The program emphasizes building confidence, making friends, and discovering the joy of being on the ice.

PAL, short for Parents of Addicted Loved Ones, offers a weekly in-person support meeting for those caring for a child navigating substance use disorder. The gathering focuses on community, practical guidance, and encouragement. It follows a faith-based approach, welcomes adults 18 and older, and is conducted with full confidentiality in a judgment-free setting. The meeting takes place at Riverside Church, creating a safe place to land during a difficult season.

From the Emmy-nominated television series comes a live theatrical adventure as Martin and Chris Kratt take the stage to lead the audience through a signature Wild Kratts mission. They power up favorite Creature Power suits and set out on a creature rescue with help from the Wild Kratts team and participation from the audience. Along the way they face a comical villain and work to keep animals safe. On stage, core creature fundamentals come to life, paired with the energetic, inspiring spirit that has made Wild Kratts a favorite for children and families.