Family events in Warwick, RI

Narrated boat tours along the Providence River share vivid stories of the city’s past, from colorful characters to eye-catching architecture that shaped Rhode Island’s capital. Seeing familiar sights from the water offers a fresh perspective, turning the shoreline into a living timeline of local history. This long-running, award-winning experience is celebrating its 35th season and remains a favorite for both residents and visitors. Seats often fill quickly, particularly on weekends, so advance reservations are recommended. Tours operate weather permitting. Honors include Best Local Tour statewide by Best of Rhode Island, Best City Tour by Yankee Magazine, Member of the Year recognition from GoProvidence.com, and the Mary J. Brennan Tourism Award from the RI Hospitality Association.

Families are welcome at an introductory skating class designed for all ages, including adults who want to learn alongside kids. Participants receive attentive, patient instruction and about an hour of focused practice. After class, they can continue skating for the rest of the session at no additional charge. Skate rentals and safety gear are included in the class cost. Registration is available online or in person. A parent or guardian must be present for minors and will need to sign a waiver for participation.

Getting ready to welcome a baby often brings plenty of questions, and this class focuses on building knowledge and confidence for the early days at home. Designed for expectant and new parents, partners, and grandparents, it provides practical, hands-on guidance for caring for a newborn. Topics include basic infant care, bathing and diapering, feeding by breast or bottle, safe sleep practices, soothing a fussy baby, and what to expect with postpartum recovery in the first weeks. The vital role of a support person during pregnancy and after birth is emphasized so everyone feels prepared to care for the baby and support one another. Led by the experienced team at Healthy Babies, Happy Moms in East Greenwich, the session offers a welcoming environment to ask questions, build skills, and leave with tools you can put to use right away.

Enjoy a seasonal celebration at Lippitt Park, part of the 14th annual Providence Artisans Market. Across its 27 consecutive Saturdays, the market highlights more than 300 local creators alongside the Hope Street Farmers Market. Expect original artwork, fresh produce, food trucks, and live music, creating a family friendly atmosphere. Artists interested in participating can apply.

Beginning breastfeeding can feel like a lot to navigate, yet with clear guidance it can also be empowering and rewarding. This Breastfeeding Class helps expectant parents feel prepared, informed, and confident as they get ready to feed their newborn. It is especially suited for the third trimester, and partners are encouraged to attend as part of the support team. Led by an experienced lactation team in East Greenwich, the session offers practical education, space to ask questions, and hands-on techniques to support those first days and weeks with baby. Topics include the benefits of breastfeeding, prenatal breast assessment, how the body makes milk, positioning and breast support, suck patterns and achieving a comfortable latch, as well as common concerns that can arise for both babies and mothers. Registration is required and space is limited to keep the class personal. The fee is $75 per couple.

Learn how insects create their remarkable sounds, then make a simple instrument to take home. Afterward, take a quiet walk through the park and tune your ears to the chirps, buzzes, and clicks of nature’s orchestra. Presented by the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council in partnership with 15 Minute Field Trips, this family-friendly walk mixes science, creativity, and play while exploring nearby plants, animals, and habitats. Guided by Melissa of 15 Minute Field Trips, each outing features hands-on learning and chances to observe wildlife up close. The route moves at an easy, exploratory pace and usually covers about a mile. The Greenway is paved and wheelchair accessible, although it is not maintained for snow or ice in winter. There are no on-site restrooms or water. Parking is limited at the Manton Outdoor Classroom, including accessible spaces, with overflow parking available nearby. The program is primarily conducted in English.

Undertow brings brass-focused music to Billy Taylor Park, wrapping up a three-show free series in PVD parks this summer. Expect bold brass sounds in a park setting.

Open air boat rides offer a way to experience WaterFire from the water. Firelight flickers across the surface while music fills the air, creating an intimate perspective on a signature Providence tradition. Offered since 1994, when the fires first began, these cruises provide a relaxed view without the crowds on the walkways. Seats often sell out quickly.

Explore Providence’s haunted past aboard an evening boat tour led by the storytellers of Providence Ghost Tours, the city’s longest-running ghost tour company. Glide through the downtown waterways on comfortable, open-air vessels, passing beneath moonlit bridges and alongside cobblestone walkways and centuries-old architecture. Hear eerie accounts of residents from every walk of life, from noted literary figures to humble servants, whose spirits are rumored to linger along the river. This is a spooky night on the water to share with family and friends, complete with atmospheric views of downtown by moonlight. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Advance reservations are strongly suggested, as this cruise often sells out.