13 Perfect Beaches in Rhode Island for Families
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If you’re looking for the perfect beach to take your family to, look no further than Rhode Island. There are lots of beautiful beaches in Rhode Island for families that will be sure to keep both adults and children entertained on your next trip.
We chose the beaches on this list of their gentle waves and currents and having amenities such as bathrooms, nearby food options, etc., that make visiting the beach with kids more convenient.
Many of these beaches also have nearby hotels, so you can stay for a weekend or even make your beach trip a vacation.
Here are just a few of the best Rhode Island beaches to visit with kids.
1) Narragansett Town Beach
Narragansett Town Beach is one of Rhode Island’s most popular beaches and is a great spot to visit while on vacation.
Located in Narragansett, Narragansett Town Beach is a stunning spot to spend a day by the water. With its soft sand and clear waves, it’s easy to see why this beach is so popular.
If you’re looking for a beach with all the amenities, Narragansett Town Beach is the place for you. This beach has showers, restrooms, changing areas, and a snack bar and souvenir shop. There’s also plenty of parking, so you won’t have to worry about finding a spot.
One of the best things about Narragansett Town Beach is its close proximity to all of the attractions and mansions in Newport, which is less than 30 minutes away.
How to get there: Narragansett Town Beach is located at 39 Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett, RI.
Why We Recommend Narragansett Town Beach For Families
Narragansett Town Beach is just the right place for families to enjoy some time in the water. Lifeguards on duty help ensure safety, and the shallow waters make it perfect for kids of all ages and swim levels.
Concessions, first aid, and bathroom facilities are also available.
Pro tip: Free movies on Tuesdays are a favorite family activity for Rhode Islanders.
2) Salty Brine State Beach
Salty Brine State Beach is located in Narragansett, RI, and offers beautiful views of Point Judith Harbor.
Salty Brine State Beach is perfect for relaxing on a hot summer day. With calm water and white and powdery sand, it’s a great place for families to swim and build sand castles.
Salty Brine State Beach also has nearby restaurants and is located close to the Point Judith Lighthouse, which is a fun adventure for children.
How to get there: Salty Brine State Beach is located at 254 Great Rd. in Narragansett, RI.
Why We Recommend Salty Brine Beach For Families
This beach is a wonderful place for families because it’s protected by a sea wall that creates gentle surf and low currents.
Pro tip: Arrive early or late afternoon on summer weekends to be sure that you get a parking space. Lots fill up quickly.
Related post: Memorable Things to Do in Westerly, RI with Kids
3) Misquamicut State Beach
Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, RI is a great place for families with its (usually) gentle waves and proximity to restaurants, amusements, and a merry-go-round. It’s easy to see why Misquamicut is a popular beach destination for locals and tourists alike.
Misquamicut State Beach also has showers, restrooms, changing areas, and plenty of places to get lunch, dinner, or just an ice cream cone. There’s also plenty of parking, so you won’t have to worry about finding a spot.
How to get there: Misquamicut State Beach is located on Atlantic Ave. in Westerly, RI.
Why We Recommend Misquamicut State Beach For Families
Misquamicut Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Rhode Island. You can enjoy a variety of activities here, including swimming, boating, fishing, and more. There is also a playground nearby for kids to have some fun while you relax in the sun.
It’s also close to nearby Mystic, Connecticut, which is always a great place to visit with kids.
Pro tip: Your kids will have a blast at the carousel, bumper cars, and other rides at Atlantic Beach Park while you relax near the beach.
4) Scarborough South State Beach
Scarborough South State Beach is located in Narragansett, RI, and is a great option for families who want to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach with many convenient amenities.
The beach has a wide variety of activities to keep you busy, including swimming, sunbathing, surf fishing, and kayaking. Pack a lunch and make a day of it!
There is a shade pavilion so you can relax in the shade if you need to. There are also a few concession stands where you can buy snacks and drinks.
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to spend a day at the beach, Scarborough South State Beach is definitely worth a visit.
How to get there: Scarborough State Beach South is located at 970 Ocean Road in Narragansett, RI.
Why We Recommend Scarborough South State Beach For Families
Scarborough has lifeguards on duty every day during the summer, which makes it safe for children to swim.
The beach also offers concessions, shaded pavilions, restrooms, and both outdoor and heated indoor showers.
Pro tip: Scarborough is located near kid-friendly restaurants and is close to the Black Point Trail if you feel like taking a scenic hike.
5) Napatree Point Beach
Napatree Point Beach and conservation area is located in the Watch Hill section of Westerly and offers views of Connecticut, mainland Rhode Island, and Fishers Island, New York.
This beach is great for people who love nature and want to enjoy a less crowded beach. Napatree is a beautiful place to relax, sunbathe, and take a walk. It’s also a great spot for fishing and bird watching.
If you’re looking for a beach that’s a little more off the beaten path, Napatree Point Beach is the perfect spot for you. This beach and the village of Watch Hill are great places to enjoy all that coastal New England has to offer.
How to get there: Napatree Point Beach is located at Fort Rd, Westerly, RI.
Why We Recommend Napatree Point Beach For Families
Napatree Point Beach is known as one of Rhode Island’s most beautiful beaches, and it’s easy to see why! The waters are shallow, warm, and swimmable, which is also great for children.
The Audubon Society maintains the beach as it is home to shorebirds in the summer and fall and Hawks in late summer and early fall.
If you walk to the end of the beach, you will come upon an abandoned Fort Mansfield, built in 1901 as a military installation.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring the kids to the Flying Horse Carousel for a ride.
6) Watch Hill Beach
If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to spend your day on, Watch Hill Beach is one of RI’s most unique beach destinations with beautiful surf and a truly special shoreline overlooking the Watch Hill Lighthouse.
This stunning spot is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. If you’re visiting Rhode Island with your family, Watch Hill is an amazing place to visit with kids.
How to get there: Watch Hill Beach is located behind the carousel at 151-153 Bay St, Westerly, RI.
Why We Recommend Watch Hill Beach For Families
Watch Hill Beach is a great beach for families because it has gentle waves perfect for little kids. You can also find beautiful seashells along the shoreline.
There are bathrooms and changing rooms nearby as well.
Pro tip: Visit the Flying Horse Carousel and the great local restaurants for lunch or a sweet treat.
Related post: Family-Friendly Things to Do on Block Island
7) Fred Benson Town Beach
The Fred Benson Town Beach is located on Block Island, RI, and offers some of Rhode Island’s best views.
If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to spend the day on, Fred Benson Town Beach is the place for you. This beach is located on beautiful Block Island, Rhode Island, and it’s one of the most popular spots on the island.
This beach offers stunning views and is perfect for families.
How to get there: Block Island State Beach is located at 7 Corn Neck Rd. on Block Island.
Why We Recommend Fred Benson Town Beach For Families
The Fred Benson Town Beach was voted “Best Beach for Families” by Coastal Living. This wide white sand beach has everything a family could want in a beach—low surf, a lifeguard on duty, restrooms, and changing rooms with showers.
They even have a concession stand and ice cream!
Pro tip: You can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards, and more.
8) Baby Beach
If you’re looking for a beautiful and more secluded beach to relax on while in Block Island, RI, Baby Beach is the place for you. This small beach is located on the island’s east side and is one of Block Island’s best beaches. So much so that the locals would like to keep it a secret.
Because of its off-the-beaten-path location, shallow tide pool, and calm waters, Baby Beach is a great spot to bring young children.
How to get there: Baby Beach is located on Corn Neck Road on Block Island.
Why We Recommend Baby Beach For Families
Popular with local parents because of its calm waters and shallow tide pools. The sand here is powdery and soft, making it easy for children to play in.
Baby Beach is easily accessible for parents lugging many beach toys and baby gear, making this a popular beach for families with young children.
Pro tip: You can rent chairs, umbrellas rentals, and boogie boards. A snack bar, restrooms, showers, and lockers are also available.
9) Mackerel Cove Beach
If you’re looking for a beach that is away from the bigger crowds of Misquamicut or Narragansett, then Mackerel Cove Beach is exactly what you want. This beach in Rhode Island has gorgeous scenery that everyone will enjoy!
This gem in Jamestown is perfect for those who want a quieter beach to enjoy a day by the water. This beach is great for building sand castles, swimming, and fishing.
How to get there: Mackerel Cove Beach is located at 15 Beavertail Rd in Jamestown, RI.
Why We Recommend Mackerel Cove Beach For Families
Mackerel Cove Beach is a great family beach because it is located in a cove, so there are gentle waves, and this beach doesn’t have as strong of a current as some other beaches.
Lifeguards are on duty to ensure your children’s safety while playing in the water, and bathroom facilities are available.
Pro tip: Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early. If you aren’t a resident of Jamestown, there is a fee to park.
10) Easton’s Beach
If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to visit while in Newport, Rhode Island, look no further than Easton’s Beach. This stunning spot is perfect any time of year, but especially in summer for swimming, playing in the sand, and much more.
Easton’s Beach also has all the amenities you will need for a fantastic family beach day. Whether you’re looking for a day of relaxation or a place to have some fun in the sun, Easton’s Beach is the perfect spot.
How to get there: Easton’s Beach is located at 175 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI.
Why We Recommend Easton’s Beach For Families
Lifeguards are on duty in season, and there is a snack bar, aquarium, carousel, and beach bounce for kids to enjoy and play in the sand and surf.
Pro tip: Easton’s Beach is a sheltered beach with close access to restaurants. Keep an eye out for Children’s Night and the Family Concert Series.
11) Second Beach
Second Beach is located in Middletown, RI, and features beautiful white sands and scenic views of Newport Harbor.
Second Beach is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a beautiful and secluded beach. This beach is located in Middletown, RI, and it’s known for its stunning views.
Second Beach is also great for swimming, fishing, and camping. And if you get hungry or thirsty, there’s a nearby snack bar and restaurant.
How to get there: Second Beach is located at 474 Sachuset Point Road, Middletown, RI
Why We Recommend Second Beach For Families
Second Beach is great for families with young kids with its white sand and shallow waters. There are bathrooms, changing areas, and showers. There are also concession stands and picnic areas available.
Pro tip: There is a campground nearby and the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge.
12) Sandy Point Beach
If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to relax on while in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, look no further than Sandy Point Beach. This beach is on the small side with shallow waters, so it’s a great spot for families with young children.
Sandy Point gets crowded on nice days, so arrive early to claim your spot. Parking is also limited, so carpooling is recommended.
How to get there: Sandy Point Beach is located on Sandy Point Ave. in Portsmouth, RI.
Why We Recommend Sandy Point Beach For Families
Sandy Point has a white sand beach with beautiful views of the area and shallow, warm waters that are great for kids. There are lifeguards on duty, and restrooms areas are available.
Pro tip: The beach is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Buttonwoods Beach
Buttonwoods Beach is located at Warwick City Park and offers the best of both worlds of a beach and park-like setting.
Buttonwoods Beach is the perfect spot to spend a day by the water. This beach is located in Warwick, Rhode Island, and has all the amenities you need, including restrooms, showers, and changing areas.
There’s also a snack bar, so you can grab a bite to eat.
How to get there: Buttonwoods Beach is located on Buttonwoods Ave. in Warwick, RI.
Why We Recommend Buttonwoods Beach For Families
Located in a cove, the beach has gentle surf and is perfect for young kids. In addition to the beach, kids will also enjoy the playground, picnic area, bike paths, and baseball fields.
Pro tip: Check out the nearby restaurants for dinner and bring a picnic lunch to eat at one of the picnic tables. There are also restrooms available at Buttonwoods Beach.
Tips For Visiting Rhode Island Beaches With Kids
- Parking lots fill up fast at the most popular beaches, so be sure to buy a parking pass early for participating beaches.
- Check the weather forecast to make sure that you’re not going to get rained out.
- Many Rhode Island beaches have picnic areas or concession stands where you can eat lunch or snacks.
- Understand what rip tides and currents look like so that you know when it’s safe for kids to go in the water.
- In the summer, Rhode Island beaches are packed to the gills with families. You can avoid some of the crowds by visiting beaches on weekdays or during non-holiday weeks when fewer vacationers will be there.
- Research the beach at the time of your visit to be sure lifeguards are on duty.
- Pack sunscreen, beach toys, food, and drinks for your day at the beach.
- Bring small bags for your trash and throw it away when you leave.
There are many beaches in Rhode Island for families. From lifeguard-protected waters to calm, shallow shores, every beach has something unique that will make your family fall in love with Rhode Island’s coastline.
Whether it’s your first time visiting Rhode Island or if you’re a local, we hope these tips help you find the perfect spot for an afternoon of fun on the beach with the kids.
More fun things to do with kids in Rhode Island
While the Ocean State is well known for its coastline and beaches, there is plenty more to do in this tiny state than go to the beach. Check out some of our other favorite Rhode Island activities.
