14 Memorable Things to Do in Westerly, RI with Kids
This post may contain affiliate or referral links. Please see our full affiliate disclosure here.
Outdoor fun is the name of the game in Westerly, and because of this, it has become a popular destination for families and kids. If you love the beach and being outdoors, there are many things to do in Westerly, RI with kids that will keep your active family busy creating memories.
Rhode Island is called The Ocean State for a reason. Once you’ve spent some time in Westerly, especially in the summer, you will want to go back year after year.
Not only is Westerly a great place to visit, but it is also located just minutes away from other family-friendly destinations such as Narragansett, Charlestown, and Mystic, Connecticut.
These are some of our favorite family-friendly Westerly, RI kid activities:
Misquamicut State Beach
Misquamicut State Beach has a long sandy beach perfect for swimming and relaxing. But there is more to do in Misquamicut than just going to the beach. There’s also a playground located right on the beach as well as Atlantic Beach Park.
Bayview Fun Park
Located in Misquamicut, the kids will enjoy bumper boats, go-karts, putt-putt-golf, bungee jumping, and more at Bayview Fun Park.
Atlantic Beach Park
Ride the carousel and bumper cars or play in the arcade at Atlantic Beach Park, located near the Misquamicut State Beach parking lot.
Misquamicut Drive-In
Are you old enough to have been to a drive-in or wish you were? Pack some snacks or buy them at the concession stand and have a fun, retro movie experience that the kids will never forget. You can even bring your pet!
Flying Horse Carousel
Built in 1876, the Flying Horse Carousel is located in the gorgeous beach community of Watch Hill. Kids will love to try catching the brass ring on the oldest continuously operating carousel in the United States.
Napatree Point
Located in the Watch Hill section of Westerly, Napatree is not only a fantastic place to spend a beach day, but you can also walk to the end of the beach and check out Fort Mansfield; the ruins of an old abandoned coastal artillery fort.
East Beach
Pack a picnic and go fishing on this three-mile stretch of beach. East Beach is the perfect destination for swimming, boating, windsurfing, and shellfishing.
Watch Hill Village
In addition to the beaches and carousel, the village of Watch Hill is a great place to stroll with kids. Get ice cream at St. Clair Annex or a treat at Sift Bake Shop, then go for a walk to look at the boats in the harbor or take a bike around the village.
Watch Hill Lighthouse
There is something so magical about lighthouses. Located at the end of Herring Cove Beach, Watch Hill Light was first lit in 1787. Take a guided tour up 163 steps to the top of the lighthouse and visit the small museum on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons in the summer.
Downtown Westerly Ghost Tour
Walk around beautiful downtown Westerly well learning about its spookier past. In a town as old as Westerly, there are bound to be a lot of interesting stories to tell.
While on the Downtown Westerly Ghost Tour, you will learn about shipwrecks, haunted buildings, stories of witches, and more.
Rent a Paddle or Kayak
Rent a paddle or kayak from Paddle Surf RI and take a leisurely ride down the Pawcatuck River. You can also rent a kayak at Watch Hill Outfitters.
Seals in the Bay Tour
If you’re visiting Westerly in the late fall, take a boat tour to catch a glimpse of the winter harbor seals.
Washington Trust Ice Rink
Located in the Ocean Community YMCA, non-members can use the rink during public skate blocks. Check for times and fees.
Alley Katz Bowling
Even if it’s raining or cold outside, there is still plenty of fun to be had. Bowling is always a fun family activity.
Final Thoughts
Now that you see all the fun you can have in Westerly, RI, with kids, we hope you will consider visiting the area the next time you plan a family vacation.