Springtime Adventures in New England: A Guide for Families
Spring in New England is a magical time of renewal and adventure. As the last traces of winter melt away, the days grow warmer, and families are eager to get outside and soak up the sunshine. With little ones full of pent-up energy, it's the perfect season to explore, play, and make lasting memories. If you're looking for fresh ideas to keep your family engaged this spring, you're in the right place!
Blooming Beauty: Where to See Spring Flowers
One of the most breathtaking ways to welcome spring is by surrounding yourself with flowers. Whether you choose a structured garden or a wild, free-to-explore nature spot, there's something enchanting about wandering through a sea of colorful blooms.
Daffodils, the early heralds of spring, put on a spectacular show across New England. Here are some must-visit locations:
- New England Botanic Gardens (Boylston, MA) – A stunning collection of floral displays and family-friendly trails.
- Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum (Bristol, RI) – This charming estate bursts into color each spring.
- Cliff Walk & Ballard Park (Newport, RI) – A scenic combination of ocean views and seasonal blossoms.
- Parson's Preserve (Dartmouth, MA) – A serene spot that offers a peaceful flower-filled escape.
Be sure to check each location’s website for peak bloom times before heading out. These floral outings are perfect for playdates, mood-boosting walks, and family photo sessions.
spring time really shines with abundant daffodils throughout the cliff walk in Newport
Playgrounds and Beaches: Off-Season Perks
Spring is an ideal time to visit playgrounds and beaches before the summer crowds (and entrance fees) roll in. Some of our favorite playgrounds include:
- William Rice Park Complex – A local favorite with plenty of space, climbing structures, slides and zip-lines for kids to run and play.
- North Kingstown Park – Located right on the water, offering a double dose of fun with a playground and ocean views.
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Jamestown Community Playground – This modern playground is right next to a fantastic library, making it a great spot for a play-and-read combo outing.
North Kingstown Town Beach has an oceanfront playground for double the fun
Storytime and Social Skills at Libraries & Bookstores
One of the best ways to engage your little ones is through community events at libraries and bookstores. Many offer free or low-cost programs like:
- Storytime sessions
- Crafts and music classes
- Kids’ yoga and movement activities
These gatherings are wonderful for meeting other families and helping children develop social skills. I’ll never forget the time my son couldn’t resist repeatedly pulling a toddler’s blonde pigtails during storytime—clearly, he needed more practice in social etiquette!
Chasing Waterfalls and Exploring Nature Trails
Spring showers bring gushing rivers and waterfalls, making this season one of the best times to explore New England’s natural beauty. A few family-friendly waterfall hikes include:
- *Arethusa Falls, Walter Newton Natural Area & The Basin, (New Hampshire) – Gorgeous cascades with relatively easy hiking trails. (more rigorous*
Bingham Falls (Vermont) – A hidden gem with picturesque views.
- Ben Utter trail in Arcadia State Management Area (Rhode Island) – A fun trail with rock hopping (think the floor is lava) and a gushing, active river, in a forest trail.
Most of these nature trails are free and provide an excellent way to get some fresh air and exercise with the whole family.
Bingham Falls in Mount Mansfield / Smuggler's Notch State Park with kids in Vermont
Arethusa Falls in Crawford Notch State Park with kids
Animal Encounters: Farms, Goat Hikes & Cat Cafés
Spring is the season of baby animals, making it the perfect time for farm visits and pet-friendly adventures. Our favorites include:
- Davis Farmland (MA) – A family-friendly farm with hands-on animal experiences.
- Goat Hiking at Simmons Farm (Middletown, RI) – A fun and unique way to explore nature with some furry companions.
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Local Cat Cafés – A great indoor option for animal lovers, with the added bonus of supporting pet adoptions.
Me at Davis Farmland in my glory-a true big kid!
Rainy Day Fun: Indoor Adventures
Spring weather can be unpredictable, so having a backup plan for indoor fun is always a good idea. Some of our favorite spots include:
- Indoor playgrounds
- Nature centers
- Children’s museums
- Science museums
- Aquariums and reptile exhibits
- Butterfly Farms
- Indoor swimming pools
To keep costs down, consider investing in annual memberships or checking out library passes for discounts on admission fees.
Go Play indoor children's playground in Rhode Island
Make the Most of Spring!
We hope you and your little ones have an incredible time exploring all that New England has to offer this spring. Do you have a favorite spot to visit during this season? Let us know!
For more kid-friendly New England adventures, follow us on Instagram @kidfriendlynewengland, connect with us on Facebook, or email kidfriendlynewengland@
Best, Crystal
