Now That School Is Back, Homeschoolers Can Head to the Best Playgrounds in RI

Take advantage of school hours and find some joy at one of Rhode Island’s best playgrounds

Now that school is back in session, us homeschoolers get the museums, beaches and playgrounds all to ourselves! And when it comes to playgrounds, Rhode Island has plenty to choose from. Here are some of our favorites to check out on a weekday when everyone else is in school.

South County

Ninigret Park | Charlestown

The playground at Ninigret Park is just one part of this huge outdoor destination. After playing, families can explore the walking and biking paths, freshwater pond, sports fields, picnic areas and more.

Chelsea Park Playground | Exeter

Right next to Exeter Public Library, Chelsea Park is an easy homeschool stop when you want to combine outdoor play with a library visit. The playground has climbing equipment, slides and swings, with open space around it for running and playing.

Wilson Park | North Kingstown

Wilson Park is a favorite for a reason. The large playground includes a zip line and a seasonal splash pad, and is surrounded by plenty of recreational space, including a basketball court, picnic areas, and walking paths.

North Kingstown Town Beach Playground | North Kingstown

Why choose between a playground and the beach? At North Kingstown Town Beach, you can do both. Play on the playground, then head down to the water for some sand, shells and coastal exploring.

Warwick & West Bay

Fairfield Playground | East Greenwich

Fairfield Playground has swings, slides, climbing equipment and spinning features, plus a large grassy field where kids can run and play. It's a simple neighborhood stop that gives kids plenty of room to get their energy out.

ImPOSSIBLE Dream Playground | Warwick

ImPOSSIBLE Dream Playground is an inclusive play space designed so children of different ages and abilities can play together. It's a great one to keep on your list when you're looking for accessible play.

Providence & Central RI

Hasbro Boundless Playground | Roger Williams Park | Providence

Located near Carousel Village, the Hasbro Boundless Playground offers an inclusive play space with equipment for different ages and abilities. Once you're finished playing, there's the rest of Roger Williams Park to explore.

India Point Park Playground | Providence

For a playground with a view, India Point is hard to beat. The waterfront playground has climbing structures, slides and swings, while the surrounding park offers open space, walking paths and access to the East Bay Bike Path.

Lippitt Park Playground | Providence

Lippitt Park is a neighborhood favorite with larger play structures, slides, monkey bars and plenty of climbing equipment. The playground sits in the middle of the park with lots of grassy space around it, so kids can keep playing even after they're done with the equipment.

Fargnoli Park | Providence

Fargnoli Park has separate play areas for younger and older kids, plus a splash pad during the warmer months. It's an easy Providence stop when you want some outdoor time without planning an entire day around it.

Johnston Memorial Park Playground | Johnston

Johnston Memorial Park is a great place to get outside, with a fenced in playground, a pond, a seasonal splash pad, and a hiking path to explore.

East Bay

Barrington Public Library Playground | Barrington

Located beside the library, this playground makes it easy to combine reading and outdoor play. Grab a few books, get some fresh air and let the kids burn off some energy before heading home.

Hugh Cole Playground | Warren

Hugh Cole Playground has plenty of room to play, with a large playground, fields, basketball, picnic areas and a nature trail. It's an easy spot to turn a playground stop into a longer outdoor adventure.

Bristol Town Beach Playground | Bristol

This one gives you the best of both worlds: a playground and the beach. The large grassy area has a playground, picnic tables and plenty of space to play, while Colt State Park and the East Bay Bike Path are right next door.

Tiverton Town Farm | Tiverton

Tiverton Town Farm has plenty to keep active kids busy, including climbing equipment, slides and swings. The surrounding recreation area also gives families plenty of room to keep moving.

Newport & Aquidneck

Jamestown Community Playground | Jamestown

This nautical-themed playground is worth the drive, with a lighthouse-inspired climbing structure, slides, climbing features and a zip line. It's the kind of playground kids will want to visit again.

Northern RI

Slater Park Adventure Playground | Pawtucket

The Adventure Playground at Slater Park has plenty to keep kids moving, with a climbing wall, space nets, slides, swings and a toddler area. And because it’s inside the huge Slater Memorial Park, you can easily add a walk, picnic, bike ride, or visit to Daggett Farm to your playground day.

Cumberland Monastery Playground | Cumberland

The playground at Cumberland Monastery is a great stop when you're looking for a place to combine outdoor play with a little exploring. After the kids play, you can enjoy the surrounding grounds and trails, and the library.

Encompass Park | North Providence

Encompass Park is a newer inclusive playground designed so kids with different abilities can play together. Accessible equipment, rubber surfacing and features like a wheelchair-friendly swing make this a great addition to a homeschool playground rotation.

World War II Memorial Park | Woonsocket

This large Woonsocket park has a playground, splash pad, picnic areas, walking paths and courts, making it especially good for a full day of outdoor play when the weather is warm.

Keep Exploring

One of the best things about homeschooling is that a playground doesn't have to be a weekend activity. Pick a new town, find a playground you've never visited, pack some snacks and make a Tuesday morning out of it. Because when everyone else is in school, Rhode Island is ours to explore.

About the Author 

M.J. Mercure is the founder and editor of Happy Homeschool RI, a publication connecting Rhode Island homeschooling families with local events, educational opportunities, and hands-on learning adventures. Subscribe to Happy Homeschool RI for weekly field trip ideas, local events, and homeschool resources delivered straight to your inbox.

Have an event or opportunity to share? Email happyhomeschoolmedia@gmail.com