Springtime in New England

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.

Newport' Cliff Walk in spring time with the kids — 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.
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 ocean front 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:

Story time 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 story time—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 & The Basin (New Hampshire) – Gorgeous cascades with relatively easy hiking trails.
Bingham Falls (Vermont) – A hidden gem with picturesque views.
Arcadia Management Area (Rhode Island) – A nature lover’s paradise with waterfalls, rivers, and woodland trails.

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 Vermont with kids — 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.
Local Cat Cafés & Lounges– A great indoor option for animal lovers, with the added bonus of supporting pet adoptions.
- - CT: Two Wrasslin Cats
  - RI: Mad Cats & Bajha’s Cat Cafe
    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 (check out Go Play , Launch, Sonny’s, Urban Air Adventure Park, & Ninja Wipeout
Nature centers (check out Audubon and Blue Hills and Meig’s Point )
Children’s museums (check out Providence, Maine, Niantic, and Boston, to name a few)
Science museums (check out Boston, Connecticut, & Echo-Leahy Museum in Vermont)
Aquariums and reptile exhibits (check out Mystic, New England, Biomes & Save the Bay in RI, Riverside Reptiles)
Butterfly Farms (check out Magic Wings and The Butterfly Place both in Massachusetts)
Indoor swimming pools (visit Great Wolf & Waterpark of New England)

To keep costs down, consider investing in annual memberships or checking out library passes for discounts on admission fees.

Go Play in Rhode Island indoor play space for kids — 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@gmail.com. Happy exploring!

Best,

Crystal

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