Block Island

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8/10 Mommy Approved Smiling Faces

Block Island Visitors Center

(You can see this building when exiting the ferry, walk straight ahead for a minute and you will be there, it has a large sign, bathrooms, lockers and informative staff)

1 Water Street

New Shoreham on Block Island, RI 02807

401-466-2982

What we love about block Island:

The kids and I both love visiting Block Island. Every trip is fun and beautiful.  The beaches are so pristine and look untouched.  The ferry ride to and from Block Island is a great way to see Rhode Island’s coast from a different view and to better appreciate how lovely Little Rhody really is!  Once on the island, there is usually so much to do that we never make it to all the locations we want to.

what block island has for kids:

If you go with the kids, you will surly want to visit 1661 Farm and Gardens. It’s free but donations are appreciated. We spend so much time here every trip because the animals are a big hit with my kids.  The food truck, Homestead Refreshments, is delicious and the vibe is relaxing and inviting.

Our first visit with the kids, I really wanted to visit Mohegan Bluffs, but we ran out of time and never made it there. Since then, I made sure we got there!  The view did not disappoint and all the stairs were a worthy experience to say the least!

ways to get around block island:

A lot of people bike on Block Island, but it is quite hilly.  I learned this the hard way my first trip when I took my own bike over on the ferry with a trailer for my kids to sit in while I petaled. That was hard for me although, I was happy about having added storage space in the trailer for our bags!  My legs were on fire, climbing the hills with the excess weight was beyond challenging.  At times I even had to get off and walk my bike uphill. 

The second time we went, we all had backpacks and walked everywhere we went including to Mohegan Bluffs.  It was about a 20 minute walk with minimal shade on a hot sunny day. (see more about transportation options under “The Skinny” below.)  Although there were quite a few complaints from my daughter, she made it to the bluffs with the promise of ice cream as a reward.  It was so gorgeous even my daughter agreed.  The kids loved cooling off in the water once we finally arrived.

The Skinny:

• Weather :  I would suggest going on a warm day so you can enjoy the best this Island has to offer.  That means at least a small dip in the water if not more.  Try not to go on an unbearably hot day because a certain amount of physical activity should be expected, i.e.  biking with the kids, walking with the kids.  Even if you were to rent mopeds (click here for another option), you would be outside for the better part of the day so keep that in mind.
• Parking and pricing :   I have never brought a car here.  You can do so on the traditional Block Island Ferry.  You may also get taxi or rent a vehicle when you arrive.  The Block Island Ferry schedule runs year around at various schedules.  They take off from Point Judith and Newport, Rhode Island.  See the website for the latest information.
• Location : Block Island is 7 miles long 3 miles wide.  It’s area is 7,000 acres.  It has 365 fresh water ponds, 32 miles of trails and 42% of it is preserved open space.
• Duration : We usually take the 9ish Traditional Ferry and then return at the 4pm Ferry. This gives us about 6 hours to enjoy Block Island. In my opinion, that is plenty with two young kids.  Keep in mind there is an hour ferry ride each way and then the drive home.  Everyone is sure to be tired!
• Tips and Recommendations :  Plan ahead deciding which places you want to visit because the restaurants tend to be on “island time” according to our last two experiences.  But, I think that this just means the food is “made to order” and quality.  If you have young kids definitely visit 1661 Farm as it is a 5-10 minute walk up Spring Street and everyone will enjoy it.  Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and pack a sweatshirt in case of a windy day.
• Food we love on Block Island :

         1.  Persiphone’s Kitchen and Cafe– great breakfast sandwiches, pastries, coffees.  It’s crowded but delicious!

         2.  The Ice Cream Place– a necessity to have Ice cream on Block Island

         3.  The National Hotel – big gorgeous outdoor space with fire pits and upscale food, nice crowd in a relaxing setting.  This place is on the pricey side but very good and close to the ferry dock.

Jewel Approved: 👍🏼

Jamison Approved: 👍🏼

If your kids are animal lovers like mine, be sure to check out World War I Memorial Park and Zoo, Southwick’s Zoo, and Biomes.