Traveling with kids is a lot of fun, but it also takes significant work. You’re responsible for packing activities and keeping them busy, which can take some effort on a lengthy vacation.
Fortunately, South County has plenty of activities for the entire family, including a plethora of activities for children. Westerly has a particular abundance of things kids can do, ensuring they never get bored.
Here’s a look at some of the top activities for kids in Westerly, RI.
Westerly Library & Wilcox Park
There’s a ton of history at the Westerly Library and Wilcox Park, as the downtown location played a part in the Civil War. The library opened in 1894 and has been a fixture in South County ever since, with additions constructed in 1902, 1928, and 1992.
Today, the library has a massive collection of books, magazines, and DVDs and, along with neighboring Wilcox Park, hosts numerous activities for kids throughout the week. For instance, some mornings, you’ll find yoga and a garden club in the park, as well as storytime and crafts inside the building.
Other activities include movie nights, pizza parties, game nights, science demonstrations, LEGO meetups, art shows, baby playtime, and kids’ hangouts. All events are free, so all you have to do is show up with your kids, and they can participate.
Alley Katz Bowling
Although South County is known for its beautiful summer weather, there could be a day or two when it doesn’t cooperate, leaving you scrambling to find an outdoor activity or two. Alley Katz Bowling is an excellent option, as you and the family can bowl a few games and grab some food.
This popular bowling alley has a convenient location on Granite Street, just outside of downtown Westerly. It opens at 9:00 AM every day in the summer, so you can get an early start if your kids are a bit restless in the morning.
Bowling at Alley Katz costs $5.50 per person per game during the week and $6 on weekends, although there are specials available if you plan to bowl multiple games or want to make a day of it. There’s also cosmic bowling on Friday and Saturday nights, which is always a treat for the kids.
Living Sharks Museum
One thing for sure is that kids think sharks are cool, so what better place to take your little ones than the Living Sharks Museum in downtown Westerly? This museum is a pop-up-style exhibit inside the Wild Animal Trust Gallery that’s full of exhibits showing the impact of humans on shark habitats throughout history.
The museum aims to educate people on shark history and conservation through stories, fossils, and exhibits. There’s even some memorabilia from the original Jaws movie, which is a neat addition for fans of the film.
Admission to the Living Sharks Museum is free, and the venue is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM, so you’ll have some time to check it out.
Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round
You’ll want to stop by Watch Hill at least once during your South County vacation because the community has so much charm. It’s home to numerous boutiques and restaurants on Bay Street, but the most popular attraction is Watch Hill Beach and its famous merry-go-round.
The Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round has been in operation since 1883, making it the oldest continuously operating carousel in the entire country. It has survived storms and disasters over the years and remains a popular attraction for kids of all ages.
Your kids can ride the merry-go-round for $4 on an outside horse or $1 on an inside horse, depending on their preferences. There’s a brass ring game for those on an outside horse, so it’s the more popular option.
Hours vary at the park, but it’s typically open at 9:00 on weekends and 10:00 on weekdays throughout the summer and stays open until 8:00 PM. It then closes in mid-September until the following May.
Atlantic Beach Park
In Misquamicut, Atlantic Beach Park is the place to be if you have kids. Here, you’ll find a beautiful oceanfront area, in addition to Dusty’s Dairy Bar, a 1915 Herschell Spillman Carousel, and an arcade. The carousel has been closed in recent years because the building needs upgrades, but the owners hope to open it again in the near future.
Either way, you can check out Atlantic Beach Park for some of Rhode Island’s best ice cream at Dusty’s Dairy Bar or spend a day in the warm sand with the kids.
Booking a Vacation Rental With Your Kids
A kid-friendly vacation will take some extra effort, but it’s worth it for the memories you’ll create as a family. Westerly, Rhode Island, is full of activities for your family’s youngest members, making it easy to find ways to spend your time.
There are plenty of vacation rentals that can accommodate your group in South County, so book early to make sure to reserve the ideal one.