Growing up in Rhode Island, the winters always seemed dreary and I looked forward to the first signs of spring. I loved that first warm day after the snow melted, and I'd head outside to soak up as much sunshine as I could. Spending time outdoors is a necessity after being cooped up indoors most days, and spring is the best time to start enjoying the great outdoors again! For some of the best things to do in Rhode Island in spring, whether it's hiking or frolicking through a field of flowers, take a look at the following Rhode Island spring activities!

Flower Blooms In Rhode Island

The Ocean State certainly comes alive with a bounty of colorful blooms once the weather gets warm. With the flowers come hummingbirds and butterflies as well. If you want to see nature coming back to life in the spring season, check out these areas for flower blooms around the state:

Location: Johnston, RI

Popularity: This long-standing farm is popular among locals.

Price: For pick-your-own flowers, there is a charge of $18+tax per jar.

One of the best family things to do in Rhode Island in spring is a visit to Dame Farm. This is one of the farms my mother would take my sister and me to when we were growing up. Take a stroll through the gorgeous flower fields in the spring and take in all the beauty! If you want to pick your own flowers, you must bring your own set of hand clippers. Fresh-picked spring flowers, anyone? Yes, please!

Location: Johnston, RI and Exeter, RI

Popularity: This place is wicked popular!

Price: $20/adult on a weekday; $23/adult on weekends; $5/kid (ages 5-17). Tulips are sold at $1 per stem.

Of all the Rhode Island spring activities to enjoy, a visit to Wicked Tulips Flower Farm takes the cake. When it first opened in Johnston, it was very popular, especially among photographers and Instagrammers. Due to its popularity, two more Wicked Tulips were opened -- one in Connecticut and one in Exeter, RI. Visit one location or all three this year!

Location: Wakefield, RI

Popularity: A hidden gem.

Price: $5 general admission. Children under 2 are admitted free.

The 14-acre Lavender Waves Farm is a hidden gem in Rhode Island. Peak bloom is between late June and early August. However, there are 10 different varieties of lavender that grow at different times on this farm. In addition to the flowers, there are animals you can say hello to and you may also bring a picnic.

Botanical Gardens In Rhode Island

With botanical gardens, a rose garden, and a tulip field, there are several wonderful ways to enjoy the spring here in Lil' Rhody. The question is, which one will you visit first?

Location: Little Compton, RI

Popularity: A hidden gem in a small town.

Price: Parking is $25 and includes admission for the driver. There is a $20 charge per passenger as well as for pedestrians and cyclists.

You must make reservations in advance to visit and tour Sakonnet Garden in Little Compton. However, it is a hidden gem that's worth visiting! While in bloom during springtime, the garden looks like it belongs in a storybook. Make sure you bring a camera for this awe-inspiring destination!

Location: Kingston, RI

Popularity: This is another fairly hidden gem in RI.

Price: Free. Donations are welcome.

If you're looking for free things to do in Rhode Island in spring, this is the perfect place to be. Named after the URI botany professor, Lorenzo Kinney Sr., who started the garden in the 1920s, it's really stood the test of time. This spring, come for a visit to see the vibrant rhododendrons and azaleas.

Location: Bristol, RI

Popularity: Blithewold is most popular during the spring and summer.

Price: Ticket purchases include a tour of both the mansion and gardens.

The 45-room Blithewold Mansion is a former summer residence for Augustus Van Wickle who had made his fortune in coal. When you visit, you can tour the mansion as well as the 33 acres of land and gardens that surround it. As one of the most beautiful garden estates in New England, Blithewold Mansions is a must-visit during springtime!

Parks To Visit In Rhode Island This Spring

With parks and wildlife refuges aplenty, you can certainly soak in the season outdoors. The Audubon Society of Rhode Island, where I worked in my younger days, alone oversees 15 wildlife refuges, making it easy to find a place to enjoy the great outdoors no matter where you live in the state.

Location: Providence, RI

Popularity: One of the most popular spots in Rhode Island.

Price: $21/adult (age 13+); $15/child (age 2-12); $17/senior (age 65+); children age 1 and under are admitted for free.

One of the best family things to do in Rhode Island in spring is to visit Roger Williams Park Zoo. While it's always fun to have a look at the zoo animals, there are other enjoyable things to do at the park that surrounds it. If you're looking for cheap things to do in Rhode Island in spring, come to the park, take a ride on the carousel or a swan boat, go for a hike, and check out the flowers in bloom. When you visit Rhode Island, a trip to Roger Williams Park is a must.

Location: Pawtucket, RI

Popularity: Very popular especially in the spring and summer.

Price: Free

The oldest public park in the state happens to be Slater Memorial Park. What was once a swamp is now home to a historic farmhouse built in 1685, a bandstand, and a carousel. Additionally, there's a small zoo featuring several farm animals and a pond where you can rent a boat. It's such an enjoyable place to spend a day outdoors as a family in the spring!

Location: Providence, RI

Popularity: This is a hidden gem park that only locals seem to know about.

Price: No cost

You might not expect such a gorgeous park to be found in downtown Providence, but that's only part of what makes Neutaconkanut Park so alluring. Take a hike up the hill for panoramic city views and explore the 88 acres of the park.

Spring Hikes In Rhode Island

Whether it's a hike through the woods or along the coast, the Ocean State's resplendent beauty is best enjoyed on foot. I've hiked in many areas of the state growing up and try to go for a hike each time I'm back home for a visit. I love how wonderfully peaceful it is especially in the spring when the weather starts to warm up.

Location: Coventry, RI

Popularity: It's unlikely you'll see many others on this hike.

Price: No cost

Looking for a wildflower hike in Rhode Island? A stroll along the Maxwell Mays Loop Trail may be one of your best bets to see some gorgeous spring flowers! Owned by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, this wildlife refuge will feel like a getaway that will leave you calm and refreshed after spending time in nature birdwatching and viewing springtime blooms.

Location: Cumberland, RI

Popularity: This is a popular spot to enjoy the great outdoors.

Price: No cost

The Cumberland Monastery is such an incredibly unique place to explore. On one hand, you have the historic monastery and, on the other, there is plenty of open space surrounding it to explore. The 3.4-mile loop trail is a wonderful escape into nature especially during springtime when you'll be able to see flowers in bloom. Afterward, take a self-guided walking tour of the gardens that can be found on the property.

Location: Middletown, RI

Popularity: This place is peaceful and quiet.

Price: No cost

Close to all that Aquidneck Island has to offer including Gilded Age Newport mansions like the Marble House and the Breakers along with the Cliff Walk, Ocean Drive, Fort Adams State Park, Easton's Beach, Bowen's Wharf, and more, Middletown is a bit more serene than its neighbor. And it's here you'll find a quiet park for a city escape. Take a stroll through Paradise Valley Park and check out its historic windmill, known as the Boyd’s Wind Grist Mill, as well as the flowers growing throughout. Learn more about Paradise Valley Park. And if you happen to visit Newport in April, you can attend Newport Daffodil Days.

Spring Picnic Spots In Rhode Island

Who wants to go for a picnic? There are so many beautiful spots throughout the state where you can spread out a picnic blanket on the ground or sit at a picnic table and enjoy a meal.

Location: Providence, RI

Popularity: This is a popular spot for those who want views of downtown Providence.

Price: No cost

Founded in the mid-1800s, Prospect Terrace Park offers an incredible vantage point over the city of Providence. It's also a picture-perfect spot for a picnic. Why not grab some Italian cuisine or chowder from one of the many amazing restaurants in the city and enjoy your meal with a view from this park? You should also check to see if Waterfire is scheduled in the evening during your time in Providence -- it's certainly one of my favorite things to do in the state along with a visit to the museum at the Rhode Island School of Design.

Location: Bristol, RI

Popularity: This is a very busy park during warmer weather due to all the outdoor activities it offers as well as its coastal beauty.

Price: No cost

Overlooking the Narragansett Bay, Colt State Park offers 4 miles of paved trails if you're looking for a place with accessibility. When I worked in Bristol, I would often come to Colt State Park during my lunch breaks. While I would sit on a bench, there are plenty of picnic tables throughout the park. Between the second Saturday in April and Oct. 31, there is a fee for picnic table rentals. This is such an enjoyable park to spend some time outdoors. It's also the perfect spot for a picnic with your significant other if you're looking for romantic things to do in Rhode Island in spring!

Location: South Kingstown, RI

Popularity: This beach is most popular in the summer. However, it's rather quiet in the off-season.

Price: No cost in the off-season.

One of the most fun things to do in Rhode Island in spring is head to the beach, right? Well, how about having a picnic at the beach? One lovely beach for a picnic is East Matunuck State Beach. You can either pack your own food to bring with you or pick up something to go from one of the many restaurants in Washington County, and sit on the sand looking out at the Atlantic as you dine.

Are you excited for spring to arrive? Which of the best things to do in Rhode Island in spring will you cross off the list first? Let us know, and enjoy the warmer weather this spring!