Rhode Island
Nature|Wildlife & Farms

There’s An Aquarium Right Next To A State Park In Rhode Island, Making For A Fun-Filled Family Outing

Enjoy a family-friendly day in Rhode Island by visiting the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium followed by a trip to Colt State Park.

Published Jul 20, 2022

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

A day out with the family usually means an abundance of fun and plenty of new memories. We have so many family-friendly spots in Rhode Island that deciding where to go next could be a bit of a challenge – especially getting the entire family to agree on the perfect destination. However, everyone’s sure to love this family outing in Rhode Island that will take you to an aquarium and a state park.

Just over two miles separate Rhode Island's Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium and Colt State Park in Bristol, making them perfect for a two-part family outing.

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Google/Audubon Society of Rhode Island Nature Center and Aquarium

Wear comfy shoes for your visit to the nature center and aquarium because you’ll be spending time indoors and outdoors. Indoors you’ll find a small but fascinating interactive museum.

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Google/Audubon Society of Rhode Island Nature Center and Aquarium

Get a glimpse at some of the residents of Narragansett Bay and tide pools as you explore the exhibits. For an even more in-depth experience, keep an eye out for family-friendly programs, guided walks, and other events held throughout the year.

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Facebook/Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium

The nature center and aquarium are nestled on the 28-acre Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, which means you’ll have plenty to explore outdoors, too.

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Google/Audubon Society of Rhode Island Nature Center and Aquarium

Start your outdoor adventure at the Palmieri Pollinator Garden, where you’ll find the trailhead for a scenic trail that boasts meadows, marshes, and a boardwalk. The trail and the nature center are ADA-accessible.

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Google/Audubon Society of Rhode Island Nature Center and Aquarium

After you’ve thoroughly explored indoors and outdoors, make your way the 2.4 miles to Colt State Park. Kick off your visit with a picnic.

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Trip Advisor/Dr. Ronald S.

The lush fields are perfect for some laid-back fun. Bring along a kite, a Frisbee, or a ball to kick around. You can also shoot hoops at one of the basketball courts.

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Trip Advisor/glitterqueen1975

Explore via the single 5.3-mile loop trail. You don’t have to trek the whole trail; just turn around when the kiddos get tired. The trail is popular for walking, skating, and biking.

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Trip Advisor/ibruna

Start planning your day out with a visit to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island Nature Center and Aquarium website and the Colt State Park website.

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Trip Advisor/management

Where’s your favorite place for a family-friendly outing in Rhode Island? Let us know in the comments! Next time you’re on the lookout for another family-friendly adventure, consider going rail biking in Rhode Island.

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The One Rhode Island Farm Where You Can Snap Photos Of Kangaroos, Lemurs, And Camels

Published Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Give me a chance to spend time, even just a few minutes, around animals, and I'm in, even if it means going off the beaten path a bit. Even catching a glimpse of an animal - a deer standing on the side of a rural road as I drive by, for example - is enough to make the day that much better. Next time you're on Block Island, head over to Abrams Animal Farm. You won't need a whole lot of time at this animal farm in Rhode Island, but there's a pretty good chance you'll have a ton of fun, smile the whole time, and make memories. You might even make a new four-legged friend or two.

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A trip to New Shoreham on Block Island wouldn't be complete, at least for animal lovers, without a quick stop at Abrams Animal Farm, which sits across from the 1661 Inn.

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Facebook/The 1661 Inn

If you're coming to Block Island by ferry, you'll arrive at Old Harbor. The dock is less than half a mile from the farm, promising an easy, enjoyable walk.

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Facebook/The 1661 Inn

Home to a variety of animals from kangaroos to lemurs, the free-admission animal farm earns glowing reviews from visitors, who describe it as "wonderful" and a "must-stop."

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Facebook/The 1661 Inn

Spend as much time as you want wandering through the farm, past beautiful gardens, and other residents, including a grazing tortoise...

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Facebook/The 1661 Inn

Emus, camels, llamas, and...

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Facebook/The 1661 Inn

Goats. You'll likely meet a few animals, like the alpacas and donkeys, who eagerly await pets.

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Facebook/The 1661 Inn

As you explore, take time to read the placards that offer information about the farm's animals. Snap photos as a kangaroo and...

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Facebook/The 1661 Inn

Next to the statue of a tortoise. Abrams Farm welcomes visitors, during the day, all year round.

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Google/Joe Kimmel

Find more information about Abrams Farm on the official website of 1661 Inn, or stop by the Facebook page of this inn and animal farm in Rhode Island.

Have you been to Abrams Animal Farm in New Shoreham? What did you think? What animal(s) did you like most? Let us know in the comments! If you want to keep the animal theme going while you're on the island, head over to Block Island National Wildlife Refuge.

With all there is to do on Block Island, you might want to plan to stay overnight or for a few nights by booking a local Vrbo.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/rhode-island/underrated-park-unique-features-ri/

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

It’s Time For Apple Picking (And Apple Donuts) At Pippin Orchard In Rhode Island

Pippin Apple Orchard in Cranston, Rhode Island, offers a variety of fall activities including apple picking, pumpkin picking, and enjoying fresh apple donuts.

Updated Aug 2, 2024

Written by 

Jessica Wick

Fall is in the air, and we couldn't be happier. And while some of our autumn traditions might look a bit different this year, we are pleased to report that the beloved Pippin Apple Orchard, one of the best apple orchards in Rhode Island, is open for business and ready to host you. Apple picking in Rhode Island is a fun, family-friendly activity -- and for the record, so is apple donut-eating. Why not enjoy fall in Rhode Island? It is, after all, perhaps the best state in New England, especially during autumn.

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Pippin Orchard is located in Cranston, where it has been a New England landmark for decades.

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Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

Since 1964, this 20-acre farm has attracted thousands of visitors.

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Victor Brunko/Google Reviews

While some of the produce grown here is available all year, the peak season is definitely fall.

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James O'Connor / Google

The apple picking, farm store, pumpkin patch, and freshly made donuts are irresistible on a beautiful autumn day.

The apple orchard spans 17 acres, and you'll find Macintosh, Empire, Cortland, Gala, Honeycrisp, Macoun, Jonagold, and Red Delicious apples hanging in the trees. With such impressive variety, it's truly one of the best apple orchards in Rhode Island.

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Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

Apple picking costs $25 per bag. But if you'd rather not do it yourself, you can always purchase them onsite or schedule a curbside pickup.

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We highly recommend visiting in person so you can enjoy the scent of the piping hot fresh apple donuts...

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Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

... or better yet, buy some to try yourself.

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Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

This was actually the first orchard in Rhode Island to attempt the apple cider donut, and clearly it was wildly successful.

While you're here, don't forget to pick up your pumpkins for carving and decorating.

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Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

You'll also want to purchase some farm fresh eggs and greenhouse-grown produce.

There's nothing like a Rhode island fall, and a trip to Pippin Orchard always makes it even better. It's one of the best things to do in fall in Rhode Island.

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Pippin Apple Orchard / Facebook

And luckily, that's a tradition that can continue this year. Check out our road trip packing list to help plan your adventure.

Have you ever been apple picking at Pippin Orchard? You can stay up to date on the farm's schedule by checking out the Pippin Orchard Facebook page.

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