Here's information on family-friendly activities that Block Island has to offer.
Block Island is one of the best places in New England for family vacations. From beaches and nature trails to water sports and horseback riding, the island is the perfect getaway for the entire family. Jump on the ferry and escape to the "Bermuda of the North". Even on rainy days, the island has great museums, libraries and movie theaters that the whole family will enjoy. Check out our list of family-friendly activities below.
Beaches: Block Island has some of the best beaches on the entire East Coast! From beaches and nature trails to water sports and most days on Block Island are spent on the beach body surfing and building sandcastles. Island summers are warm and breezy, perfect for outdoor fun. Check out our "Beaches" section to find all the beaches Block Island has to offer!
The Movies: There are two movie theaters on the island. The Empire Theater on Water Street in Old Harbor, and Oceanwest Theater at Champlin's Marina in New Harbor. Both theaters show first-run movies nightly in the summer. Rainy day matinees are also available. Check out our "Movie Theater" section to get more information and contact details on local theaters!
Block Island Club: This Club is located on Corn Neck Road and is open during the summer. Sailing and club activities such as tennis, swimming and arts & crafts for every kid is the focus here. Learn more or call the Block Island Club
The Block Island Maritime Institute: Located at Smuggler's Cove on West Side Road in New Harbor, the center is dedicated to educating students through a variety of programs. Activities at BIMI include sailing, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, marine science and aquaculture programs and pirates' day.
The Ocean View Pavilion: This non-profit organization has activities that connect children to nature. Nature walks, birding and bird banding, night sky viewing and art programs are a few of the offerings here. Check out our "Outdoor Activities" section to get more details on the Ocean View Pavilion.
The Champlin Arcade: No child's vacation is complete (in their eyes, anyway) without a trip (or seven) to the video arcade on Block Island. The arcade is at Champlin's Marina in New Harbor. Check out our "Marinas" section for Champlin's contact information.
Water Sports: Besides the best free beaches on the East Coast, kids love all water-based recreation. No beach vacation is complete without a flight with Block Island Parasail. Snorkeling, Kayaking and Stand up Paddleboarding or a surf lesson is also fun. Check out our "Water Sports" section for more sports activity information and contact details.
Horseback Riding: There's one place to go horseback riding on Block Island - Rustic Rides. Owner Tim McCabe and his guides will take you on a great trail ride right on the beach! Very kid friendly. Ponies for the children are available. The farm is located up on the West Side of the island but don't worry, Tim has a taxi and if you call him, he'll pick you up. For more information check out Rustic Rides.
Abrams Animal Farm: Nestled right next to the historic and majestic Hotel Manisses is an animal farm. Very close to town on Spring Street, this farm has camels, llamas, emus, lemurs and even 2 kangaroos. For more activities and animal farm information see our "Zoo & Aquarium" section.
Playgrounds & Parks: Block Island's only skate park is the Ian Kortbek Memorial Skate Park. Find it at the Ball O'Brien Park on West Side Road. It's free. There's also a swing set and jungle gym for the younger kids in your family. For the bigger kids, there's basketball & tennis. For more activities and park information see our "Outdoor Activities" section.
Champlin's Marina: Champlin's is one of the most family-friendly places on the island. You do not have to have your boat at the marina to enjoy most of the amenities. This is a great place for a kid. Free outdoor barbecues and picnic tables, video arcade, a restaurant and snack bar, pool, daily entertainment by the pool or at the tiki bar at the end of the dock, state of the art playground. For a fee, you can ride the bumper boats, rent sailboats or kayaks or play tennis. *recently the pool has only allowed guests with boats in the marina. Check out our "Marinas" section for Champlin's contact information.
Charter Fishing: Learn to fish. Catch the biggest striped bass. Take a charter trip and see what you can catch. Block Island has several charter boats, captains & beach guides. For more activities and charter fishing information see our "Fishing" section.
Surfing: Rent a surfboard and head to the beach. The east beaches have good waves to learn on, especially across from the Beachead restaurant. The Diamond Blue surf shop on the corner of Dodge Street and Corn Neck Road rents surfboards, boogie boards, and paddle boards. Check out our "Water Sports" section to find what Block Island has to offer!
The Library: Located on Dodge Street in town. The children's librarian has many free activities planned. Great for rainy days. Get more details at the Island Library page.