Gallery Night
Experience the art-filled wonder of the city's exciting art scene. Join us on the third Thursday of the month as a free bus loops throughout the city and stops at participating galleries, art shops and museums. Free!
Museum of Art at the Rhode Island School of Design
A stunning collection of art and exhibitions, ranging from the masters to contemporary creators. Free for Museum members and children under 5. The museum is also free every third Thursday from 5-9 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Providence Children's Museum
The Providence Children's Museum has a wide range of play-friendly and excellently educational exhibits. Take advantage of Metlife Family Friday when the museum is free from 5-8 p.m. The museum celebrated the grand opening of their Imagination Playground on April 16.
Botanical Center at Roger Williams Park
providenceri.com/botanical-center
At the Botanical Center, visitors can relax by a waterfall, enjoy the wonderful fragrance of flowers from around the world, take a child on a scavenger hunt or bring a camera or sketch pad. Admission: Adults: $3, Children 6-12: $1, Children under 6: Free
Museum of Natural History & Planetarium
providenceri.com/museum
Experience Rhode Island's only natural history museum and planetarium, including a variety of exhibitions and activities for parents and children to enjoy together. Museum admission is $2 (Free for children under 4 years old).
The Rhode Island State House
rilin.state.ri.us
The State House is the active seat of Rhode Island's government, but there's more than political bickering going on in these halls. The impressive building was designed by architectural firm McKim, Mead and White, which also designed many of the Newport Mansions. Visiting the State House is free.
Benefit Street
A lot of history is crammed into this mile-long cobblestone street on the east side of Providence. In fact, Benefit Street has one of the highest concentrations of Colonial buildings in the country. Admiring the architecture on your own or with friends is free.
The Providence Athenaeum
providenceathenaeum.org
A unique independent, member-supported library and cultural center located off of the historic Benefit Street. This library enriches the educational and cultural pursuits of its members and the community by encouraging a diverse public to engage in spirited conversation. The Athenaeum is free to visit. Please visit their website for hours and more information.
