Small State, Big Fun: A Family-Friendly Providence Itinerary

Families will find a centrally located, kid-friendly base at the Providence Marriott Downtown with a pool that's a lifesaver after a long day of exploring. For families who prefer a little wiggle room, Homewood Suites by Hilton Providence Downtown offers full kitchen suites that make longer stays easier and more cost-effective. And in case of stormy weather, the Omni Providence connects directly to Providence Place via an indoor walkway, giving you easy access to the mall without juggling umbrellas and raincoats.

WaterFire, with dozens of burning braziers floating on the rivers of downtown, is the city's most unforgettable experience and one that the kids will talk about long after the visit ends. Providence Children's Museum offers immersive, hands-on exhibits where younger kids can easily spend hours, while teens and tweens will find their own fun with Level 99's puzzles or the classic arcade games at Dave & Buster's.

Even learning experiences in Providence can be entertaining. Tour the Rhode Island State House or hop on a Parasols & Pocket Watches tour of Benefit Street, where your tour guide will appear in vintage dress that will have both tour guests and passers-by commenting.

You can't go wrong with Angelo's Civita Farnese, a century-old Providence institution serving hearty Italian American favorites that satisfy every member of the family (think meatballs and french fries). Or head to nearby Caserta Pizzeria for a slice of pepperoni or a spinach pie.

For a real variety, check out Food Truck Fridays at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Running weekly from April to September, the event features a rotating lineup of food trucks, local musicians and plenty of family fun. With a carousel and train rides, plus a nearby playground, your little ones will have plenty to do in between sampling everything from grilled cheese to ice cream.

Roger Williams Park Zoo, the country's third-oldest zoo, is home to more than 100 species of animals. Younger kids gravitate toward the Farmyard and Penguin Point, while older children tend to linger at the Faces of the Rainforest (because monkeys, obviously) or search for the snow leopard in the Himalayan Trek.  With seasonal events like this summer's A Bug's World exhibit, featuring life from a bug's-eye view, the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in the fall, and the Holiday Lights Spectacular every December, the zoo is a guaranteed good time any time of year.

The surrounding Roger Williams Park is a destination in its own right. It's home to plenty of green space, plus the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium and the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, New England's largest glasshouse display garden. Whether you're exploring one of the walking paths or just hanging out in one of the newly designated conversation areas, you're sure to find plenty to do and see.

Plan to arrive in the morning, pack a lunch (or check out one of the on-site cafes), and give yourself the whole day. And be sure to stop by the gift shop, because while the zoo frowns on taking an actual penguin home with you, there are plenty of adorable substitutes on hand for purchase.