Winter Things to Do in Providence
Looking for some cold weather fun? Round up your family and friends and head to Providence, RI. Experience the charm of winter in New England, along with sophisticated arts, culinary and shopping scenes.
Visit the city's eclectic and trendy neighborhood boutiques or downtown's Providence Place. Dine in any one of Providence's stellar restaurants and you'll see why the city is a nationally recognized food destination.
Providence has plenty of indoor and outdoor fun, including skating and ice bumper cars at The Providence Rink and the renowned RISD Museum. The season is also packed with events. Browse through our calendar below, then book a cozy hotel stay. Start planning now.
February Vacation Fun
With school vacation just around the corner, you'll probably be looking for some family-friendly ways to keep the kiddos entertained. From indoor ways to keep warm while you play to winter adventures at the zoo, there's so much happening that you could plan a different adventure every day!
Restaurant Weeks
Providence Restaurant Weeks offers two weeks of dining specials and offers to enjoy at participating Providence area restaurants.
Providence Culinary Collective
The Providence Culinary Collective returns with a standout collection of events and experiences, including signature tastings, demos, and specially curated paired dinners honoring the city’s culinary legacy.
More Cold Weather Fun
Performing Arts
The theater, Oscar Wilde said, is where we go to get a sense of what it means to be human, because nothing matches the power of a live performance. Providence has long packed a wallop when it comes to the breadth and depth of its performing arts scene.
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Plenty of zoo animals enjoy the cold. Even the flamingos get frisky when the temperature drops. The zoo offers Winter Wonder Days, which features half-price admission. It’s a great time to visit the tropics and check out the Faces of the Rainforest exhibit.
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., from June through August.
Event Spotlight
$15 Moonshine Flights & Moonshine Tasting
- Moonshine Alley
- Apr 12, 2026 - Jul 21, 2026
A Bug's World at Roger Williams Park Zoo
- Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village
- Apr 12, 2026 - Aug 9, 2026
Actor on Parole at Everett Stage
- Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026
Bristol Art Museum Presents-Still Growing: Art Inspired by Trees
- Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
- Apr 12, 2026 - May 10, 2026
Fairy Garden Days 2026
- Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
- Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 30, 2026
Gather Farm Goat Hikes
- Gather Farm
- Apr 12, 2026 - Dec 27, 2026
Glass Blowing Classes
- Gather: Glass Blowing Studio
- Apr 12, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Kids Free April
- Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026
Make Your Own Drinking Glass - April
- Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026
Make Your Own Glass Bird - April
- Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026
Make Your Own Glass Bird - May 2026
- Apr 12, 2026 - Jun 28, 2026
Make Your Own Glass Vase - April
- Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026
Primary Trust
- Trinity Rep
- Apr 12, 2026 - May 10, 2026
Providence Flea at Farm Fresh
- Farm Fresh RI
- Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026
Providence Ghosts: Phantoms and Poltergeists Tour
- US Ghost Adventures
- Apr 12, 2026 - Aug 25, 2026
Rise n 'Shine Weekend Brunch at Moonshine Alley!
- Moonshine Alley
- Apr 12, 2026 - May 10, 2026
Sangria Sunday
- Apr 12, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026
Shuck It Sundays! $1 Oysters at Yellow Door Taqueria
- Yellow Door Taqueria
- Apr 12, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026
The Cripple of Inishmaan
- Apr 12, 2026 - May 3, 2026
The Preserve Spring HOBBIT HOUSE™ Photo Experience
- The Preserve Sporting Club
- Apr 12, 2026 - May 3, 2026
Happy Hour at Yellow Door Taqueria!
- Yellow Door Taqueria
- Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 6, 2028
Monday Night Trivia with Comedian Host Brad Pierce
- The Patio on Broadway
- Apr 13, 2026 - Mar 1, 2027
Monday Trivia at Diego’s East Side
- Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 10, 2028
Wing Night at Trinity Brewhouse
- Trinity Brewhouse
- Apr 13, 2026 - Mar 15, 2027
$5 Taco Tuesday Specials
- Yellow Door Taqueria
- Apr 14, 2026 - Oct 6, 2026
Spring Afternoon Tea
- Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
- Apr 14, 2026 - May 8, 2026
Local Restaurants
You'll find a wide range of nationally recognized dining options in Providence.
Providence Hotels
Providence offers plenty of lodging choices for all tastes and budgets.
Local Shopping
From boutiques to department stores, Providence offers ample shopping.