Kids trails range from farms and carousels to zoos and bike paths

Rhode Island's fun places for kids cover the beaches, of course, but also range even farther, into historic farms and animals sancturaries, antique carousels, museums, bike paths, and more.

Chase Farm

100 Great Road Lincoln, RI 02865 Phone: 401-333-1100

This 118-acre dairy farm is preserved as a green space and is used for activities such as summer concerts. Also on site are a butterfly garden and the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop, which is open several times a year for blacksmithing demonstrations. Open from dawn to dusk.

Glocester Greens & Goats

1535 Snake Hill Road Glocester, RI 02857 Phone: 401-567-8872

These farmers raise gourmet salad greens and mini-Nubian goats. Children and adults are welcome to hold, pet, and feed the goats. The owners are eager to teach kids about kids and allow them to spend ample time with the animals. Gift shop sells salad greens, goat milk soap, and skin care products.

Slater Memorial Park Carousel

Newport Avenue (Route 1A) Pawtucket, RI 02861 Phone: 401-728-0500 ext. 252

The stately grounds of this park include an early carousel by Danish immigrant Charles I. D. Looff. The carousel boasts 42 horses, three dogs, and a lion, camel, and giraffe; they are some of the earliest examples of Looff’swork. Rides are a mere 25 cents. Open during warm weather: Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Call ahead for changes in hours.

Slater Mill Historic Site

67 Roosevelt Avenue Pawtucket, RI 02862 Phone: 401-725-8638

Open: December, January, and February for scheduled group visits only; December 26-31, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; March 4-November, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Site of several colonial structures, including Slater Mill (1793), birthplace of American industry, the Sylvanus Brown House (1758), and Wilkinson Mill (1810), home to an authentic 19th century machine shop. The site also features a eight-ton working water wheel, constructed in 1826, and regular demonstrations of early textile machinery, hand-spinning, and weaving. Cost: Adults $9; seniors (65 and older), $8; children age 6-12, $7.

Abrams Animal Farm

1 Spring Street Block Island, RI 02807 Phone: 401-466-2421

This outdoor facility, operated by the owners of 1661 Inn and Hotel Manisses, is a menagerie of exotic animals -- llamas, emus, sheep, goats, and ducks – that live next to the inn. Cost: Free. Open: Daily, dawn-dark.

Block Island Ferry and Island Tour

New Shoreham, RI 02807 Phone: 800-383-2474 for Chamber

For children, a big part of the fun of Block Island is traveling to the island and getting from place to place on this bucolic piece of New England. The Block Island Ferry departs from Point Judith – nosing its way out of a cluster of commercial fishing boats -- and the 30-minute ride is fun all by itself. The ferry can accommodate cars and bikes. Also, high-speed ferries travel to Block Island from New London, Connecticut, and Galilee, Rhode Island. On the island, bicycles and mopeds (permitting a driver and a passenger) are available for rent. The island, with its lovely town and spectacular beaches, is a joy simply to explore; no further entertainment is necessary.

Block Island Nature Conservancy

Block Island, RI

Formed by glaciers nearly 10,000 years ago, Block Island features a diverse array of habitats. Maritime shrubland, beaches and open morainal grasslands support more than 40 state and federal rare or endangered species, including the globally endangered American burying beetle. Birds stop here while migrating in the spring and fall along the Atlantic Flyway. There are approximately 25 miles of walking trails on Block Island open to the public, free of charge. Places of interest on Block Island include Clay Head Preserve off Corn Neck Road, the Fresh Swamp Preserve, off Lakeside Drive, Hodge Family Wildlife Preserve, off Corn Neck Road, Nathan Mott Park off Center Road and Turnip Farm off Old Mill Road, and Rodman's Hollow, Black Rock Road off of Cooneymus Road.

Block Island Southeast Lighthouse

At Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island New Shoreham, RI 02807 Phone: 401-466-5009

The lighthouse, built in 1875, can be reached by walking about 30 minutes from the ferry terminal or by taxi. There is a small museum and gift shop in the lighthouse, and the tower is open for tours in the summer. Other buildings still standing are the attached keeper's house, two cisterns, garage, storage building, and boathouse.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Environmental Education Center
1401 Hope Street, Route 114 Bristol, RI 02809 Phone: 401-245-7500

A great place for a long hike

Scout leaders are you working on a badge or patch? Need to fulfill a special requirement? Let Audubon know your group’s particular needs and we can tailor a nature walk or program to meet your needs.Scout programs are available after school or during the weekend at any of Audubon’s locations around the state.Attracting visitors to Rhode Island in every season are the Audubon’s scenically diverse refuges, conveniently located throughout the state. The Society owns or protects nearly 9,500 acres of wildlife habitat, making the non-profit organization Rhode Island’s largest private landholder. One refuge is situated in nearby Massachusetts. Thirteen of the refuges are open to the public and have groomed trails for hiking, bird watching, animal observation, plant and flower identification, photography and other nature activities. Additional programs are held at selected refuges for all ages and include shoreline exploration, owl prowls, stargazing, workshops, nature programs for families and more.

Coggeshall Farm

Poppasquash Road Bristol, RI 02809 Phone: 401-253-9062

This historical farm is set on 40 acres that has been cultivated by Europeans since the late 17th century and earlier by Native Americans. The museum's 1790 farmhouse overlooks an inlet of Narragansett Bay. Near to the farmhouse are a kitchen garden, pastures, a stone springhouse, and animal barns.

Crescent Park Carousel

700 Bullocks Point Avenue Riverside, RI 02915 Phone: 401-433-2828

Built in 1895 by Charles I.D. Looff, one of the earliest and foremost carousel designers, This carousel contains more than 60 hand-carved figures and four chariots. The neo-baroque organ by A. Ruth and Sohn has carved moving figures. Overall richness of effect was Looff's trademark. Open: Mid-June through Labor Day, Thursday-Sunday, noon-8 p.m.; Labor Day to Columbus Day, Saturday and Sunday, noon-8 p.m.; all holidays, noon-8 p.m.

Newport Butterfly Zoo

409 Bulgarmarsh Road Tiverton, RI 02878 Phone: 401-849-9519

During the warm-weather months, visitors are free to explore the zoo independently or with a guide, who will point out the species of butterflies that are in the greenhouse that day. The zoo has up to 30 species, including many from Africa, Malaysia, South America, Thailand, New Guinea, Costa Rica, and the Philippines. Butterflies are most active on warm and sunny days with little wind. Bring a camera and wear brightly colored clothing. Call ahead for hours.

The Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology

300 Tower St. Bristol, RI 02809 Phone: 401-253-8388

Open: June-August, Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; September-May, Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

The museum originated with the private collection of Rudolf F. Haffenreffer, located on the former headquarters of Metacom, or King Philip, a 17th-century Wampanoag sachem. While strongest in Native North American materials, the museum also contains significant material from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Classic Cruises of Newport

Bannister’s Wharf on America’s Cup Avenue Newport, RI 02840 Phone: 401-847-0298

Speedboat tours, sailing tours, and chartered yacht tours in beautiful, island-sprinkled waters of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Cruise by the legendary Newport mansions and rock-rimmed islands of the bay in 19th-century style with 21st-century comfort. A delight for kids and adults who are enthralled by sailing and the sea.

Cliff Walk

117 Memorial Blvd. Newport, RI 02840 Phone: 401-849-8048

Fantastically beautiful three-and-a-half-mile walk on paved and elevated path along craggy, rocky, irregular shoreline. Views of Newport mansions, but no access from the path. Some walking on rocks; not appropriate for children under 6. Access to a few small sandy beaches and long rocky beaches. No refreshments available along the trail. Open daily, year-round, sunrise to sunset.

Fire Department Memorial Building

50 Narragansett Avenue Jamestown, RI 02835 Phone: 401-423-0062

Open: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; weekends by appointment

Antique firefighting equipment is on display here, including a horse-drawn steam engine from 1894 and photographs of fire fighters at work and at play. In the museum is an authentic hand tub dating from the mid-19th century.

Green Animals Topiary Garden

Cory's Lane Portsmouth, RI 02871 Phone: 401-683-1267

Hours: May 24 – October 12, 2008, open daily at 10 a.m.; last tour admission at 5 p.m.; close at 6 p.m. Schedule is subject to change; call 401-847-1000 for more information.

Both kids and adults will be charmed by 80 giant living sculptures of animals scattered throughout a spectacularly landscaped property.

Museum of the Artillery Company of Newport

23 Clarke Street Newport, RI 02840 Phone: 401-846-8488

Open: May–October, Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and by appointment the rest of the year.

In the Newport Armory, built in 1836, the museum contains a large collection of military artifacts, both from the U.S. and foreign sources representing more than 100 countries past and present. The museum is run by the Rhode Island Militia, which was chartered in 1741 and is the country's oldest military organization. Cost: Admission is free; donations are accepted.

Norman Bird Sanctuary

583 Third Beach Road Middletown, RI 02842 Phone: 401-846-2577

This wildlife refuge encompasses more than 300 acres and seven miles of trails that wind through many habitats. Woodlands are the most prominent plant community and four ridges provide spectacular views of ocean and ponds. Visitors center is located in a 19th-century barn, which also offers educational trailside exhibits and a gift shop.

The Asters’ Beechwood Mansion

580 Bellevue Ave. Newport, RI 02840 Phone: 401-846-3772

Visitors to this Gilded Era mansion get swept up into a domestic drama as costumed actors playing the roles of the household staff greet them and put them to work. If you visit during the winter, you will come to apply for a position on Mrs. Astor's staff. In the spring, the house is in a tizzy as everyone prepares for Mrs. Astor's arrival. The action takes place in the late 1800s, so visitors are strictly warned not to discuss matters of any later dates. Kids love to pretend, and the costumes and props here are all top-drawer quality.

Bank of America City Center skating rink

2 Kennedy Plaza Providence, RI 02903 Phone: 401-331-5544

This public skating rink in the heart of the downtown is a little reminiscent of Rockefeller Center. Open during the cold-weather months, it offers skating for adults and children on a 14,000-square-foot rink. Skate rentals and concessions in an adjacent pavilion. Open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Providence Children’s Museum

100 South St. Providence, RI 02903 Phone: 401-273-5437

Kids and grown-ups play and learn together through hands-on exhibits and programs for children ages one to 11 that explore the arts, culture, history, and science. Exhibits are based on the developmental needs of children and embrace a wide range of learning styles.

Roger Williams Park and Zoo

1000 Elmwood Ave. Providence, RI 02907 Phone: 401-785-3510

This beautiful park, constructed in the Victorian period, includes waterways, walks, outdoor gardens, a Carousel Village, Museum of Natural History and Cormack Planetarium, and the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Children's activities in the park include paddleboats, a carousel, miniature train ride, pony rides, and a jungle gym. The zoo is home to more than 1,500 animals of 150 species. Major exhibit areas include Plains of Africa, the Marco Polo Silk Road, Madagascar, The Farmyard, and Tropical America. Open year-round.

Casey Farm

2325 Boston Neck Road Saunderstown, RI 02874 Phone: 401-295-1030

This working farm overlooking Narragansett Bay, with its fields, barns, and family burial ground, is one of the original plantation farms of the Colonial period and the site of activity during the Revolutionary War. Children will enjoy the house museum and hiking trails. Farmers market on Saturdays in the summer. Events include visits by chefs, children’s days, and artisan/craft days. Open June 1 to October 15.

Flying Horse Carousel

Bay Street Watch Hill, RI 02891 Phone: 401-596-7761

A National Historic landmark, this merry-go-round was built by the Charles W.F. Dare Co. of New York around 1867. Its 20 horses are suspended from a center frame and they swing out when in motion. Each horse is hand carved from a single piece of wood and embellished with real horsehair tail and mane, leather saddle, and agate eyes. Open daily Memorial Day to Columbus Day.

Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum

815 Gilbert Stuart Road Saunderstown, RI 02874 Phone: 401-294-3001

This is home to the famous artist of the Federal Period who painted a well-known portrait of President George Washington. The birthplace and museum is a showplace for Stuart’s work as well as a restored workingman’s home. The homestead features a partially restored grist mill and a fish ladder, which is packed in the spring with migrating herring. The property has authentic 18th-century gardens and a children's activity garden. Rowboats for rent. Open May to October.

South County Museum

Strathmore Street and Anne Hoxsie Lane Narragansett, RI Phone: 401-783-5400

Hours: May, June and September, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 4 p.m; July and August, Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 4 p.m.

South County Museum is located on a 174-acre park that once was the 68-room summer home of Civil War-era Governor William Sprague. It includes a working 19th-century farm, and its seven exhibition buildings house a working print shop and working blacksmith shop, plus exhibits on farming, home-making, fishing and sailing and other aspects of 19th- and early 20th-century life in southern Rhode Island. Admission: Adults, $5; seniors over age 60, $4; children age 6 to 12, $2.

Tomaquag Indian Memorial Museum

390A Summit Road in Arcadia Village Exeter, RI 02822 Phone: 401-539-7213

Open year-round by appointment only.

Artifacts and information about local tribes and Native American groups across the country. Artifacts include an authentic birch bark canoe, a collection of Southern New England ash splint baskets, and a large doll collection.