Looking for something to do in RI with the family for less than $100? Here are 5 ideas

Catherine Messier
Updated ·4 min read

If you're a family with kids, you are likely familiar with the quest to find something to do together, particularly the hunt for something fun that won't cost you hundreds of dollars by the time you've paid for admission.

While there are many extravagant outings to do with your family all around Rhode Island, there are many budget-friendly activities that promise fun for all in the Ocean State, whether the family is looking for good food, exciting art or beautiful nature.

If you’re searching for a family outing that doesn’t break the bank, here are five things to do for under $100 in Providence and its surrounding area.

For the foodies in Rhode Island

PVD Food Trucks will be at Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village all summer long.
PVD Food Trucks will be at Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village all summer long.

PVD Food Trucks hosts events across Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts all summer long, which are a perfect way to get a bite to eat while still having plenty of room for the kids to play. The most popular event is Food Truck Fridays at Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village.

Every Friday from 5 to 8:30 p.m. until the end of September, PVD Food Trucks will be outside Roger Williams Carousel Village with live music, local beers and wines from Trinity Brewhouse, and a variety of food trucks.

Kids can play on the enclosed Hasbro Boundless Playground for free, as well as ride on the Roger Williams carousel for $2 per ride or the train for $3 per ride.

Event admission is free, and the trucks accept cash, credit, and debit. Located at 1000 Elmwood Ave. in Providence.

Love food trucks? Here's the schedule for finding them this summer in Rhode Island

For art lovers who want to take in a museum in RI

The museum at the Rhode Island School of Design is home to 100,000 works of art.
The museum at the Rhode Island School of Design is home to 100,000 works of art.

The RISD Museum in Providence, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., is home to over 100,000 works of art. Regular admission is $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, $10 for college students, and free for children ages 18 and under. Admission is free for all on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m., and Sundays. Located at 20 N. Main St. in Providence.

For local art lovers, the neighboring towns of Bristol and Warren host a free Art Night on the last Thursday of the month all summer long. Using a guide published beforehand on their website, Art Night participants can walk, drive, or bike through neighborhoods in each town to visit venues, talk with local artists, and watch dance or music performances.

For the entertainment seekers

WaterFire Providence, among the many charms of the artsy, approachable, diverse foodie haven.
WaterFire Providence, among the many charms of the artsy, approachable, diverse foodie haven.

If you are looking for something unique and exciting, catch a WaterFire show in downtown Providence for free.

Lighting usually starts 15 minutes after sunset, and fires stay lit until midnight. Pocket guides are available to help viewers walk or drive through the city’s lights, stretching from Waterplace Park to South Main Street Park.

Partial or full lighting shows happen regularly through the summer and into the fall. Events can be found at waterfire.org. The WaterFire Arts Center is located at 475 Valley St.

WaterFire Providence 2023: Here's the schedule and some tips

For the movie-goers

Patrons enter the theater in 2009.
Patrons enter the theater in 2009.

Families who love movies but don’t love trying to get the kids to sit still in a movie theater should check out the interactive movie series at the historic Park Theater in Cranston.

One Sunday each month from August to January, this theater hosts an interactive movie series for $10 per person. Everyone can enjoy family-friendly movies such as "The Little Mermaid" or "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," and after each movie, kids can enjoy activities such as character meet-and-greets, petting zoos and arts and crafts.

The movies start at 3 p.m., and a full list of dates can be found theparkri.com. Located at the Park Theater, 848 Park Ave. in Cranston.

For the nature lovers

The Nature Connects exhibit by LEGO artist Sean Kenney is on display at Green Animals Topiary Gardens in Portsmouth every day through September 10, 2023.
The Nature Connects exhibit by LEGO artist Sean Kenney is on display at Green Animals Topiary Gardens in Portsmouth every day through September 10, 2023.

The Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth makes the perfect family-friendly outing for those who like nature and animals. The oldest topiary garden in the country is sure to enchant both children and adults with its grass animal sculptures and thousands of flowers. This year, they have giant Lego sculptures on display.

Walking Rhode Island: Check out our series on hiking trails around the state

The garden is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is located at 380 Corys Lane in Portsmouth. Adult tickets are $25, and children ages 6 to 12 are $10.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Budget-friendly family activities in RI for less than $100