27 Free Things to Do In Providence, RI

Having fun in Providence, Rhode Island doesn't have to cost a dime! There are so many opportunities for free family fun in this exciting city that you will be sure to be entertained while staying on budget. Below is a roundup of (27) free and low cost things to do in Providence.

Museums

Visitors and natives to the area can spend time at the RISD Museum, The Providence Children's Museum, Museum of Natural History, and the impressive Providence Atheneum at no cost on specific days. Museum lovers will find thrills and a well rounded experience on Gallery Night.

A visit to the RISD Museum offers a diverse cultural experience of art and design that dates all the way back to ancient times. The museum offers free Admission for members and children under 5. The museum is also free every third Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Next, walk just around the corner from the RISD Museum to peruse the Edna Lawrence Nature Lab. There, you'll see an amazing variety of specimens on display, including birds, bears and bones.

Pop over to the The Providence Children's Museum and take advantage of Metlife Family Fridays when the museum is free from 5-8 p.m every Friday in the summer months. This is a great indoor place for little ones to learn and discover through play.

If you want to see all the museum culture that Providence has to offer all in one swoop, you must hit Gallery Night on the third Thursday of the month! Ride a free bus that loops throughout the city and stops at participating galleries, art shops and museums, which all offer free admission!

While not completely free everyday, The Museum of Natural History in Providence will provide families with a magnificent cultural experience! The first Saturday of the month is free for Providence residents (not East or North Providence), with proof of residency. On other days, the museum offers admission for only $2 admission while children under the age of 4 are always free.

Whether you are visiting for the day or you make Providence your home, be sure not to miss a visit to the Providence Atheneum. The Atheneum is a unique library and cultural center that is open to the public and is the oldest library in Providence and the fourth oldest library in America. It is located off of Historic Benefit Street, and offers a variety of community attractions and programming for all ages and even includes a children's room! The Athenaeum is free to visit and admission to its programs are free.

Architectural Delights and Tours

Other destinations to enjoy are the architectural masterpieces of the Providence Public Library, a tour of the stunning Providence State House, or a walk down Historic Benefit Street.

View the architectural masterpiece of the Providence State House . Here you will view the Rhode Island Charter Museum various historical documents and artifacts; the State Room, and the magnificent Rotunda, where you can marvel at one of the world's largest, self-supported marble domes in the world. The State House is open Monday through Friday. Free one hour tours are offered every hour from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Self guided tours from the library are until 3:30 p.m

Admire the stunning architecture on Historic Benefit Street in downtown Providence. Visitors will behold good art, great architecture and experience history of New England. Benefit Street holds many old Federal buildings as well as some examples of more artistic or eclectic architecture that have been built since the days of Rhode Island's founding. Bring comfortable walking shoes be prepared for some very steep hills and uneven terrain as you take in the breathtaking views.

The Providence Public Library offers free guided architectural one hour tours for all to enjoy. Guided architectural tours of our historic library are offered at 10:30 AM on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

Take a tour of the Governor Stephen Hopkins House and be transported back to the 1700s. It is a perfect museum for children to learn about history and how people lived in a different century. The house is open Saturdays 10 - 4 p.m., May - November and year-round by appointment. Free tour, donations appreciated.

Other Free Family Fun

Prepare for a thrilling evening and include Waterfire in your plans. Be prepared to experience a multi sensory experience of aromatic wood smoke, flickering firelight and music from all around the world. Arrive just before sunset to see the iconic bonfires as they are being lit on the water. Visitors will feel ignited by this popular community event in downtown Providence.

Jump aboard the sunken ship in downtown Providence's Burnside Park. This small park is open all year long and plays host to varies musical performances, historic statues, water features and open space. It's a great place to unwind and settle down for a picnic.

Frolic in the bay breezes at India Point Park in Providence. Enjoy the 49-foot ceramic mural located near the playground while the kids play. Take a stroll, have a picnic and just enjoy the beautiful views of Narragansett Bay. There are lots of events and activities at this large park, so check out the website for more information on what is happening.

Get your walking shoes on and take a hike through your choice of over four dozen nature trails throughout Rhode Island! For more information on these free, fun, and active adventures for the whole family, Rhode Island Families In Nature will guide you.

Some other less formal must see destinations include a visit to the Edna Lawrence Nature Lab, playtime at Burnside Park, India Point Park, or admiring the massive ornate window displays at the Big Nazo Labs. The lab's outrageous window displays are such a visual masterpiece that will wow all ages of your family. You may even get to be one of the lucky ones to get a sneak peak inside at these these bizarre, larger than life characters!!

Lastly, an outing to witness the spectacular Waterfire event is something you simply cannot miss.