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The Redcoats are coming!
Join the Newport Historical Society for its largest reenactment to date, the 1777 British Occupation. During this free afternoon event, over 75 costumed re-enactors will recreate aspects of life during the summer of 1777 in the heart of Newport’s Old Quarter. The afternoon program will open with an argument between two gentlemen who favor the crown and will close with the capture of General Prescott. In between are tons of activities and challenges to help you kids see the history of politics in real time! To find out about the full program and all afternoon activities, click here.
The Museum of Work & Culture’s Annual Labor Day Open House
The MoWC’s free annual Labor Day Open House kicks off the 20th anniversary celebration with some special friends and radio personalities. Along with Rhode Island PBS – the event will welcome Julia, a new friend from Sesame Street! A sweet and curious four-year-old girl with autism, Julia made her onscreen debut in April. Families have the opportunity to visit, interact, and have their photo taken with Walkaround Julia. Three meet-and-greet sessions will take place at 10am, 11am, and 12pm. All participating families will also receive copies of We’re Amazing, 1, 2, 3!, a storybook featuring Julia.
While the MoWC does offer award-winning low-sensory programming for visitors on the spectrum, the Labor Day Open House will not be a low-sensory environment. However, tools and services – including color communication badges, hands-on activities, and trained staff from the Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment – will be available to visitors.
Step outside to sight see history
The guided walking tours of Newport are a great way for parents to explore while herding little ones. Learn about the history and walk the same streets as our forefathers while expert guides from Newport History Tours spin tales of entrepreneurship, African American heritage, and religious diversity during Newport’s colonial period. These excursions are a great outing for kids of all ages, and a perfect setting for Instagrammable snapshots! To join the tour, meet at Brick Market & Museum of Newport History at 127 Thames Street, Newport.
Afternoon Concert at Old Slater Mill
Explore the intersection of nature, science, the arts and humanities, and the environment through music. Slater Mill is hosting an event featuring the rich sounds of Aurea. As part of the Pawtucket Arts Festival, this afternoon concert will feature chamber music and spoken word. Before and after the concert, there are tons of events and exciting things going on for kids and families! Have fun at the fest!
A harvest fest for family!
Two full days of old-fashioned fun and games, with live music, yummy food, games, fun crafts, hay rides, pony rides, and much more! Against the backdrop of a working 18th century living history farm, Coggeshall Farm, visitors of all ages can try their hand at more than a dozen competitions (inspired from the 18th-century!) including corn shucking, sack races, and French & English (better known as tug-of-war). For music, enjoy award-winning duo, Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly, who will perform traditional American and Celtic folk songs. Julio Amaro will also perform with classical guitar, creating flamenco, Latin, and world music. In addition, grab some quintessential Rhode Island treats provided by a variety of food vendors, along with Coggeshall Farm’s own famous jonnycakes.
Admission: Entrance to Harvest Fair is $7 for adults; $5 for kids 5-12 years of age, seniors, and active military; free for children under 4 and Coggeshall members. The entrance fee includes games, competitions, performances and selected craft activities.
Kids Concert with Foxtrot Music
As part of the Hunter Music Series, head over to the lawn of Lippitt House Museum for a free afternoon concert with Foxtrot Music. The genius behind Foxtrot Music is Kirsten Murphy, who plays guitar, piano, ukulele, and sometimes the banjo. She uses puppetry, storybooks, singing, dancing, and lots of hands-on time with instruments to create lessons that engage curiosity, joy, and participation. The concert will be a whole body, mind, and heart experience! And lots of hands-on instruments for the kids!
Windmills and garden tips
Do you have a garden? Or are you planting seedlings with your children? Whether you’re growing lettuce or lupines, it’s important to know who to turn to for advice – and the URI Master Gardeners are here to help! Bring your questions, your little ones, and even a soil sample from your garden for free analysis. Explore the grounds, see the ducks in the pond, and check out the old Robert Sherman Windmill. Prescott Farm is a gem!
Find Rhode Island sites participating!
What makes Museum Day Live so awesome? It’s an opportunity for families to visit cultural institutions across the country (and in Rhode Island) for free! Not only is it encouraging to visit places you might have been holding off on, but many places will be hosting special activities and interactive exhibits as part of the nationwide event. And did we mention it’s free?
Visit Museum Day Live to find all sites in Rhode Island participating. In addition, see below for Rhody Ramble sites and events participating too!
Blithewold Mansion, Garden & Arboretum
Peer into the basement
The John Brown House Museum will be free and open to the public for Doors Open RI and Smithsonian Museum Day Live. There will be special curator-led behind-the-scenes tours of the basement, which itself has been a subject of myth and rumor. Learn about the history of how the basement was used by past owners while peering at the Rhode Island Historical Society’s object collections storage. Basement tours will take place at 10:30, 1:30, and 3. Space is limited for these tours and will be first come, first served.
Candle dipping, butter making, pumpkin painting!
Go and visit Paine House during the Annual Heritage Day for free! Providence Brigade Band will be performing at 11:00 am. There will be a grand re-opening of the rare 6 seated Out House at 12:30pm. Kids and families can try out candle dipping, weaving, butter making, pumpkin painting and other crafts. Members of the Rhode Island Spinners Guild will be on site, demonstrating their skills. And you can grab some good old fashioned hot dogs for an afternoon snack.