Field Trip Finder Providence

Homeschool & family fun around Providence, RI

Homeschool days, free outings, library passes and family events in Providence, Warwick, Cranston and Pawtucket, each checked with the museum, zoo, library or organizer page.

14current listings
8with upcoming dates
7free or no fee listed
5good for little kids (2–4)

Jump to: Homeschool days & classes · Free outings · Family & holiday events · Library perks · Halloween events · Trick-or-treating · Calendar · Homeschool groups & resources

Key
  • Free (per source) The organizer’s page says it’s free.
  • Price not listed The cost is on the card, or the source doesn’t say.
  • Next: Sat, Oct 24 The soonest date we found. More dates are under “More details.”
  • Ongoing / by arrangement Open on regular days or by booking, not one set date.
  • Preschool Kids Teens The ages the venue states. “All ages welcome” fits everyone.
  • Good for little kids (2–4) The venue’s own page lists something for toddlers or preschoolers, like a storytime, a tot lot or free entry for under-5s.
  • Area The part of town the event is in.

Tags are our planning notes, not the venue’s. Always check with the venue before you go.

Calendar

Tap a day to see its events. Places open any day are listed further down.

Resources

Library perks

Library museum passes for Providence, Cranston and Warwick library cardholders.

Getting a card: Each library sets its own rules for who can borrow a pass. Community Libraries of Providence asks for a valid Ocean State Libraries card, and Warwick asks for a Rhode Island library card. Ask at a branch about the right card for your address.

Full details, rules and sources (0 passes)
Local homeschool resources & groups
Homeschool co-ops & classesHomeschool days, discounts & library programs
Check before you go. We copy details from each venue's own page and show when we last checked. Where a page doesn't say something, we write "Not listed on source" instead of guessing. Dates sell out and programs change, so confirm with the venue.

All upcoming

Age

Every dated event, soonest first (the next date for each listing).

Halloween events (2 listings)

Age

Carnivals, festivals, corn mazes & spooky outings

Halloween events around Providence, checked on each organizer's page on Oct 24, 2026.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo

Roger Williams Park Zoo · Providence (Roger Williams Park Zoo · Providence)
Halloween eventNext: Sat, Oct 24Good for little kids (2–4)ProvidenceAll ages welcome

A trail of more than 5,000 hand-carved glowing pumpkins at the zoo. This year's theme is puns. Free on-site parking is first come, first served. Add-ons such as a VR ride and a zip ride cost extra.

📅 Add a date to your calendar
Sat, Oct 24Apple / OutlookGoogle
Sun, Oct 25Apple / OutlookGoogle
Mon, Oct 26Apple / OutlookGoogle
Tue, Oct 27Apple / OutlookGoogle
Wed, Oct 28Apple / OutlookGoogle
Thu, Oct 29Apple / OutlookGoogle
Fri, Oct 30Apple / OutlookGoogle
Sat, Oct 31Apple / OutlookGoogle
More detailsLess (includes a notice)

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026; Sun, Oct 25, 2026; Mon, Oct 26, 2026; Tue, Oct 27, 2026; Wed, Oct 28, 2026; Thu, Oct 29, 2026; Fri, Oct 30, 2026; Sat, Oct 31, 2026

  • When: Nightly through Oct 31, 2026 (this listing covers Oct 24–31)
  • Time: 6–10:30 p.m. (last entry 10 p.m.)
  • Price: Mon–Thu: adults $20, ages 2–12 $16. Fri–Sun: adults $23, ages 2–12 $19. Ages 1 and under free.
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Tickets are timed and sold online only, in advance. They are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for another date.

⚠️ Open rain or shine. Wear shoes for uneven or unpaved paths.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-24.

Children's Halloween Party at Pawtucket Public Library

Pawtucket Public Library · Pawtucket (Pawtucket Public Library · Pawtucket & northern RI)
Halloween partyFree (per source)Next: Sat, Oct 31Good for little kids (2–4)Pawtucket & northern RIPreschool · Kids

A free Halloween party for children ages 12 and under and their families, with singing and dancing, a visit from a Disney character, candy and free books. Costumes are encouraged.

📅 Add to calendar
Apple / Outlook (.ics)Google Calendar
More detailsLess (includes a notice)

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 31, 2026

  • When: Sat Oct 31, 2026
  • Time: 2–3 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: Ages 12 and under, with family
  • Booking: Registration is required on the library calendar.

⚠️ As of Oct 24 the page says there are no seats left, but a waiting list is open.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-24.

Trick-or-treating (2 listings)

Age

Trunk-or-treats & Halloween-night neighborhoods

Halloween falls on Saturday, Oct 31, 2026. Trick-or-treat events checked Oct 24, 2026.

Trunk-or-treats & trick-or-treat events, Oct 24–31

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo

Roger Williams Park Zoo · Providence (Roger Williams Park Zoo · Providence)
Halloween eventNext: Sat, Oct 24Good for little kids (2–4)ProvidenceAll ages welcome

A trail of more than 5,000 hand-carved glowing pumpkins at the zoo. This year's theme is puns. Free on-site parking is first come, first served. Add-ons such as a VR ride and a zip ride cost extra.

📅 Add a date to your calendar
Sat, Oct 24Apple / OutlookGoogle
Sun, Oct 25Apple / OutlookGoogle
Mon, Oct 26Apple / OutlookGoogle
Tue, Oct 27Apple / OutlookGoogle
Wed, Oct 28Apple / OutlookGoogle
Thu, Oct 29Apple / OutlookGoogle
Fri, Oct 30Apple / OutlookGoogle
Sat, Oct 31Apple / OutlookGoogle
More detailsLess (includes a notice)

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026; Sun, Oct 25, 2026; Mon, Oct 26, 2026; Tue, Oct 27, 2026; Wed, Oct 28, 2026; Thu, Oct 29, 2026; Fri, Oct 30, 2026; Sat, Oct 31, 2026

  • When: Nightly through Oct 31, 2026 (this listing covers Oct 24–31)
  • Time: 6–10:30 p.m. (last entry 10 p.m.)
  • Price: Mon–Thu: adults $20, ages 2–12 $16. Fri–Sun: adults $23, ages 2–12 $19. Ages 1 and under free.
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Tickets are timed and sold online only, in advance. They are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for another date.

⚠️ Open rain or shine. Wear shoes for uneven or unpaved paths.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-24.

Children's Halloween Party at Pawtucket Public Library

Pawtucket Public Library · Pawtucket (Pawtucket Public Library · Pawtucket & northern RI)
Halloween partyFree (per source)Next: Sat, Oct 31Good for little kids (2–4)Pawtucket & northern RIPreschool · Kids

A free Halloween party for children ages 12 and under and their families, with singing and dancing, a visit from a Disney character, candy and free books. Costumes are encouraged.

📅 Add to calendar
Apple / Outlook (.ics)Google Calendar
More detailsLess (includes a notice)

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 31, 2026

  • When: Sat Oct 31, 2026
  • Time: 2–3 p.m.
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: Ages 12 and under, with family
  • Booking: Registration is required on the library calendar.

⚠️ As of Oct 24 the page says there are no seats left, but a waiting list is open.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-24.

Bigger Halloween events that also have trick-or-treating (listed under Halloween events): Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo (Sat, Oct 24), Children's Halloween Party at Pawtucket Public Library (Sat, Oct 31).

Safety tips
  • Check each event's page before you go, since tickets and times can change.
  • Bring your own treat bag where the event asks for it.
  • Clocks fall back one hour on Sunday, Nov 1.

Homeschool days & classes (5 listings)

Age

Zoo School drop-off classes (first Friday of the month)

Roger Williams Park Zoo · Providence (Roger Williams Park Zoo · Providence)
ZooNext: Fri, Nov 6ProvidencePreschool · Kids · Teens

Hour-long drop-off classes for homeschool students, October through May. Ages 4 to 5 study animal exploration, ages 6 to 12 take a Tour Around the World, and ages 13 to 16 study animals and culture. Parents, guardians and siblings who stay at the zoo need a zoo or reciprocal membership, or pay admission.

📅 Add a date to your calendar
Fri, Nov 6Apple / OutlookGoogle
Fri, Dec 4Apple / OutlookGoogle
Fri, Jan 8Apple / OutlookGoogle
Fri, Feb 5Apple / OutlookGoogle
Fri, Mar 5Apple / OutlookGoogle
Fri, Apr 2Apple / OutlookGoogle
Fri, May 7Apple / OutlookGoogle
More detailsLess (includes a notice)

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 6, 2026; Fri, Dec 4, 2026; Fri, Jan 8, 2027; Fri, Feb 5, 2027; Fri, Mar 5, 2027; Fri, Apr 2, 2027; Fri, May 7, 2027

  • When: First Friday of the month, Oct–May: Nov 6, Dec 4, Jan 8, Feb 5, Mar 5, Apr 2, May 7
  • Time: 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. by age group
  • Price: $136 for the 8-class session (sold as one package)
  • Ages: Ages 4–16 (classes by age)
  • Booking: Pre-registration is required. Drop-off and pick-up at the program location are required.

⚠️ As of Oct 24 the ages 4–5, 9–12 and one of the two 6–8 classes show SOLD OUT. The 13–16 class at 1:30 p.m. still shows as open. Refunds, minus a $15 fee per child, stop two weeks before the start.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-24.

Zoo School Monthly Mondays (nature biomes)

Roger Williams Park Zoo · Providence (Roger Williams Park Zoo · Providence)
ZooNext: Mon, Nov 16ProvidenceKids

Single-day classes on nature biomes for ages 6 to 8 (10:30 a.m.) and 9 to 12 (12 p.m.), with hands-on activities and live animal encounters. Remaining topics: Desert (Nov 16), Tundra/Taiga (Jan 11), Grasslands (Mar 15) and Taiga (Apr 12). You can sign up for one class at a time.

📅 Add a date to your calendar
Mon, Nov 16Apple / OutlookGoogle
Mon, Jan 11Apple / OutlookGoogle
Mon, Mar 15Apple / OutlookGoogle
Mon, Apr 12Apple / OutlookGoogle
More detailsLess (includes a notice)

Upcoming dates: Mon, Nov 16, 2026; Mon, Jan 11, 2027; Mon, Mar 15, 2027; Mon, Apr 12, 2027

  • When: Monday Nov 16, Jan 11, Mar 15 and Apr 12 (Dec and Feb have no class)
  • Time: 10:30 a.m. (ages 6–8) or 12 p.m. (ages 9–12)
  • Price: $17 per class
  • Ages: Ages 6–12
  • Booking: Pre-registration is required. Drop-off and pick-up are required.

⚠️ A zoo or reciprocal membership is needed for parents, guardians and siblings who stay, or they pay admission. The zoo is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-24.

Homeschool Family Programs at the Museum of Natural History

Museum of Natural History & Planetarium · Providence (Roger Williams Park · Providence)
MuseumNext: Thu, Nov 19ProvidenceKids

Monthly family programs for homeschoolers: a hands-on workshop or a planetarium show with a special quest. Ages 6 to 12 with a parent (all attendees must be 4 or older). Upcoming: Geology Rocks (workshop, Nov 19) and Awesome Astronomy (planetarium show, Dec 17). These are family programs, not drop-off classes.

📅 Add a date to your calendar
Thu, Nov 19Apple / OutlookGoogle
Thu, Dec 17Apple / OutlookGoogle
More detailsLess (includes a notice)

Upcoming dates: Thu, Nov 19, 2026; Thu, Dec 17, 2026

  • When: Thursday Nov 19 and Dec 17, 2026
  • Time: 10–11 a.m. or 1–2 p.m. (pick one session)
  • Price: $7 per person (every child and adult must register)
  • Ages: Ages 6–12 with a parent
  • Booking: Pre-registration is required. No walk-ins on the day. No late entry after a session starts.

⚠️ There are no activity tables open in the museum during these programs.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-24.

Blithewold Homeschool Days

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum · Bristol (Blithewold · East Bay)
Gardens & historyNext: Tue, Nov 24East BayKids · Teens

A drop-off monthly class for ages 8 to 13 with hands-on lessons in arts, history, horticulture and environmental science, indoors and out. Posted topics: all-natural lip balm (Nov 24), textiles (Mar 30), a curator archives tour (Apr 27), nature journaling (May 25) and pollinators and native plants (Jun 29).

📅 Add a date to your calendar
Tue, Nov 24Apple / OutlookGoogle
Tue, Mar 30Apple / OutlookGoogle
Tue, Apr 27Apple / OutlookGoogle
Tue, May 25Apple / OutlookGoogle
Tue, Jun 29Apple / OutlookGoogle
More detailsLess (includes a notice)

Upcoming dates: Tue, Nov 24, 2026; Tue, Mar 30, 2027; Tue, Apr 27, 2027; Tue, May 25, 2027; Tue, Jun 29, 2027

  • When: Last Tuesday of the month: Nov 24, then Mar 30, Apr 27, May 25 and Jun 29 (Dec–Feb topics not posted)
  • Time: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
  • Price: Nonmember student $15, additional nonmember student $12; member student $5, additional member $4
  • Ages: Ages 8–13
  • Booking: Reservations are required. Class size is limited to 15. Students check in at the Welcome Center.

⚠️ Dress for the weather because lessons often go outdoors. The Oct 27 class is canceled. Bring a refillable water bottle. Bristol is a day trip east of Providence.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-24.

Free homeschool program at the Museum of Work & Culture

Museum of Work & Culture and Woonsocket Harris Public Library · Woonsocket (Museum of Work & Culture · Pawtucket & northern RI)
Museum & libraryFree (per source)Next: Mon, Dec 14Pawtucket & northern RI

A free two-part series for homeschool families: a museum educator program at the museum, then a hands-on activity at the nearby Harris Public Library. Choose the earlier or later session. The Oct 19 session was the first in the series, and more are listed for Dec 14, Feb 8 and Apr 12.

📅 Add a date to your calendar
Mon, Dec 14Apple / OutlookGoogle
Mon, Feb 8Apple / OutlookGoogle
Mon, Apr 12Apple / OutlookGoogle
More detailsLess (includes a notice)

Upcoming dates: Mon, Dec 14, 2026; Mon, Feb 8, 2027; Mon, Apr 12, 2027

  • When: Mondays: Dec 14, 2026, Feb 8 and Apr 12, 2027
  • Time: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. or 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (pick one)
  • Price: Free
  • Ages: Homeschool families (grade range not listed)
  • Booking: Space is limited and registration is required. The page lists a waitlist for the Oct 19 session.

⚠️ Not fully confirmed: Topics and registration links for the Dec, Feb and Apr sessions were not posted on the page. Ages were not listed. Woonsocket is a day trip north of Providence.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-24.

Free outings (2 listings)

Age

Free Day of Play at Providence Children's Museum

Providence Children's Museum · Providence (Providence Children's Museum · Providence)
Children's museumFree (per source)Next: Sat, Oct 24Good for little kids (2–4)ProvidencePreschool · Kids

Free admission all day on selected Saturdays. Both days this month are sponsored by state agencies. The museum is open to children and families in its play spaces.

📅 Add a date to your calendar
Sat, Oct 24Apple / OutlookGoogle
Sat, Oct 31Apple / OutlookGoogle
More detailsLess (includes a notice)

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026; Sat, Oct 31, 2026

  • When: Sat Oct 24 and Sat Oct 31, 2026
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (museum hours)
  • Price: Free all day (otherwise $20 per person)
  • Ages: Best for ages 1–11
  • Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ Not fully confirmed: The event pages say "all day" and do not say whether you need to reserve a free ticket.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-24.

Free Sundays and Thursday evenings at the RISD Museum

RISD Museum · Providence (RISD Museum · Providence)
Art museumFree (per source)Ongoing / by arrangementProvidenceAll ages welcome

Admission is free on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Thursday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. Youth 18 and under are always free. Reserve a free ticket in advance, or get one on arrival.

More detailsLess (includes a notice)
  • When: Every Sunday and Thursday evening
  • Time: Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thu 5–8 p.m.
  • Price: Free during these times (otherwise adults $22, seniors $17, youth 18 and under free)
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Dec 24–25, Dec 31 and Jan 1.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-24.

Family & holiday events (2 listings)

Age

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium

Audubon Society of Rhode Island · Bristol (Audubon Nature Center · East Bay)
Nature centerOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)East BayAll ages welcome

Interactive exhibits on Rhode Island habitats, a tidepool, a raven, and a 33-foot life-size model of a North Atlantic Right Whale. Walking trails with a boardwalk through the marsh start at the Palmieri Pollinator Garden. Trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

More detailsLess (includes a notice)
  • When: Wed–Sun 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (winter hours, mid-October to mid-April; closed Mon and Tue)
  • Time: 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
  • Price: Adults $10; seniors, students, military and ages 4–12 $7; ages 3 and under free
  • Ages: All ages
  • Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ Bristol is a day trip east of Providence. Qualifying SNAP, EBT or WIC participants pay $3 for up to 4 people (Museums for All).

Source:Last checked 2026-10-24.

Museum of Natural History & Planetarium

Museum of Natural History & Planetarium · Providence (Roger Williams Park · Providence)
MuseumOngoing / by arrangementGood for little kids (2–4)ProvidenceAll ages welcome

A natural history museum with a planetarium dome theater in Roger Williams Park. Planetarium shows run on weekends, and children must be 4 or older to attend.

More detailsLess (includes a notice)
  • When: Open daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (last admission 3:30); planetarium shows Sat and Sun at 2 p.m.
  • Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Price: $2 for the museum; $5 with a planetarium show; members and children 3 and under free
  • Ages: All ages (planetarium 4+)
  • Booking: Reserve planetarium tickets online. Doors close at showtime.

⚠️ Closed Nov 3, Nov 11, Thanksgiving and the day after, Dec 24–25 and Dec 31–Jan 1.

Source:Last checked 2026-10-24.