Family-Friendly and Accessible Swimming in Rhode Island

With Rhode Island being the Ocean State, we are spoiled with many beautiful beaches, ponds, and state parks near the water. As an agency owner, I often hear parents asking for advice on where to bring their children that are safe, less crowded, and enjoyable for kids. As a nanny with experience working with children with disabilities, I’m also often reminded of the challenges finding accessible areas to bring children. Below I’ve compiled a list of places to enjoy this summer that are family-friendly and fully accessible.

1. Spring Lake Beach - Burrillville

   • Offers swim docks, waterslides, and boat rentals! Also includes an arcade, food, and picnic tables

   • Enjoy Family Fun Fridays, too with entertainment (dance performances, karate) and a movie screening at 7!

2. Frank Moody State Beach - Lincoln

   • Located within Lincoln Wood State Park. After the beach, go hiking, fishing, or even horseback riding

3. Georgiaville Town Beach* - Smithfield

4. Peck Pond - Chepachet

   • Part of Pulaski State Park. Enjoy a hike and fishing, too

5. Wenscott Reservoir - North Providence

   • Located within Governor John Notte Memorial Park

   • Afterwards, play a game of baseball or tennis, explore a waterfall along a walk, or enjoy the playground

6. Buttonwoods Beach - Warwick

7. Goddard Memorial State Park* & Beach - Warwick

8. Oakland Beach* - Warwick

   • There’s a playground, too

9. Barrington Beach

10. Colt State Park* - Bristol

11. Fort Adams State Park* - Newport

12. Fogland Beach - Tiverton

13. Briar Point Beach - Coventry

    • Small beach on Tiogue Lake. Have fun at the nearby playground, birdwatching, hiking, and exploring at a wildlife refuge

14. North Kingstown Town Beach

    • Have fun at the playground, too

15. Narragansett Town Beach*

16. Roger Wheeler* - Narragansett

    • Another fun playground

17. Salty Brine Beach/ Galilee* ** - Narragansett

18. Scarborough North & South Beaches* - Narragansett

    • Scarborough South Beach has better access to the beach

    • This is a very large beach area that can be more crowded, and as a result, louder than other areas. Keep this in mind if your child is sensitive to sound and crowds

19. URI Bay Campus Beach - Narragansett

20. Blue Shutters Town Beach* - Charlestown

21. Charlestown Town Beach*

22. East Beach** - Charlestown

23. Ninigret Pond - Charlestown

24. Watchaug Pond - Charlestown

    • Located in Burlingame State Park

*These areas are fully accessible. Fully accessible includes accessible parking (spots marked with a wheelchair symbol that are wide and also accessible for vans), an accessible route that has a ramp and appropriate curb cuts, accessible main entrance, and accessible bathrooms.

**Rhode Island State Beaches do not charge a fee to any person with a disability, or to accessible vans transporting a non-driver with a disability.

What other areas would you recommend, and why?