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children

Del's truck catering a summer night event in Rhode Island

10 Best Family Event Venues in Rhode Island

by guest February 15, 2024

written by guest

Hey fellow Rhode Islanders welcome to a wicked awesome exploration of the Ocean State’s finest family shindig spots! When it comes to throwin’ a family bash in Rhode Isalnd, we’ve got it goin’ on like nobody’s business. From the cobblestone streets of Providence to the shores that make our little state the Ocean State, we’re about to dive into 19 wicked cool venues that’ll make your family get-togethers downright memorable. So, buckle up your seatbelts, grab some Del’s Lemonade, and get ready for a tour of the 19 Best Family Event Venues in Rhode Island – where the family spirit meets our unique Rhody blend of history, culture, and breathtaking views. Let the good times roll, Rhode Island style!🦞

1. Del’s Lemonade
Anywhere, RI

Our mouths were already watering after the intro so it was only right to highlight Del’s Lemonade first. Del’s Lemonade has been a staple of RI since 1948 and will make the perfect staple at your next event! Del’s Lemonade is a popular guest at weddings, birthdays, showers, cookouts, graduations, cookouts, and any other place where good people get together. Del’s makes it easy by taking care of everything from cups, to lemonade, to serving, and more. You can celebrate at one of their locations or have the truck or cart bring the party to you at any venue in Rhode Island.

Reserve Del’s Lemonade

2. Iggy’s Doughboys and Chowder House
885 Oakland Beach Ave, Warwick, RI 02889

Another Rhode Island classic – Iggy’s Doughboys and Chowder house. Iggy’s is ready to host your next event and serve up your coastal favorites all day. You can celebrate on site at the chowder house venue that is nestled in the quiet seaside of Oakland Beach. Spectacular sunsets help make this the perfect location for Anniversary Celebrations, Retirement Parties, Birthday Parties, Engagement Parties, Rehearsal Dinners, Bridal showers, Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties, Wedding Ceremonies, Holiday Parties, and more. Private tent rentals comfortably accommodate your guests and The Boardwalk also offers a private multi-season patio for smaller events. If you prefer to celebrate somewhere else you can still bring Iggy’s to the party with their easy to order catering menu. We always recommend ordering an extra bag of doughboys for the fam!

Iggy’s outdoor seasonal patio and tent set up before an event

Reserve Iggy’s Doughboy and Chowder House

3. Lang’s Bowlarama & The Nelson Event Center
225 Niantic Ave, Cranston, RI 02907

Lang’s Bowlarama has been a family owned Rhode Island classic since 1960. Langs now boasts a beautifully renovated space that can host events for up to 165 people. Lanes are available to be booked with your event, or booked on their own. They love hosting semi-private events at our bar, which is known for its trendy cocktails, full beer list, and even coffee! The bar is set up to serve drinks appropriate for any time of day. They recently added a new state of the art kitchen and do full in-house catering which allows us to customize an amazing menu of your choosing! They can host family style, dinner buffet or sit-down style with anything from chicken wings to prime rib. In the Nelson Event Center they have a 16 ft projector and wireless mic to allow for announcements and/or visual displays (perfect for family reunion or graduation videos!). You can dress this space up or keep it casual. Either way, we promise your family will leave with a smile.

The lanes at Lang's Bowlarama featuring Rhode Island skyline art — The lanes at Lang’s Bowlarama featuring Rhode Island skyline art

Reserve Lang’s Bowlarama or The Nelson Event Center

4. KidzKastle
5 Soule St, Warwick, RI 02886

Are you ready to turn your child’s special day into an unforgettable day? Look no further than Kidz Kastle, Rhode Island’s premier destination for magical and stress-free children’s parties! Immerse your little ones in a world of wonder as they enter our enchanting space that can be customized for any occasion with decorations. Additionally, we offer Kastle To-Go Rentals if you would like to bring the party to you! Relax and enjoy the celebration while our experienced party planners take care of every detail. From personalized invitations to delicious catering options, we’ve got you covered, ensuring a stress-free experience for parents.

One of the many playstations in KidzKastle RI’s extensive venue

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5. Rock Spot Climbing
100 Higginson Ave, Lincoln, RI 02865

Rock Spot Climbing in Lincoln, Rhode Island, is not just a climbing gym—it’s a versatile adventure destination catering to a diverse range of climbers and events. Whether you’re planning a large party, organizing a group of climbers, hosting a corporate event, or simply looking to elevate your climbing skills, Rock Spot has you covered!

One of Rock Spot Climbing's Interactive Indoor rock climbing wall — One of Rock Spot Climbing’s Interactive Indoor rock climbing wall

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6. Escape Rhode Island
385 S Main St, Providence, RI 02903

Escape Rhode Island, an experience designed for private parties! Perfect for team building, corporate events or just an excuse to get your friends together! You can take the adventure outdoor with our downtown Providence experience. We can also bring the experience to you!

Escape Rhode Island on the go! Host your event at their venue or bring the experience to any one of your other favorite Rhode Island Venues

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7. Battleground Z
100 Higginson Ave, Lincoln, RI 02865

BattlegroundZ offers an exciting and unique experience for any group event. Group outings are a fantastic way to build team camaraderie, strengthen co-worker bonds, or just blow off some steam in our fun-packed arenas. Your personal party host will ensure your event is a memorable one. Great games, delicious food and cocktails, and tons of fun await!

A look into Battleground Z’s lazer tag arena

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8. The Bubbler VR
568 Charles Street, Providence, RI

The Bubbler VR is the premier private events VR lounge in Rhode Island. Experience exclusive access to our cutting-edge VR equipment, featuring four VR stations. Whether you prefer group play or individual adventures, they provide a diverse selection of games, including a sim racing rig. The Bubbler VR caters to every style and interest, offering a nostalgic trip with old-school Nintendo and Sega games. Elevate your event with karaoke using our provided microphones. Indulge in our renowned mock-tails, suitable for both kids and adults, as you enjoy your time in the virtual world.

An inside peek into The Bubbler VR Lounge and Game space

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9. Stella Sweets
568 Charles Street, Providence, RI

Stella sweets are great for any occasion that needs a sweet twist! They are always requested at birthdays, weddings, charity fundraisers, and corporate events! They’re an ice cream shop located in North providence RI serving up some of the yummiest creations you can imagine. They have boozy ice cream drinks or your classic scoops. They also offer up fried ice cream, crepes, and just about anything you can imagine involving frozen dairy!

A look into Stella Sweets on a summer night.

Reserve Stella Sweets

10. Archery Games PVD
40 Sonoma Court, Providence, RI 02909

Combat archery is the ultimate activity for corporate team-building, birthday parties, bachelor-bachelorette parties, and many more events! Archery Games is the perfect mix of athletics, strategy, and team work. The unique space can be reserved for a private event and can accommodate groups of 12-60 players looking to have a super fun and unique experience!

Reserve Archery Games PVD

Thanks for joining us on this journey through Rhode Island’s finest family event venues! From historic streets to stunning shores, we’ve uncovered the gems that’ll make your gatherings truly unforgettable. So, gather your loved ones, soak in the Rhody charm, and let the good times roll. Here’s to countless memories made in the Ocean State! 🌊

February 15, 2024 0 comments

farms news

New Urban Farmers in Pawtucket Closes in on Fifth Anniversary

by Adam Baffoni March 9, 2020

written by Adam Baffoni

Bleu Grijalva watering the plants inside one of New Urban Farmers' geodesic domes — Bleu Grijalva watering the plants inside one of New Urban Farmers’ geodesic domes

While walking me through one of the geodesic dome greenhouses at New Urban Farmers in Pawtucket, Bleu Grijalva stopped to look at a stray tomato plant that was growing up the side of a table. “Sometimes when we accidentally drop a seed on the ground, it will grow on its own,” Grijalva said. “I like to let them grow there. It serves as a good reminder that no matter how many hours and sweat we put into growing food and making perfect rows of plants, the food wants to grow on it’s own, and maybe that’s what we need to do sometimes—just go with the flow. Grow where we fall.” That is just one of the life lessons that can be pulled from farm work, and the team at New Urban Farmers have found the perfect audience for these lessons.

Originally started with the intention of becoming a local farm and community garden, the small plot of land situated behind a housing project near the Pawtucket/Central Falls border, has evolved into a “living classroom” for the 500+ children who live here. While the responsibility of watching over children can certainly add to the farm work—especially when they’re being mischievous, as all children are—it’s nothing short of inspiring to see that there is a group of people here to provide these kids with some guidance and structure that they may not have at home. It’s even more inspiring to see that these kids, who could be on the couch watching television or on the streets getting into some very negative situations, are choosing to come to the farm instead.

Emily Jodka, New Urban Farmers co-founder, with some of the neighborhood children

Closing in on their five-year anniversary, New Urban Farmers now has four locations throughout Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts, all utilizing sustainable growing techniques. When Grijalva walked us past a table with growing plants, one of the kids with us grabbed a fistful of fish food and threw it under the table into a tank of water. Immediately, as the pebbles of food touched the surface of the water, the tank erupted into a tumult of frenzied fish, all racing to grab the first bits. “This is our aquaponics system. It holds over one thousand tilapia,” said Grijalva. Aquaponics is a mix of aquaculture and hydroponics, in which the waste from a fish tank is converted to nitrates by bacteria and is used to feed plants. The plants clean the water, which is then cycled back into the fish tank, creating a sustainable fish farm and vegetable garden.

Along one of the edges of the fenced-in farm, is a row of community garden plots. Although there were some less-than-perfect looking garden plots, it was obvious that some of the gardeners had developed green thumbs, and were learning to grow everything from flowers to vegetables. While they sell most of the plots, they also give some to the older residents in the housing project who are interested in gardening. “We provide then with the seeds and the know-how,” said Grijalva. “It’s really nice to see that some of these people who might not have jobs, or a whole lot of accomplishments, now have something to be proud of. But we’re still looking to find that perfect balance between doing good in the community and making enough money to keep doing good.”

Although the farm has become a classroom for so many, there is no set curriculum. Grijalva emphasized that as we finished our tour. “There are no textbooks here,” he said as he took a bite of a fresh tomato, just picked from another stray plant growing out of a pile of fertilizer. “We just try to teach the kids whatever lessons can be taken from what’s happening in the garden.”

Scroll down for more photos from New Urban Farmers.

Antique David Bradley tractor that farm worker Chris Combs has helped to repair and use at New Urban Farmers

Freshly harvested garlic drying in a shed

New Urban Famers CSA basket with corn, pole beans and favas

March 9, 2020 0 comments

news

Rhode Island Community Food Bank Twitter Town Hall: Summer Food Service Program for Kids

by David Dadekian June 27, 2013

written by David Dadekian

On Monday, July 1, at 4 pm, the Food Bank will host a half-hour Twitter Town Hall in partnership with the USDA, RIDE, United Way and the City of Providence to promote the Summer Food Service Program, a federally funded program that provides free meals to children in need during the summer.

Currently, 51,300 children receive free or reduced-price lunch in Rhode Island, but only 5,940 accessed the Summer Food Service Program last summer. More than a dozen additional meal sites have been added, but the real key is getting the word out to families, children and teens. The other challenge is destigmatizing the program so that children and teens feel comfortable accessing the meals. We know that teens and parents of young children often use Twitter, and we’re hopeful of reaching them and encouraging them to take advantage of this program.

The Food Bank will moderate the Twitter Town Hall, with questions posed to representatives of the USDA, RIDE, United Way 2-1-1 and the City of Providence. All tweets will use the hashtag #RIMeals4Kids. The public is invited to participate by tweeting questions, providing additional information and retweeting. To participate, visit the Food Bank’s Twitter site at @RIFoodBank on Monday, July 1, between 4 and 4:30 pm; use the hashtag #RIMeals4Kids in all tweets.

June 27, 2013 0 comments

news

Alliance for a Healthier Rhode Island Sugar Sweetened Beverage Policy Open Letter to RI School Superindendents

by guest February 2, 2012

written by guest

As of January 26th, over 20 important organizations signed onto a joint letter urging Rhode Island schools to reject participation in marketing programs like MyCokeRewards. This letter will be circulated to school superintendents, principals, PTA’s/PTOS and others key stakeholders across the state. We’ll have lots of other opportunities to take action, so please join our email list by clicking the JOIN button now!

Click here to see one of the MyCokeRewards flyers that was being circulated here in Rhode Island.

Click here to download a PDF version of the joint letter opposing MyCokeRewards

January 12, 2012

We, the undersigned organizations, are writing to share a concern and ask for your help. Recently, the Coca-Cola Corporation has been pushing a promotional campaign that is connected to schools in Rhode Island, as well as nationwide. The program, called MyCokeRewards, encourages people to buy Coke products, and then log onto the campaign website to register their MyCokeRewards points with a particular school, so the school can redeem the points and supposedly obtain rewards such as sports equipment. It is unclear what rewards schools can actually get, but it certainly is not cash. It is clear, however, that schools do not benefit from this program, but that Coca-Cola does, by being able to market their products to youth. The beverage industry already heavily markets their products to youth (especially blacks and Hispanics) on TV, radio, and in social and mobile media, and children’s exposure to TV ads for Coca Cola’s sugary drinks have nearly doubled from 2008 to 2010.

The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages isn’t just bad for teeth: it is also a leading cause of obesity and obesity-related diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, early tooth loss and tooth decay and more. Given that Rhode Island has a law prohibiting soda sales in schools, we are deeply concerned that a number of schools in our state are participating in the MyCokeRewards program.

We are writing to you to urge adoption of a district-wide policy prohibiting the acceptance of money from any sugar -sweetened beverage company, through participation in programs such as MyCokeRewards, contests, fundraisers, or sponsorships. We are concerned that the beverage industry is using incentive programs such as MyCokeRewards to win favor with educators and parents in an effort to enlist them as allies against public health measures designed to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. This strategy was used by tobacco companies for years and we are skeptical of the industry’s attempts to align themselves with a social good such as education. The beverage industry has repeatedly said it wants to be part of the solution to the problem of obesity and other health-related issues linked to consumption of their sugary drinks. Programs such as MyCokeRewards undermine parents’ and educators attempts to help children to reduce their consumption and keep their children healthy.

Steps you can take:

Find out if any schools in your community have enrolled in the MyCokeRewards program. Click here to search by zip code.
If any of your schools has enrolled, consider formally un-enrolling from the Coke Rewards program.
Whether or not your any of your schools has enrolled in the MyCokeRewards program, adopt a formal policy prohibiting the acceptance of money from any beverage industry, through any kind of program. Inform all key stakeholders of the policy.
Please let us know what course of action you are considering.

Our organizations have joined together to find ways to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages across the state because we know that if we’re successful, all Rhode Islanders will benefit from decreased rates of obesity and obesity -related diseases. If you would like to get involved in this effort, we’d welcome your help. Please contact Sarah Stevens at the Rhode Island Medical Society to join the fight. You may email Sarah at sstevens@rimed.org.

For more information on the Alliance for a Healthier Rhode Island and sugar-sweetened beverages, please visit: http://www.powerprism.org/alliance-for-a-healthier-ri.htm.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this request. We’d be happy to answer any questions or provide you with more information. Let’s work together for the health of our children!

Respectfully yours,

Care New England
Chefs Collaborative – Rhode Island Local
Community Catalyst, New England Alliance for Children’s Health
eat drink RI
Environmental Justice League of Rhode Island
Hospitals for a Healthy Environment – Rhode Island
Kids First/Real Food First
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island
Rhode Island Academy of Family Physicians
Rhode Island Chapter – American Academy of Pediatrics
Rhode Island Dental Assistants Association
Rhode Island Dental Association
Rhode Island Diabetes Council
Rhode Island Environmental Education Association
Rhode Island Health Center Association
Rhode Island Medical Society
Rhode Island Psychological Association
Rhode Island Public Health Association
Rhode Island Public Health Institute
Rhode Island State Nurses Association
Samuels Sinclair Dental Center at Rhode Island Hospital
Slow Food Rhode Island
YMCA of Greater Providence

February 2, 2012 0 comments