Fun Fall Activities in RI for the Whole Family (Including your dog!)

As  the beautiful autumn leaves fall and the temperatures begin to drop, we begin to venture inside for our activities. But for those nice, crisp, fall days, here are some family friendly outdoor activities that even your dog will enjoy!

Outdoor dining
Dining in Rhode Island doesn’t have to be limited to indoors as the temperatures drop. Many local restaurants offer patios equipped with heaters, or enclosed tents to keep you warm. Diego’s in Newport, The Trap in East Greenwich, and Ogie’s Trailer Park in Providence, all offer these amenities and are dog-friendly with their outdoor seating. Check your local restaurant’s website for hours, menus, reservation options, and to find out their outdoor dining and dog policies. 

Rustic TriView Drive-In Movie Theatre- North Smithfield, RI

The Rustic Drive-In is a Rhode Island treasure. Located on Rt 44, the theatre opens Fridays and Saturdays with a variety of movies for your viewing pleasure. Whether you tailgate out of your trunk, or bring your own comfy chairs, its never too cold to wrap up in a blanket and watch a double feature. Pack the car with the kids and the dogs, and don’t forget to hit the snack bar upon arrival and stock up on treats for all! Details and movie times are located at www.yourneighborhoodtheatre.com

Escobar Farm- Portsmouth, RI

Escobar Farm is a great fall destination for the whole family. They offer an extensive corn maze, with a new design every year. Open September-November, the farm hosts several events such as Harry Potter Day, Military Appreciation, and their annual Halloween Party on October 31st! You can even host a birthday party at the farm! Don’t miss out on pumpkin picking and a hay ride once you’ve escaped the maze!
Check out their website for information about their other offerings like Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree, special events, and to see an aerial view of this year’s corn maze! Dogs are welcome on a leash for the safety of all participants. www.escobarfarm.com ​

North Burial Ground -Providence RI

Rhode Island is the resting place of many famous (and infamous) Americans. Whether important to history, or the basis of popular folklore, their gravesites are throughout Rhode Island and waiting to be visited (if you dare!). One not-so-scary location, the North Burial Ground, was established in the 1700s as Providence’s first public cemetery, and now consists of more than 40,000 gravestones. The grounds open to the public daily and welcome browsing, or you can participate in a guided tour, organized based on notable inhabitants. This history-rich site is home to many notable people from Rhode Island’s past, yet is beautiful enough for a fall afternoon stroll through the foliage. Stop by the front office for a map of the burial ground or visit their website to learn about their tours. www.northburialground.com 

Festivals and Food Trucks- Throughout Rhode Island

Autumn in Rhode Island boasts many festivals and events celebrating the season. From the Newport Food Truck and Beer Festival, to Woonsocket’s Autumnfest, to the Scituate Art Festival, they are scattered throughout the state and feature art, crafts, food and fun! Kids and adults alike can find a festival tailored to their interests. While not all venues allow pets due to crowds and safety precautions, many welcome furry, four legged companions. Farmers markets, pumpkin festivals, and Halloween events are also prominent at this time, including Paws In the Park at Pawtucket Dog Park (in Slater Park). The event includes a costume contest for dogs with prizes awarded, and an agility course. Register on their website www.pawtucketdogpark.com

If you’re in need of some new prescription eyewear or sunglasses for your next outing, come see Team OPTX at OPTX rhode island! We are a full service eye-care center with an eyewear gallery sure to please. Our staff is ready and committed to helping you find that perfect frame! Dozens of designers on hand and plenty of package deals to suit every budget. OPTX is located just minutes from Cranston, Providence, Warwick and more! Call us at (401)521-6789, visit us at 1277 Hartford Avenue, Johnston Rhode Island or check out our web for more information at www.optxrhodeisland.com!