Newport with Kids: Our Tried-and-True Family Beach Getaway
Looking for a family vacation that’s close to New York but feels like a true escape? Newport, Rhode Island checks all the boxes. With its stunning coastline, walkable downtown, and balance of relaxation and adventure, Newport is one of our family’s favorite spots: and it’s only a three hour drive from New York.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend trip or a longer summer stay, here’s why Newport is an ideal family-friendly destination, plus our personal recommendations on where to stay, what to do, and what to pack when traveling with kids.
Why Newport? A Family Tradition
I grew up vacationing in Rhode Island, my family had a small log bungalow near the beach, and those summer memories are some of my favorites. So, when my husband and I got engaged, we knew we wanted a wedding location that felt meaningful, but still accessible for our New York-based guests. Newport was the perfect blend of both: charming, coastal, and full of personality.
Now that we have four kids, Newport has become a special place for our whole family. It’s just the right distance from NYC, offers plenty of kid-friendly things to do, and allows us to visit my parents who live nearby. It’s our go-to for a relaxing, family vacation near New York that still feels like a real getaway.
Where to Stay in Newport with Kids
When it comes to lodging with little ones (especially with four!), sleep space is non-negotiable. We never squeeze everyone into a one-bedroom hotel room. Instead, we look for accommodations that give everyone room to rest.
Our go-to is the Wyndham Long Wharf in downtown Newport. We usually book a two or three bedroom suite, which makes it easy to split up the kids at bedtime and ensures a better night's sleep for everyone. The suites come with a washer/dryer, full kitchen, and plenty of space for downtime, all the essentials for a smooth family trip.
Why we love it:
Walkable to restaurants, shops, and the waterfront
Indoor and outdoor pools (perfect for nap time breaks or rainy days)
Kitchen and full fridge for easy breakfasts and packed lunches
Feels like an Airbnb-meets-resort setup — more space, less daily housekeeping
As our kids get older, we’re eyeing an Airbnb for future trips, especially one near the beach for longer days in the sand. But for now, Wyndham’s combo of convenience, space, and location keeps us coming back.
Room Sharing with Kids (Without Losing Your Mind)
When you’re traveling with kids, room setup matters, especially if you're sharing sleeping spaces. With four kids, we’ve done our fair share of room-sharing configurations, and we've learned what works (and what definitely doesn’t).
At places like the Wyndham, having multiple bedrooms makes a world of difference. We usually split the kids up by sleep style: for example, the baby in a quiet room with a sound machine, the early riser with the early sleeper, and the big kids in a shared space where they can chat a bit before bed without keeping everyone else up.
We’re also big believers in setting expectations ahead of time: who’s sleeping where, what the bedtime routine will look like, and how to handle middle-of-the-night wakeups. Trust me: a few minutes of planning can make your vacation nights so much smoother.
We’ve shared our best tips (including how to handle sibling room sharing, pack-and-play setups, and sleep training while traveling) in our Room Sharing While Traveling blog, be sure to check it out if you’re prepping for a multi-kid hotel stay!
Our Daily Itinerary: Simple, Kid-Friendly, and Repeatable
We keep our Newport days pretty simple, and that’s part of the magic! When you’re traveling with kids, consistency makes everyone’s life easier.
Here’s what a typical day looks like:
Breakfast in the suite - we do Instacart or a grocery run when we arrive)
Morning at the beach - we pack a cooler and stay for a few hours
Afternoon nap/downtime - the baby naps while the big kids swim in the pool or chill
Dinner out followed by ice cream and a stroll downtown
We prioritize dinner out as our one big meal of the day, it’s more manageable than trying to do multiple meals out with young kids. Most restaurants are kid-friendly with children’s menus, high chairs, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Newport
There are so many great restaurants in Newport, and we’ve built a few family traditions around them. Here are some of our top spots:
Bar ‘Cino – Cozy, casual, and consistently delicious
The Surf Club – Great for groups and right near the water
The Mooring – Famous for seafood and harbor views
Pasta Beach – Our go-to for kid-friendly Italian
Sardella’s – We celebrated Fiona’s birthday here!
The Reef – Scenic, relaxed, and ideal for families
And no trip is complete without nightly stops at Sprinkles Ice Cream — the kids always go for waffle cones the size of their heads, and we don’t blame them!
Things to Do in Newport with Kids
While beach time takes up most of our trip, Newport offers plenty of options when you need a break from the sand or the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Top Activities:
Second Beach – Our favorite; gentle surf, clean sand, and family-friendly amenities
First Beach – Also great, with slightly different vibes and easy parking
Ryan Family Amusements Arcade – A rainy-day hero and a kid favorite
Cliff Walk – Best for older kids; stunning views of the ocean and Gilded Age mansions
Strawberry Picking – A fun seasonal activity we’ve enjoyed with a picnic lunch
Sailing Tours – Many are family-friendly and a great way to see Newport from the water
Great Day Trips from Newport:
Providence Children’s Museum – About 30 minutes away
Mystic Aquarium – About 45 minutes from Newport, heading back toward New York
What We Pack for a Beach Vacation with Kids
Packing for a beach trip with four kids can feel like preparing for a small expedition — but after years of trial and error, we’ve got it down to a system. Here’s our go-to packing list for a family beach vacation that’s equal parts fun and functional.
Beach Day Essentials:
Sunscreen (spray for quick touch-ups, lotion for full coverage)
Beach chairs, an umbrella or sunshade, and beach blanket
Cooler for packed lunches and snacks
Baby wipes for everything from sandy hands to snack cleanup
Sturdy Wagon for transport to & from the car
For the Hotel or Rental:
White noise machines for better sleep
Portable blackout shades or slumberpod (for pack-and-play)
Travel crib or pack-and-play, if not provided
We always do a grocery run or Instacart order when we arrive, so we don’t have to travel with a week’s worth of snacks. But I always bring a stash of familiar favorites (read: snack bars, applesauce pouches, etc.) for the car ride and beach bag.
Bonus tip: We keep a labeled “beach bin” at home with our basics ready to go: towels, toys, sunscreen. This makes packing more grab-and-go than start-from-scratch each time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, scenic, and family-friendly vacation near New York, we can’t recommend Newport enough. It’s a place with history, charm, and enough ice cream to keep the kids happy. Whether you’re building sandcastles, walking the Cliff Walk, or enjoying a sunset dinner, Newport delivers summer memories worth repeating.
Need more family travel inspo? Read about our recent adventures to Turks and Caicos and Disney World with our kids!
If you’re new here, allow me to introduced myself:
I’m Meg O’Leary, certified sleep expert and founder of A Restful Night. My team and I are committed to helping your family get the best sleep possible! If you’re struggling with your children’s sleep, book a complimentary consultation call with me and we’ll figure out a way to get you back on track!
Meg O'Leary is an Infant and Child Sleep Expert and the founder of A Restful Night. Based in Westchester County, NY, she leads a team of certified sleep coaches to provide virtual support to families across the US and around the world.
