Horseback Riding

Kidding Around the Block!

1661 Exotic Animal Farm & Garden. Off

Spring Street is this Charlotte’s Web-like collection of barnyard animals, plus a few rarely seen in barns. Free to visit! Open daily until dark. More details on pg. 12. The Maze. Kids are “amazed” by this tangle of interconnected trails. Follow Clayhead Trail (pg. 79) and take your pick of trails running to the west. The trails dip and wind about. You may get lost! But not for long. (Wear shoes that can get wet!) Mosquito Beach. Stomp around in the mud! Great place for wading and crab-catching. Easy access from Corn Neck Rd. See map on pgs. 58-59. North Light Fibers. Yarn mill, store and activity center. See live alpaca and watch exotic yarns being made. Felting & knitting kits. Fun for all ages. HSpring Street, near the Animal Farm. See pg. 15. Rodman’s Hollow. It’s a hike, so be sure the kids are fed before you head into the hollow. Walk to the southerly beaches or just into the beautiful landscape. See details, pg. 16. Ball O’Brien Park. On West Side Road, there is a great stopover during your island tour. Basketball and tennis courts, playground, skate park and picnic tables. Baby Beach. As the name indicates, this beach is great for families. An easy walk from town, it has shallow water, tide pools, crabs and seaweed. (Southerly portion of Crescent Beach.)

The Block Island Maritime Institute (BIMI)

Explore the sea life that’s all around you at this educational destination. Daily programs explore the unique marine environment of Block Island. The five great aquariums offer limitless opportunities to “Learn ... to love Block Island.” Programs like Aqua Art and Squid Dissection are popular with children. Ocean Ave., at the Hog Pen Marina. Call for the latest information. q401/500-3501. Nwww. blockislandmaritime.org. More details, pg. 12. BI Recreation Summer Camps. The town

Recreation Department offers nine weeks of summer camp for kids. Special sports camps are also offered. Call Recreation Director David Sniffen directly at q401/641-1540, town hall at 401/466-3223. Ecology Lessons. The Ocean View Foundation offers bird walks and seminars, astronomy sessions, nighttime movies. Visit the Oceanview Pavilion, off Water Street, near Ballard’s restaurant. See the Block Island Times Calendar of Events for further details. Scan for promo

Kids always have fun on the water on Block Island.

The Nature Conservancy. Check in at TNC’s

office and visitor center on High Street. Or call about the various programs offered each summer. q401/466-2129. More details, pg. 45. Rustic Rides. Pony and horseback rides on the southwest end of the island. Details pg. 77. Stand-Up Paddleboards. SUP rentals and

lessons are offered on Crescent Beach and in New Harbor through DiamondBlue Surf Shop, Fort Island SUP & Kayaks, and Ocean Adventures. See details pg. 77. Family Kayaking. There are great resources for kayaking (in New Harbor). See pg. 69. Soundwaves. Weekly music & outdoor movies at the Fred Benson Beach Pavilion. Tuesdays 7-10 p.m., all summer. Free admission; donations are encouraged. Bring a chair, blanket and snacks. Enjoy the show!