Parent August 2017
FREE
RHODE ISLAND
MAGAZINE
Final print issue Find us online: RIPARENT.COM
HASCON!
Hasbro event brings toys to life Audrey Hope Peckham, 2, of Warren
2017 CAMP & SUMMER PROGRAM GUIDE
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Rhode Island Parent Magazine  August 2017
Rhode Island Parent Magazine is becoming
RIPARENT.COM! Everything you love about the magazine – local articles, the most complete kid’s calendar, and great giveaways – will be online at RIPARENT.COM plus additional resources that are easier and more fun to use than other websites.
RIPARENT.COM's Ultimate Parents Guide
NEW!
When you need to find entertainment for a birthday party, a summer camp, or day care, where do you look? You probably search endlessly online, reading through long lists, only to discover that some of the listings are incomplete or no longer active. Not anymore. Introducing RIPARENT.COM's Ultimate Parents Guide – a super easy to use, interactive resource for everything you need as a parent. Always current and offering extras like printable coupons, this online guide will become your go-to place.
Visit RIPARENT.COM to see what's happening in your world! August 2017 Rhode Island Parent Magazine
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WIN 4 TICKETS TO HASCON! HASCON is your behind-the-scenes pass to the world of Hasbro! The ultimate fan celebration, with three days of famous talent, interactive activities, immersive experiences, game events, panel discussions, VIP events, and more!
Visit RIPARENT.COM to enter for your chance to win!
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Rhode Island Parent Magazine  August 2017
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Contents August 2017 / vol. 3 / no. 1
Departments 4 Online Fun Win 4 tickets to HASCON!
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6 A Note from the Publisher The future of RIPARENT.COM. 10 A Better Life Ways to protect your family. 11 The Healthy Child Helping hungry RI kids. 18 Calendar What to do in August.
Features 8 Cover Feature:
HASCON brings Hasbro toys to life
Check our website, RIPARENT.COM to enter for your chance to win 4 tickets to HASCON! And while you're there, take a look at our latest calendar of events.
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LOOKING FOR ENTERTAINMENT? For birthday parties and other events, see pages 15 and 17.
Read the magazine online: Our website is a one-stop shop for parents in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Find the current magazine and past issues on the website too, both as a digital magazine and searchable articles. The digital edition is great for reading on a tablet, phone, or computer. Also online, sign up for our email newsletter and join our Facebook and Twitter pages. Visit RIPARENT.COM, Facebook.com/RIParentMag, and Twitter.com/@riparentmag August 2017  Rhode Island Parent Magazine
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A Note from the Publisher
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he announcement made in this issue – that this will be the final Rhode Island Parent Magazine as we transition to RIPARENT.COM – was not an easy one to make. I know that many people love the magazine and still like to read print. I’ve long been a champion of print, having started my career as a newspaper reporter and written dozens of brochures and other printed marketing materials over the years. But I’ve had to look at what the real mission is of my business. As a social enterprise, I’m a for-profit business with a non-profit type mission. I really want to create the place where parents can go to find whatever they need. I want to make parents’ lives easier and help children grow up better in the Ocean State. It just became clear that the best way to do this was to become RIPARENT.COM where I will have the opportunity to really fulfill the mission in unique and innovative ways. I’m excited to focus all my energy on one product and really turn it into my vision. While I know many will miss the magazine, we are working very hard to innovate on the website so it will be as easy to use as the print magazine. It will take a lot of work to fulfill my vision but RIPARENT.COM will get there. I sincerely thank each and every one of you for the support you’ve given. I hope you will come along on this RIPARENT.COM journey! To the future,
Susan Gale
57 Rolfe Square, Box 10094 Cranston, Rhode Island 02910 (401) 337-9240 Founder and Publisher Susan Gale publisher@RIParentMag.com Creative Director Rebecca Brayman artdirector@RIParentMag.com Business Manager Lisa Koulibaly sales@RIParentMag.com Contributor Stephanie Bernaba On the cover: Photo taken by Susan Gale Publisher photo taken by Keith Jochim. KeithJochimPhotography.com Rhode Island Parent Magazine is published monthly by Gale Force Communications. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products, or services are endorsed by the publisher. Editorial submissions welcome. ©2017 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.
Like us on Facebook and Twitter: Facebook.com/RIParentMag @RIParentMag
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Rhode Island Parent Magazine August 2017
August 2017  Rhode Island Parent Magazine
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Cover Feature By Susan Gale
Hasbro’s HASCON brings toys to life
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o you have a child who is crazy for a Hasbro toy? This September they can take part in live interactive events with Hasbro brand characters during the first ever HASCON – a fan and family convention. At the three-day event, you will hear actors, movie producers, voice talent, and Hasbro designers talk about the creativity and passion that goes into creating Hasbro and partner brand experiences. “We are assembling the ultimate fan celebration, with three days of marquee talent, interactive activities, immersive experiences, game events, panel discussions, VIP events, and much more. We’re set to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans and families alike,” said John Frascotti, President of Hasbro Brands. There will be appearances by some of the biggest names from Hasbro, including Dude Perfect and Stan Lee, the Marvel Comics legend. Voice talent appearing at the event includes Peter Cullen and Frank Welker, the original Transformers voices, and Andrea Libman and Cathy Weseluck, the voices of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and My Little Pony: The Movie. Other talent includes James Gunn, writer and director of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 and 2, and Stan Bush, who sings “The Touch” from Transformers: The Movie. HASCON will feature a headline performance by Multi-Platinum Grammy® Award-winning singer-songwriter Daya.
Fun things to do at HASCON
Some events will be the same for the duration of HASCON. Other events, such as panels and special guest appearances, will only happen at a specific time on a specific day, and may require special tickets. So be sure to check the schedule before choosing your days to go to the convention. Find the schedule at www.hascon.hasbro.com. Here are some events you can attend at HASCON: H • ands-on, interactive experiences with oversized games such as Pie Face and Toilet Trouble from Hasbro Gaming. • Taking photos with Sesame Street characters and Trolls. • Witnessing epic Beyblade battles. • Finding out how toys are made from the teams who create them. • Playing in a Play-Doh creation zone. • Visiting the My Little Pony magical world of Equestria. • Taking photos with movie props and viewing movie costumes on display. • Stepping into a custom-built NERF battle arena. • Watching stage performances and music. • Participating in Magic: The Gathering gameplay featuring an exclusive preview of the upcoming Iconic Masters card set. • Auditioning for Hasbro commercials and voice talent on an animated series – for youth fans, ages 3-15. • Purchasing exclusive Hasbro toys and merchandise including new Transformers products. • Taking part in activities inspired by several iconic Disney properties, including Disney Princess, Frozen, Elena of Avalor, Moana, and Descendants 2, as well as Star Wars and Marvel’s Avengers, Spider-Man, and Guardians of the Galaxy. • Hands-on fun through art tutorials and seeing some of the industry’s most recognized comic illustrators, artists, and designers though IDW Publishing’s Artist Alley. • Taking part in cosplay activities. • Participating in a Hasbro passport tour and scavenger hunt. “Hasbro constantly strives for new ways to bring our storytelling to life and offer fans greater access to our brands, and HASCON is designed to bring attendees closer to Hasbro’s biggest properties than ever before,” said Frascotti.
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Rhode Island Parent Magazine August 2017
VIP experiences
For additional fees, fans can also take part in HASCON VIP packages, which offer 1-hour early access to the show floor to buy HASCON exclusive products from My Little Pony, Transformers, Dungeons and Dragons, as well as multi-convention exclusives from Star Wars, Marvel, and Magic: The Gathering. VIPs will also receive a Hasbro goodie bag, access to the VIP lounge, and an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Hasbro headquarters, in addition to one of the following exclusive events: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Transformers Hall of Fame Dinner: Offers a surprise guest, sit-down dinner, performance by Stan Bush, and a sneak preview of select 2018 Transformers toys shared by the Transformers design and brand team. 6:30pm. My Little Pony Mane Event: Hall of Our FANmily Dinner: Enter the world of Equestria. The HOOF inductees will include special guests and surprise honorees who have left their hoofprint on the brand. 6:30pm. G.I. Joe Legends Dinner: Join co-emcees and G.I. Joe authors Derryl DePriest and Dan Klingensmith for an intimate and entertaining evening event featuring one of the greatest gatherings of G.I. Joe Legends ever assembled. 6:30pm.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Stories with Stan: Stan Lee will share his tales about the creation of pop culture icons including Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, the X-Men, and many more. Receive lunch, a pre-signed autograph poster and a surprise gift. 11:30am. Transformers: The Last Knight Movie Event: Join celebrities and producers, including Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Brian Goldner, to celebrate the home entertainment release and view special bonus footage. Receive light refreshments and a surprise celebrity video message. 6:15pm. My Little Pony: The Movie Sneak Peek: Listen to film discussions with Head Storyteller Megan McCarthy and participate in a Q&A session with surprise celebrity talent, enjoy light refreshments, and enter a raffle for a chance to win My Little Pony merchandise. 6:15pm.
Things you need to know
As parents, a big convention like this can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to have a smooth HASCON: • Use the online schedule soon to plan your day or days. Then check back before the event to make sure nothing has changed. View the schedule at www.hascon.hasbro.com. • Consider planning a meet-up spot if you get separated from your children. Inform them who they should talk to if they become lost. • Hasbro asks that you not bring personal items to be signed. Artists and talent will only sign event merchandise purchased on the day of the event. Proof of purchase, such as a valid HASCON receipt, may be required. The exception to this policy is for Magic: The Gathering cards where you may bring up to 10 cards to be signed per session. • There will be no overnight queuing for sessions. HASCON will allow lining up one hour prior to doors opening. Susan Gale is Founder and Publisher of Rhode Island Parent Magazine.
HASCON Details When: September 8-10, 2017 Where: The Rhode Island Convention Center and Dunkin’ Donuts Center Cost: Single day tickets are $30 for ages 3-15 and $60 for ages 16+. Three-Day tickets range from $75 for ages 3-15 to $165 for ages 16+. VIP packages also available. Get Tickets: Visit www.hascon.hasbro.com/tickets.
August 2017 Rhode Island Parent Magazine
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A Better Life By Stephanie Bernaba
Read the fine print: Tips to protect yourself and your family
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ometimes we commit to activities we cannot complete, due to scheduling, illness, or other family circumstances. And sometimes businesses create policies to help protect themselves and their business. I’d like to talk a little about what we need to be mindful of when making commitments, and what we can do to protect ourselves and our families in the event we are unable to follow through. Also, how we can ensure the safety of our campers and partygoers. The first tip should be fairly obvious – read the contract. Read ALL policies. Ask what the cancellation and change policies are, because you never know (especially with camps, music lessons, or sports programs) if or when a child will fall ill or get injured. Ask about the makeup policy. Do they allow you to make up a missed class? Do they credit your account? The main piece of information you need is: If my child is unable to attend, are we still financially responsible? In the event of ongoing activities, like sports or music, it’s my recommendation that you find a school that charges only for lessons or classes taken, unless it’s a package that you can live with (example – my gym, where I pay a flat fee once for a certain number of classes). Things get hairy when you’re asked for deposits, especially nonrefundable ones, as you are giving the organization that money whether or not the child partakes in the activity. Many karate and dance studios allow kids to come in and try it out before they’re asked to pay, and never sign up for a long stretch of time (i.e., a year) without asking first whether or when you can cancel. Don’t ever pay up front for a free trial, and if they insist, find another provider. Take your time. I know it’s hard to listen to spiels when your kids are running circles around you, or you have 10 other things on your mind, but remember, if a decision needs to be made that second, it’s probably a bad one. Take the paperwork home, peruse the website, make comparisons before you sign up. Most mistakes are made by people who didn’t take the time to read the fine print. Some places are flexible, and others are not. And it never hurts to ask. Some, with manager approval, may be able to work with you if your circumstances change, but in general, be cautious, don’t assume, and always read the policies before you sign.
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As for parties, I’d ask the venue how they charge party hosts. Do they let you bring in additional kids? Is the charge per guest or per period of time? What happens if your party runs past the allotted time? What are you allowed to bring? Will your guests face unknown charges when they arrive, such as for equipment? What if there’s a food allergy? Can they accommodate children with special needs? What’s the cancellation policy for weather or family emergency? Is there a deposit? On a similar note, do mind the safety of the chosen activity. Does the venue make children sign waivers? What’s the worst thing that could happen to a partygoer? And, as a parent, if you feel your child may be unsafe participating in the activity, or is too unfamiliar with it to enjoy it, don’t be afraid to decline. Party rentals are similar. I’ve received some stellar recommendations for rental companies that I’ve had to turn down because the delivery charge from the northern part of the state to our home amounted to almost $100. If possible, find a local rental company. Some companies don’t charge fees for local deliveries, and a few don’t charge at all. And pay attention to their policies. Can you eat near the equipment? What are you liable for if it breaks? Is there a cancellation fee? If you don’t like their policies, find another place. And lastly, if you’re looking for equipment for a sport or activity your child hasn’t done before, always shop secondhand, at least until you know they intend to continue, or at a sports equipment store with a forgiving return policy. There’s nothing worse than shelling out a few hundred bucks for classes, and a few hundred more for equipment to participate in an activity the child doesn’t like. Just remember that it’s your hard-earned money and time you’re trying to protect, along with your children. Ask questions, read policies, and don’t be afraid to say no if it’s not best for your kids. Stephanie Bernaba, of Richmond, is an independent journalist specializing in life in the digital age and entertainment. View her recent work and digital portfolio at www.whiteorchidmedia.com.
The Healthy Child By Susan Gale
Free meals available for RI kids
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early 80% of children who are eligible to get free summer meals in Rhode Island are not accessing them. But now there is a new hunger hotline for families to locate places their children can eat. The USDA National Hunger Hotline can be reached at 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (for Spanish). Through the hotline, callers can locate summer meals sites for kids, food pantries or soup kitchens for families, and/or other government and private meals programs near them.
USDA NATIONAL HUNGER HOTLINE: 1-866-3-HUNGRY 1-877-8-HAMBRE HOURS: MON-FRI, 7AM-10PM EST According to Hunger Free America, a national non-profit, humans must burn more calories over the summer to keep cool and record temperatures this summer will further increase the need for free summer meals for low-income children funded by the federal government. Even though children need just as much, if not more, nutrition during the summer months, in Rhode Island, only 20.1 percent of kids who receive free and reduced school meals, receive summer meals. Raising awareness about this program is the single greatest barrier to participation, according to Hunger Free America so if you know someone in need, let them know about the hotline. Summer meals are available to all kids 18 and under, and no identification is required.
Volunteer to help hungry kids
In addition, a new national volunteer matching website is now connecting summer volunteers and organizations across the nation in the fight against hunger. Hunger Free America launched www.hungervolunteer.org, a state-of-the art volunteer matching portal to make it easier to mobilize the unique talents and skills of each individual volunteer in order to take the biggest bite out of hunger. “Now everyone can get – or give – help,” said Hunger Free America’s CEO Joel Berg. “If you’re hungry or at risk of hunger, it can be a daunting task to obtain food and benefits. The hunger hotline can immediately help connect families with food providers in their area.” “We are starting a national awareness campaign and want to make sure that people who need help can get it quickly and easily. We also want to make sure that all Americans can give back, by volunteering in ways that move beyond soup kitchen work to attack hunger at its root causes,” he said. Hunger Free American (formerly known as the New York City Coalition Against Hunger) is a national nonprofit group building a nonpartisan, grass-roots membership movement to enact the policies and programs needed to end domestic hunger and ensure that all Americans have sufficient access to nutritious food.
Susan Gale is Founder and Publisher of Rhode Island Parent Magazine.
August 2017 Rhode Island Parent Magazine
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Feature Story By Susan Gale
RHODE ISLAND PARENT MAGAZINE
is becoming RIPARENT.COM!
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f there is one thing that is true about life, it is that change is inevitable. Kids change almost daily as do the needs of parents. To better meet these needs, Rhode Island Parent Magazine is becoming RIPARENT.COM. The parent company of Rhode Island Parent Magazine, Gale Force Communications, is a social enterprise with a mission similar to a non-profit even though we are a for-profit business. When I started, my goal was to create a free one-stop shop for everything Rhode Island parents need in order to improve the lives of children and families. Over the last two years, we’ve done a lot with the magazine but it has become clear that an online resource will allow us to do much, much more – to provide more useful information, education, and fun for you – our readers – all at no cost to you. We are following our mission with this move and have some exciting new opportunities online at RIPARENT.COM. We are certain that you will love RIPARENT.COM just as much as the magazine and we are doing everything we can to make it as easy- and pleasurable-to-use as possible. Let’s first look at what will not change.
What will not change at RIPARENT.COM
The same great articles you read today will still be available We will continue to spotlight all the great stories about kids in RI and neighboring Massachusetts towns. We’ll still have local experts write educational articles just for you. In fact, we’ll be able to do even more online – adding additional articles as well as more photos and in the future, videos. We’ll get important information to you more quickly without limitations. There will always be something new to read at RIPARENT.COM so you’ll want to visit often. The most complete kid’s events calendar available With more time to focus on the website, we will be adding events daily to our calendar. The calendar has grown quite a bit and is very full so we are also exploring ways to make it
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even easier to use so you can find whatever type of event you want – from repeating classes to one-time, big events. We will continue to be the most comprehensive kids’ event calendar around. Even more great giveaways At RIPARENT.COM, we love giving things away. During this issue’s run, we are giving away four tickets to HASCON! Go to RIPARENT.COM to enter. This giveaway’s entry period ends August 29 so enter soon. As we go forward, we plan to offer multiple giveaways at one time so it will always be worth visiting RIPARENT.COM to see what you could win. And now, let’s take a look at something new that you have never seen before.
Introducing RIPARENT.COM’S Ultimate Parents Guide
Now, there isn’t much new under the sun but we really think we have a special idea here. The Ultimate Parents Guide will be an interactive guide to everything you might be looking for from birthday party entertainment to places to go with your kids. The Guide will appear like an online magazine so you can easily turn the ‘pages’ to quickly see all the details. It will have a table of contents for each section of the Guide. You click on a section and go right there to see listings that relate directly to what you are looking for. When you are done with that section, click a button and head back to the table of contents so you can look at a different section. By breaking the information into specific, focused sections, we make it easier and faster to find what you want. No more searching website after website. No more culling through really long text listings where some is incomplete or out-of-date. You’ll find everything you need in the Ultimate Parents Guide with less time and effort. And it will be constantly updated so you will always find new businesses and organizations each time you visit.
These are the sections we’ve determined so far for the Guide: • Activities & Sports • Camp & Summer Programs • Classes & Education • Entertainment & Birthday Party • Things to Do & Places to Go • Health & Medical • Non-profits & Foundations • Pregnancy & Baby • Pre-school & Childcare • School & College
Not every listing will have all the buttons – that will be up to the business or organization and take some time to complete – but we’d like to get to the point where every listing and advertisement will offer you these choices because if you can get all the information you need in one place – isn’t that just better?
If you have an idea for another section for the Ultimate Parents Guide, please let us know! We want to supply whatever you are looking for. And if you have a business or organization that would like to appear in our Guide – contact us today for information on how to be part of it. We have annual packages that work for any size business or organization.
We are adding to the current Rhode Island Parent Magazine website to begin RIPARENT.COM. Throughout August, we will add great new articles, information, and fun things to do. On September 1, we will officially become RIPARENT.COM. But don’t worry, you can use the magazine’s website address, www.RIPARENTMAG.COM, or www.RIPARENT.COM to get to the right place. We are excited to serve Rhode Island parents even better going forward so be sure to visit RIPARENT.COM often to see what surprises we have in store for you!
But wait, there’s more!
With each individual listing in the guide, you will also be able to access additional information about the products and services you are researching. We will have buttons with each listing or advertisement. These buttons will give you extra details to help make your decision. The buttons available will be: • Website: Jump to the business’ or organization’s website • Email: Email the business or organization directly • Coupon: A printable or digital coupon you can use with the business or organization • Article: Read an informative article about the business or organization • Photo: See photos of the business or organization • Video: Watch a video about the business or organization
The Ultimate Parents Guide will be the new way to find the things you need for your family – saving you time, saving you money, giving you more information to make better decisions, and making your life easier! Now, isn’t that what every overworked parent needs?
Susan Gale is Founder and Publisher of Rhode Island Parent Magazine.
WIN 4 TICKETS TO HASCON! Enter online at RIPARENT.COM from now until August 29!
August 2017 Rhode Island Parent Magazine
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August 2017 We make every effort to keep our calendar as up-to-date as possible. Be sure to check information with event sponsors for updates and changes. Check out RIPARENT.COM for the latest calendar information. To submit calendar items, visit our website and fill out an easy form.
Special Events Until September 4:
New Exhibit: “Voyage to Vietnam: Celebrating the Tet Festival.” A traveling exhibit explores the sights, sounds, and culture of Vietnam. Shop for traditional foods and flowers, try on and maneuver a giant lion dance mask, and engage in music making with Vietnamese instruments. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/children under 12 months. www.childrenmuseum.org
Every Saturday and Sunday:
Build-it Table. Various recycled materials available to build with, design a cardboard race car, create a water bottle castle, or construct a bubble wrap jet pack. No registration needed. 9am-5pm. Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol. Free with admission. $6/nonmember adults; $4/non-member child. Children 3 and under free.
August 16-20:
51st Annual Washington County Fair. Rhode Island's largest county fair featuring daily concerts, special acts and events, giant midway and kiddy land area, agricultural events, shows, exhibits and displays, tractor and horse pulls, a farm museum and more. 78 Richmond Townhouse Road, Rte. 112, Richmond. $11/adults; Free/children under age 10. www.washingtoncountyfair-ri.com
Fridays
August 4: Rapunzel. Children's
theatre musical based upon the famous fairy tale. Lively songs create a mood of enchantment and romance as Rapunzel meets her true love and is rescued from her tower with help from the audience. Presented by Kaleidoscope Children's Theatre. 10am, noon, and 2pm shows. Theatre by the Sea, 364 Cards Pond Road Wakefield. $12/seat.
August 4, 11, 18, 25: Family Fun Fridays. Bring a picnic and enjoy a different show each week, a natureinspired craft activity, face painting, and one slice of pizza per person. 11am–1pm. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum, 101 Ferry Road, Bristol. $14/adult non-member; $5/youth 6-17 non-member; $28/family (2 adult, 2 children) non-member. www.blithewold.org August 11: Bubbleology: The Secret World Of Bubbles. Keith Michael Johnson captures the audience with his stunning state-of-the-art bubble sculptures. The science behind the magic unfolds like a mystery, making this show educational. Children age 2 and older must have a ticket and sit in a seat. 10am and noon. Theatre by the Sea, 364 Cards Pond Road Wakefield. $12/seat. Every Friday: Food Truck Friday
at the Carousel Village. Eat from local food trucks, ride the Carousel, explore Hasbro’s Boundless Playground, listen to live entertainment, and more. 5–8pm, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. Free admission. www.foodtrucksin.com/carousel.
Every Friday: Messy Arts!
Bring the kiddos for a unique craft each week, story time, and open play gym. 10am–11:30am. Dream Big Academy, 41 Comstock Parkway, Cranston. $12.
Every Friday: Bring Your Own
Improv. Family-friendly comedy show. 7–8:30pm. Warwick Museum of Art, 3259 Post Road. $8/adults; $4/children under 12 and seniors. www.bringyourownimprov.com
Every Friday: Frosty Drew
Observatory & Sky Theater. Public stargazing. 6:30–11:30pm. 61 Park Lane, Charlestown. $1/person suggested donation. www.frostydrew.org
Weekends August 5/Saturday River Glow 2017. The downtown Westerly-Pawcatuck area comes to life for an evening of spectacular performances and beautiful art. River Glow feature floating bonfires in the Pawcatuck River and festivities in Donahue Park and the surrounding area. Rain date is August 6. 7–10pm. Downtown Westerly. Free. Drop-In Weaving. Drop in any Saturday in August and learn to weave. Slater Mill provides the loom, yarn, and needles for the activity. Participants may take their completed weaving projects home. For families; children age 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. 10 am–noon. Slater Mill Historic Site, 67 Roosevelt Avenue Pawtucket. Free. Summer Stroll in the Woods with RI Land Trust. Rhode Island Land Trusts hosts a guided walk through the only wild forest in Providence at an easy pace. For ages 5+. Dogs on leash welcome. Insect repellent recommended. 10am–noon. Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy, 120 Killingly Street, Providence. $5 donation/family.
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Rhode Island Parent Magazine August 2017
E N T E R TA I N M E N T & PA R T Y N E E D S
August July 2017  Rhode Island Parent Magazine
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August 2017 Park Rx Hike on Browning Woods Trail. Walks are held the first Saturday of every month. This guided walk begins at the trailhead sign. Walks will be cancelled for inclement weather. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10am–noon. Browning Woods, Skannock Road, South Kingstown. Free. Early Morning Breakfast and Birding River Cruise with Audubon. A river cruise exploring the spring beauty of the Seekonk River and wildlife. Includes coffee, juice, and baked goods. Bring sunscreen and binoculars. Covered boat runs rain or shine. Co-sponsored with the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. 8–9am. Al’s Waterfront Restaurant and Marina, 28 Water Street, East Providence. $20/adults; $15/children. Waterfire. Fire on the river. At dusk. Waterplace Park, Providence. Free.
August 6/Sunday First Sundays S.T.E.A.M. Workshop. Join the Naval War College Museum for fun science, technology, engineering, art, and math-based workshops. 10–11am: Make your own periscopes, for ages 5–8; 11:30am–12:30pm: Make your own submarine, for ages 9–12. Doors open 15 minutes prior and max capacity is 15 participants. Seamen's Church Institute, 18 Market Square, Newport. Free. https://goo.gl/3280Nb Sunday morning bowling. Registration not required. 9–11am. East Providence Lanes, 80 Newport Avenue, East Providence. $14/per hour per lane; $3/shoes.
August 12/Saturday
Drop-In Weaving. See August 5.
Beavertail Lighthouse Tower Climb. Take 49 steps up a spiral staircase and a 7-foot ladder requiring both hands to reach the observation catwalk. Climbers must be at least four feet tall and neither small children nor pets may be carried. Openings are weather dependent; if uncertain, call 401-423-3270. 1–4pm. Beavertail Road, Jamestown. $4/adults; Free/children.
August 13/Sunday
Boyden Heights Coastal Cove Walk. A short summer morning stroll through the woods and on the bike path to visit two or three coastal coves with many birds. One to two miles depending on the group. Reservations not required. Heavy rain or thunderstorms cancel this event. Showers will not. 9–11am. Boyden Heights Conservation Area, 115 Boyden Boulevard, Riverside. New England Wireless and Steam Museum. Tour the wireless and steam exhibits and the Massie Station. 9am–noon. 1300 Frenchtown Road, East Greenwich. $10/adults; $5/students. www.newsm.org/visit Family Fun Mornings at John Brown House. Interactive, familyfriendly activities for children ages 5–10. Play historic games, cook old-fashioned desserts, and more. Pre-register online and sign up for eNewsletter for updates. 9–10am. 52 Power Street, Providence. Free. www.rihs.org/family-fun-mornings Cumberland Fest 2017. Town celebration inside scenic Diamond Hill Park complete with food, music, fireworks, amusements and more. Runs Friday–Sunday. See website for times. Diamond Hill Park, Route 114, Cumberland. $5/ages 13+; $3/ages 4-12; Free/ages 0-3. www.cumberlandfest.org
Bird Banding at Audubon. Limited to 15 participants, so register early. Watch experts capture, band, measure, and release songbirds to record their movements. The migratory habitats and life history of each species will be discussed. Bring a camera and binoculars. Ages: 6+. 8:15–11:15am. Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol. $8/member adult, $4/member child; $12/non-member adult, $6/non-member child. Sunday morning bowling. See August 6.
August 19/Saturday “Beauty and the Beast.” A musical based on the animated Disney movie follows a young woman who stumbles upon a secluded castle occupied by a monstrous beast under the thumb of a witch’s spell. No children under age 4. Daily except Mondays; see event website. Theatre By The Sea, 364 Cards Pond Road, Wakefield. Tickets range $46-$72. www.theatrebythesea.com American Lung Association’s Stadium Step Up. An exhilarating sprint up the Brown University Stadium grandstand, from a kid-friendly run to the Power Hour Division, and enjoy music, exhibitors, food, lawn games, and raffle prizes. Register online. Benefits the 2018 Fight For Air Climb. 9am–noon. 90 Sessions Street, Providence. $25. www.action.lung.org/stadiumstepup
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Rhode Island Parent Magazine August 2017
E N T E R TA I N M E N T & PA R T Y N E E D S
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August 2017 Newport International Polo Series XXVI. Exciting polo action featuring international teams from around the world playing against USA, and US rivals playing against Newport. 5pm. International Polo Grounds at Glen Farm, 250 Linden Lane, Portsmouth. $20/pavilion seating; $12/adults; Free/ages 15 and under. www.nptpolo.com Nothing Rhymes with Orange Storytime. We all know nothing rhymes with orange, but how does that make Orange feel? Left out, of course! But when Apple notices how Orange is feeling, the entire English language begins to become a bit more inclusive. Activities to follow. 11am. All Barnes and Noble book stores. Free. www.stores.barnesandnoble.com Drop-In Weaving. See August 5.
August 20/Sunday Providence Flea. A vintage and artisan/maker market with food trucks, live music, and community non-profits every Sunday in a beautiful city setting along the boardwalk of the Providence River. Leashed-dog friendly. 10am–4pm. South Water Street, Providence. Free. www.providenceflea.com
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Sunday Morning Bowling. See August 6.
August 26/Saturday The 1777 British Occupation: Summer Living History Event. Over 50 costumed interpreters will recreate aspects from the summer of 1777 on Aquidneck Island during the first year of the British occupation. Noon-5pm. Washington Square, Newport. Free. www.newporthistory.org/events How to Get Your Teacher Ready Storytime. A class of students gives tips and tricks for getting a teacher ready for the first day of school and all the events and milestones that will follow. Activities to follow. 11am. All Barnes and Noble book stores. Free. www.stores.barnesandnoble.com Field of Artisans in southern RI. A pop-up art market with a mix of creatives. 11am-4pm. Marina Park, 210 Salt Pond Road, Wakefield. Free. Beavertail Lighthouse Tower Climb. See August 12. Drop-In Weaving. See August 5.
Rhode Island Parent Magazine August 2017
27/Sunday Sam’s Mill Fest at Slater Mill. Celebrate the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of the place where modern America was born. Live music, food trucks, free museum tours, and a vendor marketplace nestled between the 1793 Old Slater Mill, the 1810 Wilkinson Mill, and the 1758 Sylvanus Brown House. Noon-6pm. 67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket. Free. New England Quahog Festival and Sea Creature Parade. Join the pirates, mermaids, and sea creatures as they cavort through downtown Wickford, led by the Extraordinary Band and Shriners clowns and mini cars. At the beach, enjoy live music and entertainment, seafood and food trucks, and fun games for the whole family including a dunk tank. Noon–7pm. Downtown Wickford. Free.
August 2017  Rhode Island Parent Magazine
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2017 CAMP & SUMMER PROGRAM GUIDE