HOGAN BLOG

A Guide to Kid-Friendly Parks in Newport, RI, by Neighborhood

by Sarah Dick
March 27, 2025

A home is more than just a house—it’s about the community that surrounds you. For families in Newport, that means access to great parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run, climb, and explore. With over 30 parks and recreational areas across the city, many of which have received exciting upgrades in the past year, Newport offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor play. From newly renovated playgrounds to scenic waterfront parks, we’ve put together a guide to the best kid-friendly parks in each neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for a quiet green space, a lively playground, or an action-packed skatepark, Newport has something for every family.

The North End

Friends of Newport Skatepark

372 Coddington Hwy, Newport, RI 02840

The newly opened Friends of Newport Skatepark is a dynamic destination that brings the whole community together—whether you’re just getting started or landing tricks like a pro. Spanning 19,000 square feet, it features everything from a beginner-friendly 3-foot kiddie bowl to a street-style section designed for endless flow and creativity. Not just for skaters, the park also welcomes BMX riders and scooter enthusiasts, making it a true hub for action sports. One of Hogan Associates’ real estate agents, Donny Barley, was part of the planning team for the park, contributing to its vision of inclusivity and community engagement. Right next door, the Chafee Boulevard recreation complex offers a full-size basketball court, ensuring there’s always something to do, even if you’re just hanging out. Thoughtfully designed and already buzzing with energy, this park is set to be a go-to spot for families, friends, and anyone looking to get moving.

Miantonomi Memorial Park

120 Hillside Ave, Newport, RI 02840

Miantonomi Memorial Park is a hidden gem for families, offering a mix of history, outdoor fun, and adventure for kids. Located on Miantonomi Hill, the highest point in Newport, the park is named after Chief Miantonomi, a prominent leader of the Narragansett tribe. This hilltop was once the seat of power for the Narragansett people, making it a historically significant site in Newport. The park features a fantastic pump track, perfect for kids who love biking or scootering. Right next to the park is the Big Blue Bike Barn, home to the Bike Library and Summer Bike Camp, where families can borrow bikes and learn basic bike repairs. (The Bike Barn is open on weekday afternoons from 3 to 4 p.m.) The park also has a spacious playground for younger kids to run, climb, and play. One of the park’s standout features is the Miantonomi Tower, a stone structure built in 1929 to honor Chief Miantonomi’s legacy, which opens on select days throughout the year, offering panoramic views of Newport and the surrounding area.

Kerry Hill/Van Zandt

Coggeshall Park

Evarts Street, Newport, RI

Coggeshall Park, located on the grounds of the former Coggeshall School, opened in 2015 and has since become a popular destination for families. The park features a vibrant playground with modern equipment designed to captivate young minds, while the expansive neighborhood play field offers ample space for running, sports, and casual outdoor fun. A basketball court rounds out the offerings, making it a great spot for older kids and adults, too. With a mix of structured play areas and wide-open spaces, Coggeshall Park remains a versatile, family-friendly destination in the heart of Newport, perfect for a day of outdoor enjoyment.

Broadway Neighborhood

Edward Street Playground/MLK Park

Edward Street, Newport, RI Located conveniently next to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, this park offers a delightful blend of activities for families with children of all ages. The playground features well-maintained, engaging play structures that inspire young imaginations and encourage physical activity. A unique addition to the park, the chess tables invite families to engage in some intergenerational fun, fostering strategic thinking and quiet connection. The paved free play area is perfect for skateboarding or simply enjoying open play, giving kids space to explore and be active. With its welcoming, inclusive atmosphere and proximity to the MLK Center, this park offers a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy both recreation and community, making it an essential spot for outdoor enjoyment in the area.

The Point

Cardine’s Playground

Corner of Bridge Street and America’s Cup Ave., Newport, RI

Cardines Playground, tucked near The Point neighborhood in downtown Newport, is the kind of spot that makes family outings feel effortless. Newly renovated and thoughtfully designed, it’s got all the modern play structures little ones love, with plenty of space for climbing, sliding, and running around. It’s right next to the historic Cardines Field, where you can catch a summer baseball game, and just a short stroll from the new Save The Bay Aquarium—perfect for pairing playground time with a little marine adventure. Nearby, you’ll find ice cream shops, cozy restaurants, and scenic harbor walks, making it easy to turn a quick stop into a full afternoon of fun.

Hunter Park

Van Zandt Avenue, at the corner of Third Street in Newport, RI

Hunter Park in Newport is a wonderful spot for families to enjoy a day outdoors. Recently updated as part of the city’s ongoing improvements, this park features a vibrant playground designed for children aged 5-12, complete with modern play structures that encourage both physical activity and imaginative play. The park is spacious, with plenty of room for kids to explore, run, and interact with the equipment. It’s one of several park upgrades funded by the city’s Capital Improvement Plan, joining other newly refreshed playgrounds at Cardine’s Field and Murphy Field. Whether you’re looking to spend the afternoon with family or enjoy some downtime while the kids play, Hunter Park provides a great balance of fun and relaxation.

Kay Street-Catherine Street-Old Beach Road Historic District

Braga Park

Kay Street, Newport, RI

Braga Park is the kind of place where kids can climb, swing, and slide while parents soak in the ocean views. Tucked into an eight-acre community space, the playground is designed for ages five to twelve, featuring everything from classic swings and slides to a rock-like climbing structure that’s perfect for little adventurers. But the fun doesn’t stop there—basketball courts, soccer fields, and baseball diamonds mean there’s always a game to join. Picnic tables and benches make it easy to settle in for an afternoon, and while parking takes a minute to figure out (options on Kay St. and Ellery Rd.), it’s well worth it. For a more relaxed stroll, the park also connects to the Easton’s Pond rim trail, a short, pet-friendly path with waterfront views. Whether it’s an impromptu soccer match, a playground free-for-all, or a scenic walk, Braga Park delivers the kind of outdoor space that keeps families coming back.

Bellevue Avenue Neighborhood

Aquidneck Park Playground

300 Spring Street, Newport, RI

Park Playground is the perfect spot for a laid-back, family-friendly outing. With its essential playground equipment, including slides, swings, and a charming merry-go-round, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained. Parents can stay active with the adult fitness circuit located nearby, allowing for some exercise while keeping an eye on little ones. The park’s expansive open space offers ample room for running, playing, and exploring, while tennis courts provide additional recreational options. Picnic benches are thoughtfully placed throughout, making it easy to take a break. Its close proximity to the Newport Public Library makes it an easy stop for an enriching outing, with free parking and restroom facilities adding extra convenience.

Freebody Park

Weaver Avenue, Newport, RI

Freebody Park is a versatile and family-friendly destination in Newport, offering something for everyone. The well-equipped playground features fun and engaging structures for younger children, while the expansive fields are ideal for a game of soccer or softball. The Toppa Football Field is a popular spot for local teams, and there’s also a basketball court for older kids and adults to enjoy. With its combination of play areas and open fields, Freebody Park is an ideal spot for active family outings, making it a beloved community space for Newport families.

The Fifth Ward

Murphy Field

91 Carroll Ave, Newport, RI 02840

Located near Rogers High School, Murphy Field is a vibrant community hub in Newport, offering a variety of amenities for families. Designed for children aged 2 to 5, the recently updated playground features swings and two engaging play structures. Beyond playtime, the field caters to sports enthusiasts with facilities for baseball, softball, basketball, and tennis. A historic WPA-era stone slide adds a unique touch to the park’s offerings, although it’s currently closed.

Lower Thames/Wellington

King Park

125 Wellington Avenue, Newport, RI

For a delightful family outing in Newport, King Park is a top choice, offering a blend of history, natural beauty, and family-friendly amenities. The park is not only a place to play but also a piece of history—it’s the site of General Rochambeau’s Revolutionary War landing. The park’s spacious playground, complete with slides and swings, is ideal for younger children to enjoy. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront paths, where you can soak in the stunning views of the harbor, or spread out for a picnic at one of the many benches tucked throughout the park. The charming gazebo, which hosts concerts throughout the summer, adds a special touch to the park’s atmosphere. With convenient on-street parking and a serene location by the water, King Park is a welcoming escape from the bustle of the city, perfect for both relaxation and recreation.

Morton Park

42 Morton Avenue, Newport, RI

Just a few blocks past Newport’s downtown area lies a hidden gem favored by locals: Morton Park. Once the city’s oldest park, it has been recently updated to include a sprawling playground with exciting amenities like a merry-go-round, thrilling tube slides, and a challenging climbing tower. The park also features a volleyball court for some friendly competition, and its abundant shade provides the perfect refuge on warm summer days. With its expansive size and ADA accessibility, Morton Park ensures everyone can enjoy its offerings, making it a fantastic destination for families seeking both fun and relaxation in a peaceful, green setting.

Ocean Drive

Brenton Point State Park

Ocean Drive, Newport, RI

Brenton Point State Park, perched right on the Atlantic, is a dream spot for kids and parents alike. Watch waves crash dramatically against the rocky shore, then explore tide pools at low tide, where tiny crabs and other marine creatures make their home. Wide open fields invite little legs to run wild, and the steady coastal breeze makes it the perfect place for kite flying—so perfect, in fact, that the park hosts an annual kite festival every July. Easy walking trails (about 1.5 miles total) weave through stunning oceanfront scenery, and when the day winds down, the sunset over the water is pure magic. Pack a picnic, bring a kite, and settle in for an unforgettable day by the sea.

Fort Adams

80 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI

Fort Adams State Park’s Bay Walk is a perfect spot for kids to explore and take in the beauty of Narragansett Bay. This pedestrian-only path ensures a safe, relaxed stroll with no bikes or scooters, making it ideal for families with young children. Along the way, enjoy front-row views of sailboats gliding by, lighthouses in the distance, and the iconic Newport Bridge stretching across the water. Wide-open grassy lawns invite play and impromptu picnics, while the ever-changing harbor activity keeps little ones engaged. With plenty of room to roam and a refreshing coastal breeze, it’s an ideal setting for a relaxed yet adventurous family outing.

Newport’s parks are more than just playgrounds; they’re vibrant community hubs, gateways to adventure, and serene escapes that enrich the lives of families. As you explore these kid-friendly havens, you’ll discover the unique charm and natural beauty that make Newport an exceptional place to live. If you’re looking for even more family fun, be sure to check out our other blog posts, “Newport County’s Best Playgrounds: Your Local Family Fun Guide,” for additional playground gems across the county. Or, if you’re keen to explore even more of the natural beauty that surrounds us, revisit our guide, “Exploring Aquidneck Island’s Nature Trails & Parks: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.”

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