On the 4th of July is when the United States celebrates their independence. It’s a great holiday with a lot of festivities, cookouts, fun time with family and friends. Many towns will host a parade or fireworks. Here is a list of 4th of July celebrations in the area.
Parades:
July 4th Block Island (New Shoreham) Legion Park – Parade starting around 11:00am at Legion Park and ends in town.
July 4th 228th 4th of July Parade, Bristol @ 10:30am – The parade will step-off at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street (Rt. 114) and ends on High Street, between State Street and Bradford Street.
Fireworks:
July 2nd & 3rd – Pawtucket Red Sox, McCoy Stadium (after the game)
July 2nd
North Kingstown – Town Beach, Beach Street 8:45pm – Rain Date 7/3/2015
July 3rd
Block Island – Town Beach Pavilion starting around 9:00pm
North Providence – Governor Nottie Park starting at 9pm. Entertainment featuring “Reminisce” – 6pm to 9pm. Food Court 6pm to 9pm.
Scituate – Hope Jackson Fire Station at Hope Park. It’s a family event! Clam cakes, burgers, hot dogs, drinks, and free chowder! Fun activities for the kids include: bounce house, face painting, shrine clowns, balloon animals, temporary tattoos, smoke trailer, glow-sticks and more starting at 5pm. Fireworks at 9pm.
Warwick – Oakland Beach Seawall starting at 9pm.
East Providence – Pierce Memorial Stadium, Mercer Street. Gates open at 6pm, concert featuring “Crushed Velvet” & “Kicking Hole” followed by fireworks at 9pm! – Rain Date: 7/5/2015
Bristol – Independence Park at approximately 9:30pm
July 4th
Narragansett – The Independence Day Beach Party festivities will start mid-day with fun filled activities taking place on the beach, including face painting and building sandcastles with Sandtasia. Brass Force will be playing 5pm – 7pm on the deck at the North Beach Clubhouse. Fireworks at dusk.
Cumberland – Tucker Field Mendon Road starting at 9pm
Wakefield/South Kingstown – Old Mountain Field – 875 Kingstown Road, Wakefield. Live Entertainment & Food at 5:30pm, Fireworks 9:00pm – Rain Date 7/5/2015
Woonsocket – World War II Memorial Park – Entertainment begins at 7pm and Fireworks begin at 9pm
Newport – Newport Harbor – Viewing locations are Newport Harbor, Fort Adams, the waterfront and on the docks. Fireworks 9pm.
July 5th
Smithfield – Bryant University – Campus opens to the public at 6pm. The Navy Band will perform at 8pm and Fireworks at 9pm.
Jamestown – East Ferry Beach – The show will be viewable from the entirety of East Ferry beach, which is in downtown Jamestown on Canonicus Avenue. Parking is available along Canonicus Avenue, Narragansett Avenue – Fireworks starting at 9pm
Providence – India Point Park, Celebration begins at 7:30pm – RI Philharmonic Orchestra Summer Pops and Fireworks 9:15pm
Rhode Island is known for the beauty of each season, but it is undeniable that this little state really heats during the summer months! Hop a bus, catch a ferry or pitch a tent, this is just the beginning of a hot summer in Rhode Island. Without further adieu, here is a list of 24 summer activities:
1. Sip on Summer with Del’s: No summer day is cooled off in a more Rhode Island fashion than with a Del’s lemonade. If you are in a hot spot, you can rest assured that somewhere close by you will find a Del’s truck or stand. If not, you can take a short ride to the nearest Del’s location. Learn more about Del’s here!
2. Cool Down with a Cone: Rhode Island has a host of great ice cream shops that pride themselves on homemade delicious ice cream. It is likely that where ever you are enjoying the summer, there is a place close by to grab a scoop. Here are a few of our favorites.
3. Visit a Clam Shack: As early as I can remember, there was always a common question from the travelers…”where can I get chowda’ and clam cakes?” Rhode Island is known for this staple and certainly offers many locations. Here are a few of our favorites!
4. Al Fresco Dining: Of course, we are not called the Ocean State for nothing. There are plenty of restaurants that offer salty air dining as well as others that allow for the sights and sounds of the city. And, still others that offer a country vibe or a lakeside view. Here is a list of places to dine outside the walls.
7. Beach It: This goes without saying. A summer tradition in Rhode Island involves a suntan and a healthy dose of salt water. There are many beaches to choose from, some secluded and some that hop like a nightclub in the sand. Here is a list of Rhode Island’s beaches.
8. Visit an Island: Rhode Island, although not an island by definition, is home to a few islands that can make your summer memorable. Hop a ferry and head over to Block Island for a real summer experience. As their tagline says, “just leave your worries behind”, and get on the boat. There is definitely a carefree vibe that permeates Block Island. You can also cross a bridge to Jamestown where you will get a real local feeling. There is not a chain business to be found here. You will be able to eat and shop at some incredible local stores and restaurants. Head over another bridge and find your way to Newport, arguably one of Rhode Island’s biggest draws. Great food, sailing, activities, historical locations, concerts and so much more can be found all season long in Newport. By boat, you can explore a number of other islands. For example, Rose Island, Prudence Island, Hog Island, Goat Island, Dutch Island and perhaps your own undiscovered island.
9. Catch a FREE Concert: Wherever you are in the state, there is a FREE concert series happening nearby. These free concerts allow you an inexpensive way to enjoy Rhode Island and its favorite musicians. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket or lawn chair and prepare for a night out that will not wreak havoc on your wallet. Here is a complete guide to the free outdoor concerts!
10. Waterfire: No summer season is complete without experiencing the wonder of Waterfire in Providence. The entire city is booming with excitement around this event. Providence is best enjoyed when illuminated by the stunning display of Waterfire! Here is a detailed schedule of events.
12. Farmer’s Market: Rhode Island is bursting with local farms that produce locally raised and harvested goods. These farms are showcased at one of RI’s many farmer’s markets. Enjoy the local flavor of Rhode Island by stopping by a local farmer’s market. Here is a list of when and where you can find the markets.
13. Giggle!: Did you know that Rhode Island can be really funny? Well, if you attend one of the great upcoming acts, you will know what the laugh is all about. The Newport Comedy Series has moved to a beautiful location, The Hyatt in Newport. The hottest acts will be gracing the stage and will have your face hurting from laughter. The complete lineup is here. Additionally, you can head to East Providence and catch a laugh at the Comedy Connection. There is something hysterical happening most nights of the week. View the schedule here.
15. Meals on Wheels: Food Trucks have moved far beyond the days of the “roach coach.” In fact, there are entire evenings dedicated to consuming the goods of the local food trucks. Here are a few links to guide you to your next meal on wheels:
16. Take a Hike: Well not really, don’t go anywhere…keep reading! Beauty abounds in Rhode Island and one of the best ways to enjoy it is to put yourself right in the middle of it. Take a hike at any of the beautiful refuges, parks and the like. Here is a link that will help you plan the places your feet will take you.
17. Tour a Vineyard: The perfect way to unwind in the summer often includes wine! Why not take a tour of one of the picturesque vineyards in RI? Here are a few to get you started:
19. Why Buy when you can RENT: There are a boatload of locations in Rhode Island where you can rent your recreational equipment. From paddle boarding to scootering around…you can rent just about everything and anything in the way of water sports. Here are a few locations that offer rentals:
20. Catch a Game: The Paw Sox have been delighting fans near and far and are a prominent sign that summer is underway in the Ocean State. Do yourself a favor and catch a game at the original Paw Sox Stadium this sultry season. The complete schedule is here. You can also catch the Ocean State Waves for an exciting ball game which features some awesome talent. Here is their schedule. The Newport Gulls are also a local favorite and it is certainly worth catching a few of their games this season. Here is the schedule.
21. Hop on a Bus: Let someone else do the driving and see the state by way of a bus. There are several types of guided
The Rhode Island Brew Bus
tours available through Experience Rhode Island. You can also hop aboard the infamous Rhode Island Brew Bus and take a tour of the state’s local breweries. If you are just not up for driving, board the RIPTA and choose your destination. Mr. Narragansett himself will be giving guided trolley tours on Wednesdays, details here. Newport also offers the classic trolley as an option, details here. Providence and Newport are also home to the pedicab mode of transport. Check out Sol Chariots in Providence or Newport Pedicab to see the area in a environmentally friendly way!
22. Pitch a Tent: The coastline is no doubt an alluring destination in the summer. However, leave the coast by only minutes and you can take solace in the outdoor refuge provided by the local campgrounds. This is an affordable, albeit a rustic way, to enjoy Rhode Island. Here is a list of campgrounds in Rhode Island.
23. Sip Seaside: Bring your sand and your sunburns to these favorite local beach bars. Nothing says summer like a frozen concoction, typically decorated in sweet fruits. Here are a few beach bars that will welcome you, your sand and your tan-lines. Click here for the complete list.
24. Get Artsy: This state seems to have something in the water that breeds local artists. You would be remiss to pass over the local art galleries and museums that you can find in this little state. Here is a search to help you on your artistic venture.
Father’s Day will be celebrated on June 21 this year. Dads love handmade gifts from their children. You’ll find lots of great Father’s Day projects here on the Au Pair in America Pinterest Pinboard: Father’s Day Ideas
We have a simple saying: “Use your head, wear a helmet.” It is the single most effective safety device available to reduce head injury and death from bicycle crashes.
Find the Right Helmet Fit
Make sure your child has the right size helmet and wears it every time when riding, skating or scooting. Your children’s helmet should meet the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s standards. When it’s time to purchase a new helmet, let your children pick out their own; they’ll be more likely to wear them for every ride.
EYES check: Position the helmet on your head. Look up and you should see the bottom rim of the helmet. The rim should be one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows.
EARS check: Make sure the straps of the helmet form a “V” under your ears when buckled. The strap should be snug but comfortable.
MOUTH check: Open your mouth as wide as you can. Do you feel the helmet hug your head? If not, tighten those straps and make sure the buckle is flat against your skin.
Use Appropriate Helmets for Different Activities
Children should always wear a helmet for all wheeled sports activities.
A properly-fitted bike helmet is just as effective when riding a scooter, roller skating or in-line skating.
When skateboarding and long boarding, make sure your child wears a skateboarding helmet.
Proper Equipment and Maintenance Are Important
Ensure proper bike fit by bringing the child along when shopping for a bike. Select one that is the right size for the child, not one he or she will grow into.
When children are sitting on the seat of the bicycle, their feet should be able to touch the ground.
Before the ride, make sure the reflectors are secure, brakes work properly, gears shift smoothly, and tires are tightly secured and properly inflated.
Long or loose clothing can get caught in bike chains or wheel spokes. Dress young kids appropriately to ensure a safe ride.
Keep an Eye Out
Actively supervise children until you’re comfortable that they are responsible to ride on their own.
Every child is different, but developmentally, it can be hard for kids to judge speed and distance of cars until age 10, so limit riding to sidewalks (although be careful for vehicles in driveways), parks or bike paths until age 10. No matter where you ride, teach your child to stay alert and watch for cars and trucks.
Children should be able to demonstrate riding competence and knowledge of the rules of the road before cycling with traffic.
Model and Teach Good Behavior
You’d be surprised how much kids learn from watching you, so it’s extra important for parents to model proper behavior. Wear a helmet, even if you didn’t when you were a kid.
Teach your kids to make eye contact with drivers. Bikers should make sure drivers are paying attention and are going to stop before they cross the street.
Tell your kids to ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against it. Stay as far to the right as possible. Use appropriate hand signals and respect traffic signals, stopping at all stop signs and stoplights.
Stop and look left, right and left again before entering a street or crossing an intersection. Look back and yield to traffic coming from behind before turning left.
Be Bright, Use Lights
When riding at dusk, dawn or in the evening, be bright and use lights – and make sure your bike has reflectors as well. It’s also smart to wear clothes and accessories that have retro-reflective materials to improve biker visibility to motorists.
Most states require a front light but allow the use of a rear reflector. Headlights aren’t so much for bicyclists to see where they are going but for others to see them. Riding without a headlight means drivers won’t see you, and surprising motorists is never a good idea.
1. Sip on Summer with Del’s: No summer day is cooled off in a more Rhode Island fashion than with a Del’s lemonade. If you are in a hot spot, you can rest assured that somewhere close by you will find a Del’s truck or stand. If not, you can take a short ride to the nearest Del’s location. Learn more about 
5. Tour a Brewery: Not only does this little state do food well, Rhode Island is also booming with a host of local craft brewers. The beauty is, they offer tours and samplings for you to enjoy the fruits of their labor. 
is booming with excitement around this event. Providence is best enjoyed when illuminated by the stunning display of Waterfire! 
19. Why Buy when you can RENT: There are a boatload of locations in Rhode Island where you can rent your recreational equipment. From paddle boarding to scootering around…you can rent just about everything and anything in the way of water sports. Here are a few locations that offer rentals:
