Things to Do in Warwick, RI
The best outdoor things to do in Warwick, Rhode Island centre on its bay shore: a beach, picnic and golf day at Goddard Memorial State Park, a swim at Oakland Beach or Warwick City Park, a walk through the old amusement grounds at Rocky Point State Park, a look at Conimicut Light from Conimicut Point, and Gaspee Days in historic Pawtuxet Village each May and June.
Warwick Outdoors at a Glance
Goddard Memorial State Park
Goddard is nearly 490 acres in Potowomut given to Rhode Island in 1927 and opened in 1930. RI DEM calls it the state's most popular Metropolitan Park. Free to enter, it has a saltwater beach with seasonal lifeguards, Rhode Island's only state-run golf course, 18 miles of bridle trails with guided horseback rides, 355 picnic tables (picnic areas) and the carousel pavilion for weddings and events.
Oakland Beach
A City of Warwick bay inlet beach on Oakland Beach Avenue with a summer lifeguard, restrooms, restaurants nearby and a boat ramp on Bay Avenue. Parking is charged in beach season. Oakland Beach guide.
Warwick City Park and Buttonwoods Beach
A city beach park in the Buttonwoods area with three miles of paved bicycle paths, ball fields, picnic shelters, a playground and a saltwater beach. Admission is free; beach parking is charged in season. City Park guide.
Rocky Point State Park
The former Rocky Point amusement park on Warwick Neck, reopened in 2014 as a 120-acre passive-use state park with paths, an accessible fishing pier and the arch from the 1964 World's Fair. Rocky Point guide.
Conimicut Lighthouse
Conimicut Shoal Light, a white cast-iron tower first lit in 1883 and still operating, stands offshore at the Providence Harbor end of the bay. View it from Conimicut Point Park on Point Avenue. Conimicut Lighthouse guide.
Pawtuxet Village and Gaspee Days
Pawtuxet Park on Pawtuxet Cove has a reproduction Victorian gazebo and picnic sites. Each May and June the Gaspee Days Committee fills the village with mostly free events, ending with the Gaspee Days Parade on Narragansett Parkway and the Burning of the Gaspee on the cove. Pawtuxet Village guide.
More City Parks
The City of Warwick's own list of parks adds:
- George Salter Memorial Grove — a scenic park with a public boat ramp and picnic areas overlooking Narragansett Bay. State rules close it from sunset to sunrise except with the City of Warwick's permission.
- Apponaug Park — a small park near the centre of Apponaug with the Apponaug fountain and Victorian benches.
- imPossible Dream Playground — 575 Centerville Road; open daily 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. except holidays and holiday weekends, with a suggested $1 donation per child.
- Clegg Field — a lighted softball field on Winter Avenue in Conimicut, seating about 2,000.
- Ponds — the city lists Warwick Pond, Sand Pond, Little Pond and Gorton Pond among its parks and waters.
The city's Parks and Recreation pages also list the Thayer and Warburton ice arenas and McDermott Pool; call (401) 738-2019 for schedules.
Near East Greenwich
Goddard's mailing address on RI DEM's map is East Greenwich, RI 02818, so the park is a natural first stop if you are staying in East Greenwich. Its beach, golf course and picnic groves are covered in this guide.
Planning a Warwick Day
- Beach and picnic day: Goddard, with a same-day grove site.
- History loop: Rocky Point, Conimicut Point, then Pawtuxet Village.
- Kids: Warwick City Park's playground and bike paths, or the imPossible Dream Playground.
- June weekend: Gaspee Days in Pawtuxet.
Warwick's city parks are open dawn to dusk unless posted otherwise; state parks close at sunset.
Things to Do in Warwick, RI FAQ
What is there to do in Warwick, RI?
Outdoors: Goddard Memorial State Park's beach, golf course, bridle trails and picnic groves; Oakland Beach; Warwick City Park's bike paths and beach; Rocky Point State Park; Conimicut Lighthouse; and Gaspee Days in Pawtuxet Village each May and June.
Is Goddard Park in Warwick?
Yes. Goddard Memorial State Park is nearly 490 acres in the Potowomut section of Warwick, run by RI DEM.
What free things are there to do in Warwick, RI?
Goddard Memorial State Park is free to enter, including its beach, and Rhode Island charges no entrance fee at its state parks, which includes Rocky Point. The Gaspee Days Committee says most of its events are free.
Is there a playground in Warwick, RI?
Yes. Warwick City Park has a playground, and the imPossible Dream Playground at 575 Centerville Road is open daily 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. except holidays, with a suggested $1 donation per child.