things to do with kids in rhode island
Updated Tue 10/13/2026
BRISTOL
BRISTOL ART MUSEUM
Updated
ABOUT
The Bristol Art Museum is located in Downtown Bristol, Rhode Island, at 10 Wardwell Street, behind the historic Linden Place museum. This museum serves the local East Bay and greater Rhode Island communities, emphasizing spaces that bring people together to enjoy and reflect on the beauty of both natural and human-made places. The museum is a proud member of the American Alliance of Museums and focuses on promoting the arts through rotating exhibitions and educational opportunities.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Families visiting the Bristol Art Museum can expect to see a variety of eclectic exhibitions and participate in educational programs designed for diverse audiences. The museum features community galleries at Rogers Free Library, where families can engage with art in a welcoming environment. Programs are suitable for a wide age range, including both child and adult art classes, artist workshops, and gallery talks.
GOOD TO KNOW
The Bristol Art Museum was founded in 1964 by three women from Bristol: Jill Pardee, Margaret Nerone, and Marie Perry. Initially, it operated in the ballroom of the Linden Place Estate, which opened to the public as a house museum in 1990. The museum has undergone significant renovations, including the opening of its permanent space in December 2013, and continues to offer programs year-round, enhancing the cultural life of the community.
UPCOMING EVENTS as of 10/18/2026
THIS WEEK: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 · COMING UP: THE 4 WEEKS AFTER
No dated events on our list for Bristol Art Museum right now. Most visits here need no event — check hours on their site.
Full schedule at bristolartmuseum.org/classes-950378.html →
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On nearby this week and next
Next two weeks · from our weekly check of each venue's own calendar
- SUN 10/18 — Fairy House Competition! at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum · Bristol details
- SUN 10/18 · 9:00am — Autumn Story Walk along the Resilience Garden at Barrington Government Center at Barrington Public Library · Barrington details
- SUN 10/18 · 10:00am — Lou's Pumpkin Patch at Escobar Corn Maze & Farm · Portsmouth details
- SUN 10/18 — October StoryWalk® at East Providence Public Library · East Providence details
- SUN 10/18 · 9:00am — Kids Halloween Costume Swap at East Providence Public Library · East Providence details
- MON 10/19 · 10:30am — Toddler Storytime with Miss Erin - 1st Fall Session at Rogers Free Library · Bristol details
- MON 10/19 · 10:30am — Baby Time at George Hail Free Library · Warren details
- MON 10/19 — Dial-a-Spooky Story at Barrington Public Library · Barrington details
- MON 10/19 · 4:45pm — Girl Scouts Lower Level (Ashley Murphy) at Events / Activities Calendar - Common Fence Point · Portsmouth details
- MON 10/19 — Baby Storytime at East Providence Community Events · East Providence details