Ice Skating

Take some time to go to a Providence winter favorite, Providence Rink, for a relaxing skate. Pack some hot chocolate and your skates, pick up a friend, and revel in the winter chill. As a bonus, if you are looking for a fun New Year’s treat, the rink will be open until 1 am New Year’s Eve!

2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI. (401) 331-5544.

Photo: Mass Office of Travel and Tourism/flickr

State Parks

There are plenty of great state parks in Rhode Island that are perfect for the winter season. Try Goddard Memorial Park in Warwick to do some cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and ice skating; or Lincoln Woods State Park in Lincoln for ice skating or a quiet winter walk.

Snow Tubing

Bring your family and friends along for an action packed day of winter fun at Yawgoo Valley Ski Area and Sports Park, Rhode Island’s only ski resort. Spend the day enjoying winter favorites like skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more.

160 Yawgoo Valley Road, Exeter, RI. (401) 294-3802.

Snowshoeing

Try your hand at an offbeat winter sport: snowshoeing! Besides getting out of the house and experiencing the natural beauty of the Rhode Island winter, you will also get your exercise in and definitely work up a sweat. Try Pardon Gray Preserve in Tiverton!

Tiverton, RI. (401) 625-1300.

Photo: Denali NPS/Flickr

Meditating

Recuperate your body and soul after the stress of the holiday season with some meditation. Providence Shambhala Center invites you to learn to meditate for free on Sundays from 10 am to noon and Wednesday evenings from 5:30-6:45 pm. Enjoy the silence!

541 Pawtucket Avenue, Providence, RI. (617) 903-SMCP.

Sparkle

Take one last look at Blithewold this Friday evening. Sparkle features holiday fun for the entire family. Highlights include roasting marshmallows, warm hot cocoa, and gorgeous illuminated gardens that SPARKLE!

101 Ferry Road, Bristol, RI. (401) 253-2707.

Winter Swim

Spend your New Year’s Day freezing your behind off for a great cause. Participate in the 3rd Annual Winter Wish Swim at Colt State Park. The cost is $20 for each people who dips into the frigid waters, and includes a commemorative t-shirt with more chances to win sweet prizes. Proceeds benefit Children’s Wishes.

Route 114, Bristol, RI. (401) 253-7482.

Photo: schumin web/flickr

Zoo fun

Head out to Roger Williams Zoo to spend a day with some of your favorite animals. See some animals that thrive in winter conditions at Winter Wonder Days. Through January and February, enjoy half priced admission into the zoo.

1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI. (401) 941-4998.

Stargazing

Sometimes there’s nothing better than looking into the frigid winter sky to gaze upon shining stars, constellations, and more astrological wonders. Join the folks at Frosty Drew Observatory in Charlestown to do just that. Every Friday night, the observatory hosts public stargazing events for an opportunity to see planets, the moon and more. This event is FREE, but donations are appreciated.

62 Park Lane, Charlestown, RI. (401) 364-9508.

Train Ride

Take a holiday train ride through Newport! Through the end of the year, hop aboard one of Old Colony & Newport Scenic Railway’s comfortable, heated trains for a Holiday Scenic Tour. This will be sure to be a ride to remember.

19 Americas Cup Avenue, Newport, RI. (401) 849-0546.