Block Island with kids works better than you’d expect. The island is small enough that nothing feels overwhelming, the beaches are genuinely exceptional, and the pace is slow in the way that actually lets families relax rather than rush from activity to activity. There are no theme parks, no big-box entertainment — what Block Island offers families is the rare thing: a place where kids rediscover what it’s like to be bored, then figure out what to do about it. Hermit crabs, bikes, ice cream, salt air, and more beach time than anyone thought they wanted.
Here’s how to do a Block Island family trip well.
Why Block Island Works for Families
Manageable size. The whole island is seven square miles. Nothing is far. You can’t get lost. Kids can have independence without parents worrying.
Beaches that are actually great. Crescent Beach and Fred Benson Town Beach are wide, sandy, calm-water beaches with lifeguard coverage during the summer season — genuinely one of the best family beach setups in New England.
No cars (mostly). Getting around by bike means kids aren’t confined to back seats. Block Island is one of the rare places where the whole family biking everywhere is a realistic plan, not a fantasy.
Low stimulation, high engagement. No screens competing for attention, no malls, no lines. Kids discover they’re actually interested in tidal pools, fishing, kayaking, and exploring on their own.
Best Beaches for Families on Block Island
Crescent Beach / Fred Benson Town Beach
This is the default family beach on Block Island and the right call. The north-facing crescent bay is protected from the prevailing southwest wind, which keeps wave action calmer than the south shore. The sandy bottom slopes gently, making it appropriate for younger swimmers. Lifeguards are on duty in summer.
What’s here: Lifeguard coverage, bathrooms, concessions (snacks, drinks), bike racks, volleyball nets.
Walk from Old Harbor: About 5 minutes on foot heading north.
Best for: Younger kids, swimming families, full-day beach days with amenities.
Scotch Beach
A quieter alternative on the southeast side of the island. No lifeguards, fewer amenities, but also fewer people. Good for families with older kids who want a calmer scene.
Mansion Beach
On the east side, a beautiful stretch of sand accessible by a short trail through conservation land. More remote feel — bring everything you need because there are no facilities. Worth the effort for families who want a less crowded beach experience.
Getting Around with Kids
Bikes are the primary transportation. Bike rentals are available at the harbor in multiple sizes, including kids’ bikes, tagalongs, and bike trailers for toddlers. Renting bikes as a family is both the practical and the iconic Block Island experience.
The terrain is hilly — not punishing, but real. Corn Neck Road to the north end is relatively flat. Mohegan Trail to the south has more elevation. Factor in your kids’ ages and conditioning.
Taxis and rideshares exist on the island for when legs give out or weather turns. Ask at the harbor or have a number saved.
On foot: Old Harbor, Crescent Beach, and the central part of the island are walkable. For the bluffs and more remote areas, bikes or taxis are helpful.
Top Activities for Families on Block Island
Mohegan Bluffs and Southeast Lighthouse
The Mohegan Bluffs are Block Island’s most dramatic natural feature — 200-foot clay cliffs above the Atlantic, with a wooden staircase descending to a wild beach below. Older kids and teens will love this; the 141-step climb back up is a real workout. The Southeast Lighthouse next door is photogenic and worth the stop.
Good for: Kids 8 and up who are reasonably fit. Skip the staircase descent for younger children; the view from the top is excellent on its own.
North Lighthouse and Sachem Pond
The north end of Block Island has a lighthouse at the end of a long sandy spit, accessible by biking up Corn Neck Road (roughly 4 miles from Old Harbor) and then walking across the beach. The dunes, the lighthouse, and Sachem Pond — a freshwater pond behind the dunes — make for a full-day adventure. The pond is calm and warm for swimming; the lighthouse is a destination.
Good for: All ages. The bike ride is the adventure.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
The Great Salt Pond is ideal for family paddling — calm, enclosed, and forgiving. Tandem kayaks fit a parent and younger child. Older kids can handle their own kayak with brief instruction. Kayak and SUP rentals are available at New Harbor.
Good for: Kids 5 and up in tandems; independent paddling for 10+.
Greenway Trail System and Nature Preserves
Block Island has an extensive network of walking trails through nature preserves managed by the Block Island Land Trust. Rodman’s Hollow — a glacial outwash plain on the south side of the island — has easy trails through a dramatic natural bowl that kids find genuinely interesting. The trails are short enough that young children can handle them without meltdown.
Good for: All ages, including stroller-pushable sections near some trailheads.
Fishing
Block Island’s fishing is exceptional, and kids often take to it immediately. Options for families:
- Bottom fishing for fluke from a charter: A 4-hour morning trip targeting fluke (summer flounder) is beginner-friendly, fish are catchable, and the action is consistent enough to hold a child’s attention.
- Fishing from the harbor: Casual fishing from public docks in Old Harbor for snapper blues and small bass is free and requires minimal gear.
- Crabbing in tidal pools: Less fishing, more foraging — kids can spend hours in the rocky tidal pools catching hermit crabs, periwinkles, and the occasional small crab.
Ice Cream and Harbor Time
Not every activity needs to be planned. Block Island’s Old Harbor area has ice cream shops, a waterfront promenade, souvenir shops, and a constant stream of boats arriving and departing. This is legitimately entertaining for younger kids and a good decompression activity after active mornings.
Staying on Block Island with Kids
Most Block Island accommodations accommodate families. A few things to consider:
Inn vs. cottage/rental: For families with young children, a cottage or vacation rental with a kitchen is a significant quality-of-life upgrade over an inn. Kids can eat breakfast on their schedule, nap without worrying about other guests, and use the kitchen for snacks and simple meals. Check rental platforms for Block Island cottage options — many work with weekly rentals in peak season.
Book early. Block Island accommodations book out months in advance for July and August. Planning in June or September instead of peak summer has significant advantages: lower prices, easier availability, and fewer crowds.
Day trip considerations: Block Island works as a day trip from Point Judith for families with older kids. With younger children, an overnight is a more realistic structure — the ferry ride, a full beach day, and the return trip is a long day for little ones.
Packing for a Block Island Family Trip
- Reef-safe sunscreen: Apply before you leave your accommodation; reapply every 2 hours
- Rashguards for kids: Significant sun exposure all day
- Multiple swimsuits: Wet suits make everyone miserable for the rest of the day
- Water shoes: For rocky beach access and tidal pool exploration
- Light layers for evening: The breeze off the water cools down fast after sunset
- Rain layer: Weather on an island is variable; a light packable rain jacket takes up no space
- Small dry bag: For phones, snacks, wallets on the beach and boats
- Reusable water bottles: Stay hydrated; buying water bottles all day adds up
Getting to Block Island with Kids
The ferry is the standard approach, and it’s part of the experience. The ferry from Point Judith, RI is the most common option — 55 minutes on the high-speed passenger ferry. Book tickets in advance in summer; the ferries fill on weekend mornings. Kids generally love the boat ride.
There’s also a ferry from New London, CT (about 2 hours) that works well for Connecticut and New York-area families.
Block Island State Airport has scheduled service from multiple Northeast cities — a faster option for families who want to minimize travel time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Block Island safe for young children?
Very. The island is small, traffic is minimal, and the main family beach has lifeguards. The biggest hazards are sun exposure and the rough water on the south shore — both easily managed with attention.
What age is Block Island good for?
All ages have a good time, but the experience gets notably better for kids around 5–6 when they can be more active participants in biking, kayaking, and exploring. Toddlers do well at the beach; teens tend to love the freedom and outdoor activities.
Can you take a stroller to Block Island?
Yes. The main village area and Crescent Beach are navigable with a stroller. The Greenway trails and Mohegan Bluffs staircase are not stroller-accessible.
Is Block Island worth it as a family day trip?
If you’re coming from the Point Judith ferry (55 minutes), yes — it’s doable as a day trip. An overnight gives you a qualitatively different experience, especially with the time pressure of catching a return ferry.
What’s the best month for a Block Island family trip?
Late June and early September offer the best combination of good weather, beach-appropriate temperatures, manageable crowds, and (in September) lower accommodation prices. July is peak summer but also peak crowds and prices.
