Why Winter's Better In Charlestown: Beat The Blues With These Local Picks

Winter may be here, but the fun doesn’t slow down in Charlestown. From family outings to seasonal events and easy day trips, there’s plenty around town to keep your calendar full. Just remember to double-check hours, weather updates and ticket details before heading out. And if you want even more local winter ideas, keep scrolling — you’ll find a way to get personalized suggestions based on what you love to do.

Boss Ice Arena

Address: 1 Keaney Road, Kingston, RI 02881
Phone: (401) 874-4988
Details: Located on the University of Rhode Island campus, Boss Ice Arena offers public skating sessions alongside hockey programs, figure skating and lessons throughout the season. The rink is a great spot for both casual drop-in skates and more structured ice time, depending on your interests and experience level. Public skate hours and specialty sessions are updated regularly on the arena’s calendar.

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

Address: Ninigret Park, 62 Park Lane, Charlestown, RI 02813
Phone: (401) 859-1450
Details: Frosty Drew Observatory offers a rare chance to explore the night sky through public telescope viewing and astronomy programs, even during the winter months. Clear-sky nights allow visitors to view planets, stars and deep-space objects, while indoor programs and talks add context to what’s overhead. Viewing nights and program schedules are posted on the observatory’s events page.

The Fantastic Umbrella Factory

Address: 4820 Old Post Road, Charlestown, RI 02813
Phone: (401) 364-1060
Details: Open on weekends through January and February, the Fantastic Umbrella Factory blends shopping, art and indoor exploration into a one-of-a-kind stop. Indoor shops, galleries and studios make it easy to browse and linger during colder weather, while cafés and creative spaces round out the experience. Seasonal hours and shop listings are available on the Factory’s website.

Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge

Address: 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813
Phone: (401) 364-9124
Details: Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge offers open space and quiet trails for winter walks, birdwatching and time outdoors without the crowds. The refuge’s mix of grasslands, wetlands and coastal habitat attracts seasonal wildlife, making visits feel different throughout the year.

Whalers Brewing Company

Address: 1174 Kingstown Road, South Kingstown, RI 02879
Phone: (401) 552-0002
Details: Whalers Brewing Company provides a relaxed indoor taproom where visitors can sample a rotating lineup of Rhode Island–made beers. Seasonal releases and small-batch offerings keep the menu changing, while the casual setting encourages lingering rather than rushing through a visit. For even more fun, stop by during one of the brewery’s many events, from trivia nights to live music performances to pop-up food truck visits.

Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium

Address: 23 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
Phone: (401) 324-6020
Details: Less than 30 miles away in Newport, Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium offers an indoor, hands-on look at marine life from Narragansett Bay. Touch tanks, interactive exhibits and educational displays, along with sensory-inclusive offerings, make it an easy winter outing for families and curious adults alike. Hours and pricing information can be found on the aquarium’s website.

Yawgoo Valley

Address: 160 Yawgoo Valley Road, Exeter, RI 02822
Phone: (401) 294-3802
Details: Yawgoo Valley keeps winter recreation close to home with plenty of opportunities to “ski, ride and slide” through the snow. Rentals and lessons make skiing approachable even for first-timers, while tubing lanes (slated to reopen mid-January) offer a low-pressure way to enjoy the snow. For the most up-to-date information, check Yawgoo Valley’s real-time operations report page before hitting the slopes.

Maury Loontjens Memorial Library

Address: 25 Pier Marketplace, Narragansett, RI 02882
Phone: (401) 789-9507
Details: While Charlestown’s library is temporarily closed for renovations (through Jan. 26), the nearby Maury Loontjens Memorial Library in Narragansett offers a welcoming alternative. In addition to books and media, the library hosts regular events, workshops and community programs throughout the year. Visit the library events page to see what’s going on during your next visit.

Want ideas that fit your family and your budget? Enter your ZIP code and preferences — kid-friendly, outdoor, educational and more — for winter getaway recommendations made for you.

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