Family Friendly Outdoor Events This February Vacation

NEWPORT, RI — February vacation is fast approaching for students across Rhode Island, and if you're looking for something fun to do, the Department of Environmental Management is offering a full slate of activities, with something for the entire family.

The department is encouraging Rhode Island families to get outside this winter break, holding guided tours of Fort Adams, bird watching, letter-boxing and more, part of an effort to promote outdoor recreation and exercise, offering families an alternative to a week of smart phones, social media and video games.

"Rhode Island state parks and conservation areas are some of the best places to explore diverse ecosystems, see native flora and fauna, and have fun," said Janet Coit, the department's director. "We’re excited to offer this full lineup of activities for school vacation week. I encourage children and families to come out and learn about the fascinating natural world all around them. Terrific!"

Rhode Island is home to many beautiful public areas, including bike paths, parks, beaches and more. The Outdoor Industry Association reported that outdoor recreation in the state generates about $2.4 billion in consumer spending and 24,000 jobs each year.

The department reminded residents that it's still hunting season in Rhode Island until Feb. 29. Anyone using state management areas, including hunters, are required to wear 200 square inches of solid daylight-fluorescent orange material above the waist, visible from all directions.

The schedule of events is listed below.

Guided tours of Fort Adams

• Feb. 15 to Feb. 23
• 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
• Fort Adams State Park, Newport
• Guided tours of Fort Adams will be offered daily at noon and 2 PM during school vacation week. Tours begin at the park visitor center. Tickets/ admission fee required for entry. Tours are weather-dependent; patrons may call the Fort Adams gift shop at 401-619-5790 for schedule updates.

Self-guided tours of Eisenhower House

• Feb. 17
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Fort Adams State Park, Newport
• Explore this stately mansion in Fort Adams State Park that served as the summer White House of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Built in 1873, Eisenhower House commands breathtaking views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. For more information email Bruce.thompson@dem.ri.gov.

Winter nature expedition at Goddard Park

• Feb. 19
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Goddard Memorial State Park, Warwick
• Whether snow or shine, join DEM’s Division of Parks and Recreation for a winter nature expedition at beautiful Goddard Park, home to 300 varieties of trees and beautiful scenic vistas. Discover new ways to identify plants and animals using free apps that can be downloaded to your smart phone. Bring your camera to capture the beauty of nature in winter. If there’s snow, feel free to bring cross-country skis or snow shoes! Enter through the main entrance gate and drive straight to parking area near the beach and Carousel Performing Arts Center. For more information email Cynthia.elder@dem.ri.gov.

Youth fly-tying workshops

• Feb. 19
• 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Lincoln Woods State Park Nature Center, Lincoln
• Designed for youths 10 and over, each 2-hour session will immerse participants in the arts of knot-tying and fly-tying for freshwater fishing. All equipment and fly-tying materials will be provided. Registration is required and each session is limited to 20 participants. To register send your name and contact information to Madison.proulx.INT@dem.ri.gov.

Nature hike and tree identification at Arcadia Management Area

• Feb. 20
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Arcadia Management Area, Hopkinton/Richmond/Exeter
• DEM’s Division of Forest Environment will host a guided hike in the 14,000-acre Arcadia Management Area, which is the state’s largest recreation area for hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Participants will learn about forests, hiking and trail etiquette, warm water fisheries, wildlife, and how to identify trees in winter. The guided hike will depart from the parking area at Browning Mill Pond off Arcadia Road. For more information email William.walker@dem.ri.gov.

Winter nature expedition at Burlingame Campground

• Feb. 21
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m
• Burlingame State Park, Charlestown
• Snow or shine, join DEM’s Division of Parks and Recreation for a winter nature expedition at Burlingame State Campground and catch a rare glimpse of this 3,100-acre campground in winter, with stunning views of Watchaug Pond and rocky woodlands. Discover new ways to identify plants and animals using free apps that can be downloaded to your smart phone. Bring your camera to capture the beauty of nature in winter. If there’s snow, feel free to bring cross-country skis or snow shoes! Participants will meet in the parking lot near the front office at the main entrance. For more information email Cynthia.elder@dem.ri.gov.

Come Birding with Me!

• Feb. 22
• 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Beavertail State Park, Jamestown
• Join the RI Division of Fish and Wildlife for its 4th annual, family-friendly, winter birding adventure at Beavertail State Park. Novice and experienced birdwatchers will learn all about Rhode Island's migratory sea ducks and how to identify these super cool birds. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and warm clothes with lots of layers including mittens, hats, and scarves, and bring binoculars if they have them. Registration is required. To sign up, visit https://forms.gle/bnvk1bKCPMnEQpNTA.

Self-directed activity – Letterboxing in State Parklands

• Ongoing starting Feb. 14
• State Parks across Rhode Island
• Discover the fun of letterboxing with your family. This intriguing “treasure hunt”-style outdoor activity challenges you to find hidden letterboxes in publicly accessible places, like parks. There are around 90,000 letterboxes hidden across North America. Starting Feb. 14, RI State Parks will join the fun by hiding letterboxes in many state parks. All you need is a notepad and a rubber stamp. You’ll find the clues for each letterbox at www.letterboxing.org; enter “RI State Parks” in the “Search by Letterbox Name” to find letterboxes in state parks. Each letterbox contains a log book, a rubber stamp, and an ink pad. When you find the letterbox, use your stamp to leave your mark in the letterbox log book, and stamp your own log book with the letterbox stamp. Try to collect all the state park stamps! For more information email Cynthia.elder@dem.ri.gov.