NK Patch Guide To Summer Fun

Summer is well underway and we're all ready for some fun in the sun! Whether it's kayaking through Wickford Harbor or relaxing on the beach, North Kingstown and the surrounding communities offer some awesome ideas and events for a day out with the family.

• Kayak Rentals

on 9 Philips St. in North Kingstown or at its location in Charlestown rents kayaks for patrons to explore Wickford Harbor or Ninigret Pond for the day. Open to paddlers of all ages. 

For more information, contact 401-295-4400 or funn@kayakcentre.com

Price: $28-$80.

Weekly Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

•   Summer Concert Series in Wickford
  

The North Kingstown Arts Council presents every Tuesday at 7 p.m. throughout the summer at the Town Wharf behind 55 Brown St. in Wickford. The concerts are open to the public. Bring your own seating. 

The following is a list of concerts scheduled. 

July 26:  Country Heartbeat (country music)

Aug. 2: White Eyed Lizard Band (Calypso)

Aug. 9: Avenue A (swing, dixie and jazz)

Aug. 16: Ten Rod Ramblers (folk rock) 

For more information, visit www.nkartscouncil.org/Concerts.html or contact the North Kingstown Arts Council at 401-294-3331 ext. 241.

•  Casey Farm

Located at 2325 Boston Neck Road in Saunderstown, is one of the original plantation farms from the Colonial era. Guided tours of the property are offered, including the farmyard and cemetery, where six generations of Caseys are buried.

The farm is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for students

Contact 401-295-1030 for more information or visit their website.

• Bike Trails

begins at the Kingston Train Station and ends at Route 108 in Wakefield and is 5.6 miles long. There are benches, playgrounds, and scenic stops along the way. There are several entrances throughout so that bikers, walkers, and joggers can enter and exit the trail at different points.

For area maps of all of the bike trails in Rhode Island go to the DOT's website.

• The Beach

The beach is a great place for people of all ages! 

East Matunuck State Beach, at 950 Succotash Road in Wakefield. Contact 401-789-8585 for more information and parking rates. 

Scarborough State Beach, North & South at 870 and 970 Ocean Road in Narragansett. Contact Scarborough North Beach at  401- 789-2324 and Scarborough South Beach at 401-782-1319 for more information. 

, at 39 Boston Neck Road in Narragansett. Contact 401-782-0658 for more information. 

, at 15 Beach St. in North Kingstown. Contact 401-294-3331 for more information. 

• Summer Reading Programs

At the , , and , there are reading programs happening all summer for readers of every age. 

The summer reading program for children runs from July 5 to Aug. 19 at the Kingston Free Library and the Peace Dale library, and from July 5 to Aug. 9 at the Robert Beverly Hale Library. 

Visit www.skpl.org for more information on how to get involved in the summer reading programs. 

•  33rd Annual South County Hot Air Balloon Festival

Reported to be on of Rhode Island’s top 20 events, there is fun for the whole family at the ! Fireworks, music, hot air balloon rides and carnival rides are just a few of the activities for families this year. 

Located at the University of Rhode Island Kingston Campus, 2600 Kingstown Road, in Kingston (Athletic Fields) from July 22 to 24.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 14 and under, and $25 for families. 

For more information, visit http://southcountyballoonfest.com/.