Kid-Friendly Fun: Turnpike Avenue Playground and Sandy Point Beach

Where can I take the kids today? How about the Turnpike Avenue Playground and Sandy Point Beach?

Turnpike Avenue Playground

The is a lovely place to take the kids for an hour or two of play, offering over an acre and a half of land to run around, a baseball diamond, swing sets and a jungle gym, as well as a neighboring horse farm for the curious animal lovers.

Constructed in October 1988 by residents and friends of the Portsmouth community, it is conveniently located near the center of town and close to the Portsmouth Free Public Library, which is a nice option before or after the playground. With beautifully shaded spaces under a couple of perfectly placed trees, this is a great option for a family afternoon picninc.

Meghan Klassner, who has been enjoying the playground since she was a kid growing up in Portsmouth, brings her children here a few times a week for many reasons, but most importantly, "the playground is far enough back from the road that if the kids run out towards it, there is plenty of a saftey net to catch them before they can get hurt."

The playground is located on Turnpike Avenue and is open from dusk to dawn.

Sandy Point Beach

Located on the shores of the Sakonnet River, , with its shallow, sandy shoreline, is a perfect place for families to gather and a great place for young children learning how to swim.

Susan Yoshihara of Portsmouth, who brings her daughter Teresa Marie, who is not yet 2, says, "this beach is so very kid friendly. There are virtually no waves to get knocked down by. There are always nice families here and lots of room to spread out."

Jay and Siobhan Bogosian, who are here with their daughter Sydney for a late afternoon swim, love this beach and consider it their "after work beach," where they can come and relax. "We especially like to come here on Friday nights," said Jay. "We meet other families here from Sydney's day care center, order pizza, which they deliver to the beach, and just picnic with our friends."

The beach, located at the end of Sandy Point Avenue, is free to town residents with either a current transfer station sticker or a free sticker provided upon proof of residency by the town clerk's office.

The beach, equipped with changing rooms, restroom facilities and picnic tables, is open dusk to dawn. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekend and during the week when school is not in session.

Cost of admission for nonresidents is $7 during the week and $12 on weekends, or $50 for the season. The town clerk's office offers nonresident season stickers and accepts cash only.