A New England winter guarantee: When snow comes down, kids’ energy levels go up. On snowy outings, there are a lot of moving parts for parents to corral from where to go and what to wear to different ideas of what it means to “sled” for different ages. With that in mind, Rhody Ramble has done the research on a selection of local spots for sledding and winter play, for all different types of aficionados. Armed with an arsenal of places to go, it’s also nice to have a warm spot to duck into. We’ve included some nearby historic sites with offerings for adults and kids alike. A perfect indoor addition to your afternoon adventure – warm up your toes and explore a little Rhode Island history!
PROVIDENCE
Roger Williams Park, 1000 Elmwood Ave, PVD
The hills near the Temple to Music are a great spot. From shallow to fairly steep, you’ll find a variety. Note of caution: It’s not recommended to sled on the hills near the Elmwood Ave. Entrance/ Betsey Williams Cottage, as the landing is very close to the roadway. Warm up: Right next door is the Museum of Natural History, open daily; and depending on the day/time, the Roger Williams Park Conservancy may be renting sleds and providing free hot chocolate. Check for details: facebook.com/rwpconservancy.
Neutaconkanut Hill, Legion Memorial Dr, PVD
The slopes are long and wide, so sledders can pick up a lot of momentum. Trees do dot the baseline, so make sure to warn dare-devils. Warm up: Experience what it was like to live at the end of the 18th century (without the chill-factor) by visiting The John Brown House, 15 minutes away and open every Saturday from 10am to 4pm. For bookish types and story time, warm up in Providence Athenaeum’s Children’s Library, which is open to the public.
BARRINGTON
Lacross Field, St. Andrews School, 63 Federal Rd, Barrington
This spot is like a “reverse bowl” for sledding. The low-lying field has steep, short hills on all sides. With no trees in sight, it’s perfect for youngsters who are just starting out and parents who want to keep an eye on little ones. Warm up: Mount Hope Farm in Bristol hosts a fantastic farmer’s market every Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
WEST GREENWHICH
Big River Sand Dunes, the slopes are near the intersection of Hopkins Hill and Division roads, about a half mile down Division. The hills are steep. Be prepared to do a lot of trekking up. Warm up: The South County History Center Museum, located in the Old Washington County Jail, is sure to excite imaginations because kids can actually go into the jail cells! Open Thursdays and Saturdays, 11am to 4pm with a museum shop and exhibit space.
AQUIDNECK, NEWPORT & MIDDLETOWN
Fort Adams State Park, 84 Fort Adams Dr, Newport
A large, wide open space, and a local favorite. After you pass through the entrance of the park, go through one stop sign and continue down the hill. Park and continue forward, about 100 yards, to the top of the hill overlooking the soccer fields. Warm Up: Become a ‘tunnel rat’ and explore the tunnels of Fort Adams on a Fort Tour through January 1. Or head over to the Breakers in Newport for a tour of a mansion home.
WARREN
Burr’s Hill Park, Water St, Warren
A former lookout during the colonial period, this spot is known for its views. The hill is short but steep, and overlooks the town beach. Take a right on Campbell Street off Main. Warm up: Just down the street, Coggeshall Farm is open weekends 10am to 4pm with ongoing hearth cooking, woodworking, candle making and fiber demos through the winter.
CUMBERLAND
Diamond Hill, 4097 Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland
Hills of various heights and lots of open areas to play in the snow. The slopes can be a rush to go down, so experienced sledding skills or accompaniment by a guardian is suggested. Warm up: Only 20 minutes away, take a car-load of kids to the Museum of Work & Culture for an exhibit of giant puppets, marionettes, shadow puppets and a puppet theater during the month of December.
LINCOLN
Chase Farm, 100 Great Rd, Lincoln
Multiple hills of various steepness – great for different aged siblings and friends. Warm up: Just down the road, Arnold House offers fun tours Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm or stop in at the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop on Sundays to see demonstrations of old-time hand forging. This actual blacksmith shop dates to 1870 and is located at the entrance to Chase Farm.
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Prior to heading out, here are a few tips to keep things safe this season, courtesy of Kidinfo.com: Before cruising down the hill, consider wearing a helmet to minimize the risk of head injury; make sure the hill is not too steep and is completely clear of obstacles, including trees and fences; take turns going down the hill to avoid collision with others; once reaching the bottom of the hill, get out of the way of other sledders! And remember: No sled? No problem! Take an inner tube or other pool/beach inflatable. They’re less bumpy, go faster than you’d expect, and even spin if you want them too. Perfect for small and big kids alike.
