Chill Out! Cool Indoor Things to Do in & Around Providence This Summer

Providence Children’s Museum, Rhode Island’s only hands-on museum especially for children and their families, inspires learning through active play and exploration. The Museum presents interactive exhibits and hands-on programs that explore the arts, culture, history and science and embrace a wide range of learning styles and forms of expression.

With a collection of more than 100,000 objects -- ranging from ancient times to the present -- the RISD Museum is a dynamic cultural center offering critically acclaimed exhibitions and lively public programs for all ages. Now open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays, with free admission from 5-8 p.m. Admission is also free on Sundays, presented by Chase.

Tomaquag Museum, an Institute of Museum and Library Services 2016 National Medal winner, was established in 1958 by Eva Butler, an anthropologist, in partnership with Princess Red Wing (Narragansett/Wampanoag). It is Rhode Island’s only Native-led museum entirely dedicated to telling the story of the First Peoples. Tomaquag Museum has a unique collection of cultural and archival materials focusing on the indigenous peoples of Southern New England and highlighting the Narragansett Tribe. This well-respected museum is visited each year by researchers, students, and travelers from across the United States and across the world. Through our Indigenous Empowerment Network, we empower native artists, youth and community through internships, museum careers, and arts business development. Tomaquag has over 50 cross-sector partnerships and serves the public through specialized projects, tours, exhibits, books, curriculum, films, lectures and performances. Contact the museum for information about virtual and in-person programming and classes.