Put the phone away, we’re going outside! There’s change in the air, and it’s not just the onset of autumn. People everywhere are getting fatigued with the infinite scroll that’s taking over daily life. While Gen X reminisces about the corded kitchen phone, Gen Z can only imagine a society before devices by watching streaming series nostalgic about the 1990s. For many of us, being told to “touch grass” isn’t enough; we need something to do! Here are a dozen activities sure to lure you outside. Group activities easily done solo, and solo activities that can be merrier with more, it’s all here and then some. Mute your phone, it’s time for recess.
The first Sunday of each month, the groovy gang at Revive the Roots invites the community to Volunteer Day. Don your closed-toe shoes, comfy clothes, and willing attitude, to roll up your sleeves and pitch in. Care for the garden, tend to the farm, and tackle seasonal to-dos. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or newbie, everyone is welcome, no experience needed. Revive provides the tools, guidance, good company, and a community meal at the end! Smithfield, Instagram: @revivetheroots
Join Audubon naturalists at the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge on September 18 for an exclusive evening of mushrooming, birding, and fireside dining. Enjoy a guided walk, sunset wine on the deck, or a canoe ride on Carr’s Pond. The evening caps with an elegant dinner, a live owl presentation during dessert, and an owl-spotting stroll back to your vehicle. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight. This limited event accommodates only eight people. Coventry, ASRI.org
Wednesday afternoons at Norman Bird Sanctuary mean it’s nature walk day. This free public program requires no registration, and meets outside the Welcome Center 10 minutes prior to the walk. In the event of inclement weather, an announcement will be made on the website that day determining whether the walk will continue or not. 3:30-4:15pm. Middletown, NormanBirdSanctuary.org
Join herbalist Maggie Hatzpanian on September 29 for an informative trek along the wild edges of the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium grounds. With over 20 years of experience, Hatzpanian will guide attendees through plant identification, habitat, and the distinction between native and invasive species. Learn about medicinal applications of various plants and, if feeling adventurous, discover which are edible. Bristol, ASRI.org
Its offshore location and many protected areas make Block Island a natural resting and feeding area for a host of migratory birds. Sail away to seek a variety of songbirds, shorebirds, and birds of prey. Areas of note include Clay Head Preserve, Lewis-Dickens Farm, and the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge. Note that many shops and eateries remain open through Columbus Day. Ferry departs from Newport or Point Judith, BlockIslandFerry.com
No tent, no problem. Both Burlingame State Campground in Charlestown and George Washington State Campground in Chepachet have cabins that can be reserved. These are essentially no-frills sheds but there are bunk beds with boards for the base. For gear, do a little research to figure out what you need for one night before spending a lot of money in case it turns out the overnight adventure is not your cup of tea. Check your local library to see if they offer a Library of Things with items you can borrow with your valid library card – like a hiking pack from West Warwick Public Library, a birdwatching kit from Barrington Public Library, or fishing poles for a small fee from Greenville Library in Smithfield. Camping season ends during or at the end of October for most campgrounds. RIParks.RI.gov
Head to Newport for a ride beneath the glow of the full Corn Moon on September 26. The 15-mile route will take riders on scenic roads and coastline, around the Ocean Loop, along Bellevue, and back into town. The pace is patient so nobody gets left behind, and participants are welcome to finish their journey with food and libations together. Rides have limited capacity, so be sure to register. BikeNewportRI.org
Feel like an old salt with a day of fishing aboard the Frances Fleet. Novices and experienced anglers alike are welcome, and the crew is ready to give instructions to anyone who wants or needs assistance. Rods are available for rent or you can bring your own, and bait is supplied free of charge: Narragansett, FrancesFleet.com. For those who prefer a more relaxing day on the water, options abound, whether it’s learning about local lore while passing lighthouses and islands on the Rhode Island Lighthouse and Newport Harbor Tour (FastFerry.com), jaunts departing from Jamestown, Newport, or Wickford (CruiseRI.com), Gansett Cruises (GansettCruises.com), or Sightsailing of Newport (SightSailing.com).
Ever walk by an artist with their easel set up in a scenic locale? The often-used French term is en plein air, which simply means painting outside. While you can do this all on your own, if you’d like instruction, camaraderie, and sometimes supplies, workshops are offered around the state. Whet your interest at Portsmouth Art Guild, with its schedule of September offerings at Sapowet Marsh, Tiverton; Sachuest Point, Middletown; Rocky Brook Orchard, Middletown; and the Narrows in Bristol (PortsmouthArts.org).
September 22, 23, 24, the South Kingstown Land Trust hosts Plein Air Painting with Trish Hurley, South Kingstown: SKLT.org, and check for upcoming programs at botanical centers and arts organizations including Kinney Azalea Garden, Kingston; Blithewold, Bristol; and Newport Mansions, Newport, among others.
Join the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) and 15 Minute Field Trips for the family-friendly Insect Orchestra guided walk on September 26 (2-3:30pm) along the Woonasquatucket River Greenway. Learn how insects make music and create your own musical instrument to take home. Walks are monthly and take place Saturdays from 2-3:30pm (with a few exceptions). Johnston, WRWC.org
With limited natural predators, many deer populations are running wild. In areas with an overabundance of deer, forests can become damaged, leading to a degraded habitat for other wildlife. Whether you’re new to hunting or looking to build confidence before your first season, this beginner-friendly workshop covers the fundamentals of deer hunting. Participants will learn about local regulations, scouting techniques, gear selection, safe firearm handling, and ethical hunting practices. Led by experienced hunters and educators, this workshop is designed to give you the knowledge and tools you need to get started in the field. Harrisville, DEM.RI.gov. For any questions, including licensing locations, please contact Maddie Proulx at madison.proulx@dem.ri.gov.
Explore the art of angling amidst meticulously maintained fishing ponds at the Preserve Sporting Club & Resort. With a thriving population of trout and bass, individuals or families can create lasting memories during countless afternoons of outdoor fishing. Lessons and equipment are accessible upon request, ensuring a fulfilling 90-minute experience that runs from through November 1. Richmond, ThePreserveRI.com
That’s the tree pose, actually. Experts agree that yoga offers physical and mental benefits for all ages. Slow movements warm up muscles, deep breathing increases blood flow, and holding a pose can build strength. Many instructors are taking the practice outside and you can sign-up for classes in a garden (Rockbriar Farm, Charlestown; RockbriarFarm.com), on a farm alongside goats (Gather Farm, Johnston; GatherFarm.com; Simmons Farm, Middletown; SimmonsOrganicFarmRI.com), beside a bunch of barnyard animals at Dragonfly Yoga and Wellness (Chaos Farm, Lincoln; Eventbrite.com), or out in lavender field – which may or may not include a camel sighting – at Lavender Waves Farm, Wakefield, led by Kay Bee (LavenderWavesFarm.com).
Alpine Ski & Sports, Warwick
DASH Bicycle, Providence
East Greenwich Arts Community, East Greenwich
Experience Rhode Island, Providence
Faith Hill Farm, East Greenwich
Fenner Hill Country Club, Hope Valley
Jamestown Arts Center, Jamestown
Laurel Lanes Country Club, West Kingston
Narrow River Kayaks, Narragansett
Newport Art Museum, Newport
Ocean State Tackle Rhode Island Bait and Tackle, Providence
Phantom Farms, Cumberland
RI Saltwater Angler’s Association, Coventry
Rhode Island Paintball & Airsoft, Warwick
Save The Bay Seal Tours, Newport
The Tackle Box, Warwick
Tree Trail Adventures, Mystic, CT
Wickford Art Association, Wickford
Fill a tote bag – this one from Rhody Craft ensures you never get lost – with the following and save the phone for emergency calls.
Flower press
My Paris Apartment
Wickford | MyParisApartmentRI.com
Notebook
E. Frances Paper
Middletown | EFrancesPaper.com
Pen
Made from Rhode Island
South Kingstown | MadeFromRI.com
Film camera
The Camera Werks
Providence | TheCameraWerks.com
RI map tote bag
Rhody Craft
Providence | RhodyCraft.com
Watercolor Kit by Fleetwood
South Kingstown | FleetwoodStudio.myshopify
Whether you’re bringing the kids or channeling your inner child, now’s the ideal moment to head outside, support local farms, and make some furry (and feathery) new friends.
1. Alex and Ani Farmyard at Roger Williams Park Zoo: A city favorite, this hands-on exhibit blends learning with fun. Feed and pet alpacas, goats, sheep, and chickens while exploring the agricultural heart of the zoo. Providence
2. Clark Farms: This South County staple offers more than fresh air and open space – it’s home to a lovable barnyard crew. At the petting zoo, you’ll meet donkeys, goats, and a friendly cow that rounds out the gang. With a laid-back vibe, it’s a family-friendly spot where visitors of all ages can connect with animals in a warm, welcoming setting. Matunuck
3. The Fantastic Umbrella Factory: Part garden center, part curiosity shop, and part animal haven, this longtime Charlestown favorite lets guests feed chickens and greet George the emu. With new goats joining the quirky crew, it’s an offbeat, artsy adventure not to miss. Charlestown
4. Festival Farm: A quirky countryside gem, Festival Farm invites guests to feed and pet a wide cast of characters – from alpacas and pygmy goats to emus and mini-donkeys. The petting zoo is open daily with no admission fee, and the country store is full of local charm. Hope Valley
5. Gather Farm: This charming, family-run farm is all about goats – and not just for petting. Along with seasonal events and feeding sessions, Gather Farm hosts goat yoga and goat hikes, where you can stroll scenic trails with a friendly herd in tow. It’s equal parts peaceful and delightfully ridiculous. Johnston
6. Manfredi Farm: Tucked in the coastal town of Westerly, Manfredi Farm gathers Scottish Highland cows, donkeys, ducks, geese, goats, and more in a working-farm setting. It’s a serene spot to meet a mix of barnyard animals and snap some rustic, postcard-worthy photos. Westerly
7. Pezza Farm: Generations of families have made Pezza Farm a go-to for animal fun. From miniature horses to turkeys, each animal brings big personality. The low-cost entry fee includes feed, making it a budget-friendly destination for daily hands-on encounters. Johnston
8. Rusty Buckle Petting Zoo & Pony Rides: Famous for its baby goat cuddle events, this mobile petting zoo delivers serious serotonin. Meet donkeys, horses, chickens, and, of course, those snuggly goats. Events rotate, so check the website for the latest lineup. Statewide
9. Serendipity Farm: A visit to Serendipity Farm means one thing: calf cuddles. Book a private 30-minute session (for guests ages 5 and up) and spend quality time with their newest arrivals. It’s a cozy, moo-velous way to welcome the season. Coventry
10. Xen’s Critters: This homegrown menagerie features a rotating cast of rescued and adopted animals. While visits are typically by appointment or part of local events, Xen’s Critters is a heartwarming example of farm love and animal care in motion. North Scituate –Jenna Kaplan
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