School is back in session and campus is already bustling with activity. Stress from classes will soon return and there will be a need for fun distractions on the weekends. Luckily, Rhode Island is a hot spot for tourist attractions, with RWU halfway between Providence and Newport.

When someone thinks of weekend activities in Rhode Island, pictures of beaches and ice cream with the sun shining comes to mind. Unfortunately, anything to do with these ideas is still a few months away.

However, that doesn’t mean winter attractions in the state don’t exist. Throw on a coat and some mittens and step outside to enjoy what Rhode Island has to offer. 

Take a bus ride to Providence and get off at Kennedy Station and you will approach The Providence Rink. This rink has more than just ice skating. It offers skating lessons and ice bumper cars. For $7, skaters get four hours of ice time. No skates? No problem! They also offer skates to rent for $6.54 a pair. 

Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina also offers an ice skating rink in Newport. It is located right next to the water and admission is $10 with $7 skate rentals. If patrons bring an item of clothing to donate, skate rentals will be free. 

If the thought of spending an extended period of time outside sends a shiver down your spine, try some indoor activities. 

From Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, Monster Jam Triple Threat, a vehicle competition event, will be at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, with tickets starting at $15.

 

Taking a trip to North Kingstown will provide the opportunity to visit the privately-owned marine biology education center, Biomes. Tickets cost $11 and provide patrons with entry to the aquarium.

Those with higher budgets may find an escape room to be a great way to spend an hour with some friends. Rhode Island has a few escape rooms to offer.

The Riddle Room in Warwick offers two rooms at a cost of $29 a person, but it does offers a student discount if you call the venue and ask about it. Patrons can choose between the Forest of Fortune room or the Vanishing at the Velmont Hotel room. The Riddle Room has a second location in East Greenwich with two different rooms for the same price; Murder Mystery 2: A Killers Revenge or La Cosa Nostra: An Inside Job. 

The Great Escape Room in Providence has four rooms, with an emphasis on Sherlock Holmes. Prices range from $23 to $28, depending on the day and time. 

Lock and Clue in Pawtucket is open Thursday-Sunday, with five eerie themed rooms for $26 a person. No matter the location, an escape room provides a great opportunity to work closely with a group of friends in an uncommon way. 

If puzzles aren’t very appealing, another option could be RI Indoor Karting Entertainment Center. The location in Lincoln offers indoor go-karting starting at $25 for a single race. There is also an ax-throwing bar for $25, bowling, billiards and a sports bar.

Though the temperatures are low, your spirits don’t have to be. Going out with friends on the weekend is a great way to stay sane after a long week of classes.