Active families will find plenty to do while vacationing in Rhode Island. These Family Fun Plans are just a starting point. Allow them to inspire your vacation dreaming; then make a plan that suits your family's style — or simply head to the beach, with no plan at all.

A Short and Sweet Summer Holiday

Transform a summer weekend into a memorable and educational escape with this two-night plan for fun in the sun.

Day One: Head straight to the state's summertime playground, Newport, and tour one or two of the city's historic mansions on your first morning. In the afternoon, view several other stately homes from the outside as you meander along the Cliff Walk. In the evening, picnic at Fort Adams State Park (Harrison Avenue, Newport, 401-847-2400, www.riparks.com/fortadams.htm), or feast on Rhode Island clam chowder and other seafood delights at one of the restaurants along the waterfront.

Day Two: Set the alarm for an early call and allow at least forty-five minutes for the drive to Galilee to catch the high-speed ferry operated by Interstate Navigation Company (401-783-4613, www.blockislandferry.com), which will whisk you over to Block Island in just thirty minutes. Rent bicycles or mopeds and spend the day visiting the island's two historic lighthouses and enjoying its sandy beaches. Return to Newport in the evening for an adventurous dinner at The Red Parrot (348 Thames Street, 401-847-3800, www.redparrotrestaurant.com), where parents can tip back exotic drinks and chicken-nugget-weary kiddies can sample the batter-fried shark bites.

Day Three: Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame (194 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, 401-849-3990, www.tennisfame.com). If time permits, take a short drive in the afternoon to Middletown, where you can hike the trails at the Norman Bird Sanctuary (583 Third Beach Road, 401-846-2577, www.normanbirdsanctuary.org) before heading for home.

A Five-Day Family Summer Sampler

Summer is truly family vacation season in Rhode Island. If you can get away for five days, you'll be able to see many of the state's highlights and enjoy some downtime by the sea.

Day One: Begin with a relaxing day at Misquamicut State Beach (257 Atlantic Avenue, Westerly, 401-596-9097, www.riparks.com/misquamicut.htm). You will enjoy the surf and the nearby games and amusements. If a quieter beach is more your speed, South County's seaside towns provide plenty of other options.

Day Two: Head for Galilee in the morning and take the half-hour trip to Block Island aboard the high-speed ferry operated by Interstate Navigation Company (401-783-4613, www.blockislandferry.com).

One of the best ways to see the island's spectacular scenery is to rent bicycles — the whole island is ideal for cycling. Return to the mainland at the end of the day.

Day Three: Spend the morning in Newport viewing the magnificent mansions from the Cliff Walk. Choose one or two that intrigue you for an afternoon tour. Children might particularly like the Astors' Beechwood (580 Bellevue Avenue, 401-846-3772, www.astorsbeechwood.com), where costumed guides play period roles.

Day Four: Drive from Newport to Providence, stopping along the way to see the historic yachts at the Herreshoff Marine Museum (One Burnside Street, Bristol, 401-253-5000, www.herreshoff.org) and perhaps Bristol's Blithewold Mansion and Gardens (101 Ferry Road/Route 114, 401-253-2707, www.blithewold.org), as well. Take an evening gondola ride on the Woonasquatucket River in Providence from the urban park, Water Place, which is at the hub of the capital city. Call La Gondola (401-421-8877) for reservations.

Day Five: Spend the last day of your family road trip at Providence's Roger Williams Park Zoo (1000 Elmwood Avenue, 401-785-3510, www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org), before saying goodbye to Rhode Island.