It’s a 40 minute tour, but you could easily spend more time if you’d like. Despite that, my kids really enjoyed Marble House as well. It offers a new audio tour, but doesn’t have a children’s tour. Marble House was built between 18 for the William K. The Marble House Newport Rhode Island Marble House I decided to take them down the road to Marble House, also owned by the Vanderbilt family. They’ll probably just enjoy the audio tour.Īfter we finished touring the Breakers, my kids asked to visit another mansion. I’d probably skip a specialty tour like that if I were traveling with younger kids, however. These guided tours have to be booked in person on the day that you want to visit, and are based on availability. The Breakers now offers a new “ Beneath the Breakers Tour” that focuses on the underground tunnel, basement, and boiler room. We walked right in, but lines usually do form in season. Note that if you are visiting during peak season, you should definitely plan to wait in line. It takes about 40 minutes, and when we were done, we walked around the grounds, checking out the children’s cottage as well (it was closed for the season, but we could still see the exterior). My kids really enjoyed controlling their own headsets, as well as the overall tour. It’s very engaging, for both kids and adults. The tour is given from the perspective of the house, and offers narration about the various motifs seen throughout the house, as well as information about the children of the home and what their daily life was like. I was so impressed with how captivating it is for kids. My husband and I had the choice of listening to the adult tour or the children’s tour, but chose the children’s.
The Breakers now offers audio tours, and there is a special one just for children. Guests who only plan on seeing one mansion should definitely go to the Breakers. It was built during the gilded age and is absolutely spectacular. If you are wondering what the best Newport Mansion is to visit, I’d definitely recommend the Breakers. This beautiful “summer cottage” is the former summer home of the Vanderbilt family. The Breakers is the largest and most popular of the Newport Mansions. Go midweek, in the morning, for the best experience. During my days working there, the crowds would line up around the corner, especially on weekends. I remember that the mansions do get crowded as the day goes on (especially in the summer), so we went first thing in the morning. I probably wouldn’t take very young kids, since they can’t really appreciate the homes, and will have to walk or be carried. Newport Mansions: The Breakers in Newport Rhode Islandįamilies should note that strollers and carriages are not permitted in the houses due to their historical nature. It’s definitely the most popular of the historic sites in Newport. If you are looking for the best mansions for kids in Newport – the Breakers would definitely be the one I would choose. I’d definitely recommend taking your kids to the Newport Mansions when visiting the area. I figured that they would see the Breakers, the largest and most impressive of the mansions and then want to do something else, but they both begged to see another mansion. When I traveled to Newport, Rhode Island last month, I was eager to take my kids to see the Newport mansions. Seeing these famous mansions for the first time is so impressive. There was never a slow moment in the middle of the summer, not even midweek. I was always astounded by the hundreds of guests who traveled, sometimes very long distances, to see the Breakers mansion. Working in the gift shop of a major tourist attraction certainly had its benefits, and I really enjoyed that job. When I was a college student on summer break at home in Rhode Island, I went to work every day in that beautiful Newport mansion pictured below. When a purchase is made and/or a link is clicked, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I also worked at the Newport Rhode Island mansions for several years in college, so I spent lots of time in them throughout the years.Īll opinions are my own. Disclosure: I received complimentary admission to two of the Newport Mansions.