Traveling back in time

If you're planning a staycation for the April school break, you're in luck, because you live in Rhode Island, a state that celebrates, preserves and cherishes its rich history. Your kids (and you) can have a rewarding — and downright fun — vacation right here at home, while learning a thing or two.

Historical tourism also comes with a bonus — it won't break the bank. Some of the sites recommended here are free, while others have a fee, but it's far less than you'd pay for, say, a couple of hours at an arcade.

To up the ante, and the fun, go old school — give each child a sketchbook and a set of pencils to draw what they see on their travels, like children frequently did back in the day, way before there was even TV.

One final tip: There's really no need to tell the kids that they'll be learning on their school vacation — just tell them that you're planning a bunch of really, really cool day trips.

Fort Adams State Park

If the kids have been cooped up in classrooms for too long, you might want to start your staycation with a trip to Newport's Fort Adams State Park.

And what a fort it is — enormous in size, it has been guarding the shoreline since 1799, when John Adams, for whom it's named, was president. From its dramatic setting on the windswept shoreline, the massive fortress calls out to be explored.

On an hour-long guided tour — most of it around the exterior — you'll see and learn about cannons and moats and drawbridges and other early American means of defense and offense. The kids — and you — will also get to explore the fort's tunnels, see the officers' quarters, where they lived with their families, and take in breathtaking views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay from a scenic overlook.

This tour is best for school-age children — it's about a mile around the fort — and everyone should be sure to dress for the weather.

Fort Adams State Park, 90 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, is free to enter and parking is free. Purchase tour tickets at the gift shop in the park's visitors center. Through Memorial Day, tours run daily at noon and 2 p.m. on weekdays, and hourly from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. Tours are canceled in bad weather. The cost is $15 for adults; $12 for active military, seniors (62+) and college students; $8 for ages 6 to 17; and free for 5 and under. fortadams.org, (401) 841-0707.

Rhode Island State House

It might not be the grandest and most gorgeous in the 50 states, but Rhode Island's State House is certainly in the running.

From the golden Independent Man atop its marble dome to its Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington, and the many murals and statues, the building is a visual delight both inside and out. And with Americans increasingly bemoaning the lack of civics education in public schools, this is a must-see spot for little Rhode Islanders.

Free one-hour tours with knowledgeable guides showcase items such as the spectacular Rotunda, modeled after the dome of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican and the fourth-largest unsupported dome in the world; the 1663 Colonial Charter for "Rhode Island and Providence Plantations"; the Royal Charter Museum; the House and Senate chambers, the "Liberty Bell"; paintings, battle flags, and much more. Guides will even give you a peek into the building's hidden rooms and secret stairs.

Tours start hourly at the State House Library, an awe-inspiring three-tiered room that feels like it belongs in a Harry Potter movie. Self-guided tours are also an option; pick up the brochures in the State House Visitor Center and Gift Shop or in the State Library, or download at sos.ri.gov/divisions/Civics-and-education/State-House-Tours.

There's plenty of parking near the State House, 82 Smith St., Providence, and you should plan to arrive early to go through security.

Tours run hourly between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The State House's Visitor Center and Gift Shop is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. https://bit.ly/2giHIMQ.

Roger Williams National Memorial

This pocket-size national park honors Roger Williams, the founder of Providence and the colony of Rhode Island, and a giant in the annals of religious tolerance and respect for all.

A small visitor center sits on the edge of a grassy 4½-acre park and has friendly, knowledgeable rangers, exhibits on the life and times of Williams, a model of a Colonial New England cabin, a five-minute film, a display case with some of his writings, a statue of the man himself and a gift shop. Kids can enroll in the Junior Ranger program here and continue their learning with their very own Junior Ranger Booklet, which has a wealth of information and activities.

If the weather's nice and the kids can handle a steep hill, continue your Roger Williams exploration by walking to Prospect Terrace Park, on Congdon Street, where a towering statue of Williams looks down upon the city and you can take in panoramic views of the skyline.

The free visitors center, at 282 North Main St., Providence, is open daily, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (401) 521-7266, nps.gov/rowi/index.htm.

Great Road Historic District

A wealth of houses, farms and mills dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries dot this 4½-mile stretch of road in Lincoln, including the Butterfly Mill and Moffett Mill, Friends Meeting House, the newly restored Pullen Corner School and the popular Hearthside House Museum and Hannaway Blacksmith Shop.

These are not glitzy, Hollywood versions of the past, but the real, authentic nitty-gritty deal.

At the stately fieldstone mansion Hearthside House, for example, kids will get a glimpse into life in early Rhode Island as costumed tour guides lead them through meticulously decorated and furnished rooms, including a well-equipped period kitchen. They'll even see how they might have dressed and played in bygone days.

At Pullen's Corner Schoolhouse, they can see and touch educational equipment, furnishings and books from earlier days. And Hannaway is a working blacksmith shop with a veritable treasure trove of fire-forged artifacts.

The Hannaway blacksmith shop, 671 Great Rd., Lincoln, next door to the Hearthside House Museum, will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 13. It’s free to come watch the blacksmith at work. Pullen’s Corner Schoolhouse will hold an Arbor Day program on Saturday, April 13, also. Two one-hour sessions are offered, at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., and admission is $5 per person. Space is limited so reservations are recommended; call (401) 726-0597 or email info@hearthsidehouse.org.

For more information, go to hearthsidehouse.org.