The Hampton Inn looks like a good choice. I have stayed at the Westin which is attached to the convention center and Providence Place but I don't think it is family friendly. According to the website, Hampton Inn is right on the river and steps away from Waterfire. It would be great if you could see the activity from your hotel room since it is at night. Huge crowds line the water. There's music but I don't think it's a good event for young children. The local restaurant on the ground floor of Providence Place are chains and will be mobbed that evening. I would suggest an afternoon stroll around the Italian Federal Hill area. Shop for some yummy things, have a great lunch, sit and people watch ... and then get room service in the evening. If you're not looking for Italian, there's Murphy's Pub that is great for lunch but loud and noisy at night. It's about one block over from the convention center. When our son was young, he would be too tired to go out in the evening. We did either a family buffet place or room service.

thanks dfrostnh. Was planning on feeding them early and really just go out at night to do the waterfire but yes, would be great if we can see it from the hotel itself! With the boys we usually employ the nice lunch out but home/hotel for dinner type of thing - or take out! Is Federal Hill near that hotel? Never been to RI before so just getting a taste before we head to Cape Cod. Thanks!