Things to Do in Warren

Devised in 2001 by a Brown University medical student in order to support Hasbro Children's Hospital's Asthma Camp, the annual Breeze Against Wheeze 5K run and 3K walk raises a quarter of the funds the camp needs each year to educate youngsters about managing a disease that stands as the leading cause of child hospitalization nationwide. At the start of the race, athletes trek across the Brown University campus and down Blackstone Boulevard, speeding past other runners or strolling at a heart-healthy pace to show their anti-asthma verve. The top competitor in each age bracket, plus the three fastest men and women overall, win a bounty of gift certificates and sports gear to help fuel their future challenges, while postrace raffles lend the chance for any participant to be crowned a winner. Before the adult events, kids can race for free, testing their endurance and agility without crawling through the TV screen into their favorite video game.

The Rush Hour series serves those who are curious about symphonic music but have never had adequate time to attend a show. Conducted by Music Director Larry Rachleff, these short, informal concerts will swiftly capture the ear’s attention by breezing through two or three classical pieces and providing educational information about their historical context and whether or not they've been sampled in a Will Smith song. Choose the concert on October 15 to hear Beethoven’s pastoral Symphony no. 6 and his expressive Symphony no. 7, or relax on November 19 to twentieth-century selections by Samuel Barber and Maurice Ravel. Brahms’ Piano Concerto no. 2 headlines the February 25 show, along with Richard Strauss’ epic _ Also Sprach Zarathustra_. Finally, orchestra buffs can immerse themselves in concertos by Lutosławski and Tchaikovsky on April 15 to celebrate Tax Day.

As neon obstacles glow under a series of black lights, teams move through two levels of mazes and catwalks as they avoid the photon blasts of opposing players' and the pitfalls of the 7,500 sq. ft. arena. While sprinting up ramps and seeking cover, players must avoid strategically placed laser mines that flash and beep before tagging anyone within reach, which effectively deactivates their equipment and James Bond trivia knowledge for 12 seconds. Players can earn points by blasting the mines first, while bases and targets offer chances to earn even more tally marks.

After futuristic battles conclude, guests can putt through an 18-hole mini golf course surrounded by alien planets and dinosaurs. Off the course, visitors can also sling skee balls and pop tokens into games in the arcade to win tickets redeemable for prizes. With a laser maze where players navigate beams of light and four party rooms added to the mix, Lazer Gate becomes the ideal spot for birthday parties or training camps for lethargic clones.

Although custom pottery painting has long been the pastime of rich, retired circus elephants, the Weirdgirl provides stamps, sponges, and supportive ideas to any artist. Customers who want more inspiration can also draw inspiration from books and example pieces to help foster a creative mood. Project possibilities are nearly limitless, from a custom coffee mug for the office to a hand-painted vase, perfect for holding a collection of miniature hand-painted-vase replicas.

BoldrDash adds variety to the traditional 5K run, peppering their courses with more than two-dozen obstacles. But they don't want participants running between a few sparse obstacles, they want them climbing, swinging, sliding, and swimming all the way to the finish line. They even offer boot-camp training classes to prepare runners for the event. More important than providing a solid workout, Bold r Dash's events donate proceeds to local charities, schools, and community organizations.

As an aerial photographer, it makes sense for Jeff Codman to pilot a Robinson R44 Raven. The viper-red aircraft affords him unlimited freedom of movement, nearly 360-degree visibility, and the ability to hover and swoop like a hummingbird as he dips 100 feet above the earth to snap shots of sailboats, unusual toupees, and ocean-side mansions.

Now, with Bird's Eye View Helicopters’ tours, Mr. Codman grants guests the same breathtaking aerial views in the helicopter that he’s enjoyed for more than 20 years. The Fall Foliage tour transports guests over a patchwork quilt of red and orange foliage, and the Island Tour traces a route above Ocean Drive and historic lighthouses. Mr. Codman even lets amateur pilots take the reins during a 25-minute introductory flight.