New England packs a surprising variety of landscapes and history into a relatively small area, making it easy for families to explore multiple states in one trip. The region comprises six states in the northeast corner of the US, featuring craggy coastlines, rolling green mountains, and historic port cities. The seasons are distinct: summers are warm and perfect for the beach, autumns are world-famous for colorful foliage, and winters are snowy and picturesque, ideal for skiing. The region's compact size means less time in the car and more time exploring.
Boston, Massachusetts, is the cultural hub and arguably the most walkable city in the US. Families can follow the red-brick Freedom Trail to see Paul Revere’s house and the site of the Boston Tea Party, turning a history lesson into a scavenger hunt. The Boston Public Garden offers Swan Boat rides that have been a tradition for over a century. Just south, Cape Cod provides a classic summer vacation with mini-golf, drive-in movies, and miles of sandy beaches where low tide reveals sandbars perfect for exploring.
Northern New England offers wilder nature. Maine is famous for its rocky coast and lighthouses. A boat trip from Portland or Bar Harbor to catch lobsters or spot puffins and whales is a highlight for children. The White Mountains in New Hampshire feature Story Land, a theme park specifically designed for young children, and the Cog Railway, which climbs to the summit of Mount Washington. Vermont is home to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory, where families can take a tour and, of course, sample the ice cream. The Green Mountains offer gentle hiking trails and swimming holes that feel like hidden secrets.
Food is a major draw here. Fresh seafood, especially lobster rolls and clam chowder, is everywhere on the coast, while inland treats include maple syrup on pancakes and apple cider donuts in the fall. The vibe is somewhat academic but cozy, with a strong emphasis on reading, history, and outdoor appreciation. Accommodation ranges from historic inns (some of which welcome kids) to seaside cottages.
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Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Diverse wilderness from the rugged Maine coast at Acadia to the pastoral landscapes of Vermont; peak months offer ideal hiking conditions and active wildlife.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Rich colonial history and world-class heritage sites in Boston and Newport provide a sophisticated urban experience; shoulder months are cooler but maintain cultural accessibility.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Home to globally significant institutions including Harvard's museums and the New England Aquarium; peak travel coincides with milder weather for visiting university campuses.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Offers premier infrastructure for cycling and mountain biking at Kingdom Trails and various mountain resorts; optimal trail conditions occur during the drier summer months.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Iconic coastal stretches like Cape Cod and Ogunquit offer authentic Atlantic charm, though swimmable water temperatures are restricted to a very narrow summer window.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
The Boston Marathon is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious marathons (since 1897) with elite international competition. This merits 'good' not 'marginal'.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Celebrated routes like the Kancamagus Highway offer spectacular scenery, particularly during the globally recognized autumn foliage in October.
Winter sports, ski resorts, snow activities
Established resorts like Killington and Stowe provide reliable winter sport infrastructure; peak season aligns with the coldest months for consistent snow coverage.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Features well-known regional amusement and water parks; high-quality family entertainment is available but strictly limited to the warmer months of operation.
Attractions (118 total)
National Park / Nature Reserve
Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor
Explore dramatic coastal cliffs, hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain for sunrise, and enjoy family biking on historic carriage roads.
Visit website →Green Mountain National Forest
Rutland
Enjoy year-round outdoor recreation including family-friendly hiking, scenic foliage drives, and skiing in the heart of Vermont's peaks.
Visit website →White Mountain National Forest
North Conway
Drive the scenic Kancamagus Highway, hike through alpine forests, and visit iconic landmarks like the Flume Gorge with the family.
Visit website →Block Island National Wildlife Refuge
New Shoreham
Visit a peaceful sanctuary for migratory birds and enjoy walking trails that lead to secluded beaches and scenic coastal views.
Visit website →Franconia Notch State Park
Lincoln
Walk through the stunning Flume Gorge, ride an aerial tramway for mountain views, and enjoy swimming at Echo Lake Beach.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Appalachian Trail (New England Section)
Salisbury
1,180km challenging 2-3 month trek through the northernmost six states of the AT. The New England section features extreme elevation changes in the White Mountains and the final ascent of Mount Katahdin.
Visit website →Kingdom Trails
East Burke
160km moderate to expert mountain biking network, offering multi-day riding experiences across varied terrain. Elevation gain varies by loop. Bike rental: Village Sport Shop (villagesportshop.com)
Visit website →The Long Trail
Williamstown
438km challenging 20-30 day trek through the Green Mountains with approximately 20,000m of elevation gain. This is the oldest long-distance trail in the United States, running the length of Vermont.
Visit website →Cape Cod Rail Trail
South Dennis
41km easy 3-5 hour cycling route through coastal landscapes with minimal 150m elevation gain. Bike rental: Barb's Bike Shop (barbsbikeshop.com)
Visit website →Precipice Trail
Bar Harbor
5.1km expert 2-3 hour technical hike in Acadia National Park with 300m elevation gain. Features near-vertical rock climbs using iron rungs and ladders.
Visit website →Presidential Traverse
Randolph
32km expert 1-3 day hike across the highest peaks of the White Mountains, featuring 2,700m of elevation gain. This route is highly weather-dependent and features significant alpine exposure.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Boston
A historic National Historic Landmark and public park featuring a world-renowned collection of trees and shrubs across a sprawling landscape.
Visit website →Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Boothbay
Spanning 295 acres, this major coastal attraction features giant wooden trolls and themed gardens that delight children and garden enthusiasts alike.
Visit website →Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
Bristol
An exquisite 33-acre seaside estate known for its diverse plant collections and stunning views of Narragansett Bay.
Visit website →Elizabeth Park Rose Garden
Hartford
Home to the oldest public rose garden in the United States, this park features thousands of roses and historic wooden arbors.
Visit website →Heritage Museums & Gardens
Sandwich
A premier Cape Cod attraction featuring world-class rhododendrons, a vintage carousel, and hidden forest trails for kids.
Visit website →New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Boylston
A year-round destination offering formal gardens, woodland trails, and panoramic views of the Wachusett Reservoir for families to explore.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Billings Farm & Museum
Woodstock
One of the finest dairy farms in America featuring historic barns, Jersey cows, and interactive exhibits on 19th-century rural life.
Visit website →Old Sturbridge Village
Sturbridge
A major living history museum where families explore a recreated 1830s rural New England town with working heritage-breed farm animals.
Visit website →Shelburne Farms
Shelburne
A 1,400-acre working farm and National Historic Landmark offering cheese-making tours, walking trails, and a children's farmyard.
Visit website →Charmingfare Farm
Candia
A popular family destination featuring a petting zoo, wildlife exhibits, and seasonal horse-drawn wagon rides through the woods.
Visit website →Davis Farmland
Sterling
A premier family discovery farm home to North America's largest collection of endangered farm animals and extensive petting areas.
Visit website →Pineland Farms
New Gloucester
A 5,000-acre educational farm and recreation center featuring award-winning dairy barns, gardens, and diverse rural activities.
Visit website →Major International Festival / Cultural Event
Boston Marathon
Boston
Third Monday in April, one-day world-class race, 30,000 participants and 500,000 spectators, world's oldest annual marathon, family-friendly viewing along the 26.2-mile course with festive atmosphere.
Visit website →New England Fall Foliage
North Conway
Late September - October, month-long natural spectacle, millions of annual visitors, world-renowned peak of autumn colors, family-friendly activities including scenic mountain train rides and hiking.
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Cape Cod National Seashore
Eastham
Forty miles of pristine sandy beaches, marshes, and ponds protected for public recreation and wildlife conservation.
Visit website →Sand Beach, Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor
A unique shell-based sandy beach tucked between granite cliffs and evergreen forests, offering cold-water swimming and scenic trails.
Visit website →Hammonasset Beach State Park
Madison
Connecticut's largest shoreline park offering over two miles of beach for swimming, strolling, and nature exploration on Long Island Sound.
Visit website →Hampton Beach State Park
Hampton
New Hampshire's primary coastal destination featuring a wide sandy beach, swimming, and an active boardwalk atmosphere.
Visit website →Narragansett Town Beach
Narragansett
A premier surfing and family destination in Rhode Island with clean sand and views of the historic Towers.
Visit website →Ogunquit Beach
Ogunquit
A three-mile stretch of white sand known for its gentle surf, tide pools, and the adjacent scenic Marginal Way coastal walk.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Coastal Route 1 Maine
Kittery
260km paved coastal drive (1-2 days) from the southern border to Midcoast Maine. Highlights include the Portland Head Light, the seaside village of Camden, Penobscot Narrows Bridge, and numerous lobster shacks.
Visit website →Kancamagus Highway
Conway
55km paved scenic mountain pass (1-2 hours) crossing the White Mountain National Forest. Highlights include the Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls, and numerous mountain overlooks particularly famous for peak autumn foliage.
Visit website →Park Loop Road
Bar Harbor
43km paved loop (3-4 hours) through Acadia National Park. This premier coastal drive features access to Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Otter Cliff, offering dramatic views of the Maine coastline.
Visit website →Vermont Route 100
Wilmington
347km paved corridor (2-3 days) running the vertical length of the state. Known as the 'Skier's Highway,' it passes through the Green Mountains, historic villages like Weston and Stowe, and features numerous artisan cheese shops and maple syrup farms.
Visit website →Ocean Drive
Circular
16km paved coastal loop (1 hour) in Newport. The route passes ten miles of coastline featuring Gilded Age mansions like The Breakers, Brenton Point State Park, and Fort Adams, with continuous views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Visit website →Old King's Highway (Route 6A)
Sandwich
100km paved historic route (2-3 hours) through the northern side of Cape Cod. It is the largest National Historic District in the US, featuring sea captain homes, salt marshes, antique shops, and the Sandy Neck Beach Park.
Visit website →The Mohawk Trail
Greenfield
101km paved historic highway (2-4 hours) following an ancient Native American path. Highlights include the famous Hairpin Turn with views of three states, the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, and the Berkshire Mountains.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Crocodile Cove at Lake Compounce
Bristol
Set within the historic Lake Compounce amusement park, this expansive water park offers unique lakefront slides and a massive tropical-themed wave pool.
Visit website →Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags New England
Agawam
A premier destination within Six Flags New England, this massive water park boasts a multi-story water coaster and one of the region's largest wave pools.
Visit website →Splashtown USA
Saco
Maine's premier aquatic destination features over 28 water attractions, including high-adrenaline slides and the popular Pirate's Paradise play area.
Visit website →Water Country
Portsmouth
New England's largest water park featuring a diverse array of high-speed slides, a massive wave pool, and two relaxing adventure rivers.
Visit website →Whale's Tale Water Park
Lincoln
Located in the heart of the White Mountains, this park offers world-class thrills like the Eye of the Storm and scenic mountain-view splash zones.
Visit website →Water Wizz
East Wareham
A family-favorite coastal water park known for its cinematic appearances and a wide selection of winding slides and interactive water play areas.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Franklin Park Zoo
Boston
A 72-acre site within Boston's historic Emerald Necklace, home to the immersive Tropical Forest and diverse African wildlife.
Visit website →Roger Williams Park Zoo
Providence
One of the oldest zoos in the country, featuring an award-winning North American exhibit and a massive Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in autumn.
Visit website →Maine Wildlife Park
Gray
A sanctuary for injured or orphaned native animals, providing a guaranteed look at Maine's iconic moose and black bears.
Visit website →Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Holderness
An outdoor educational center with live animal exhibits and hiking trails focusing on the ecology of New Hampshire.
Visit website →Vermont Institute of Natural Science
Quechee
A nature center and raptor rescue famous for its impressive Forest Canopy Walk and live bird-of-prey demonstrations.
Visit website →Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Bridgeport
Connecticut's only zoo, focusing on North and South American species including red pandas and Amur leopards.
Visit website →Southwick's Zoo
Mendon
New England's largest zoo by acreage, offering a skyfari ride over extensive habitats and a walk-through deer forest.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Freedom Trail
Boston
A 2.5-mile walking route through historic Boston that passes 16 sites significant to the history of the United States.
Visit website →Church Street Marketplace
Burlington
An award-winning pedestrian mall in the heart of Burlington featuring historic architecture, street performers, and a vibrant local atmosphere.
Visit website →Mount Washington Cog Railway
Bretton Woods
A historic mountain-climbing train that offers families a thrilling journey to the highest peak in the Northeastern United States.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Harvard Museum of Natural History
Cambridge
Famed for its world-class collection of 'Glass Flowers' and extensive dinosaur and mammal galleries within the historic Harvard campus.
Visit website →Museum of Science
Boston
A massive science center featuring over 700 interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater located on the Charles River.
Visit website →Yale Peabody Museum
New Haven
One of the oldest and largest natural history museums in the world, newly renovated with iconic dinosaur halls and cultural artifacts.
Visit website →McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
Concord
An aerospace and science museum dedicated to New Hampshire's space pioneers, featuring a full-scale replica of a Mercury-Redstone rocket.
Visit website →Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
Providence
Rhode Island's only natural history museum and public planetarium, housed in a Victorian era building within Roger Williams Park.
Visit website →Connecticut Science Center
Hartford
A high-tech science museum with 150 hands-on exhibits, a rooftop garden, and a butterfly encounter overlooking the Connecticut River.
Visit website →Montshire Museum of Science
Norwich
A hands-on museum set on 100 acres with over 150 exhibits including an outdoor Science Park with water features and nature trails.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Boston
A unique Venetian-style palace housing a world-class art collection centered around a stunning, year-round flowering indoor courtyard.
Visit website →Museum of Fine Arts
Boston
One of the world's most comprehensive art museums, featuring an immense collection ranging from ancient Egyptian treasures to contemporary American masterpieces.
Visit website →Peabody Essex Museum
Salem
A premier museum featuring one of the nation's largest collections of Asian art, including a complete 18th-century Chinese merchant's house.
Visit website →The Clark Art Institute
Williamstown
Renowned for its exceptional French Impressionist collection and stunning modern architecture integrated into the rolling Berkshire hills.
Visit website →Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Hartford
The oldest continuously operating public art museum in the United States, famous for its European Baroque and American Hudson River School paintings.
Visit website →Yale University Art Gallery
New Haven
The oldest university art museum in the Western Hemisphere, offering an encyclopedic collection across several architecturally significant buildings.
Visit website →Portland Museum of Art
Portland
The largest and oldest public art institution in Maine, showcasing significant works by Winslow Homer and diverse American and European artists.
Visit website →RISD Museum
Providence
Connected to the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, this museum features over 100,000 objects ranging from ancient textiles to avant-garde fashion.
Visit website →Shelburne Museum
Shelburne
An extraordinary museum of American folk art and history spread across 45 acres of beautiful gardens and 39 relocated historic buildings.
Visit website →Ski Resort / Winter Sports Center
Killington Resort
Killington
322-1,293m, 155 runs, 117km pistes, Nov-May season, 6 terrain parks and the largest ski area in the Eastern US.
Visit website →Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe
390-1,113m, 116 runs, 64km pistes, Nov-Apr season, 3 terrain parks, located on Vermont's highest peak, Mount Mansfield.
Visit website →Sugarloaf
Carrabassett Valley
427-1,291m, 162 runs, 87km pistes, Nov-May season, 3 terrain parks, features the only lift-serviced above-treeline skiing in the East.
Visit website →Wachusett Mountain
Princeton
320-610m, 27 runs, 10km pistes, Nov-Apr season, 2 terrain parks, popular destination for night skiing near Boston.
Visit website →Bretton Woods
Bretton Woods
488-945m, 62 runs, 56km pistes, Nov-Apr season, 3 terrain parks, New Hampshire's largest ski area with views of Mount Washington.
Visit website →Cannon Mountain
Franconia
579-1,244m, 97 runs, 40km pistes, Nov-Apr season, 1 terrain park, features the highest ski area summit in New Hampshire.
Visit website →Jay Peak Resort
Jay
553-1,209m, 81 runs, 80km pistes, Nov-May season, 4 terrain parks, famous for receiving the most natural snowfall in Eastern North America.
Visit website →Stratton Mountain Resort
Stratton Mountain
570-1,180m, 99 runs, 60km pistes, Nov-Apr season, 5 terrain parks, known for its upscale base village and high-speed gondola.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Lake Compounce
Bristol
As North America's oldest continuously operating amusement park, it offers a historic lakeside atmosphere and the award-winning Boulder Dash wooden coaster.
Visit website →Six Flags New England
Agawam
One of the largest amusement parks in the region, featuring world-class roller coasters and a massive water park for high-adrenaline family fun.
Visit website →Canobie Lake Park
Salem
A quintessential New England park featuring over 85 rides and live entertainment set along the picturesque shores of Canobie Lake.
Visit website →Funtown Splashtown USA
Saco
Maine's premier destination for family entertainment, combining a full-scale amusement park with a comprehensive water park featuring the region's largest slides.
Visit website →Santa's Village
Jefferson
A beloved Christmas-themed amusement park in the White Mountains featuring holiday-inspired rides, live reindeer, and festive year-round decorations.
Visit website →Story Land
Glen
A classic fairy-tale themed park specifically designed for young children, bringing nursery rhymes and stories to life through gentle rides and character interactions.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Loon Mountain Resort
Lincoln
A premier year-round mountain destination featuring a scenic gondola skyride, glacial caves, and a comprehensive aerial adventure park for all ages.
Visit website →Smugglers' Notch Resort
Jeffersonville
Consistently ranked as a top family resort, it offers an extensive aerial adventure park, high-speed zip lines, and mountain-side activity centers.
Visit website →Berkshire East Mountain Resort
Charlemont
Home to the Thunderbolt Mountain Coaster and a world-class canopy tour that provides panoramic views of the scenic Berkshire Mountains.
Visit website →Bromley Mountain Adventure Park
Peru
Well-known for its legendary triple-track alpine slide and a diverse array of family-friendly summer attractions and climbing walls.
Visit website →Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park
Portland
A unique adventure park located in a historic brownstone quarry, offering cliff jumping, zip lining, and water-based obstacle courses.
Visit website →Cranmore Mountain Resort
North Conway
Located in a major tourist hub, this resort features a famous mountain coaster, a giant swing, and a summer tubing park.
Visit website →Gunstock Mountain Resort
Gilford
Features one of the largest zip line canopy tours in the United States and a massive treetop adventure course overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee.
Visit website →Sunday River Resort
Newry
A major Maine destination offering a summer adventure park with zip lines, lift-serviced mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Mount Washington State Park
Sargent's Purchase
The highest peak in the Northeastern US, offering a world-class view accessible by hiking, car, or a historic cog railway.
Visit website →Kent Falls State Park
Kent
A series of cascading waterfalls in the Litchfield Hills, featuring a covered bridge and easy access for families.
Visit website →Mohegan Bluffs
New Shoreham
Towering clay cliffs on Block Island offering spectacular views and a dramatic staircase down to a secluded beach.
Quechee Gorge State Park
Quechee
Known as Vermont's Little Grand Canyon, this deep chasm offers dramatic river views and easy hiking trails.
Visit website →The Cliff Walk
Newport
A scenic public walkway combining the natural beauty of the Rhode Island shoreline with the architectural history of Gilded Age mansions.
Visit website →The Flume Gorge
Franconia
A natural granite gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty with waterfalls and scenic boardwalks.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Mystic Aquarium
Mystic
Renowned for its indoor and outdoor exhibits, including the only Steller sea lions in New England and beluga whales.
Visit website →New England Aquarium
Boston
A world-class facility featuring a four-story giant ocean tank and a colony of African penguins.
Visit website →ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
Burlington
An innovative lake aquarium and science center exploring the ecology, culture, and history of Lake Champlain.
Visit website →Hamilton Family Aquarium
Newport
A new urban aquarium by Save The Bay featuring local species from Narragansett Bay.
Visit website →Maine State Aquarium
Boothbay Harbor
A coastal gem featuring regional species like giant lobsters and a touch tank for hands-on learning.
Visit website →Seacoast Science Center
Rye
Located in Odiorne Point State Park, this center offers tide pool exploration and marine biology exhibits.
Visit website →The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
Norwalk
Focuses on the marine life and ecology of the Long Island Sound in a converted 19th-century factory.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic
A world-renowned maritime museum featuring a recreated 19th-century seafaring village and the Charles W. Morgan, the world's last wooden whaling ship.
Visit website →Plymouth Patuxet Museums
Plymouth
A living history museum where visitors can explore a 17th-century English village and a Patuxet homesite to learn about the Pilgrims and the Indigenous people.
Visit website →Hancock Shaker Village
Pittsfield
A beautifully preserved Shaker site known for its Round Stone Barn and demonstrations of the unique crafts and lifestyle of the Shaker community.
Visit website →Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Salem
The first National Historic Site in the US, preserving the waterfront and wharves that made Salem a global maritime power in the 18th century.
Visit website →Strawberry Banke Museum
Portsmouth
An authentic 10-acre outdoor history museum that tells the stories of people living in the same Portsmouth waterfront neighborhood over four centuries.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Old State House
Boston
One of the oldest public buildings in the US and a key stop on the Freedom Trail, this historic site was the scene of the Boston Massacre.
Visit website →Portland Head Light
Cape Elizabeth
Maine's oldest lighthouse, set in a scenic 90-acre park with a museum located in the former Keepers' Quarters.
Visit website →The Breakers
Newport
The grandest of Newport's Gilded Age summer cottages, this 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Vanderbilt family.
Visit website →The Mark Twain House & Museum
Hartford
The beautifully preserved High Victorian Gothic home where Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) lived and wrote his most famous works, including Tom Sawyer.
Visit website →Castle in the Clouds
Moultonborough
A stunning 1914 mountaintop estate offering breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee and miles of family-friendly hiking trails.
Visit website →Gillette Castle State Park
East Haddam
A quirky and fascinating medieval-style stone castle built by actor William Gillette, featuring unique hand-carved wooden locks and hidden mirrors.
Visit website →Hammond Castle Museum
Gloucester
Constructed by inventor John Hays Hammond Jr., this seaside castle blends Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance styles and houses an extensive collection of artifacts.
Visit website →Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
Manchester
The ancestral home of Robert Todd Lincoln, featuring a Georgian Revival mansion, formal gardens, and a restored 1903 Pullman railcar.
Visit website →