11 Gorgeous New England Family Resorts

Last updated on February 9, 2024

New England is one of our top recommended places for a family vacation. We had the time of our lives there on our epic New England road trip, falling in love with the small town communities, wild nature and coastal charm.

We loved travelling all over New England, but it’s also a perfect place for picking a spot and spending a week or two, switching off and absorbing yourself in the vacation vibes. Lots of people know it, and as such there are some brilliant New England family resorts to choose from.

This is our guide to the best – some are the places we stayed ourselves, and others are from the short list we made and the bucket list we have yet to conquer.

For even more options, see our guides to the best family resorts in Vermont, and the best Maine family resorts.

Map of the best family-friendly resorts in New England

Best family-friendly resorts in New England

Basin Harbor (VT)

I’ve already waxed lyrical about this place in our guide to the best Vermont family resorts, and I’m going to repeat myself here! Basin Harbor was a dream-come-true kind of place for me. I’m a huge fan of the film Dirty Dancing and the whole place reminded me of Kellerman’s. It has the fancy table-clothed restaurant, the programme of activities, the golf course and groups of families on their annual summer vacation. Do they have the secret after-hours parties? I certainly love to think so.

And as a one-up to Kellerman’s, Basin Harbor is on the shores of Lake Champlain, meaning stunning views and lots of opportunity to get out on the water. Take a boat tour, hire your own sailboat, or grab one of the free pedalos for a gentle meander around the harbor.

I loved every minute of our stay there, going for swims in the lake, exploring the gorgeous grounds and simply slowing down and seeing the kids have so much fun (they were obsessed by the tiny row boats, and also loved the playground and cycling around).

When it comes to food, there’s a fancy restaurant (you’ll need to dress the part for dinner there), a casual pub-style bistro, a food cart, and weekly barbecues on the dock. You really needn’t leave. But if you do, the nearby town of Vergennes is adorable and has some top-notch restaurants, including the Black Sheep Bistro and Laundry Vergennes.

While fairly expensive, I think this is a Vermont family resort worth splashing out on. We certainly plan to return.

Check availability and book now.

Migis Lodge (ME)

Located on the shores of Sebago Lake in Maine, Migis Lodge is one of the best resorts for families in New England. The property spans over 315 acres, primarily pine forest with plenty of lake-front space as well.

Accommodations at Migis Lodge include the main lodge as well as 35 cottages, so there are plenty of options depending on the size of your family and the needs.

But what makes Migis so wonderful for families is all of the families and activities. They offer both a Kid’s Camp (for ages 4-6) and Adventure Camp (ages 7+) nearly every day, so there are always activities tailored specifically for kids. Plus they offer babysitting services and a separate kids’ dining area if the adults want to enjoy a quiet, peaceful meal.

Check availability and book now.

Fortland (ME)

Hands down one of the best and most unique places we’ve ever stayed. I recommend Fortland wholeheartedly. Situated on an island just off the Portland coast, it’s a peaceful, off-grid escape from modern life where you can connect with nature and enjoy a temporary community with other guests.

The owners have put their hearts and souls into this place, and it shows, with gorgeous attention to detail, from the communal areas to thoughtfully placed windows that provide the perfect view.

Check availability and book now.

Winvian (CT)

Set on 113 acres in the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut, Winvian Farm offers a quiet getaway for families. We almost stayed here during our search for the real Stars Hollow, but ran out of time. Definitely on the list for next year!

It won the Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Award in 2022 and 2023 and prides itself on offering a 5-star experience, but without the opulence and extravagance you might expect from classic luxury resorts.

Instead, Winvian is all bout getting back to nature – it’s the place to go when your family is craving some time to disconnect, when you want to step back in time to be 5 years old and in wonder of all the nature around you (while still keeping the modern comforts of the 21st century, of course).

Some of the onsite activities include cottage bikes, bonfires and s’mores, and hiking, and there’s plenty to do in the nearby communities as well.

Check availability and book now.

Weekapaug Inn (RI)

For a quintessential New England experience, consider taking the family to Weekapaug Inn in Rhode Island. Originally built in 1899, the inn was voted the #1 Hotel in the Northeast by Conde Nast and it certainly lives up to the title!

Located on a peninsula between two salt ponds, Weekapaug offers a unique beach escape. Kids will love crabbing and exploring the tideline or just playing in the sand.

Other family activities on-site include lawn games, nature crafts, kites, fishing, and more. The Boathouse is staffed by young, energetic staff that will help ensure all kids have a blast during their stay.

Accommodation options include 27 rooms, four suites, and two carriage house rooms. Each one is spacious with a combination of historic and modern finishings. Keep in mind that as the inn was built in 1899 and rebuilt in 1939, each room is a bit different – and that’s part of what makes the property so unique.

Check availability and book now.

Winnetu Oceanside Resort (MA)

In the luxurious enclave of Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard, Winnetu Oceanside Resort is one of the best resorts for families in New England if you’re looking for some beach time.

A family-owned resort, Winnetu offers many activities exclusively for families. The parent/toddler program is for kids who aren’t yet potty trained, offering activities that the parents and kids can do together. For ages 3 to 12, they have a daily day program from 9am to 12pm and an evening program three nights a week. Kids are divided up by age and enjoy the yard, pool, and beach.

Other activities include a pirate-themed playground, a life-size chess set, foosball, ping-pong, two outdoor pools, lawn games, and rides in antique cars around the neighbourhood. And, of course, s’mores in the evening!

Accommodation options include rooms, suites, cottages, and home rentals. Rooms are bright and beachy and most include a kitchenette. The smallest room offers a queen and twin bed, so families needn’t feel that they must immediately go for the biggest option.

Check availability and book now.

Hidden Pond (ME)

Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport, Maine,is a 60-acre resort surrounded by forest. With two outdoor swimming pools, a treetop spa, and organic dining, it’s the perfect option for a New England family resort if you need both luxury and nature.

Available activities include walks through the forest, kayaking, relaxing in the spa, or a visit to their visit sister property, The Tides Beach Club. They also offer a nightly bonfire (perfect for making s’mores!)

Check availability and book now.

Sterling Ridge (VT)

Sterling Ridge is a log cabin resort in Jeffersonville, Vermont. It’s open year round and close to popular destinations like Smuggler’s Notch, Burlington, and Stowe, making it an excellent family resort in New England during the winter months as well as the summer.

Accommodations range from log cabins to an A-frame home and Vermont farmhouse, so this is a great option for large families or groups travelling together. Cabins include a fully equipped kitchen, and a wood stove or fireplace, which is especially cosy in the winter.

The resort is within a 10-minute drive to many ski areas and there are plenty of opportunities for other winter fun, like snowmobiling, ice skating, and sleigh rides. If you’re visiting in the summer, hiking, kayaking, and fishing are popular. Part of the charm, though, is just enjoying small-town New England.

Check availability and book now.

Owls Nest (NH)

Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Owls Nest is a great option for an active family getaway. Open year-round, they offer a huge number of activities, either on-site or in the nearby area.

Activities include golf, tennis, pickleball, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and a swimming pool. Lake Harold is a man-made lake with a beach that’s perfect for water activities in the summer as well.

Accommodations include various cottages, homes with mountain views, and lakeside suites. The Nano Cottages are perfect for small families while the larger homes can accommodate up to 12 guests.

Check availability and book now.

River Walk Resort at Loon Mountain (NH)

The River Walk Resort at Loon Mountain in Lincoln is another contender for the best family resort in the White Mountains. With rooms and suites in one building, it has more of a classic resort feel than the cottages and cabins offered by others on the list.

Amenities at River Walk Resort include outdoor pools and a hot tub, a seasonal ice skating rink, a family game room, and plenty of yard games. They’re also nearby to some of the best skiing and hiking in New England, depending on the time of year you visit.

Rooms range from studios and one-bedroom suites to expansive penthouses. Some studios offer kitchenettes while others are equipped with full kitchens and some have balconies or fireplaces as well.

Check availability and book now.

Huttopia Southern Maine and White Mountains 

Huttopia is a fantastic brand that originated in France with a mission to get city folk out in nature, luring them with creature comforts and the joys of the great outdoors. All their resorts are ideal for families with everything you need on site, from cooking facilities, playgrounds, a pool, restaurant and a programme of fun activities.

Huttopia Southern Maine is ideally located next to a beautiful lake and just 30 minutes from the coast and towns like Ogunquit and Kennebunkport.

And there’s also a Huttopia resort in the White Mountains. We didn’t stay at that one, but it has all the same benefits you can expect from the Huttopia brand.

Check availability and book now.