The best things to do in New England with kids

Last updated on July 20, 2026

New England is a dreamland for a family trip (or any trip for that matter!). There are lakes for swimming, mountains to climb, beaches to play on, family-friendly museums, roadside ice cream stands and plenty of quirky attractions.

But what I especially love is how well the children’s activities sit alongside everything I want from a trip too. Think indie bookshops, creative small cities, beautiful hotels, cosy cafés, historic homes, farmers’ markets and some of the most charming towns in America.

Our New England road trip was one of the best family adventures we’ve ever been on, and the part of America I could most easily see myself living in. I’ve put together a full New England road trip itinerary, and also written a New England guidebook.

But this post is a round-up of the best things to do in New England with kids. As with all our family travel guides, these are experiences adults will enjoy too. You won’t find endless soft-play centres and playgrounds here – although we do include some excellent ones! This is about creating the kind of family holiday that everyone genuinely loves.

The best things to do in Massachusetts with kids

Massachusetts has a little bit of everything that makes New England special. There’s Boston with its world-class museums, historic streets and baseball nostalgia; the forests and creative culture of the Berkshires; and the dreamy island life of Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod.

If you’re headed to Boston, I have a full guide to things to do in Boston with kids.

Explore Boston Common and ride the Swan Boats

Boston Common and the neighbouring Public Garden are a must-visit for families in Boston. It’s where the historic Swan Boats have been carrying passengers around the lagoon since the 19th century – one of those classic Boston experiences that appeals to every generation.

In summer, kids can cool off in the Frog Pond, while winter turns it into an outdoor skating rink. There are also plenty of lawns, paths and shady spots for a picnic or a break between sightseeing.

Spend a day at Boston Children’s Museum

Boston Children’s Museum is one of the best of its kind in the USA. Spread over three floors, it has all sorts of hands-on exhibits, from robots you can programme to ball tracks, science experiments and dressing-up areas.

The New Balance Foundation Climb is the main event. The three-storey vertical maze is an epic centrepiece to the museum and is open to both kids and adults, bringing plenty of family fun.

Don’t miss the intriguing Japanese House on the third floor. It’s a chance to explore a real silk merchant’s home from Kyoto, which was transported piece by piece from Japan to Boston.

The museum is best for children aged around ten and under, and you can easily spend a half day there.

Watch the Red Sox at Fenway Park

Seeing the Red Sox at Fenway Park was one of the highlights of our entire time in New England.

I’m not generally a sports fan, but the electric atmosphere, classic hot dogs and nostalgia of the stadium won me over. It’s a slice of Americana and one of those experiences where the event is about far more than the game itself.

Even younger children can enjoy the spectacle, although be prepared for a late night if you choose an evening match. You can also do a stadium tour outside of game times.

Take a Boston Duck Tour

A Boston Duck Tour is undeniably touristy, but it’s also a lot of fun and an excellent introduction to the city.

The brightly coloured amphibious vehicles travel past Boston’s major sights before splashing into the Charles River. The famously funny guides keep things lively, and the novelty of driving straight into the water is always a winner with kids.

It’s a particularly good activity for the start of your stay, helping everyone get their bearings before exploring independently.

Follow the Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile route connecting 16 historically significant sites associated with the American Revolution.

You can follow the red-brick line independently or join one of the guided tours led by costumed characters. The latter is probably the best way to bring history to life for children, although little ones may prefer dipping in and out rather than doing the entire route.

Even without following the full trail, you’ll encounter many of its highlights while wandering through central Boston and the North End.

Enjoy the kitsch charm of Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard was one of the places I was most excited to visit on our New England trip. It had an almost mythical image in my mind, created through years of seeing it in books and films, and I was delighted to find it lived up to the hype.

The island is an interesting mixture of seaside kitsch and elegant, upscale towns. Go to Oak Bluffs for the former and Edgartown for the latter. Even with the kitsch, Oak Bluffs is still incredibly charming, especially the Campground where you’ll find the iconic Gingerbread Cottages.

Spend time exploring the towns, play on the beaches, visit the alpacas at Island Alpaca and see the epic views and colourful rock formations at the Aquinnah Cliffs.

Ride America’s oldest platform carousel

The Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs is the oldest operating platform carousel in America and a classic Martha’s Vineyard family experience.

Children ride brightly painted horses while trying to grab metal rings from a dispenser. Whoever catches the brass ring wins a free ride.

Oak Bluffs is also filled with ice cream shops, arcades and Jaws memorabilia, making it an easy place to spend a relaxed family day.

Jump from the Jaws Bridge

The American Legion Memorial Bridge, better known as the Jaws Bridge, appeared in the famous film and has become a popular jumping spot.

You’ll see children, teenagers and adults lining up to leap into the water below. Check the conditions carefully, supervise children closely and only jump if you’re confident it’s safe to do so.

Visit the Berkshires

The Berkshires are like the Hamptons, but where the Hamptons has the seaside, the Berkshires has forests, lakes and mountains. It’s where New Yorkers go for an upscale weekend in nature, with plentiful outdoor activities alongside an impressive cultural calendar.

Visit MASS MoCA, where the Kidspace makes the vast contemporary art museum particularly welcoming for families. You could also ride the Berkshire Scenic Railway, visit the Norman Rockwell Museum or drive to the top of Mount Greylock for sweeping views.

In summer, look out for performances at Tanglewood and the annual dance festival at Jacob’s Pillow.

The best things to do in Maine with kids

Maine was one of the biggest highlights of our New England road trip. The state bills itself as “Vacationland”, and it certainly felt like that in summer.

The coast is lined with colourful towns, roadside diners, antique centres, beaches, miniature golf courses and family attractions. All this comes with a backdrop of rocky shores, forested mountains, pristine lakes and some of the most picturesque towns in America. See our guides to places to vacation in Maine with kids and things to do in Southern Maine.

Explore Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park has the sort of name that promises magic, and its blend of mountains, rugged coast, forest, lakes and cute towns is a reality that delivers.

It’s also surprisingly easy to explore with children. You can choose challenging hikes, but there are plenty of accessible walks and scenic drives too.

The Park Loop Road is the simplest way to see many of Acadia’s major sights, including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain. Stop along the way for short walks, picnics and viewpoints rather than trying to rush around the whole loop.

Our favourite family activity was hiring bikes and a trailer to explore the park’s 45 miles of car-free carriage roads. You can also travel along them by horse-drawn carriage.

See the view from Cadillac Mountain

Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the United States and one of the first places in the country to see the sunrise during parts of the year.

Sunrise reservations are incredibly popular and need to be booked in advance. We visited later in the day and the view was still spectacular, stretching across the ocean, islands and forested landscape.

You can drive almost all the way to the summit, making this one of the easiest ways for families to enjoy an epic mountain view without a strenuous hike.

Have a beach day in Southern Maine

Ogunquit Beach is one of the most popular beaches in New England, with 3.5 miles of soft sand and gentle waves that are ideal for paddling and swimming.

Footbridge Beach and North Beach sit on the same peninsula and can be slightly quieter than the main section.

The Kennebunks also have some gorgeous family beaches, including Gooch’s Beach, Middle Beach and Mother’s Beach. Gooch’s and Mother’s have lifeguards in summer, although you’ll need to check the local parking permit system before visiting.

Stay on a Civil War fort

It’s no exaggeration to say Fortland is one of the most special places we’ve ever stayed.

Set within Fort Scammel on House Island, only a short boat journey from Portland, it feels a world away from urban life. Owners Stefan and Katrina have built a collection of stylish yurts and tents around the historic fort, with gorgeous views at every turn.

There’s a central campground where guests cook, play games and roast s’mores around the fire. You can also hike around the island, swim at the private beaches and take a history tour of the fort.

There are no shops or restaurants on the island, so you need to arrive with everything you’ll need. For us, that was part of the fun and made the whole stay feel like a proper adventure.

Swim at Barrett’s Cove

One of our most peaceful afternoons in Maine was spent at Barrett’s Cove on Megunticook Lake, just a few minutes from the charming harbour town of Camden.

The little beach is ideal for families, with picnic benches, toilets and a cordoned-off swimming area. The shoreline slopes gradually into deeper water, so younger children can paddle while older ones swim, and there are fantastic views across the lake towards Mount Battie. It was surprisingly quiet too, even when we visited in August.

Afterwards, head into Camden for an ice cream and a wander around the harbour. It’s one of New England’s prettiest seaside towns and well worth building into your day, whether you’re browsing the independent shops or simply watching the boats come and go.

The best things to do in New Hampshire with kids

New Hampshire is small but spectacular, and is home to one of New England’s prettiest cities and its most dramatic mountain scenery.

Portsmouth is filled with colourful houses, cobbled streets and maritime history, while the White Mountains are a natural playground of forested peaks, waterfalls, lakes and scenic drives. You can hike and climb if you’re feeling adventurous, but there are also plenty of ways to enjoy the landscape with younger kids, from the Kancamagus Highway to the Mount Washington Cog Railway.

Explore Portsmouth’s living history

Portsmouth was a name that came up again and again when we asked locals about their favourite places in New England.

The small coastal city feels like a Norman Rockwell painting brought to life, with cobbled streets, colourful homes and architecture spanning centuries.

The best place to learn about its history is Strawbery Banke, a fantastic open-air museum where you can explore original houses, gardens and shops dating from the 17th to the 20th century.

Costumed interpreters bring stories from the past to life, and the interactive elements make it particularly engaging for children. Our boys especially enjoyed the old-fashioned sweet shop. See our full guide to things to do in Portsmouth.

Climb aboard a submarine

The USS Albacore Museum is housed inside a decommissioned US Navy submarine.

You can climb through the narrow interior, see how the crew lived, learn about the submarine’s history and look through the periscope. It’s an especially good choice for children interested in vehicles, machinery or maritime history.

Also visit the Seacoast Science Center, around ten minutes from Portsmouth in Odiorne Point State Park. It has aquarium tanks, touch pools and interactive exhibits focused on the marine life of the New Hampshire coast.

Explore Flume Gorge or Lost River

Flume Gorge and Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves both have family-friendly routes through dramatic rock formations, waterfalls and woodland.

At Flume Gorge, a wooden boardwalk leads through a narrow natural gorge beneath towering granite walls. Lost River has caves and boulders that children can climb through, with bypass routes available for anyone who would rather avoid the tightest spaces.

Both attractions may close during severe weather or after heavy rain, so check conditions before setting out.

Visit Mount Washington

Mount Washington is the tallest mountain in the northeastern United States and is known for its famously dramatic weather.

You can drive to the top on the historic Mount Washington Auto Road or take the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Both provide spectacular views without requiring a challenging hike.

We didn’t have enough time to do either, but if we’d had an extra day in the White Mountains, this is what we would have chosen.

Visit Story Land

Story Land is a family amusement park in Glen, where classic children’s tales and nursery rhymes are turned into rides and attractions.

It’s primarily aimed at younger children, with gentle rollercoasters, water rides, character encounters and themed play areas.

The best things to do in Vermont with kids

Vermont often feels like an idyll of decades past, where trees outnumber buildings and much of the land is carpeted in forest.

It’s known for its cheese, maple syrup, ice cream, skiing and, of course, its famous senator. But it’s also filled with brilliant things to do as a family.

It was one of our favourite stops in New England, and the kids agree. I mean, it’s the home of Ben & Jerry’s, so it was always going to be a contender!

Visit the Ben & Jerry’s factory

An ice cream “must” in Vermont is visiting the Ben & Jerry’s factory near Waterbury.

You can take a guided tour to learn about the company’s history and see part of the production process. Tours are popular, so book ahead if possible.

You can also stop by without doing a tour to buy an ice cream, play in the excellent playground and visit the Flavour Graveyard, where headstones commemorate the company’s discontinued creations.

Make a teddy at Vermont Teddy Bear

Two of our kids’ most prized possessions are the teddies they made at Vermont Teddy Bear, just outside Burlington in Shelburne.

The beloved company even has an on-site teddy hospital where injured bears can be sent for repair.

Take a factory tour to see how the teddies are made, look at favourite designs from over the years and visit the hospital. Afterwards, children can choose or make a bear of their own.

Ride bikes around Burlington

Burlington is wonderfully bike-friendly and seeing the city on two wheels is one of the best ways to explore.

Cycle along the waterfront on the Burlington Greenway, an eight-mile path beside Lake Champlain. We hired bikes and a trailer for the children from Skirack, although Local Motion is another popular option.

Bear in mind that parts of Burlington are hilly, so an electric bike may be worthwhile. Steve hired one because he was towing both boys, while I managed fine on a regular bike.

Also spend time wandering along pedestrianised Church Street and visit ECHO, a children’s science and nature museum beside the lake.

Eat a maple creemee

In Vermont, you don’t call it soft serve – it’s a creemee!

I don’t know whether it’s the name, the surroundings or the actual taste, but somehow a creemee just tastes better. To get the full Vermont experience, make sure to choose maple flavour.

The best one we tried was at Burlington Bay, which has a lovely waterfront setting overlooking Lake Champlain.

Stay at a real-life Dirty Dancing resort

I’m obsessed with Basin Harbor. Largely because I’m also obsessed with Dirty Dancing and this is the closest I’ve ever come to Kellerman’s.

The lakeside resort has cottages spread around beautiful grounds and enough entertainment to fill a week. Take a boat trip, hire bikes, play pickleball, swim in the pool, use the kids’ club, go to the playground, play golf or spend your days beside Lake Champlain.

Our children especially loved the little rowing boats they could take onto the water, while I swam in the lake each morning.

Walk through the treetops at VINS

With around 78 per cent of Vermont covered in trees, one of the best places to appreciate its forests is VINS Nature Center.

The canopy walk takes you through the treetops, with views towards the Ottauquechee River. The nature centre also focuses on wildlife rehabilitation and has an impressive collection of raptors, including owls, hawks and eagles.

Our boys loved the forest playground too. It was a perfect road-trip stop where everyone could stretch their legs between northern and southern Vermont.

Visit Vermont’s farms

Vermont is celebrated for its local produce, especially maple syrup, cheese, apples and berries.

Stop at roadside farm stands, visit a maple sugarworks or go fruit picking in season. We loved Harlow Farm Stand, where we stocked up on baked goods and fresh berries.

Retreat Farm in Brattleboro is another family-friendly option, with farm animals and a play area. It’s next to the Grafton Village Cheese Company, where you can buy local produce and, of course, plenty of Vermont cheese.

Stay at Rudyard Kipling’s estate

Did you know Rudyard Kipling lived in Vermont? He moved there after marrying an American woman and wrote classics including The Jungle Book and Just So Stories at his home, Naulakha.

You can now stay in the house or its neighbouring Carriage House, which is where we slept. It was one of the most memorable stays of our trip, filled with dark woods, cast-iron beds, antiques and plenty of books and reading nooks.

There’s lots of land for children to run around, plus a tennis court and neighbouring orchard. It’s a special opportunity to bring a piece of literary history to life.

The best things to do in Connecticut with kids

Connecticut is filled with the kind of small-town charm that first made me dream of visiting New England. Think village greens, independent bookshops, local diners, covered bridges and towns where everyone seems to know one another.

Our main motivation for visiting was to search for the real Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls, and we found pieces of it throughout the Litchfield Hills. But Connecticut also has a beautiful coastline, excellent children’s museums, historic seaports and beaches that are particularly good for younger kids.

Explore Kent Falls State Park

Kent Falls State Park is a beautiful stop in the Litchfield Hills, with a covered bridge, woodland trails and a series of waterfalls tumbling down the hillside.

A short path leads up alongside the cascades, with viewpoints along the way. It’s manageable for families, although younger children will need supervision around the water and steeper sections.

The park is particularly spectacular in autumn and easy to combine with time in Kent.

Stay in a stylish train carriage

The Kent Collection has several properties in town, including two beautiful inns and a renovated railway carriage.

We stayed in the train and it was one of the highlights of our trip. The carriage has been impeccably restored with cosy wooden interiors and a tasteful railway theme.

It sleeps four and has its own fire pit outside for roasting s’mores. Best of all, it’s right in the centre of Kent, so you can walk to cafés, restaurants, shops and the local farmers’ market.

Visit Mystic Seaport

Mystic Seaport Museum is a vast living maritime museum that recreates a 19th-century coastal village.

Explore historic buildings, watch traditional crafts being demonstrated and climb aboard impressive tall ships. There are plenty of hands-on activities, making the history accessible to children.

Mystic itself has a slightly bohemian seaside feel and is also home to the real Mystic Pizza from the 1980s film.

Spend a day at the Maritime Aquarium

The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk focuses on the wildlife and ecosystems of Long Island Sound.

Its aquarium tanks and interactive exhibits introduce children to sharks, seals, jellyfish, turtles and other local marine life.

Nearby Stepping Stones Museum for Children is another fantastic option, with hands-on exhibits aimed at children up to around ten. Our boys could happily have stayed there all day.

Go blueberry picking

Fruit picking is a classic New England family activity and Connecticut has plenty of farms where you can gather apples, berries and other seasonal produce.

We went blueberry picking at Bishop’s Orchards and loved the simple pleasure of filling our own containers in the sunshine. The farm also hosts events with live music, food trucks and its own wine. The wine slushie was ace!

Have a beach day on the Connecticut coast

The towns along Long Island Sound have classic New England charm with the added bonus of being beside the sea.

We spent a lush afternoon at the Surf Club in Madison, where there’s a wide beach and playground beside the sand. Other popular options include Hammonasset Beach State Park, Silver Sands State Park in Milford and Jennings Beach in Fairfield.

The water is generally calmer than on the open Atlantic, which can make the Connecticut shoreline particularly good for younger children.

Visit Yale and eat New Haven pizza

New Haven is home to Yale University and what locals may tell you is the best pizza in America (just don’t say that too loudly around a New Yorker).

Take a guided tour of the Yale campus or simply explore independently, looking inside some of its impressive buildings and courtyards.

Then try the city’s famous “apizza”. The three classic names are Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally’s Apizza and Modern Apizza, each with its own loyal following.

The best things to do in Rhode Island with kids

Rhode Island is the smallest state in America – you can drive from one side to the other in around an hour – but it still packs in charming towns, beaches, history and culture.

The two main destinations are Providence and Newport.

See WaterFire in Providence

WaterFire is Providence’s signature event, when dozens of braziers are lit on the rivers running through downtown.

Music plays, performers appear along the banks and boats travel between the fires, creating an atmospheric spectacle across the city.

The event takes place on selected summer evenings rather than every night, so check the calendar carefully when planning your trip.

Even when WaterFire isn’t happening, Waterplace Park is nice for a riverside stroll.

Visit Roger Williams Park Zoo

Roger Williams Park is one of Providence’s best family destinations. The large city park includes a zoo, natural history museum, botanical centre, playgrounds and plenty of green space. You can also ride swan-shaped pedal boats on the lake.

Spend a day at the beach in Newport

Newport has several family-friendly beaches. Easton’s Beach, also known as First Beach, is the most convenient from town and has a wide sandy shoreline. Second Beach, officially Sachuest Beach, is a little farther away and often considered the more scenic option.

You could combine a morning exploring the mansions with an afternoon beside the sea.

Memorable places to stay in New England with kids

Some of our favourite New England experiences were the places we stayed. The region is filled with creative, characterful accommodation that makes the overnight part of the trip as memorable as the sightseeing.

These are a few of our favourites:

Fortland, Maine

Stylish yurts and tents built into the grounds of a historic Civil War fort on an island near Portland. There are private beaches, communal campfires, excellent s’mores and epic views towards the city.

Check prices and availability.

Huttopia Southern Maine

Family glamping beside a lake in a pine forest, with safari tents, cabins, a swimming pool, playground, kids’ activities, restaurant and watersports hire.

Check prices and availability.

Lumen Nature Retreat, New Hampshire

Minimalist Scandi cabins beside a woodland brook, complete with fire pits and a barrel sauna overlooking the pond.

Check prices and availability.

Basin Harbor, Vermont

The closest we’ve found to the real-life Kellerman’s from Dirty Dancing. There are lakeside cottages, water activities, kids’ clubs, sports, boat trips and summer barbecues.

Check prices and availability.

Kipling’s Carriage House, Vermont

A historic home on Rudyard Kipling’s former estate, filled with antique furniture, literary history and plenty of space for children to explore.

Check prices and availability.

The Kent Collection train carriage, Connecticut

A beautifully converted railway carriage in the centre of Kent, sleeping four and with its own outdoor fire pit for s’mores.

Check prices and availability.

Homestead Madison, Connecticut

A character-filled independent guesthouse near the Connecticut coast, with record players in the bedrooms, vintage memorabilia, homemade treats and complimentary evening s’mores.

Check prices and availability.

Is New England good for families?

New England is a fantastic family destination, especially if you like combining the outdoors with interesting towns and cultural attractions.

There are plenty of child-friendly museums, beaches, lakes, easy hikes and quirky roadside stops. But it’s also ideal for parents who don’t want a holiday solely designed around children.

Our travel style means trying to do as many “grown-up” things as possible while keeping the kids happy with playgrounds, ice creams and interactive attractions along the way. New England made that balance particularly easy.

Which New England state is best for kids?

Maine and Vermont were our personal favourites for a family trip. Maine has Acadia National Park, beaches, boat trips, charming coastal towns and some brilliant family glamping. Vermont has ice cream, teddy bears, lakes, cycling and the fun Basin Harbor.

But every state has something special. Massachusetts is excellent for a city-and-island combination, New Hampshire has the White Mountains, Connecticut delivers small-town charm and interactive museums, and Rhode Island has cute seaside towns like Newport.

When is the best time to visit New England with kids?

Summer and autumn are the most popular seasons.

We travelled in July and August and loved the region’s classic summer-vacation feeling. The beaches and lakes were at their best, seasonal attractions were open and there were festivals and community events throughout the route.

Autumn is famous for its fall foliage, especially around the Kancamagus Highway, Stowe, Acadia, Camden Hills and the Berkshires.

Winter brings skiing, skating and snow-covered towns, while spring is quieter and can be a good option for lower prices. However, be aware of spring’s “mud season” in rural and mountainous areas.