Family Friendly Tours in New England: Unforgettable Adventures for All Ages
Planning a New England family vacation can feel like piecing together a puzzle. You want a mix of fun things to do, beautiful scenery, engaging culture, and of course, activities that appeal to everyone in the group. Whether you're traveling with toddlers, teens, or extended family, New England offers a magical mix of outdoor activities, historic charm, and family-focused attractions that make it one of the best regions in the U.S. for unforgettable, family friendly tours.
From beautiful beaches to snowmobile trails, from walking tours of historic cities to thrilling mountain coasters and scenic boat cruises, there's something for every interest, season, and age group. In this guide, we’ll help you map out your perfect New England road trip or weekend getaway, sharing top places to visit, hidden gems, and tips for making the most of your time in the six New England states.
Boston: Where History and Family Fun Meet
Boston is the heartbeat of New England and the perfect starting point for your adventure. The city’s downtown area is packed with family-friendly attractions, walkable streets, and a healthy mix of natural history, food, and fun.
Highlights of the Boston Public Walking Tour: One of the best ways to discover Boston is through a guided walking tour, like the one offered by Boston Private Guide. These tours are perfect for families who want to explore at a relaxed pace while learning about Boston’s incredible past—from the American Revolution to the vibrant present-day neighborhoods.
Kids and adults alike will love stops like:
Boston Common and the Public Garden: Great for picnics and swan boat rides.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace: Bustling with street performers, locally owned shops, and food stalls.
Granary Burying Ground: A historic cemetery where Paul Revere and Samuel Adams are buried.
Other fun Boston stops include:
New England Aquarium: Don’t miss the penguins and the four-story ocean tank.
Duck Boat Tours: Amphibious vehicles take you through the streets and into the Charles River.
Museum of Science and Children’s Museum: Great indoor options if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Take a break at one of the many family friendly hotels that are centrally located, offering amenities like indoor pools, game rooms, and convenient access to the Freedom Trail and more. If you're visiting in early June or mid April, you'll enjoy milder temperatures and fewer crowds. And sports fans? Don’t miss a Red Sox game at Fenway Park—a family favorite and New England tradition.
Cape Cod and the Islands: Coastal Bliss
No New England family vacation is complete without a trip to Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, or Block Island. These historic coastal towns are packed with charm, cute downtown areas, and plenty of beachside fun.
Martha’s Vineyard: Visit Oak Bluffs, known for its colorful gingerbread houses and the historic Flying Horses Carousel. Stop in Vineyard Haven for shopping and snacks, or explore Edgartown with its elegant streets and cozy cafes.
Cape Cod: Bike the Shining Sea Bikeway, visit Woods Hole for its aquarium and science centers, explore Sandwich—the Cape’s oldest town—and soak up the sun on beautiful beaches like Marconi or Coast Guard Beach.
Block Island: A short ferry ride from Rhode Island, this island offers pristine beaches, lighthouse hikes, and stunning views. Ideal for a tranquil escape with the entire family.
Many families plan a day trip to these locations, but staying overnight allows you to experience evening magic: sunsets, ice skating in winter, and summer evening concerts or family-friendly festivals.
Rhode Island: Small State, Big Fun
Don’t overlook Rhode Island! Though small, it offers rich cultural attractions and natural beauty perfect for families.
Roger Williams Park Zoo: One of the oldest zoos in the country and great for younger kids. There's even a zip line and train ride.
Providence Children’s Museum: Hands-on exhibits that blend play and learning.
Narragansett Bay: Ideal for a harbor cruise or sailing lesson. Newport is also known as the sailing capital of the U.S.
Historic Mansion Tours: Teens and grandparents might enjoy seeing the extravagant homes of the Gilded Age, especially the Breakers and Marble House.
Downtown Providence: Home to great restaurants, family-friendly walking areas, and in early December, holiday lights and seasonal performances.
Stay in one of the family friendly hotels in Providence or Newport, both conveniently located for short excursions and walks through cute towns like Bristol or Wickford. Don’t miss trying local clam chowder—it’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
New Hampshire and Vermont: Mountains and Magic
For those craving nature and adventure, head north to New Hampshire and Vermont. This region is stunning year-round, but it’s especially popular during mid October for fall foliage drives.
Top picks for outdoor-loving families:
Lost River Gorge: A boardwalk trail through caves and waterfalls that feels like a fairytale.
Lake Winnipesaukee: Try kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, or a scenic railroad ride.
Snow Tubing and Snowmobile Trails: Wintertime brings snowy fun for the entire family. Many ski resorts also offer snow tubing hills and skating rinks.
Mountain Biking and Mountain Coasters: Great summer adventures in ski resorts turned warm-weather playgrounds like Loon or Okemo.
You’ll find rustic lodges, cabins, and family friendly hotels with indoor pools and cozy vibes. Enjoy marshmallows by the fireplace, board games in the game room, and unforgettable views of the fall months.
Maine and Acadia National Park: Rugged Beauty and Coastal Calm
If your crew loves a mix of outdoor activities and quiet exploration, you’ll fall in love with Maine.
Bar Harbor: A welcoming town that serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park. Explore the cute downtown, grab local treats, and plan a day trip into the park.
Acadia: Offers everything from tidepooling and hiking to nature trails with breathtaking views of mountains meeting the ocean. Don’t forget to drive up Cadillac Mountain for sunrise!
Scenic Boat Cruises and whale watching: Look for puffins and seals, or even sail aboard a historic schooner.
Towns like Camden, Boothbay Harbor, and Kennebunkport provide classic New England charm, with locally owned shops, lobster rolls, and craft fairs.
If you visit in summer, you’ll enjoy warm, breezy days perfect for beachcombing and biking. In the cooler months, plan for indoor play spaces, storytelling events at local libraries, or quiet family dinners at waterfront inns.
Hidden Gems and Off the Beaten Path
For families who’ve already hit the highlights or prefer less touristy experiences, New England is full of off the beaten path surprises:
Norman Rockwell Museum (Massachusetts): A great intro to fine arts for kids, offering rotating exhibits and art-making activities.
Mystic Aquarium and Seaport (Connecticut): Where marine life meets maritime history. See beluga whales, visit tall ships, and try sailing simulations.
Community Festivals: From summer strawberry fests to fall foliage parades, each small town has its own flair.
Swan Boat rides, art museums, ice skating, and splash pads in urban parks offer city fun with a local twist.
Sample Itineraries for Your New England Family Vacation
#Classic 7-Day Family Road Trip:
Day 1-2: Boston (walking tour, aquarium, duck boats)
Day 3: Cape Cod (beach, bike ride, seafood dinner)
Day 4: Martha’s Vineyard (carousel, shopping, explore Oak Bluffs)
Day 5: Rhode Island (zoo, children’s museum, harbor cruise)
Day 6: New Hampshire (Lost River Gorge, campfire, scenic railroad)
Day 7: Maine (Acadia, lobster boat tour, nature hike)
Extended Family Relaxation Week:
Rent a house near Lake Winnipesaukee, Cape Cod, or the Vermont border
Mix nature trails, beach days, and art museum visits
Cook meals together, host game nights in the game room, and unwind on a porch with mountain or coastal views
Add a visit to a historic mansion or lighthouse tour for variety
Travel Planning Tips
Book hotels and activities early, especially during peak season like summer months or mid October.
Choose accommodations that are centrally located for easy access to multiple activities.
Layer up! Even in late spring or early fall, temperatures can shift dramatically.
Keep a mix of indoor and outdoor plans for unpredictable weather.
Use apps and blogs for travel planning tips and trail maps.
Plan your road trip route in advance but leave room for spontaneity—like detouring to a farm stand or watching street performers in a cute downtown.
Make New England Your Family’s Next Destination
From bustling cities to tranquil coastal villages, New England has something for every kind of family. Whether you're drawn to art museums, baseball games, natural history, or just some good old-fashioned family bonding, this region never disappoints.
With a bit of preparation and a healthy dose of curiosity, your New England family vacation could be the highlight of the year. So pack your bags, bring the grandparents, and set off on a journey that promises fun, laughter, and lifelong memories for the entire family.
