Family activities in New England and attractions for kids

New England > All New England > Families and Kids > Family Activities

Try something new on a New England family vacation. From shopping at general stores and trading posts, to outdoor quests like whitewater rafting, whale watching, and hiking scenic trails, New England has a limitless selection of exciting, family-friendly activities to please kids and parents alike. Explore the beaches, farms, and amusement parks, or bring the kids on a train ride or sightseeing cruise. Plenty of family friendly lodgings welcome parents and kids with swimming pools, game rooms, discounted children’s meal, and group activities for the kids. Many lodgings have a variety of accommodations and public spaces to be perfect for family reunions.

America's Stonehenge

105 Haverhill Road Salem, NH, 03079 Phone: 603-893-8300

Let your kids explore the mysteries of America's history

Kids love mysteries, and that's what makes a visit to America's Stonehenge in Salem, New Hampshire, a great trip for your family. A half-mile trail through the pine woods leads to megaliths, stone chambers, a rock altar, and other strange artifacts. Were they built by colonial farmers or Native Americans? Or constructed by ancient people -- Druid priests, perhaps -- who left similar monuments all over great Britain. Adding to the mystery is the fact that you'll find megaliths of the same type scattered around New England. Our site, however, is one of the largest collections. What's more, many other sites are on private property, and off limits to visitors. So come visit our woods, and find out why they've left scholars confused for decades.

Family Downhill Skiing - Twin Mountain-Bretton Woods Chamber - New Hampshire

Twin Mountain-Bretton Woods Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 194 Twin Mountain, NH, 03595 Phone: Toll-Free: 800-245-8946

Variety of exciting activities, attractions every season of the year in this mountain region

Twin Mountain-Bretton Woods has fun activities and attractions for every member of the family! In the winter, enjoy alpine and cross-country skiing, snow-tubing, snowmobiling and plenty of s’mores around the fire. In warmer months, go golfing at one of five courses in the area or go for a ride up world-famous Mount Washington. Summer also brings horseback riding, helicopter tours, hiking, biking, and scenic tours. Try to spy a beaver along the trails in the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge or maybe even spot a moose. And don’t forget the bear shows at Clark’s Bears! Special events, fairs, & festivals are happening throughout the year in this lively region.

Raft NH

196 Main Street Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-545-4533

Family fun a guarantee when you book this rafting adventure, perfect for all ages, levels

If your family has always wanted to try whitewater rafting, now’s the time, and Raft N.H. is the place. The rafting center is offering Class II rafting adventures for everyone age 6 and up, so they’re perfect for families. The run goes down a 2.5-mile section of the scenic Androscoggin River, below the Pontook Dam. It includes sections of milder rapids and calmer water, which means plenty of time to get in some swimming. The adventure includes a guide, safety gear, comfort gear, a small snack and transportation to and from your beginning point in Gorham. It’s a great way to experience the beauty of the White Mountains, the Great North Woods and the river as a family.

Rock Climbing - Mt. Washington Valley NH Chamber of Commerce

Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce

So many activities in this popular N.H. region, everyone in the family will have a good time

It’s a paradise for families, four seasons of the year: In the Mt. Washington Valley, there are so many things to do, everyone will go home happy! There are water sports in the summer, from kayaking to finding the perfect swimming hole; winter means exceptional alpine and cross-country skiing, fat biking, tubing and snowshoeing – and Santa’s Village. Spring is a good time to hit the bike trails, break out the canoe or visit a museum. And fall, of course, means leaf-peeping, whether you drive the Kancamagus Highway or take a trip on the Conway Scenic Railroad. Kids will love the fun shops in the valley’s villages, and adults will love comfortable lodgings with pools and on-site restaurants. Click above to visit our website or call our friendly concierge at 800-337-3563 for more info on first class lodging and exciting events to plan your next adventure!

Old Sturbridge Village - More than a Museum!

Begin your adventure at Plymouth Rock this spring - See Plymouth, MA!

Living Shores Aquarium

850 New Hampshire Route 16 Glen, NH, 03838 Phone: 603-383-4186

Otters, touch tanks with sharks, an aviary with lorikeets: Kids will love this aquarium

The Living Shores Aquarium, next door to Story Land, represents the best sort of family activity: where the kids learn something and have a great time. They will love the touch pools, interacting with sting rays, urchins, shrimp, horseshoe crabs – and friendly sharks! In the walk-through aviary, tropical lorikeets will fly from perch to perch overhead, and you might spot a red-foot tortoise or two. And everyone will enjoy watching the otters entertain with their mischievous antics. There’s a digital sandbox where kids can dig and discover marine life, a drawing station and exhibits showcasing colorful clownfish, lake trout and denizens of Caribbean reefs. The Bistro restaurant offers breakfast and lunch items, snacks – and Dunkin’ coffee.

Galaxy Montage - Blake Planetarium - Plymouth, MA

W. Russell Blake Planetarium

117 Long Pond Road Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-830-4470

Full-dome Plymouth planetarium a shining star for visitors of all ages

The sky’s the limit for visitors to the W. Russell Blake Planetarium, the only 4K full-dome planetarium south of Boston. As you sit back in angled chairs, you’ll gaze at a ceiling filled with stars and planets while learning to identify them and how to use a star map (that you can take home). It’s a spectacle of light and color not to be missed. Regular seasonal stargazing programs take advantage of the high-tech surround-sound system and jaw-dropping full-dome views.

Great Waters

54 N. Main Street Wolfeboro, NH, 03894 Phone: 603-569-7710

Great music, great venue, great family atmosphere make these concerts a must

A second season of exciting Concerts in the Clouds at spectacular Castle in the Clouds has been announced by Great Waters, which has been entertaining visitors to the New Hampshire Lake Region for over 25 years. Opening night kicks off a stellar season with “1964: The Tribute,” a popular Beatles performance. The summer lineup continues with Electric Light Orchestra tribute band and then ultra classic sound of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours.” Michael Cavanaugh will play the songs of Billy Joel & Elton John. Act fast if you want tickets to “One Night of Queen: Gary Mullen and The Works.” Jaw-dropping mountain views, hiking trails, a duck pond and historic Lucknow Mansion add to this not-to-to-missed family event.

Summer Dog Sled Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel & Raft Jefferson New Hampshire

Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel & Raft NH

32 Valley Road Jefferson, NH, 03583 Phone: 603-545-4533

A family sojourn never to be forgotten

There’s adventure ahead on land and water and the whole family is invited. Enjoy warm weather rolling dog sledding that’s educational and hands on. Meet the sled dogs, help the musher harness and hitch the team, enjoy the dog sled ride, and share treats with the sled dogs after your ride. Get out on the water with Raft NH, a family-friendly, rafting outfitter offering whitewater trips for ages 6 and up. You’re in for unforgettable mild to wild rafting! Check out the “Paws & Paddles” package and enjoy a daytime whitewater raft trip and an evening rolling dog sled trek for a full day of outdoor fun.

Take a Ride through Time at the Railroad Museum of New England - Thomaston, CT

Festival of Illumination 2022: Once Upon at Time - September 1 to December 31 at Southwick's Zoo in Mendon, MA

The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat -Train & Boat Excursions through the Connecticut River Valley - with all the bells & whistles!

Goddard Memorial State Park

1095 Ives Road Warwick, RI, 02818 Phone: 401-884-2010

Plenty of activities, from bridle trails to sandy beaches, at this expansive park

Stroll, swim, see an equestrian show: There are plenty of fun family things to do at Goddard Memorial State Park. The 472-acre park has 355 picnic tables, so definitely bring a lunch! There are 18 miles of bridle trails and 11 game fields, spacious lawns and forested areas and an expansive sandy, saltwater beach for swimming (there’s a seasonal lifeguard) and fishing. Launch your kayak or canoe from the boat ramp. Equestrian shows, concerts and other events are held in the pavilion. There’s also a par-36, nine-hole public golf course. (Call for a tee time, since walk-ins are not allowed.) This four-season park along the shores of Greenwich Cove and Greenwich Bay is a great place to spend the day. - Park Map (PDF)

Roger Williams Park Zoo

1000 Elmwood Avenue Providence, RI, 02907 Phone: 401-785-3510

Zoo offers so many exhibits and interactive areas, you’ll need more than one visit!

Who can resist a family outing to the zoo? At the Roger Williams Park Zoo, your family cam visit Africa and its zebras, cheetahs and elephants; explore the Amazon Rainforest’s free-flight aviary (you’ll love the toucans); follow in Marco Polo’s footsteps and try to find the secretive snow leopard; check out harbor seals and bison in the North America exhibit; collect eggs or interact with goats and sheep at the Alex and Ani Farmyard. The Hasbro Our Big Backyard offers dozens of play and exploration ideas including a building zone and creativity corner, you can go on a zip or train ride, and Carousel Village is fun for kids of all ages. Dining options range from salads and burgers to pizza by the slice.

The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village

1650 Hartford-New London Tpke. (Rt. 85) Oakdale, CT, 06370 Phone: 860-443-4367

Something fun for everyone, from a Splash Pad to a dinosaur trail, at this adventure park

From the tiniest tots to young-at-heart adults, there is something for everyone to do, and love doing, at The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village. At the Splash Pad, a zero-depth water playground, there’s a separate area for infants to toddlers, while older kids will love the water cannons, dino rib cage waterfall and dumping buckets. Over at T-rex Tower, obstacles include zip lines, slides and bridges. There’s also a tricky dino maze and, of course, the 50 life-sized dinosaurs who inhabit 1.5 miles of easy-to-travel trails (and caves!). Adults will also enjoy Copper Creek Mini Golf and the variety of shops, from those selling fossils and minerals to an ever-changing antiques marketplace.

Margate Resort on Winnipesaukee

76 Lake Streeet Laconia, NH, 03246 Phone: 603-524-5210 Toll-Free: 800-627-4283

Your family’s unforgettable vacation awaits at this resort right on the lake

Come join the families who make memories at the Margate on Winnipeaukee, a great home base for your New Hampshire getaway. Just steps from the lake’s calm, scenic Paugus Bay, the resort has a 400-foot private sandy beach and kayak and paddle board rentals. Glide around the bay’s islands, swim out to the raft or just relax in your beach chair. (Kids will love the complimentary popcorn and snow cone carts!) There’s a heated indoor pool and oversized whirlpool, large outdoor pool, fitness center and an arcade game room. Area activities include hiking, biking, skiing, snowmobiling, boat cruises, a scenic railroad, ice arena, Funspot (the largest arcade in the world) and fun shopping. Dine in the Gazebo Beach Bar or in one of many local restaurants.

Village by the Sea - Family Fun with Room to Stretch Out! - Wells, ME

Scott Farm Orchard in Dummerston, VT - Share iin the Harvest!

Family Biking - Lakes Region Association - New Hampshire

Lakes Region Tourism Association

61 Laconia Road Tilton, NH, 03276 Phone: 603-286-8008 Toll-Free: 800-605-2537

Exciting activities in this family-friendly region are varied and conveniently close

Wouldn’t you like to go on a vacation where tons of family activities are all in the same area? That’s on tap in the Lakes Region, where you’ll find everything from entertainment centers with over 600 arcade games to natural science centers with 20 types of rescued animals in natural habitats to Ice Age caves kids can scramble through to horseback riding and mountain biking. Lake activities include dinner and sunset cruises, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and swimming. There’s a speedway with go-karts and mini golf, trolley tours, drive-in movies and family farms where you can meet the animals. In winter, there’s skiing, ice skating, snowboarding and snowshoeing. The region boasts a huge selection of restaurants and a variety of accommodations from camping to resorts.

Curious Kids - Mount Washington Auto Road - Gorham, NH

Mt. Washington Auto Road

Route 16, Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988

From top to bottom, and in between, there’s plenty to do on Mt. Washington

There are all kinds of fun things for families at the summit and the base of Mt. Washington, and connecting them is a terrific attraction all on its own: the legendary Mt. Washington Auto Road. Take your own vehicle to the summit or go on a two-hour guided tour to learn about the mountain’s history and wildlife. At the summit, there’s an observatory museum, and, on a clear day, you can see the Presidential Mountain Range and beyond, all the way to Canada and the Atlantic. At the mountain base, there’s the Douglas A. Philbrook Red Barn Museum, with memorabilia and vehicles from the road’s long history. At the Great Glen Trails Outdoors Center, you can book a kayaking cruise or mountain biking trip.

Hampton Beach Village District

115 Ocean Boulevard Hampton Beach, NH, 03843 Phone: 603-926-8717

Come see why families have flocked to this vibrant, fun beach area for decades and decades

Hampton Beach has been a splendid place to spend vacations on the seacoast for coming up to two centuries, and your family will quickly see why. Assorted beach and water activities include swimming, fishing, boating, tidal-pool wading, whale-watching, sunset strolling and just relaxing under an umbrella. Add to that mix events like fireworks shows, Monday night movies, nightly music at the Seashell, talent contests and special treats like sand-sculpture competitions, a seafood festival and a children’s week. And don’t forget tax-free shopping in unique stores (don’t go home without homemade fudge), arcade games and mini golf, parasailing, bikes and scooters to rent, an oceanarium with touch tanks – and casinos. Casual dining is around every corner, from oceanfront restaurants to cantinas, pizza places and ice cream parlors.

Battleship Cove

5 Water Street Fall River, MA, 02721 Phone: 508-678-1100 Toll-Free: 800-533-3194

An exciting family adventure in America’s naval history

Battleship Cove is now open from 9am-5pm daily! Please remember to follow our safety & social distancing guidelines!
America’s naval history inspires the whole family at this world class heritage museum in Fall River. Explore the world's largest collection of US naval ships including the mighty USS Massachusetts, the destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., and PT Boats used in the South Pacific. The sheer size and impression these ships and their stories leave is overwhelming. There’s the state-of-the-art special effects Pearl Harbor Experience, the only outdoor multimedia reenactment anywhere. Scouts and youth groups can participate in a year round maritime camping program, overnights, and family nautical nights with affordable camping on site. Whether a casual visitor, history buff, student, teacher or scout leader, everyone learns. Special exhibits honor our men and women in uniform then and now.

Trolley Tours - Greater Boston CVB - Boston, MA

Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau

Family-friendly Boston has something for everyone – and it’s all a short walk away

Families love Boston, and it’s no secret why: It’s so walkable, and there’s so much to do, everyone leaves happy. See tea tossed overboard at the Tea Party Ships & Museum, then take in the Children’s Museum practically next door. Visit the Paul Revere House and the USS Constitution on the exciting Freedom Trail, catch a game at Fenway or take a relaxing trip on the famous Swan Boats in the Public Garden (don’t forget to visit the “Make Way for Ducklings” statues while you’re there). There are plenty of playgrounds, a classic carousel, trolley and duck boat tours, street performers at fun Faneuil Hall, seals, penguins and sharks in the New England Aquarium – and you can watch a lightning storm happen indoors in the Museum of Science.

Old Sturbridge Village

1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, off Route 20 Sturbridge, MA, 01566 Phone: 508-347-3362 Toll-Free: 800-733-1830

Step back into the past and watch history come alive (and be fun!) in this re-created village

History is more than educational, it’s downright fun, at Old Sturbridge Village, where generations of families have been coming for years to explore rural life in an 1830s New England village. Kids (young and old) love visiting with the cattle, sheep, pigs and chickens at the Freeman Farm and watching how food was cooked at the kitchen hearth. Families can walk across a covered bridge along the riverside, hear a sampling of 1830s music, or make a craft such as a punched tin ornament. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride, play old-time games, then grab ice cream at the Scoop Shop or an all-time favorite (and famous) cookie from the bake shop. Your family will be delighted that Old Sturbridge Village is more than a museum.

Great Glen Trails

Route 16 at Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988

There’s family fun to be had every season at this outdoor center at the base of Mt. Washington

Every season is family fun season at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, at the foot of magnificent Mt. Washington. In the warmer months, you can take family bike rides across the center’s miles of well-marked carriage roads and single tracks or go on a whitewater kayaking excursion or a wildlife tour (watch for moose!). There’s great hiking through meadows and woodland. In the winter, those trails become groomed pathways for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. There’s also fat biking in winter as well as an old-fashioned walk-up snow-tubing hill (with hot cocoa and s’mores at the top). And don’t forget the Mt. Washington Auto Road, taking you up to the summit for some pretty spectacular views.

Greater Merrimack Valley

61 Market Street, Unit 1C Lowell, MA, 01852 Phone: 978-459-6150

Activities from art museums to escape rooms will engage every member of your family

Visit the Concord Museum to see the “one if by land” Paul Revere lantern or Thoreau’s writing desk. Marvel at the intricacies of the model ship collection at the Addison Gallery of American Art. Climb up the crow’s nest on the Discovery Museum’s. Just-for-kids ship, or make pinch-pot clay animals and trinket dishes at the Pottery Mill Clay Studio. Go on a winter walk or explore the Native American and Shaker collections at the Fruitlands Museum. Or step into your own private escape game, cracking codes and solving puzzles, at Escapology. There are so many activities to delight families in the Merrimack region, from trampoline parks and bowling alleys to museums with astonishing art and activities that engage even the youngest visitors.

Ice Cream Kids - Northeast Kingdom VT Travel and Tourism Association - Get NEKed

Vermont's Northeast Kingdom

Four seasons of family fun in this welcoming, adventure-packed region of Vermont

There’s family fun four seasons of the year in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, where over 2,000 square miles are home to a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. You can hike up mountain trails for spectacular vistas, bike on woodland trails (particularly gorgeous in the autumn), go swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding or fishing in the region’s pristine lakes or take a sunset or themed lake cruise. Visit a farmer’s market, a planetarium, a covered bridge, a history museum or a Dog Chapel! Listen to an outdoor concert, see a show with massive puppets, a presentation from the Vermont Children’s Theatre or a circus, go camping or shopping. In the winter, there’s alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, skating and fat biking.

Warwick Office of Tourism

3275 Post Road Warwick, RI, 02886 Phone:

Outdoor and indoor activities engage every member of your family in Warwick

Indoors and out, Warwick has enough activities to keep every member of the family entertained. Picturesque parks have beaches, nature trails, paddling, boat ramps, ballfields – and a public golf course! In Goddard Park, you can even arrange to go horseback riding at C and L Stables. Freshwater ponds have great swimming and fishing. There are kids’ programs at the Warwick Public Library, and pick-your-own blueberries at Rocky Point Farm. Greet the animals or pick pumpkins at Morris Farm or soar in the air at Launch Trampoline Park. At The Impossible Dream Playground, children of all physical abilities can join in the fun. There’s fun shopping at the Warwick Mall, movie theaters and an art center with family-friendly improv theater nights.

Festival of Illumination 2022 - Once Upon a Time

Southwick's Zoo - 2 Southwick Street Mendon, MA, 01756 Phone: Toll-Free: 800-258-9182

There are bound to be a lot of oohs and aahs as kids journey through zoo’s spectacular illumination festival

Imagine the expressions on your children’s faces as they experience the spectacular lantern displays during the Southwick’s Zoo’s Festival of Illumination. The theme of this year’s extravaganza is “Once Upon a Time,” with intricately designed and LED-lit lanterns, produced in cooperation with the famous Zigong Lantern Group, telling the stories of long-forgotten myths, legends and fairytales. On Nov. 25, the festival becomes a magical drive-through experience with the addition of the Winter Wonderland holiday lights and holiday-themed festival lanterns. Kids can also have a word with you-know-who in Santa’s Village, and there’s live entertainment. At Galliford’s Restaurant & Tavern next door to the zoo, families can dine on comfort food, burgers, salads, seafood, pizza and other specialties.

Morningside Flight Park

357 Morningside Lane Charlestown, NH, 03603 Phone: 603-542-4416

Flight fun for every age and skill level

This is family fun on a grand scale with activities and excitement to create memories that last a lifetime. This amazing flight park in the Connecticut River Valley in New Hampshire is your launching point to enjoy scenery you can see from the ground or high up on hang gliders, paragliders and zip lines. Bring the gang and stay in a variety of camping options from small cabins and platform tents to your own plot of ground with restrooms and shower facilities available to all campers. Get into a game of laser tag, kayak together, go fishing or swimming, light up a barbecue and have a picnic. Great for day long adventures or weekend getaways, birthday parties and family events.

Railroad Museum of New England

242 East Main Street Thomaston, CT, 06787 Phone: 860-283-7245

Seeking family fun? You’ll get everyone on board with a trip to this railroad museum

Looking for a fun activity for the whole family? It’s time to make tracks to the Railroad Museum of New England, where kids can explore steam and diesel locomotive passenger and freight cars, a crane, a plow and cabooses. (One is bright red!) There are educational exhibits at the historic Thomaston Station, too. And the highlight, of course, is stepping aboard a vintage train for an excursion up the Naugatuck River Valley, over the famed Thomaston Dam, through woods and over the river. Special excursions to delight children of all ages are the Easter Bunny Express, the Pumpkin Patch train, the Santa Express and the Northern Lights Limited. The latter two trains, decorated for the season, include visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Bear Rock Adventures

545 Beach Road Pittsburg, NH, 03592 Phone: Toll-Free: 866-663-9777

Win parent-of-the-year honors by booking an ATV or snowmobile for an exciting adventure

You want to be called the best parent on the planet? Book an ATV or snowmobile experience at Bear Rock Adventures. They rent new-every-season, fully equipped Polaris vehicles and will give you a customized itinerary, guided or unguided, to help you get the most out of your day riding through fields, forests, by waterways and up mountain trails. Spot wildlife in its natural habitat, go past an 80-foot waterfall, walk underneath giant turbines in a wind farm, picnic by a pond. Ask about Play and Stay packages where discounted multiple-day rentals are combined with accommodations at a fully furnished lodge apartment or at a relaxing glamping site on top of a mountain. (And, yes, well-behaved family dogs are allowed on vehicles.)

White Mountains Attractions

200 Kancamagus Highway North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-8720 Toll-Free: 800-346-3687

Every day in the White Mountains brings a new adventure or activity for fun-seeking families

You know what people who bring their families to the White Mountains never hear? The words “I’m bored.” There is simply too much to do! Shoot down North America’s longest alpine slide, visit a park where fairy tales come to life, explore the area in a Side X Side vehicle or on a cog railway. Let the kids poke their way through glacial caves, go mountain biking at a ski resort, slide and splash their way through a world-class water park. Learn about loons at a wildlife center or about rural living at a country doctor museum. Visit an aquarium, the largest arcade in the world or a sled dog kennel. From disc golf to gondola rides, there’s a thrilling family experience around every corner in the White Mountains. To find out more, follow our link above or call us today at 1-800-346-3687.

Salem Witch Museum

19 1/2 Washington Square North Salem, MA, 01970 Phone: 978-744-1692

Museum visitors will be entertained, and educated, by witch trial presentations, exhibits

Some attractions educate, others entertain, but the Salem Witch Museum takes pride in doing both. Through two immersive presentations, visitors to the museum will learn all about the famous witch trails of 1692, resulting in the deaths of 20 people, as well as the evolution through the years of the image of the witch and of the phenomenon of witch-hunting. The museum is in a renovated historic church building, close to several parking garages. Conde Nast Traveler says the presentations, with dramatic lighting, are “just spooky enough to summon the spirit of the witch trials without being off-putting for children.” And kids will love the gift shop at the end, with spell books, apparel and locally made treats. Tickets must be ordered online.

Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce

961 Main Street Berlin, NH, 03570 Phone: 603-228-0836

Here’s a guarantee: No one in the family will have time to be bored in this attraction-filled valley

There is simply no time to be bored in the Androscoggin Valley! A summer day might include whitewater kayaking, a dip in a swimming hole by a waterfall, zip lining through the trees or fishing for trout in the Androscoggin River. Fall foliage is spectacular as you bike or hike the area’s hundreds of miles of trails, many with spectacular mountain views, go on an ATV tour or horseback ride. Winter means downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, snow-tubing and snowmobiling (and Santa’s Village and Storyland!). When spring comes, it’s time for golf, fly fishing and canoeing. Whether your family opts for a moose tour, an outdoor concert or tax-free shopping, there really is an activity for everyone in this exciting valley.

Save The Bay

Multiple Centers & Dock Locations Providence, Newport, Westerly, RI and Fall River, MA Phone: 401-272-3540

Family-friendly programs educate and entertain in and along Narragansett Bay

On land and sea, you can’t beat the family activities offered by the nonprofit Save The Bay organization. Among the family-friendly public programs led by trained educators and naturalists to connect the community to the bay all year long are seal-watch and nature cruises, ranging from one to one-and-three-quarters hours, and daylong lighthouse tours that motor by up to 20 lighthouses and include lunch and exploration at Rose Island. At the very interactive Exploration Center and Aquarium in Newport, three touch tanks and dozens of exhibits get you up close and personal to skates, dogfish sharks, urchins, crabs, lobsters, seahorses and turtles – all in all, more than 40 species from the bay and Rhode Island waters.
Boat tours depart from Newport, Westerly, and Providence RI.

Southwick’s Zoo

2 Southwick Street Mendon, MA, 01756 Phone: 800-258-9182

Looking for a wild idea for a family adventure? Zoo offers amazing animals, exciting rides

Your kids will go wild for all the attractions at Southwick’s Zoo. With more than 850 animals in naturalistic habitats, there are so many creatures to see, from lions and tigers and giraffes to chimpanzees, white rhinos and two-toed sloths. You can walk among colorful parakeets and cockatiels in an aviary and feed them with seed sticks, pet pygmy goats, take a ride on a camel or pony or check out tarantulas and lizards in the reptile and insect exhibit. And then there are the adventure rides, including the seated, two-person Soaring Eagle Zip Line, the Skyfari Sky Ride and the Rainforest Adventure Maze. For the young at heart, don’t miss the all new Play Park. Dining is right next door at Galliford’s Restaurant & Tavern, open for lunch and dinner year-round.

Beginning November 12, 2022, two amazing events come together at Southwick's Zoo - Winter Wonderland with the Festival of Illumination - creating an extraordinary and memorable holiday experience for guests of all ages.

Castle in The Clouds

Route 171 - 455 Old Mountain Road Moultonborough, NH, 03254 Phone: 603-476-5900

From exploring mansions to feeding pond fish, there’s a lot for kids to do at Castle in the Clouds

There are so many things for kids to explore at Castle in the Clouds, they’ll want to visit more than once! At the 1914 Lucknow Mansion, they can check out vintage clothing and, on the basement tour, see how the servants lived, or go on a scavenger hunt. (Check the website for other interactive activities.) Outside, there are 28 miles of hiking trails and carriage roads, many of them going past cascading waterfalls. In the winter, the trails are perfect for skiing and snowshoeing. After grabbing a snack and an ice cream at the Cafe in the Clouds, it’s a guarantee that your children will want to buy some fish food there to toss to the trout in Shannon Pond, who jump out of the water for the food.

Hobo Railroad

64 Railroad Street Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-745-2135

Travel back into the country’s railroad past in vintage cars, along a winding river

All aboard the Hobo Railroad for a relaxing journey into America’s railroad past. Climb into restored vintage coaches, breathe in that crisp White Mountains air, sit back and enjoy the scenery through the woods and banks along the winding Pemigewasset River. During the 80-minute, 15-mile round trip, you’ll see swimmers, kayakers and fishermen in and along this picturesque waterway. The rail system dates back to the late 1800s, when trains pulled by steam locomotives moved tourists from Boston, Hartford and New York north to the pristine lakes and mountains of New Hampshire. The family owned and operated train runs late May through October, then Thanksgiving through mid-December. At the Hobo Junction Gift Shop, grab snacks, ice cream and soda – or bring your own picnic lunch.

Whitewater Crew 500x250 - Crab Apple Whitewater - Charlemont, MA

Crab Apple Whitewater (MA)

Route 2 Charlemont, MA, 01339 Phone: 800-553-7238

Family Owned and Operated Whitewater Rafting Outfitter in the Berkshires

Crab Apple ran the first ever raft trips in 1989 on the dam controlled Deerfield River. The excitement continues on a wide range of full day and half day trips. Kids 8 and up can enjoy rafting trips on mild Class 1-3 rapids, teens on more aggressive Class 3-4 rapids, and those age 5 and up will have a great fun time in guided rafts or inflatable kayaks on mild whitewater. The guides are great with kids of all ages and help rafters explore the Deerfield sharing information about local history, wildlife and hydrology along the way. There’s great food, hospitality and service, the best equipment, and riverside base camps with the comforts and convenience to make your rafting adventure one that you’ll never forget.

Face Painted Kids 500x250 - Clark's Trading Post - Lincoln, NH

Clark's Bears

110 Daniel Webster Highway (Route 3) Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-745-8913

See a show, ride a train, try out a Segway - So much to do at this family amusement park

Clark's Bears has closed for 2021 - See you again in 2022!
There’s so much to see and do at Clark’s Bears. On the seeing front, there’s the famous trained bear show, or Yandong's Chinese Circus with amazing acrobats, or the Pemigewasset hook-and-ladder fire station with its antique horse-drawn fire engines. On the doing side, there’s the White Mountain Central Railroad trip, the Anaconda Escape water raft ride, a rock-climbing wall, water blaster boats for those who don’t mind getting soaked, Merlin's Mansion for those with a mystical mind, and places to mine for gemstones and fossils. Food ranges from burgers, subs and pizzas to a dish of something special at the Peppermint Saloon ice cream parlor. Tickets include all rides, all shows, all day.

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

One Railroad Avenue Essex, CT, 06426 Phone: 860-767-0103 Toll-Free: 800-377-3987

Boats and trains: a combination bound to be a sure-fire hit with everyone in the family

Imagine telling the kids that today you are going to go on a train, or a riverboat – or both! Or maybe you’ll book a four-seat rail bike and tool along the tracks from Essex Station to Old Saybrook. Or you’ll get up close to vintage train locomotives – and perhaps a caboose! Great family activities await you at Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, the only steam and riverboat connection in the country, with two operating steam locomotives and multiple classes of passenger service taking you through the scenic countryside to Deep River Landing, where you can board the 70-foot Mississippi-style riverboat, the Becky Thatcher, for a 1 1/4-hour cruise past the rocky shores and wildlife along the Connecticut River and its wildlife, including swans, herons and bald eagles. Please check our website for current train & riverboat schedules.

Island Queen

75 Falmouth Heights Road Falmouth, MA, 02540 Phone: 508-548-4800

Family activities abound from one end of this Cape-to-island ferry voyage to the other

Fabulous beaches, scenic hikes and bike rides, great restaurants, interesting shops and museums: There is so much for your family to love about Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard! Connecting these two vacationlands is the Island Queen passenger ferry, which turns the 35-minute sail from Falmouth to Oak Bluffs into a fun activity of its own, with amazing views and a full-service snack bar. On the Vineyard, you can visit the Whaling Museum in Edgartown, the “Flying Horses” carousel in Oak Bluffs or the astonishing red clay cliffs of Aquinnah. In Falmouth, there’s the Shining Sea Bikeway, Falmouth Museums on the Green and Cape Cod League baseball. And of course the Cape has New England’s most beautiful beaches and quaint seaside towns.

Discover Quincy

Adams National Historical Park Visitor Center - 1250 Hancock Street Quincy, MA, 02169 Phone: 617-471-1700

Families valued by this historic South Shore city

From the home of one of the nation’s first families, the city of Quincy offers your family a variety of activities from which to plan a day outing or a long vacation. Take the trolley trip at Adams National Historical Park to see the home of John and John Quincy Adams, and the nation’s first presidential library, boat over to Boston Harbor Islands National Park, sunbathe at Wollaston Beach (or one of 10 other city beaches), fish from a pier or just relax at one of 52 parks, many with playgrounds, picnic areas and ball fields. Enjoy autumn colors strolling marsh-side and riverside trails. In the winter, go ice skating or try skiing or snow-shoeing at Blue Hills Reservation.

Connecticut River Museum

67 Main Street, Steamboat Dock Essex, CT, 06426 Phone: 860-767-8269

Families who visit this river museum learn about history, experience outdoor adventures

Bring the family to the Connecticut River Museum and prepare for a day that is both fun and educational. Through artifacts and artwork, you’ll learn about the river’s history and its Native American communities, explore the memorabilia and vintage racing motors of the speed-racing era on the river from 1900 to 1940, trace the river in a vertical mural that winds up and down three floors, or step inside a replica of the Turtle, the first submarine to be used in combat in 1776. You can take a cruise on the Onrust, a re-created 1614 sailing vessel or on the eco-tour boat RiverQuest, perhaps seeing an eagle or osprey. There’s a great drop-in Summer Fun Days program for kids 6 through 12.

See Plymouth

4 North Street Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-747-0100 Toll-Free: 800-872-1620

Must-see family vacation destination includes outdoor activities, interactive museums

Family-friendly Plymouth has been a must-see vacation destination for kids and parents for generations. It may start with trips to Plymouth Rock and the majestic Mayflower II, but pretty soon you’ll discover a host of other fun activities, from whale watches and paddleboat cruises to ghost tours and playgrounds. At Nelson Memorial Beach Park, there’s a splash pad area, biking and hiking path as well as a great beach. There’s camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and swimming in state and local parks, with pleasant ponds for picnicking and boating. There are local theaters, interactive museums, all kinds of restaurants and unique shops. Visit the Plimoth Patuxet Museums to see a dugout canoe being made or to help soldiers in a muster drill! Please call 1.800.USA.1620, or visit our website to learn more about these activities and others to prepare for your trip to Plymouth.

Plimoth Patuxet

137 Warren Avenue Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-746-1622

Families can travel back in time to the 17th century in these interactive, engaging museums

Take your kids on a journey back in time, to see how Native and Pilgrim children experienced life in the 17th century. At the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, contemporary interpreters at the Historic Patuxet Native village and 17th Century English Village engage visitors in everything from cooking lessons and muster drills to how to scoop out the insides of a dugout canoe with a shell. There’s a Craft Center, cinema and quick-service cafe. In Plymouth Harbor, you are welcome aboard the Mayflower II, a full-scale reproduction of the original famed tall ship. A pleasant stroll on the path along Town Brook (in the spring, watch for herring) takes you to the Plimoth Grist Mill, where you can watch cornmeal being ground.

Bluefish Girls 500x250 - Black Hawk Party Boat - Niantic, CT

Black Hawk Sportfishing

Sailing from the Niantic Bay Marina Niantic, CT, 06357 Phone: 860-448-3662 Toll-Free: 800-382-2824

Fishing excursions, nature cruises fun-filled activities for the whole family

It’s no wonder that dozens of the “regulars” at Black Hawk Sportfishing out of Niantic, Conn., are kids. Fishing cruises are fun-filled activities for the whole family, and there’s no minimum age for children. Experienced captains take you out on one of the fastest, safest and most comfortable boats of its kind in New England to catch everything from stripers and bluefish to cod, fluke and tuna. Bring a cooler or grab a burger, a soda and snacks on board. The kids might even get a chance to honk the horn or win a t-shirt! Or, if you’re not up for fishing, take a nature cruise, seal cruise, eagle-watch cruise or sunset cruise. Private charters for kids’ birthday parties are available.

Worcester Art Museum

55 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA, 01609 Phone: 508-799-4406

Family-centered activities a particular specialty at this art museum

Looking for an art museum that will engage the kids as well as the adults? At the Worcester Art Museum, families are a top priority. That means new interactive elements in many galleries (some that involve iPads), special family guides, 20-minute “zip tours: that focus on one artist or work of art, scavenger hunts and other fun activities from drawing to designing your own jousting helmet. (The kids will love the chivalric arms and armor collection.) Special touch carts allow children to, yes, touch things in a museum! On community days, there’s art-making, storytime, demonstrations and music-making. The museum, with exhibits ranging from medieval to modern times, also has a quiet-time Family Nook. Check the website for timed-admission information and safety protocols.

Mount Washington Cog Railway

Off Route 302 Bretton Woods, NH, 03589 Phone: 603-278-5404 Toll-Free: 800-922-8825

Thrill ride up Mt. Washington continues to delight railroad fans of all ages

Families from all over the world come to the majestic White Mountains of New Hampshire to be thrilled by the ride up Mt. Washington on the historic Cog Railway. The dramatic ascent to the summit of the Northeast’s highest peak features amazing views of lush forests, deep chasms and the steepest railroad trestle in the world in Jacob’s Ladder. (Yes, the trees are straight: It’s you who are at an angle!) Kids will love the commentary of the entertaining and knowledgeable engineer and brakeman or brakewoman. The journey begins at a base station with a great interactive museum and observation deck and, at the summit, there’s an interactive weather exhibit as well as a summit post office to mail postcards direct from the mountain. Trains run from late April through November.

Chuckster's Family Fun Park

Two Great Locations Chichester and Hooksett, NH Phone: 603-798-3555

True fun and games for everyone at these New Hampshire play parks

Fun for all ages is an understatement at New Hampshire’s two Chuckster’s locations. At Chuckster’s Ice Cream & Miniature Golf in Hooksett, you can tee off from inside a fire tower on a multi-level mini golf course (one of two huge courses) and, after 18 amazing holes, adjourn to the ice cream barn. At Chuckster’s Family Fun Park in Chichester, mini golf is one of 17 unique attractions, including a go-kart speedway, a 27-foot climbing wall, and Timbertrek where you go from tree to tree on everything from a horse saddle to a snowboard. Fun games include Balloon Blast, Shoot-N-Shower (foul-shot loser gets a watery surprise) and Light Frenzy. Need recharging? There’s ice cream, pizza, chicken wings and more.

Kids with Hot Chocolate 500x250 - Berkshires Visitors Bureau - Photo Credit Ogden Gigli

Visit the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts

Make Unforgettable Memories this Winter in the Berkshires

Pack up the kiddos and head to the Berkshires for an unforgettable family getaway! Offering year-round fun for all ages, winter in the Berkshires is a special time for both in and outdoor play. Make family memories gliding over a fresh blanket of snow on snowshoes, skis, or in a tube. See a fun live show, get hands-on at a museum, or take a scenic train ride while you sip hot cocoa. Winter is a perfect time of year for treating the family to sweets, toys, and games at our many cafes and shops. To learn more click our listing link or search “Visit the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts” on Facebook.

Lake Swimming at Camp Plymouth State Park - Your Place in Vermont - Okemo Valley

Okemo Valley - Your Place in Vermont

Lots to do and see from your perfect perch in the family-friendly Okemo Valley

Fun activities and attractions, comfortable accommodations, countless dining options: It’s no wonder families love visiting and staying in the Okemo Valley. Places to play include ski slopes and trails, skating rinks, rock-climbing centers, hiking trails and bike parks. You can visit the baby goats on a farm, fly down the mountain on a coaster track or through the trees on a zip line. Pick apples in an orchard or go on a snowmobile tour. Take a scenic train ride, go horseback riding or hang gliding. Lots of great places to shop, too, from country stores to unique boutiques. Stay in a mountain resort with indoor and outdoor pools, a hotel with a playground or a tucked-away inn with family-style dining.

Town of Bethlehem

From skiing to shopping, there’s something fun for every member of the family

Bring the family to Bethlehem, N.H., and be prepared to be entertained, White Mountains-style. There’s fantastic alpine skiing and snowboarding, of course, at six nearby mountains: Cannon, Bretton Woods, Attitash, Loon, Waterville Valley and Wildcat. Miles of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing trails, snowmobile trails, and fat biking trails wind through the area. In the warmer months, those trails are great for biking and hiking for all ages. There’s also tennis and basketball on public courts, two golf courses, a movie theater, town pool, pristine rivers to cool yourself down and a lively downtown area with all sorts of shops and cafes. It’s a short drive to a variety of attractions including Santa’s Village, Story Land, Whale’s Tale Waterpark, the Flume Gorge and the Mount Washington Cog Railway.

Photo for Family Activities 500x250 - IT Adventures - New Haven, CT

IT Adventure Ropes Course

40 Sargent Drive New Haven, CT, 06511 Phone: 203-812-9981

An adventure for everyone in the family at this fun, challenging ropes course

An adventure awaits family members of all ages at the It Adventure Ropes Course inside Jordan’s Furniture. The world’s largest indoor ropes course includes more than 100 exciting challenges, from crisscross angled rope ladders and zig-zag swinging beams to cargo nets and tricky bridges. And, zip rails that sit at heights up to 56 feet let you fly over a liquid fireworks water show from one end of the course to the other. A full-body harness and sling line keeps you connected the entire time. For children under 48 inches tall, there’s the fun Little It course, with platforms less than three feet above the ground and adult chaperones nearby to lend assistance if needed.

York's Wild Kingdom

Route 1 - Animal Park Road York, ME, 03909 Phone: 207-363-4911

New England's Only Zoo AND Amusement Park

Come observe and interact with our animals at York’s Wild Kingdom, where adults and children learn and play! See African lions, ring tail lemurs, prairie dogs, and so much more up close and personal. We have a wide range of animals from A (alligators) to Z (zebras) in beautifully landscaped exhibits, just walking distance from the quaint beach town of York Beach. Here at YWK you can feed African pygmy goats, deer, and ducks all by hand. Walk through and feed a flock of parakeets and view a verity of butterflies in our butterfly aviary. Ride the rides and enjoy some fair favorites in our amusement park! Take a spin on a carousel or play a round on our mini golf course. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch or feast from our snack bars on ice cream, fried dough, hamburgers and more. York’s Zoo will be open daily from 10am-5pm thru Sept. 25. Our Amusement Park is open daily (weather permitting) from 11:30am-5pm thru Sept. 5, then only on weekends to the end of our 2022 season on Sept. 18.

Conway Scenic Railroad

38 Norcross Circle North Conway, NH, 03860 Phone: 603-356-5251 Toll-Free: 800-232-5251

Come aboard for family fun as you travel through mountain valleys on this scenic railroad

Everyone in the family will enjoy the classic train excursions offered by the Conway Scenic Railroad. Check out the Victorian-style 1874 station in North Conway Village and pick up some snacks in the gift shop. Then board a 1950s-era passenger car and sit back to enjoy the scenery, including a trip over Crawford Notch, on the Mountaineer excursion train. Or, choose the Conway and Sawyer River Valley trains, classic heritage train rides with vintage passenger cars from the 1920s. There’s also a winter Snow Train to Attitash. At just under an hour, the Conway Valley train is best for small children. Kids under 4 can ride free in coach. Come see why families rave about this old-fashioned railroading experience.

Scott Farm

707 Kipling Road Dummerston, VT Phone: 802-254-6868

A picture-perfect day of apple-picking, orchard strolling and shopping in a bountiful market

Get the phone ready, because you’ll want to take plenty of pictures at the Scott Farm, where the kids will love picking their own apples (especially Honey Crisps!) and peaches – and pumpkins when the weather turns toward autumn. The 571-acre property, which began its farming life in 1791, is part of the Landmark Trust USA, and was the site for many of the scenes in the movie “The Cider House Rules.” The farm specializes in heirloom fruit, including pears, plums, cherries, persimmons, apricots, grapes and blueberries. Fresh fruit can be purchased at the market, along with jams, jellies, pies, cider and cider donuts. Check the website for information on fun family activities, including Heirloom Apple Day, orchard walks and crepe nights.

Santa's Village

528 Presidential Highway Jefferson, NH, 03583 Phone: 603-586-4445

Pure Joy, Family Style.

Santa’s Village is Santa’s summer home in the White Mountains, and named by TripAdvisor's Travelers’ Choice Awards as one of the Top 25 Amusement Parks in the USA - and number one in New England for straight years in a row. With reindeer and elves, cookies and ice cream, a roller coaster, a log flume, a monorail, and plenty of other rides and activities, it’s everything you’d imagine Santa’s favorite theme park to be. Admission covers an entire day of memory-making for families with young children. For nearly 70 years and three generations, from our family to yours – Santa’s Village is pure joy, family style.

Story Land

850 New Hampshire Route 16 Glen, NH, 03838 Phone: 603-383-4186

Every day is an unforgettable adventure!

Write your own tale of adventure with a day at Story Land! Every moment is an exciting chapter in your book of fun family memories. You’ll find your favorite Nursery Rhymes come to life along the pathways of Story Land. Experience an eye-popping kid friendly magic show at Loopy Lab and sing along with Daniel Tiger during his NEW Grr-ific Stage Show. Make a splash on the Bamboo Chutes, meet real-life storybook characters and scream aboard our thrilling roller coaster, Roar-O-Saurus. Have dinner with Humpty Dumpty and friends or sit with Cinderella at Tea Time. Uncover prehistoric fossils and enjoy an exciting array of games, shows and rides! There’s even a free kennel for your pooch. Then snuggle up together in one of the great family lodgings nestled among the scenic White Mountains.

Funtown Splashtown USA

Route 1 Saco, ME, 04072 Phone: 207-284-5139

Earn your kids’ undying affection and make family memories at this amusement and water park

Want to be a hero with the kids? Tell them you are going to Funtown Splashtown USA, where 50 rides await, from roller coasters to corkscrew water slides. At Funtown, they can plummet down New England’s longest and tallest log flume, sit and spin in a tea cup, zip through hairpin turns on a roller coaster or ride the carousel. Kiddie rides include boats, cars, swings, helicopters, canoes and planes. At Splashtown, thrill-seekers can plummet down a 60-foot-high slide feet first or race down a 45-foot slide head first on a mat. There’s also a swimming pool, and private cabanas for rent that seat eight. Dining options include cafes, a tiki bar with fruit smoothies, ice cream shops and a beer garden. A family owned and operated business, Funtown Splashtown puts guest safety first. Please review our health safety guidelines prior to your visit.

Ice Castles

24 Clark Farm Road North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: Toll-Free: 888-407-4054

A spectacular frozen fantasy for the young – and young at heart

Ice Castles in North Woodstock is a fun-filled winter activity that has everything a child – or a child at heart – could fantasize about: ice slides, mazes of tunnels, crawl spaces, frozen fountains, thrones and towers of cascading ice. This frozen fortress is the perfect place to make unforgettable memories as a family. But the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. In fact, there’s always a spectacular light show at night, as LED lights embedded inside the ice turn the castles from brilliant shades of blue, to vibrant red, purple, and green. Families are advised to buy tickets online in advance (you can spend as much time as you like once you’re inside), to dress warmly with boots, and to consider a small sled instead of a stroller for really little ones. There’s also a concession stand with hot chocolate, cider, and warm treats.

Argia Mystic Cruises

75 Steamboat Wharf Mystic, CT, 06355 Phone: 860-536-0416

Haul Away! Bring the whole family sailing.

Sail away aboard the traditional sailing schooner Argia for a journey into the past. The adventure begins as the Ship's horn blows and you depart from Mystic's historic Bascule Bridge, a national historic landmark. As the ship travels down the Mystic River, join the crew in raising sail the old-fashioned way...or lend a hand steering the ship! Morgan Point Lighthouse and the quaint fishing village of Noank greet you at the river’s mouth, followed by islands and peaceful sailing.

May 1st through mid-October, choose a day or sunset cruise aboard ARGIA!

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

37 Corey Road -- Route 43 Hancock, MA, 01237 Phone: 413-738-5500 Toll-Free: 800-882-8859

Mountain resort has all the activities, accommodations, amenities for A+ family vacation

Exciting activities, comfortable inn and condo accommodations, great dining options: At Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, they really have thought of everything to make your family vacation memorable. Rush down the mountain on an alpine coaster or slide, zip through the air in the Aerial Adventure Park, arc high into the sky on the Giant Swing or take a scenic chair lift ride up to the summit for astonishing views. And, of course, the skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing is top-notch on the 2,380-foot mountain. There are camps, lessons and activities for kids including classic outdoor games and s’mores by the fire pit in the Fire & FunZone. Dining is casual in friendly taverns and pubs. Check the website for special seasonal events and activities.

Concord Museum

35 Cambridge Turnpike at Lexington Road Concord, MA, 01742 Phone: 978-369-9763

Families who visit this engaging museum find learning about history is a fun, shared experience

Families who immerse themselves in the varied exhibits at the Concern Museum find that learning about America’s history can be both enlightening – and fun! Start at the Family Station to get a Family Trail guide and drawing materials so you can hunt for objects, learn fun facts and and sketch favorite objects (don’t forget to share your artwork). Favorite objects include Native American stone tools and one of the lanterns that signaled Paul Revere to take his famous ride. There are several hands-on areas as well as activities to take home. The museum has plenty of places to rest, chat and draw – and strollers are welcome! Check the online calendar for special holiday and school vacation events, crafts sessions and other group activities.

Rocky Point Park

1 Rocky Point Avenue Warwick, RI, 02889 Phone:

From amusement park to state park, Rocky Point has been a favorite with families for decades

Rocky Point has been a favorite gathering place for families for almost two centuries, first as the Rocky Point Amusement Park and, since 2014, in its reincarnation as a multi-use state park. Rocky Point Park, set on 124 acres in the upper part of Narragansett Bay, features hiking and biking trails and, in the highlands, wide open fields for recreation. It’s a great spot for family picnics and walks along the craggy beach, exploring tidal pools and seeking out shells and sea glass. A public fishing pier consists of a long wooden walkway from the blacktop path out to a main deck 13 feet above the water. Leashed dogs are permitted in the park. Movies are shown on the lawn in the summer.

Harvard Peabody Museum of Natural History Kronosaurus Cambridge MA

Harvard Museum of Natural History

26 Oxford Street Cambridge, MA, 02138 Phone: 617-495-3045

A memorable & amazing journey into our world's history

For families, it’s hard to beat the 16 galleries in this museum displaying 500 taxidermy animals -- full-size elephant, rhino, hippo, tiger, bison, even a 15-foot giraffe -- not to mention huge whale skeletons. Don’t miss the skull of one of the first Triceratops ever discovered and the world’s only mounted skeleton of the 42 ft.-long Kronosaurus. Explore a timeline of Earth’s history, and admire 3,000 rare minerals and gemstones. Touch a meteorite from outer space. New and changing multi-media exhibitions showcase cutting-edge research. The museum is an easy 8-minute walk across the historic Harvard campus from Harvard Square with its popular shops and restaurants and MBTA station. The museum is connected to Harvard’s Peabody Museum, and one admission fee covers both museums.

ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center - Burlington, VT

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center

One College Street Burlington, VT, 05401 Phone: 802-864-1848

This maritime-oriented science museum is located right on the shore of Lake Champlain, and its expertise is to study and enjoy the natural history of the Lake Champlain Basin. A visit to ECHO is a wonderful science and ecology expedition for children and families. Lots of expert work has gone into creating permanent exhibits about the ecology, wildlife, plant life, and Native human inhabitants of the region. Plenty of changing exhibits and fun seasonal activities to encourage kids to get involved in this fascinating maritime world. ECHO is open year round, 10am - 5pm daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Day.

Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves

1712 Lost River Road -- Route 112W North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-8031

Trek through a White Mountain wonderland at Lost River Gorge

Take your family on a journey beneath the earth at Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves in New Hampshire's White Mountains. You'll find yourself exploring a spectacular wilderness wonderland formed millions of years ago by glaciers, water, and wild weather. Located on a preserve owned by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, Lost River Gorge is home to granite cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, rugged caves, and a river that plays hide-and-seek amid the rocks. Hike along a three-quarter mile boardwalk, or step off and explore the boulder caves, including the Sun Altar, Thor's Workshop, the Devil's Kitchen, the Lemon Squeezer, and the Judgment Hall of Pluto. Sturdy footwear and outdoor clothing are recommended. Open early May to mid-October.

Shelburne Museum

U.S. Route 7 - P.O. Box 10 Shelburne, VT, 05482 Phone: 802-985-3346

This super-cool museum on the edge of Lake Champlain is filled with unusual attractions that are sure to entertain every person in the family. Kids and parents will love the authentic paddlewheel steamboat Ticonderoga, which was a workhourse of passenger and cargo transportation on the lake for decades in the 19th century. Shelburne Museum is one of the nation’s most eclectic museums of art, Americana, and design, displaying 150,000 objects on 45 acres in 25 historic New England buildings. There's even a lighthouse. A full day of family fun waits here.
Hours: Open Tues-Sun May 15 through late October, 10am - 5pm.
Museum Admission: Adults $25, Ages 13-17 $14, Ages 5-12 $12, Under 5 Free. Discounts available for VT residents, students, seniors, Museum or AAA members, and active military.

Family activities in New England and attractions for kids

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