New England's outdoor adventures cover a range limited only by your taste. Some people go for mountain biking, zip lines or treetop rope-and-plank tours, mountain coasters, and rock climbing, while other people like to take a quiet drive to a scenic overlook or watch the sun set while sipping wine on a vineyard patio. Here is a sampling of the outdoor adventures that lure vacationers and families to the charms of New England.
New England is one of the best places to visit when it comes to traveling with young children. With a wide range of different activities, you can find whatever you may be looking for. One option for those traveling with young kids would be The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village in Connecticut - a 60-acre outdoor adventure park that features over 50 life-sized dinos on 1.5 miles of pristine, easy-to-walk nature trails. Some more options include family farms in New Hampshire and Rhode Island, mountain resorts with skiing, hiking, and swimming, or a beautiful beachside trip to Provincetown, MA. For easy day trips, you could consider visiting Boston, MA, for the Freedom Trail or Fanueil Hall - this is also a great option for those energetic kids who you can’t seem to settle down. Lastly, plan a winter trip to Mt. Washington Valley to take the kids to Santa’s Village or Story Land! They will have an unforgettable trip.
If you want to plan an adventure for your partner or an older friend group, we have great options for those traveling without kids. For a relaxing day trip, observe and celebrate the great outdoors from the seat of a classic steam train or riverboat in Connecticut. Pick up a new hobby with your significant other by joining the Maine Windjammer Association. Take a week-long cruise or a quick overnight, and enjoy the unforgettable views of coastal Maine. If you and your friends are more on the adventurous side, New England definitely has options for you. You can find ziplining, mountain biking, and even bungy trampolines in various areas throughout the mountain regions of New England.
Route 16 at Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988
A slate of exciting adventures, from kayaking to skiing, are waiting for you at outdoor center
2056 Mohawk Trail Charlemont, MA, 01339 Phone: 800-553-7238
Variety of exciting whitewater rafting trips for families, groups and all levels of experience
One Railroad Avenue Essex, CT, 06426 Phone: 860-767-0103 Toll-Free: 800-377-3987
Observe, celebrate the great outdoors from the seat of a classic steam train or riverboat
105 Haverhill Road Salem, NH, 03079 Phone: 603-893-8300
Mysteries abound at this incredible seacoast site
Route 16, Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988
Drive yourself, take a tour, hike or ski: Everything is an adventure along the auto road
289 Handle Road West Dover, VT, 05356 Phone: 800-553-7238
Memories that last a lifetime will be yours when you conquer the West River rapids
30 Twin Pines Road Millinocket, ME, 04462 Phone: 207-723-5438 Toll-Free: 800-766-7238
There’s an outdoor adventure, and lodging option, for everyone at this Maine center
Sailing from Ports in Rockland and Camden, ME, 04843 Phone: Toll-Free: 800-807-9463
Ready for an adventure? Take to the sea for a glorious vacation aboard a windjammer
1 Sabin Street Providence, RI, 02903 Phone: 401-751-1177
From foodie and history-based tours to zip lining and gondola rides, the outdoors is the “in” thing
61 Laconia Road Tilton, NH, 03276 Phone: 603-286-8008 Toll-Free: 800-605-2537
Outdoor activities for all interests, all levels of experience, are everywhere in this vibrant region
1650 Hartford-New London Tpke. (Rt. 85) Oakdale, CT, 06370 Phone: 860-443-4367
Exciting adventures at dinosaur-themed amusement park are around every corner
242 East Main Street Thomaston, CT, 06787 Phone: 860-283-7245
Admire the scenery of the Litchfield Hills as you rumble past in a vintage train
188 Sewalls Falls Road Concord, NH, 03301 Phone: 603-931-1700
Here’s a unique way to admire the Merrimack River scenery: pedaling a Rail-Bike
25 Spray Rock Road Westerly, RI, 02891 Phone: 877-394-8902
Pondside location and spacious grounds yield a variety of activities at this inviting inn
3 Lake Moxie Road The Forks, ME, 04985 Phone: 800-553-7238
Lots of adventures to choose from when you challenge the rapids in Maine rivers
357 Morningside Lane Charlestown, NH, 03603 Phone: 603-542-4416
Exciting adventures from hang gliding to zip lines to laser tag at flight park
304 Great Island Road Narragansett, RI, 02882 Phone: 401-783-7996 Toll-Free: 866-783-7996
Coming and going, your trip to Block Island offers endless options for outdoor fun
White Mountains town makes a great headquarters for a variety of outdoor adventures
568 Main Street Hudson, MA, 01749 Phone: 978-562-9182
Historical re-enactments and encampments and tank-driving opportunities part of this exciting museum
Sailing from the Niantic Bay Marina Niantic, CT, 06357 Phone: 860-448-3662 Toll-Free: 800-382-2824
Have an adventure at sea and bring home that night’s dinner, all in one exciting trip
112 Milford Road Grand Lake Stream, ME, 04668 Phone: 207-796-5558
Customized outdoor adventures are waiting for you at this all-inclusive sporting lodge
75 Steamboat Wharf Mystic, CT, 06355 Phone: 860-536-0416
Sail into the past aboard the Mystic-based schooner Argia
1712 Lost River Road -- Route 112W North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-8031
See the powerful forces of nature at work when you tour a lost river and glacial caves
1 Skimobile Road North Conway, NH, 03860 Phone: Toll-Free: 800-786-6754
Summer at this ski resort means great hiking, chairlift rides, mountain biking
4 North Street Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-747-0100 Toll-Free: 800-872-1620
Historical sites, activities from whale-watching to golfing make Plymouth ideal for outdoor enthusiasts
City of Quincy Welcome Center - 1259 Hancock Street Quincy, MA, 02169 Phone: 617-471-1700
Great outdoor opportunities from swimming and kayaking to hiking, biking
1 Preserve Boulevard Richmond, RI, 02898 Phone: 855-593-8473
List of exciting outdoor adventures is almost endless at this world-class resort
Beautiful Berkshire region boasts four-season fun for all outdoor enthusiasts
41 Main Street Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-745-9911
You’ll experience the thrill of it all in so many ways at this outdoor adventure center
P.O. Box 194 Twin Mountain, NH, 03595 Phone: Toll-Free: 800-245-8946
So many ways to celebrate the great outdoors in this White Mountains region
705 Rumney Route 25 Rumney, NH Phone: 603-536-1888
Put on your explorer gear and prepare to duck and shimmy through Ice Age caves
24 Clark Farm Road North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: Toll-Free: 888-407-4054
Dazzling displays mean you’ll crown these artful ice castles top winter attractions
Something exciting is waiting for all outdoor-lovers in this vibrant valley region
37 Corey Road -- Route 43 Hancock, MA, 01237 Phone: 413-738-5500 Toll-Free: 800-882-8859
Resort adventures include skiing, mountain biking, alpine slides, zip lines and so much more
Franconia Notch State Park Franconia, NH, 03580 Phone: 603-823-8800
Tramway rides, hiking, biking, fishing: There’s lots to do on and around this mountain resort
Multiple Centers & Dock Locations Providence, Newport, Westerly, RI and Fall River, MA Phone: 401-272-3540
Hikes, seal and lighthouse tours among outdoor activities at this education center
38-44 Bay Street Watch Hill, RI, 02891 Phone: 877-394-8903
Make this seaport inn your headquarters for a host of fun outside activities and adventures
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, off Route 20 Sturbridge, MA, 01566 Phone: 508-347-3362 Toll-Free: 800-733-1830
Village museum, where 1830s come to life, offers outdoor walks, explorations
1000 Route 2 West (between Exits 103 & 102) Lancaster, MA, 01523 Phone: 978-534-2302
A wide variety of active fun adventures await you in North Central Massachusetts
90 Eden Street Bar Harbor, ME, 04609 Phone: 207-288-2665
From your HQ at this classic inn, enjoy bay views, easy access to Acadia, outdoor activities
Various Locations Bar Harbor, ME, 04609 Phone:
Launch your great Bar Harbor explorations from the breakfast table at a cozy inn
Historic town’s many parks, trails, heritage tours make for a great day in the great outdoors
82 Clubhouse Road Fairlee, VT, 05045 Phone: 802-333-4311 Toll-Free: 800-423-1211
Feeling adventurous? This lakeside resort has dozens of fun outdoor activities
75 Falmouth Heights Road Falmouth, MA, 02540 Phone: 508-548-4800
Ferry connects visitors from Cape to Vineyard, from one series of adventures to another
961 Main Street Berlin, NH, 03570 Phone: 603-228-0836
If you’re ready for an adventure, the vibrant Androscoggin Valley is ready for you
1 West Street Bar Harbor, ME, 04609 Phone: 207-288-2386
38 Norcross Circle North Conway, NH, 03860 Phone: 603-356-5251 Toll-Free: 800-232-5251
3984 Vermont Route 11 Peru, VT Phone: 802-824-5522
139 Saint Gaudens Road Cornish, NH Phone: 603-675-2175
Start at 117 Memorial Blvd. Newport, RI Phone:
Depart from Gregg Marine Research Complex, 29 Wentworth Road New Castle, NH Phone:
Refuge Headquarters, 50 Bend Road Charlestown, RI Phone:
4 Standish Street Provincetown, MA, 02657 Phone: 508-487-1950
Sabbaday Falls Picnic Area, Route 112 Waterville, NH Phone: