Family Activities
Family Activities in New England
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.
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Water Parks - Outdoor Adventures - Zoos, Aquariums & Animal Parks
61 places to visit
Argia Mystic Cruises
Haul Away! Bring the whole family sailing
75 Steamboat Wharf Mystic, CT 06355 860-536-0416Enjoy our lowest rates Weekdays on our first trips of the day! Pack a picnic and bring the family aboard ARGIA for a 2-hour day-sail!
America's Stonehenge
Let your kids explore the mysteries of America's history
105 Haverhill Road Salem, NH 03079 603-893-8300
Chuckster's Family Fun Park
True fun and games for everyone at these New Hampshire play parks
Two Great Locations Chichester and Hooksett, NH 603-798-3555
Lakes Region Tourism Association
It’s safe to say the kids will never be bored when you book a Lakes Region vacation
61 Laconia Road Tilton, NH 03276 603-286-8008With great restaurants, tax-free shopping (main streets and outlets) and a variety of accommodations, the kids will have a blast, and you will leave already planning your next vacation.
White Mountains Attractions
Every day in the White Mountains brings a new adventure or activity for fun-seeking families
200 Kancamagus Highway North Woodstock, NH 03262 603-745-8720
Southwick’s Zoo
Fun and exciting adventures await for the whole family at Southwick’s Zoo
2 Southwick Street Mendon, MA 01756 800-258-9182After lunch, continue exploring the zoo! Visit the EARTH Discovery Center to hear from one of our Earth Educators about the many ambassador animals. Explore the 35-acre Deer Forest and feed the fallow deer, journey through the North American Exhibit on the Woodlands Express Train to see the elk forest, and glide high above the sky on the Soaring Eagle Zipline! So much, so close…Your adventure begins at Southwick’s Zoo!
Crab Apple Whitewater (MA)
Members of rafting company’s family join trips to make sure they’re fun, comfortable for all families
2056 Mohawk Trail Charlemont, MA 01339 800-553-7238
The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village
Families always have a roaring good time at this dinosaur-themed adventure park
1650 Hartford-New London Tpke. (Rt. 85) Oakdale, CT 06370 860-443-4367
See Plymouth
Interactive history museums, boating excursions, kid-friendly dining and lodging make Plymouth a must for families
4 North Street Plymouth, MA 02360 508-747-0100A walk through the streets of picturesque Plymouth will show you right away why it’s a family-favorite vacation spot. Kids love going on board the Mayflower II and leaning over the nearby barrier to get a peek at Plymouth Rock. At the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, interpreters are happy to answer questions as you explore life in a 17-century English village and a Wampanoag homesite. Sometimes children can help scrape out a dugout canoe or play with a Pilgrim child’s toy. At the Plimoth Grist Mill, you can see how corn was ground. At the harbor, go on a pirate cruise, whale-watch, or take a harbor cruise aboard a paddlewheel boat. There are arcades, ice cream shops, family-friendly restaurants and the Edaville Family Theme Park a short drive away. Please visit our website to learn more about these activities and others to prepare for your trip to Plymouth.
Mount Washington Auto Road
Auto road has a long history of families traveling along it to reach the grand summit
Route 16 - Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH 03581 603-466-3988
Plimoth Patuxet Museums
Discover Hands-On History the Whole Family Will Love!
137 Warren Avenue Plymouth, MA 02360 508-746-1622
Santa's Village
Will the kids love going to an attraction named after Santa Claus? Of course!
528 Presidential Highway Jefferson, NH 03583 603-586-4445
Mount Washington Cog Railway
Thrill ride up Mt. Washington continues to delight railroad fans of all ages
Off Route 302 Bretton Woods, NH 03589 603-278-5404
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves
Trek through a White Mountain wonderland at Lost River Gorge
1712 Lost River Road -- Route 112W North Woodstock, NH 03262 603-745-8031
Great Glen Trails
Fun all four seasons for all the members of your family at this active outdoor center
Route 16 at Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH 03581 603-466-3988
Discover Quincy
Home of two presidents boasts historic sites, great beaches, shopping, hiking, dining
City of Quincy Welcome Center - 1259 Hancock Street Quincy, MA 02169 617-471-1700
Crab Apple Whitewater (ME)
Guided family rafting trips down Maine’s rivers will create memories to last a lifetime
3 Lake Moxie Road The Forks, ME 04985 800-553-7238
Old Sturbridge Village
Family fun is around every corner in this re-created 19th-century New England village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, off Route 20 Sturbridge, MA 01566 508-347-3362
Visit the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts
Sun, Fun, and Adventure in the Berkshires!
The Berkshires Region, MA 413-499-1600
Worcester Art Museum
Discover, explore, and interact with art from around the world
55 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA 01609 508-799-4406
Morningside Flight Park
At this complete flight park, an adventure — on land or in the air — is waiting for everyone
357 Morningside Lane Charlestown, NH 03603 603-542-4416
Save The Bay
Have fun while learning something? Save The Bay can help you do that!
Multiple Centers & Dock Locations Providence, Newport, Westerly, RI, MA 401-272-3540Boat tours depart from Newport, Westerly, and Providence RI.
York's Wild Kingdom
New England's Only Zoo AND Amusement Park
Route 1 - (GPS address: 1 Animal Park Road) York, ME 03909 207-363-4911
Ice Castles
A spectacular frozen fantasy for the young – and young at heart
24 Clark Farm Road North Woodstock, NH 03262
Connecticut River Museum
Families can explore the Connecticut river with indoor, outdoor exhibits and activities
67 Main Street, Steamboat Dock Essex, CT 06426 860-767-8269
Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce
The list of fun things to do in this family-friendly part of N.H. is almost endless
961 Main Street Berline, NH 03570 603-228-0836
Margate Resort on Winnipesaukee
Your family’s unforgettable vacation awaits at this resort right on the lake
76 Lake Street Laconia, NH 03246 603-524-5210
Scott Farm
Farm’s Pick Your Own and Stone Wall Park make it a must-see for families
707 Kipling Road Dummerston, VT 05301 802-490-2865
Black Hawk Sport Fishing
Families, kids of all ages are more than welcome aboard this sport-fishing and specialty cruise boat
Sailing from Cini Memorial Park Niantic, CT 06357 860-448-3662
Island Queen
Beginning, middle and end: Every part of this voyage from Cape to Vineyard is a blast for kids
75 Falmouth Heights Road Falmouth, MA 02540 508-548-4800
Visit Concord MA
Discover History, Culture, and Outdoor Fun for the Whole Family in Concord, MA
MA
Town of Bethlehem
From skiing to shopping, there’s something fun for every member of the family
Bethlehem, NH
NHSCOT & NH Highland Games Festival
Fun for the whole family at this three-day Scottish festival
Loon Mountain Resort - 60 Loon Mountain Road Lincoln, NHThe 2026 NH Highland Games & Festival is on September 19-21 - Check the website for tickets & more info!
Granite State Railway
Travel the Rails in Lincoln — Where Lasting Family Memories Are Made
64 Railroad Street Lincoln, NH 03251 603-745-2135
Meet Boston
Family-friendly Boston has something for everyone – and it’s all a short walk away
Information Centers on Boston Common and Prudential Towers (Center Court) Boston, MA 02116 888-733-2678
Visit Warwick, RI
Outdoor and indoor activities engage every member of your family in Warwick
3275 Post Road Warwick, RI 02886
Hampton Beach Village District
It’s easy to see why families keep coming back for vacations in this fun, lively area
115 Ocean Boulevard Hampton Beach, NH 03843 603-926-8717
Liberty Hill Farm & Inn
Learn about daily life on a working dairy farm with tours that are educational – and fun!
511 Liberty Hill Road Rochester, VT 05767 802-767-3926
Scenic RailRiders
Plan something out of the ordinary for a family outing: riding the rails on custom-built “bikes”
188 Sewalls Falls Road Concord, NH 03301 603-931-1700
Go Providence
No secret why families focus on the Providence area for fun activities, attractions
1 Sabin Street Providence, RI 02903 401-751-1177
Huttopia - White Mountains
Time for that family winter getaway? Mountain cabins are close to all the best activities
57 Pine Knoll Road Albany, NH 03818 603-447-3131
Town of Bethlehem
Lots to keep every member of the family happy in this fun White Mountains region
Bethlehem, NH
Block Island Ferry
There’s an activity for everyone on Block Island, and the fun starts with the ferry trip over
304 Great Island Road Narragansett, RI 02882 401-783-7996
Crab Apple Whitewater (VT)
No surprise that family-owned and operated rafting company is a hit with other families
289 Handle Road West Dover, VT 05356 800-553-7238
Cross Sound Lighthouse Cruises
Catamaran lighthouse tours are Instagram-worthy, educational — and fun for everyone in the family
2 Ferry Street New London, CT 06320 860-444-4620
Lyman Orchards
Named Connecticut's Best Pick-Your-Own Farm for 2024 by Connecticut Magazine
32 Reeds Gap Road Middlefield, CT 06455 860-349-1793
Mark Twain House & Museum
Explore a slice of life in the home of Mark Twain
351 Farmington Avenue Hartford, CT 06105 860-247-0998
The Mather Homestead
19 Stephen Mather Road Darien, CT 06820 203-202-7602
A Morning in Maine
Set Sail on a Family Adventure
3 Park Drive Rockland, ME 04841 207-691-7245Families will especially love the Science Under Sail cruises, where a science educator leads hands-on activities using real oceanographic tools—perfect for curious kids. For a bigger adventure, set off on the six-hour trip to Monroe Island, ME, complete with beachcombing, hiking, and a lobster picnic lunch. Looking for something more personal? Private charters are also available.
Block Island Express
A Fun, Fast, and Family-Friendly Way to Travel to Block Island
2 Ferry Street New London, CT 06320
Castle in The Clouds
Interactive activities and stunning natural beauty at a National Historic Landmark create an unforgettable family experience
455 Old Mountain Road Moultonborough, NH 03254 603-476-5900
Art Complex Museum
Art, Nature, and Hands-On Fun – Plus, Admission is Free
189 Alden Street Duxbury, MA 02332 781-934-6634
Rhode Island Red Food Tours
Bring the whole family along for a flavorful day with Rhode Island Red Food Tours.
Tours offered in Providence & Newport Providence/Newport, RI 02840 401-684-1110
Arlington Historical Society
Bring History to Life With Hands-On Family Adventures
7 Jason Street, Arlington, MA 02476 781-648-4300
Hammond Castle Museum
A Castle Built for Curious Minds
80 Hesperus Avenue Gloucester, MA 01930 978-283-2080- Bubbles & Books Story Times
- Princess & Prince events
- Trick-or-Treat at the Castle
- Renaissance Faire Days
- Santa Returns to the Castle
- Kid Free Weeks during school vacations.
Audubon Society of Rhode Island - Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium
Explore WILD THINGS at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium!
1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI 02809 401-949-5454
Huttopia - Southern Maine
Family-Friendly Outdoor Fun for Every Age
149 Sand Pond Road, Sanford, ME 04073 207-324-1752
Huttopia - Berkshires
Create Unforgettable Family Moments in the Berkshires
312 Kittle Road, Hancock, MA 01237 413-343-8192
Goddard Memorial State Park
Plenty of activities, from bridle trails to sandy beaches, at this expansive park
1095 Ives Road Warwick, RI 02818 401-884-2010
Rocky Point Park
From amusement park to state park, Rocky Point has been a favorite with families for decades
1 Rocky Point Avenue Warwick, RI 02889