The start of the school year will be here before you know it. That’s why we’re guessing getting in one more family road trip before it gets here is on the top of your list. With all of New England to explore at your fingertips, now is a great time to plan a last-minute getaway. Whether you are looking for seaside or mountain towns, active or relaxing destinations, we’ve got nine road trips for families mapped out so you can make the most of summer before it ends. Get your bags packed and break out the car games, these road trips for families are waiting.
Connecticut
There's a reason that this neighboring state is at the top of the list for Boston families. The Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium are definite family favorites. You can learn about history when you visit Revolutionary War spots like Fort Griswold and the Nathan Hale Homestead. Outdoor wonders like Sleeping Giant State Park and the kid-favorite Dinosaur State Park are destinations on their own. Adventure junkies will want to spend some time at Connecticut's first aerial adventure park, the Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport.Â
More info: ctvisit.com
Nantucket
We love Nantucket any time of year but especially when the sun is out and the swimsuits are on. Kids will love a visit here because it involves everyone's favorite—a ferry ride. Once you get there, you can spend the day at Children's Beach, catch some dinner on a critter cruise, catch fiddler crabs at Masquetuck Reservation and dine on lobster at the Lobster Trap.
More info: visitma.com
New Hampshire's White Mountains
When the woods are calling, Boston families head to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Just short of three hours away, there are loads of outdoor adventures to be had in the summer. Ride to the top of Mount Washington on the World’s first mountain-climbing cog railway, the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Little ones will enjoy a visit to Story Land, the children’s theme park where fairy tales come to life. Adventure seekers will love zooming down the Mountain Coaster or flying on the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride at Cranmore Mountain Resort.
More info: visitwhitemountains.com
Kennebunkport, ME
Beaches and lobsters, what more could you want? Kennebunkport has that and more with the cutest downtown you've seen and history around every corner. Visit the Bush family exhibit at Walker's Point and then check out the Seashore Trolley Museum, the first and largest electric trolley museum in the world. Don't miss the opportunity to head out on the water by renting a power boat or even a house boat. Or, try your luck as a lobsterman on a lobster boat tour.
More info: visitmaine.net
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Narragansett, RI
This quaint beach town is a perfect family destination when you're looking for ocean breezes and relaxing in the sun. Head to Narragansett Town Beach or one of the nearby state beaches to stake out your spot in the sun. Check out the Point Judith lighthouse that was erected in 1816. Be sure to plan some time to hop on the ferry to explore nearby Block Island where you can go birdwatching and hike the Mohegan Bluffs.
More info: visitrhodeisland.com
The Berkshires
There's something for every kind of family in western Massachusetts. The Norman Rockwell Museum is located in nearby Stockbridge. In addition to showcasing much of the artist's iconic work, the museum mounts exhibitions dedicated to illustration and new perspectives on Rockwell's work. Additionally, you can visit the small workshop where he did much of his painting. If you like your art with more edge, head to Mass MoCA in North Adams, the largest contemporary art center in the country. Kids can really roam free here. The center houses several works by light artist James Turrell, and its three floors of Sol Lewitt galleries are impressive. Mass MoCA also has a Kidspace with rotating exhibits and programming, allowing kids to get in on the art-making action.
More info: berkshires.org
Burlington & Lake Champlain, VT
Burlington, Vermont is located on Lake Champlain so you can check out both destinations in one trip. Kiddos will know that this is where the Vermont Teddy Bears come from so be sure to add that and the World's Tallest Filing Cabinet to your must-see list. ECHO should also be on that list as it's a totally-rad kids' museum with STEM exhibits, live animals and loads of other things to explore. When you're ready for some outside time, Lake Champlain offers lots of opportunities for kayaking, swimming, boating and lazy lake days.Â
More info: burlingtonvt.gov
Albany, NY
Not only is Albany the state capital of New York, but it's a pretty fun place to bring kids who are interested in history. Visit the USS Slater, a WWII war ship that offers one-hour tours and then head to the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, home to Philip J. Schuyler, the renowned Revolutionary War general, US Senator, and business entrepreneur. Step back in time and head to Huck Finn's Playland. This amusement part has an awesome retro feel and is especially fun for the little ones.Â
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