Massachusetts
For a family spring break in Massachusetts, head to Harbor View Hotel on Martha’s Vineyard. Ferries run regularly from Falmouth and Hyannis, and spring break travelers can enjoy a tranquil island experience. Stroll the nearby South Beach State Park, go sea kayaking, or head out to Chappaddaquick to the ethereal Japanese garden of Mytoi. Within the nineteenth century Harbor View Hotel, your family can enjoy multiple dining venues, an indoor fitness center, and access to biking and walking trails.
Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island, is the perfect family town for spring break, and no place puts you right at the heart of it all quite like the Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina. Located right on the water, you and your family will be surrounded by yachts and sailboats bobbing the bay on one side, and cobblestone streets connecting historic architecture on the other.
Newport is great for a romantic weekend away or an active family vacation. Drive or bike the famous Ocean Drive, winding along the dramatic coastline and past some of the most ornate mansions from the Gilded Age. Newport’s downtown is full of life and pleasantly walkable, though the trolley car is great for a quick trip as well, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame has terrific interactive elements for all ages. The hotel itself boasts four 12-Meter America’s Cup Yachts and a lovely indoor pool.
Connecticut
Connecticut has both the shoreline and the countryside for those looking for family spring break ideas. For a relaxing family vacation geared toward the sea, check out the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina. Regardless of season, this bed and breakfast provides guests with views of the water from each room. With a private fitness facility and beach, you’ll have plenty to do on site. Should you venture out, however, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Mystic - just a few minutes away. The Mystic Aquarium gives you access to seals, penguins, fish, and beluga whales, and the Museum of the Sea provides an immersive and interactive look at all things maritime.
If you and your family are thinking lakes rather than beaches, head to Interlaken Inn in the rolling Litchfield Hills of Connecticut. Just south of the Berkshires, this peaceful natural area makes for a great family trip. Hike to Lion’s Head, bike the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, canoe Lake Wononscopomuc, or go on a family nature walk at the Sharon Audubon Center. There’s also a game room, golf course, fitness center, and sculpture garden right at the Inn.
Maine
Beating the crowds and exploring world-famous Bar Harbor over your spring break is a great idea for family spring breakers, and the Mira Monte Inn sweetens the deal with a great springtime package. Located right in town with easy access to Acadia National Park, this bed and breakfast provides insider tips on when to go to the shore (in the warmer mornings) and when to go hiking (in the colder afternoon hours). For a small town, Bar Harbor boasts streets chock-full of window shopping, old-style ice cream stands, clam shacks, and mini-golf. Nearby Acadia comes alive in springtime with the smell of forest blossoms and the songs of migrating birds.
New Hampshire
For those who don’t mind the colder temps of an alpine playground, a trip to the mountains is a great idea for a New England spring break with the family. New Hampshire’s White Mountains might still be white by the time spring break rolls around, but either way there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and indoor amenities at the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort in North Conway, NH. The family won’t have to walk far to enjoy the fitness center, spa, and Kahuna Laguna indoor water park right on site, not to mention live evening entertainment at the lounge. There are amazing things to do in North Conway as well, ranging from hiking and mountain biking, to shopping at outlets and artisan stores like The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen. Finish it all off with a ride on the cog railway, which takes you and your family all the way up to the top of Mount Washington.
Another great option for a family spring break is Purity Spring Resort in Madison, New Hampshire. This one is a veritable summer camp for families, even if it isn’t quite summer yet. Located right on Purity Lake, and not far from North Conway, you and your family can enjoy hiking and walking trails, wildlife viewing at the Audubon Sanctuary, canoeing, and kayaking.
Vermont
While the northerliness of Vermont begs the question of whether the mountains in The Green Mountain state will truly be green yet, a wonderful family spring break adventure awaits regardless.
Bring your family to Essex Resort and Spa in Burlington. Spring break in Burlington is fabulous, with Lake Champlain at your doorstep and the pedestrian downtown nearby. The full service spa includes an oversized outdoor hot tub and the adjoining culinary academy offers classes that could seriously improve your future family dinners.