Top Family Vacation Destinations in New England for a Memorable Trip

Mystic Aquarium is an adventure for us all. Home to thousands of aquatic animals—from marine mammals and birds to fish, invertebrates, and reptiles—this aquarium houses over 300 different species, promotes the conservation of our ocean planet, and teaches those young and old about animals, the sea, and beyond. Their indoor exhibit gallery is home to thousands of unique and colorful fish, from the central 35,000-gallon exhibit featuring eels, tangs, and so many more, to habitats featuring pufferfish, sea slugs, sharks, rays, and one of the most diverse displays of jellies around. The Weird and Wonderful exhibit showcases some of nature’s most bizarre and fascinating creatures like the Giant Pacific Octopus, Giant Japanese Spider Crabs, and a live coral reef ecosystem. Your kids are sure to love exploring everything this aquarium has to offer.

Wondering where to stay in the area? Hilton Mystic offers a taste of history with a nautical twist, right in the center of town. After a day of exploring, unwind in their cozy courtyard, warmed by the glow of their outdoorsy fire pits. Their pool also hosts dive-in movie nights, making it the perfect place for some family fun during the warmer months. Explore more family-friendly places to stay. 

You’ve likely heard about it: the iconic Acadia National Park. This 47,000-acre Atlantic coast recreation area is situated primarily on Maine's Mount Desert Island, featuring woodlands, rocky beaches, and soaring granite peaks (including Cadillac Mountain which is the highest point on the United States’ East Coast!). Your kids will love learning that it’s also home to an abundance of habitats of moose, bear, whales, seabirds, and more. With 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads, it’s one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States—and for good reason. The beauty your family will find here is unlike any other.  

In search of a chic take on the classic Maine vacation experience to pair with your outdoorsy day adventure to Acadia? We know just the place. Salt Cottages in nearby Bar Harbor is located just minutes from the Hulls Cove entrance to Acadia National Park as well as lively downtown Bar Harbor. This seaside haven offers a rare combination of resort activities and amenities with plenty of cottage and hotel lodging options, coastal style, and luxe details. Explore more family-friendly places to stay. 

Imagine a world where your kids can experience Thomas the Tank Engine in real life. Mount Washington Cog Railway is a unique train ride journey up Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. Open all year round, it’s one of the world’s great rail adventures and an exhilarating tour through history, technology and nature. Since 1869, “The Cog” has been making its dramatic ascent through three climate zones to the 6288’ summit. 

While you’re here, stay nearby at The Chandler At White Mountains, featuring views that’ll make you never want to leave. Think White Mountains air so crisp it practically begs you to go for a hike, and autumn leaves so bright you’ll be left in awe. Here, you’ll feel like you’re home in the most spiritual sense. Explore more family-friendly places to stay.

If your kids love the beach or are at all interested in maritime history, they’ll love visiting the Nobska Lighthouse. Operated by the U.S. Lighthouse Service from 1828 until 1939 (111 years!), this light is engrained in the history of Massachusetts. They provide tours of the tower on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm from June to October. They also have special events throughout the year such as artist talks, book readings, open houses, climate discussions, and more. 

When it comes to New England family vacation destinations, stay at Treehouse Lodge. There you and your family will find perfectly imagined camping themed spaces, with built-in tree-round shelves, curtains reminiscent of your Eagle Scout tent flaps, Edison bulbs hanging by your bed, and a built-in cabinet with clever storage. Be sure to explore the courtyard complete with a fire pit, yard games, and the feeling of an iconic treehouse. Explore more family-friendly places to stay. 

If you’re in search of the perfect place to spend the afternoon with your kiddos, the answer is the Niantic Children’s Museum. An interactive, hands-on, educational place for children to try on new roles, this museum encourages littles to let their imaginations soar while exploring the world around them. They have something for every child between the ages of 9 months and 9 years whether they’re interested in the arts, sciences, world cultures, or beyond. From special events to weekly themed classes, their classes and programs are a great way to get your child exploring.

Nearby Watch Hill Inn invites you to escape the ordinary. With a long and celebrated history since 1845, this inn is the oldest hotel in the community—but you’d never know it based on the modern conveniences that surround you in each of their residential-style suites. Situated just steps from Little Narragansett Bay, in close proximity to shops and restaurants, family-friendly Watch Hill Inn is the perfect place to experience some of the most remarkable sunsets the Rhode Island coastline has to offer. Explore more family-friendly places to stay.

Watch history come alive in the eyes of your children at Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home. These grounds were home to Robert Lincoln, the only child of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood. Each year Hildene welcomes tens of thousands of guests to the Lincoln home, restored Pullman car, Hildene Farm and walking trails. They offer self-guided tours, scheduled guided tours of the house, and even a Behind the Scenes Archive Tour.

The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa is a great resort year round for families as it offers an endless list of activities and adventures. During the winter months, ski, snowshoe, or go off road driving. As the weather warms, teach the kids how to fly fish, improve on your golf game, and much more. This resort also offers a guaranteed connecting room, the perfect option for when you want to be close to your kids but also enjoy your own space on vacation. Explore more family-friendly places to stay.

Looking for more? Explore what to do in the summer. There’s always something fun happening in New England. So grab the kids, pack up some bags, and let’s get exploring, no matter the season.

New England Inns and Resorts was founded in 1907 and has been devoted to providing unforgettable experiences ever since. With over 300 hotels, inns, and resorts located across New England, we support exceptional hospitality with a dedication to keeping it local at every location.