I love living in New England because there are numerous fun and interesting places just a short drive away. Instead of driving hours and hours, some of these spots are just one or two hours away from my home.
There are also several fabulous New England family resorts to stay in during your trip. Whether you live in New England and are looking for some fun new places to explore, or are visiting the area and want to see as much as possible, here are some quaint cities and towns in New England to visit with kids. Did I miss your favorite? Leave a comment!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that we may get a small commission when a link is clicked and/or a purchase is made. We experienced a few of these attractions at no cost for purposes of review. All opinions are my own.
Cute New England Towns to Visit
Rockport, MA
Rockport is probably my favorite quaint town in Massachusetts. Located on Cape Ann in Massachusetts, Rockport boasts a small-town charm, featuring delicious restaurants, cozy shops, and stunning views. Don’t miss seeing Motif #1, a frequently-photographed replica fishing shack.
You can spot Motif #1 from the adjacent Barefoot Neck area, a downtown area where you can eat, shop, and explore among gift shops, seafood restaurants, and art galleries. Park in one spot and then walk around the whole area. There are several beaches in Rockport and adjacent Gloucester, so it’s a nice spot to visit during the summer.
Freeport, ME
Freeport, Maine, is renowned for being the global headquarters of L.L. Bean, but the area also boasts several outlet stores and smaller shops. My kids always love exploring the flagship L.L. Bean store, where you’ll find kids’ activities in addition to clothing and other outdoor gear. It’s more than a store, it’s a full experience.
For a completely different experience, head to Wolfe’s Neck Farm, which offers several family programs and has free admission every day. Freeport is also conveniently located near other popular Maine towns, so you can stop by on a day trip if you’d prefer. This is also a great place to visit if you want to see the beautiful New England fall foliage.
Mystic, CT
I have fond memories of visiting Mystic, Connecticut, when I was a kid growing up in Rhode Island, and I’ve loved bringing my kids back there as adults. Mystic offers a variety of activities for families, including Olde Mistick Village, a shopping center comprised of small buildings designed to resemble a 1700s village. It’s a fun spot to explore and feels like a historical town.
Mystic is also home to the Mystic Aquarium, which is a fantastic aquarium to visit with kids. It’s a great size for kids and offers shows and other family-friendly events. If your kids are tweens or older, they’ll appreciate visiting Mystic Seaport, a maritime museum with interactive exhibits and shows.
I’d recommend staying in Mystic for at least a weekend, as you’ll want to have about two full days there to explore the Seaport, Aquarium, and Village. Don’t forget to stop at Mystic Pizza.
Stowe, VT
Foodies will love the drive into Stowe, Vermont, with the Ben and Jerry’s Factory and the Cold Hollow Cider Mill located right off the highway. Be sure to leave enough time to visit both on your way to Stowe.
Once you arrive in Stowe, you’ll have several fun activities for families, including those at Stowe Mountain. It’s a beautiful, quintessential New England town with restaurants, shops, and many beautiful sights to see.
See hotels in Stowe, Vermont here.
Newport, RI
Newport, Rhode Island, is a stunning city with numerous great attractions. Brick Marketplace and the adjacent Thames Street feature fun shops and delicious restaurants in a beautiful environment. If you visit Newport, I’d recommend spending some time on the waterfront.
In addition, Newport is home to several stunning Gilded Age mansions that you can tour. My favorite for families is the children’s audio tour at The Breakers – my kids enjoyed learning about the history of this historic home. Tennis lovers may also enjoy visiting the International Tennis Hall of Fame, which is located right in town.
Want to spend some time on the water? There are several different sailboats and other boat rides that you can catch right from the waterfront. Newport is best visited in the summer months, although some of the mansions are decorated for Christmas.
Portland, ME
Portland, Maine, not unlike the same-named city on the West Coast, is known for its artsy vibe and delicious food (including lobster rolls!). If you are visiting during the summer, you can take one of the many boat tours and cruises offered and attend a Portland Sea Dogs baseball Game.
But even if you choose to visit in the off-season, there are fabulous museums, fun shops, and of course, great food. I love visiting Portland in the winter when the crowds have all left. Please note that water activities are only available seasonally.
Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is located near two states: Massachusetts and Maine. This seaside town offers kid-friendly museums, shops, and restaurants, as well as harbor cruises.
While you are there, head to neighboring Kittery, Maine, to shop the various outlet stores. Keep in mind that New Hampshire doesn’t have any sales tax, so it’s great to shop there as well.
Nantucket, MA
Nantucket is a city and island off the coast of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Popular author Elin Hilderbrand romanticized it, but it’s stunning and charming. Like its sister island, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket is a trendy summer vacation destination. But it’s worth visiting for a quintessential New England summer vacation.
While you can go for the day, try to stay for at least an overnight so that you can fully explore the island. However, I’d recommend a longer stay so you can really explore. In December, they host a
Newburyport, MA
Newburyport, on the north shore of Massachusetts, is home to shops, restaurants, and a beautiful waterfront. In addition, you’ll find the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and Plum Island, which features a beautiful beach. You could stop there on a day trip or a road trip.
Chatham, MA
While I love all of the quaint towns on Cape Cod, Chatham is one of my favorites. This charming waterfront town boasts a vibrant downtown area featuring a variety of shops and restaurants. Whenever I’m on the Cape, I try to go to Chatham to do some shopping.
There’s also the Chatham Fish Pier, where harbor seals are frolicking in the water. There’s also the iconic Chatham lighthouse. During select days of the summer, you can take a lighthouse tour.
