Best Weekend Getaways from Boston for Families

Kristy Pepping said:  Lake Winnipesaukee is home to several summer camps, but it's also a great place to visit for a family weekend getaway. Enjoy views of the lake on a Mount Washington cruise which offers both day and evening boat tours. For a souvenir, head over to Mill Fall on the Lake in Meredith. This shopping area has restaurants, bookstores and ice cream places, perfect for a trip memento and dining spot. Another great place to look around in for both kids and parents is The Old Country Store in Moultonborough. Hotels, great places for lunch/dinner, this Lake has it all!

Amanda Banta said:  Though it may be known widely as a ski resort town, Lincoln, NH, offers year-round fun for the entire family. Kid-approved activities include the Flume Gorge, the Ice Castles, Clark's Trading Post, and any of the activities at Loon Mountain.

There are tons of hiking options in the area, but The Basin is my recommendation if you have young kids. There are paved paths that are easy for their little legs and any type of stroller.

Carly Follett said:  Looking for a quick getaway, check out Provincetown. It's just a quick ferry ride out of Boston's seaport! Being right on the tip of the hook in Massachusetts, PTown is surrounded by water which means there are beautiful beaches everywhere you look! A favorite is Race Point Beach and it's beautiful Race Point Lighthouse, occasionally offers tours June through October. Another great family activity is the dolphin or whale watch, it's quite amazing to be able to see these beautiful animals in their natural habitat.

Carly Follett said:  Portsmouth is a great place for a family mini-vaca! The summer offers water fun and boat cruising and in the winter enjoy all the joyous holiday festivities. Make sure when visiting Portsmouth you explore the salt marshes and tidal pools at Pierce Island, experience the thrill of Water Country's water slides, hop aboard and tour the USS Albacore, and visit the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. If you head there during the winter months, you don't want to miss the Candlelight Stroll or the beautiful sights at Vintage Christmas.

Carly Follett said:  Bring the family and dive into a water park adventure at Jay Peak's The Pump House! The Pump House offers waterslides, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and even a poolside bar (for adults of course!). Thrill seekers will love La Chute and its 65-foot drop at 45 miles per hour, and visitors seeking a more relaxing experience can cruise down Big River. Day passes are available but schedule in advance to ensure admission. If you're interested in a weekend jam packed with lots of family fun, Jay Peak Resort is great during any season.

Amanda Banta said:  Ogunquit is a picture-perfect slice of Maine and there is so much to do you'll want to come back again and again. You can browse the local shops, bike along the shore, golf, take in a relaxing day at the beach or go on a fishing adventure. Check out the Ogunquit Playhouse for Broadway quality shows, including children's shows.

There is a wide variety of restaurant options and you're sure to find something perfect for your family. Stonewall Kitchen has a company store in nearby York, in case you need to get a fix of jams and jellies.

Amanda Banta said:  Ask your friends where they want to go this year and you'll definitely hear several say, "North Conway." There is so much to do there that families return year after year and still find new activities. Skiing, swimming, hiking and much more keep families busy.

Young families love Storyland and Santa's Village. Stop into Zeb's General Store for an intriguing food item or sweet treat. Drive up the Mt. Washington Auto Road. The Kancamagus Highway is an adventure in and of itself and provides marvelous sites any time of year.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  The Hampton Inn and Suites in North Conway features a small indoor water park featuring two waterslides and a small kiddie pool splash area that is just right for young children. The hotel is situated in an ideal location, within easy driving distance of Story Land Theme Park, Santa's Village, Attitash Ski Resort and Mt. Washington and is just minutes from plenty of great outlet shopping and restaurants. The hotel also offers free WiFi and a complimentary hot breakfast each morning which makes it a great destination for families to enjoy a quick getaway or longer vacation.

Amanda Banta said:  Kids can slide and splash their way through the Christmas-themed water park at Santa's Village, which is included in the price of admission to the larger theme park during the summer months. Enjoy slides, sprayers and a huge dump bucket at Ho Ho H2O, whoosh down one of the JOY Ride Slides, sit poolside in Polar Paradise, or play at Poogee’s Splash Pad. Be sure to bring your own towels and bathing suits!

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Generations of kids and their families, including mine, have visited Story Land where fairytales are brought to life. The park offers many kid-friendly attractions that are uniquely designed for children and parents to enjoy together. Kids will also get a chance to visit with storybook characters Cinderella, Mother Goose, the Woman in the Shoe and more.

May-October

Carly Follett said:  Portland Maine has so much to offer and is a great family vacation spot! Check out the beautiful artsy shops and museums, rent kayaks and explore the Casco Bay Islands, catch a Portland Sea Dogs game, or take a scenic ride on the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad.