Best Weekend Getaways from Boston for Families

Carly Follett said:  This nearby indoor water park option for Bostonian has something for kids of all ages; the little ones will love the kiddie pool and the lazy river options, and for the big kids there are four wild waterslides and the obstacle park area. When the kids are ready to dry off they can explore the arcade and grab a snack from the snack bar!

Carly Follett said:  There is plenty to keep the kids busy all day and night at this park with features such as a wave pool, four-person tubing runs, the giant “wet” playground, a lazy river, an indoor/outdoor jacuzzi and even more tubing and body slides. Then when the little fishies are ready to dry off it's onto the climbing wall, ropes course, bowling alley, mini golf, arcade, and more!

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.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Lake Compounce is the oldest continually operating amusement park in North America. It's home to the top-rated wooden roller coaster in the world, Boulder Dash, plus additional thrill rides, family and kiddie rides and 8 water rides in their huge waterpark.

Open May-September

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:  Admission to Lake Compounce Amusement Park includes entry to Crocodile Cove Waterpark, which features a lazy river, multiple wave pools and water slides, interactive water play area, kiddie pool area and an actual lake!

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:  The village of Mystic in Connecticut is a charming little getaway for families. Mystic offers lots of places for fun with the kids like the Mystic Aquarium and The Museum of America and the Sea. Not everything in Mystic centers around the water. In fact, there's plenty to explore on land at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. To add to the fun adventure in Mystic, stop into the Alice and Wonderland themed restaurant, Alice in the Village Tea Room to enjoy some delectable sweets and tea!

Amanda Banta said:  The Pilgrim Cove pool at the John Carver Inn combines Plymouth history with the fun of a waterpark. An 80-foot covered slide, which kept my boys busy for HOURS, winds through a replica of the Mayflower, dropping sliders into a splash zone that is part of the larger pool but roped off to keep everyone safe. The pool itself offers plenty of fun for all, including a shallow area for the littles. The elevated hot tub, in a replica of Plymouth Rock, provides some warmth and relaxation for the grown-ups. Day passes are available to the public based on availability.

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.

Carly Follett said:  There is plenty to do in Stowe, VT, whether visiting when it’s a sparkling winter wonderland, when it’s lush and green in the summertime, or when the leaves are at their peak in the fall. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the winter or do some snowshoeing or skiing on one of the many trails at Stowe Mountain Resort. If you're visiting during the spring, summer or fall, be sure to rent a canoe, kayak or paddle board and ride through the Waterbury Reservoir at Waterbury Center State Park. A must when visiting Stowe is the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory!

Carly Follett said:  This quaint picturesque island known as "The Vineyard" is a great place for some laid back old fashion family fun. Depending on when you visit you can celebrate the Annual Grand Illumination Night, join in on the festive 4th of July parade or stroll South Beach to check out the Sand Sculpture contest. No matter when you come, the kids will love the Flying Horses Carousel and walking through The Campground looking at the gingerbread houses.

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.

Kristy Pepping said:  A short drive or ferry ride from Boston, Cape Cod is an ideal spot for a family weekend getaway. Stay on the Cape and visit the nearby islands for fun sightseeing and shopping. Get outdoors and enjoy biking, mini-golf or a fishing excursion. For indoor fun, try a drive-in theatre or the Cape Cod Children's Museum. There are plenty of places to stay and eat making for a fantastic getaway even if you only have a couple of days.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  Each summer the Yawgoo Valley Ski Area is transformed into a waterpark featuring slides, swimming pool and kiddie pool. Sessions are offered in 1, 2 or 3 hour segments.