Best Weekend Getaways from Boston for Families

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:  Spend a weekend exploring all Salem has to offer! You can take the fast ferry out of Boston or take a coastal ride up to the North Shore right into Salem. A few must-sees are the Salem Witch Museum, the Salem Witch Memorial and the nearby Burying Point Cemetery, the House of Seven Gables, and the kids will love the New England Pirate Museum. Salem even has some great beaches and parks at Forest River Park. Take the Sea Shuttle tour for an up-close glimpse at local wildlife or make your own adventure and hike the Misery Islands.

Carly Follett said:  You may think of Newport as a summer destination, but actually, Newport has lots to offer year round! Summer offers free beaches, great hikes, and fun outdoor concerts. In the winter enjoy public skating, the Newport Winter Festival and during the entire month of December is Christmas in Newport! A great way to see all of Newport is to hop on the Trolley for a tour around town. You can't take a trip to Newport without touring some of the gorgeous historic mansions including The Breakers, The Elms, and Rough Point.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  The Berkshires is a great place to visit with your kids in tow. There are plenty of outdoor activities, museums, animals to see and shopping for that all important souvenir. For the book lovers, be sure to visit The Bookstore which offers plenty of children's books. At Hancock Shaker Village, kids can learn blacksmithing and even how to milk a cow!

Amanda Banta said:  Block Island's 17 miles of beaches make it a popular summer spot but the island can be a beautiful destination for a weekend any time of year. Active visitors will delight in the many options for keeping busy, while families in want of relaxation and nature won't have to look far for either one. The dining and shopping won't disappoint any visitor!

Though you can fly in, many people opt to take the ferry to the island. Once on island, visitors often rent bicycles or take taxis to get them where they want to go.

Amanda Banta said:  Though practically in Boston's backyard, Plymouth makes you feel like you're on vacation, whether you're there for an afternoon or a weekend. The waterfront area features tons of family-friendly restaurants, a mix of quaint shops and sites to see, all an easy walking distance. Enjoy fresh seafood on the upper deck of the Cabby Shack , explore Plymouth's history beyond the Rock and stroll through one of the numerous parks and beaches.

Kids will love the John Carver Inn & Spa, which has an indoor pool with waterfalls, a slide and a Mayflower II replica.