Short Breaks And New England Weekend Getaways From Boston

The dense population of families in and around Boston, Massachusetts draws on beautiful New England for weekend getaway ideas.

Whether your family is looking for a rural holiday, a cheap vacation package, a fun last-minute excursion to break up a road trip, or a weekend getaway along the Atlantic coast, you will find dozens of great options within a 200-mile radius of the Boston metropolitan area.

This weekend getaway roundup includes some of our family’s favorite family stomping grounds, whether you’re trampling urban pavement, sandy shore or verdant lawn. This list will get you started, but there are, of course, many, many other choices for spending your time and money on a short break. To read about more of them, check out the many articles you’ll encounter in the related articles tool on the right side of pages.

New England Family Beach Weekends

Cape Cod Seashore Attractions
The dune-lined Massachusetts’ shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean beckons families with low-key family resorts in many price ranges, plus old-fashioned fun stuff to do.

Lighthouses for the Night
Ever thought about staying in a lighthouse? Several historic beacons offer affordable family-friendly lodging along the East coast of North America.

Outdoor Adventure Getaways in New England

Extreme Winter Adventures in New England
When you’re traveling with teens, sometimes the best adventures can be the most challenging, as this group discovers in Maine and New Hampshire.

Massachusetts Apple Farms
New England is known for its excellent apple crops, and Boston area families have many u-pick fruit farms to choose from on a quick getaway.

Acadia National Park, Maine
Encompassing a few Atlantic islands and some coastline, Acadia offers a pristine playground of sea, shore, forest and New England charm.

Old Orchard Beach, Maine  
Only 98 miles from Boston, Old Orchard Beach is New England’s only beachfront amusement park, featuring old-fashioned rides, live entertainment, lobster dinners, and a taste of history 

Summer Fun Vermont Style
Want to enjoy budget summer fun in Vermont? FTF gives you the inside scoop on where to stay and what to do with little ones in the snow-free Mt. Snow Valley.

Vermont Camp Sites and More
Sleep under the stars with close family and friends on Lake Champlain while also taking in some of Vermont’s famous attractions 

Ski Vermont on a Tight Budget
Plan your next ski trip in Vermont where families can expect big savings — with or without snow.

New Hampshire’s Whites 
One of the area’s best-kept secrets, this four-season vacation destination between the central Lakes Region and the Canadian border is sure to satisfy the adventurous traveler 

New Hampshire’s Lost River Valley
Take it from this camping enthusiast: Lost River is just the right balance of active family adventure and the quietude of nature in the White Mountains.

New Hampshire: A Camper’s Getaway 
Check out this guide for navigating New Hampshire’s numerous, pristine lake-fronts and campgrounds and plan your next family adventure “roughing it” in the wilderness

Eastern Canada & New England Cruises
Want to cruise, but not interested in the Caribbean? Try out big ship style and service on ports-of-call between Boston, Massachusetts and Quebec, Canada.

Culture & City Fun for Short Breaks from Boston

Cooperstown New York for All Ages
Families love Cooperstown, New York — a tripleheader for grandparents, parents and kids because of its variety of contemporary and historic amusements.

Connecticut Family Attractions
There’s so much to see and do in nearby Connecticut, which boasts Lake Compounce, the nation’s oldest themepark, and Mystic Seaport, an amazing aquarium.

LL Bean & Portland Maine
Fun for all ages, great learning activities, eco-adventures and quality merchandise share the shelves of LL Bean in Freeport Maine.

Two Weekend Musts in Providence, Rhode Island
A zoo and a children’s museum ranked among the country’s best or, with teens, campus visits and amazing shopping, are friendly Providence, Rhode Island’s top attractions.

Bristol Rhode Island’s Small Town Charm
Located just outside of Providence, Bristol offers a host of rural and cultural activities as well as fine-dining and even summer camps for kids to provide the perfect weekend escape 

Pioneering Weekend in Northampton, Massachusetts
A mother-daughter weekend in the hip New England town of Northampton, in the shadow of Smith College, makes for a rewarding and fun time away.

A Family Reunion Weekend in Albany
New York’s capital is celebrating the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s arrival with refreshed historical sites, attractions and value.

Favorite New England Weekend Getaway Resorts

Three Top Northeast Family Resorts
Three of our favorite no-brainer weekend getaways take place at these resorts, where you’ll find kids clubs, water sports, hiking, adult-only activities, guest camaraderie, water slides and more.

Basin Harbor Club, Vermont
A clubby, chic lakefront resort offers roomy accommodations, tons of activities, an active children’s program, great food and a laid back atmosphere.

Red Lion Inn – Picture Perfect New England
This charming inn in Stockbridge, Massachusetts is your base for a few days surrounded by art, music, theater, history, and natural beauty.

Foodie Fun Inn Vermont
Visit a delightful retreat at the Essex Resort in Burlington, Vermont that treats guests right with great dining options and cooking classes

Cape Cod Seashore Hotels and Resorts
Massachusetts’ famous Cape Code shoreline beckons families to stay a weekend at one of their many charming hotels and resorts