Best Family Vacation Spots in the Northeast US

The Northeastern coast in the United States truly has some of the most stunning landscapes along with a rich history and heaps of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Whether you are looking for an easy weekend road trip destination or a lengthier stay, the Northeast states of New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont have a little bit of everything to satisfy your family’s varied interests.

10 Quintessential Northeast Family-Friendly Getaways

To help you plan your next trip, we’ve put together a list of some of the best vacation spots in the Northeast for families with older children and teens. Honestly, it was challenging to narrow it down, as there are so many amazing places, but these are some of our favorites. I also added in Washington, DC – although not technically in the NE US, it’s a must-visit for any family looking to explore history and culture.

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1. The Hudson Valley, New York

If you want a destination with a wide variety of things to do year-round, you must check out the Hudson Valley. This region of New York state stretches from Westchester County to Albany and has just about everything, including historic landmarks, outdoor recreation, amazing restaurants, theater and art spaces, and plenty of other attractions.

Here are some of our favorite spots in the Hudson Valley include Mount Peter, Bear Mountain State Park, the Storm King Art Center, Pinegrove Dude Ranch, the Olana State Historic Site, Mohonk Mountain House, Museum Village, and the Catskill Animal Sanctuary.

Mount Peter

Mount Peter is a small mountain located in the town of Warwick, New York. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking to enjoy nature and get some exercise. One of the highlights of Mount Peter is its ski area, which is the oldest operating ski resort in New York State. During winter months, visitors can hit the slopes and enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and more.

Bear Mountain State Park

Bear Mountain State Park is a popular outdoor destination located in southern New York, just a short drive from the bustling city of New York City. It is known for its beautiful views of the Hudson River and surrounding mountains, as well as its numerous hiking trails and recreational activities.

The park was established in 1913 and covers over 5,000 acres of land. It is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a prime spot for nature enthusiasts. Some of the most notable animals that can be found in the park include black bears, white-tailed deer, bobcats, and various bird species.

Olana State Historic Site

Olana State Historic Site is a beautiful and historic landmark located in Hudson Valley, just two hours north of New York City. It was the home and estate of famous American landscape painter Frederic Edwin Church, who is known for his stunning landscapes of the American wilderness.

The Olana State Historic Site is more than just an architectural masterpiece; it also holds great cultural significance. The Persian-inspired house was built by Church in the mid-1800s as a tribute to his travels and interests. Today, visitors can tour the 250-acre property and explore its many buildings, including the main house which has been carefully restored to look as it did during Church’s time.

Mohonk Mountain House

Mohonk Mountain House is a historic resort nestled in the Shawangunk Mountains of New York State. The property is surrounded by 40,000 acres of pristine wilderness and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The resort was first established in 1869 as a small inn and has since grown into a luxurious destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Mohonk Mountain House prides itself on its commitment to preserving natural resources and promoting sustainability.

One of the main draws of Mohonk Mountain House is its wide range of outdoor activities. Guests can enjoy hiking through scenic trails, rock climbing on the famous Shawangunk cliffs, or paddling around Lake Mohonk in a kayak or canoe. In the winter, the resort offers skiing and snowshoeing on its own private trails.

For those seeking a more relaxing experience, Mohonk Mountain House has a full-service spa featuring a variety of treatments such as massages, facials, and body scrubs. There are also indoor pools and fitness classes available for guests to enjoy.

2. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

For a little bit of history and a fun and relaxing beach getaway, Cape Cod is the perfect solution. Along this protected national shoreline, you’ll find over forty miles of pristine sandy beaches, lighthouses galore, wild cranberry bogs, bike trails, sand dunes, and so much more. Of course, there is also some great cuisine to be had in Cape Cod, if anyone in the family is a foodie.

Each town along the coast offers its own unique charm including the more quirky Provincetown, the “big city” vibes of Hyannis, the more laidback Dennis, and the fun and charming Sandwich — just to name a few.

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3. Hershey, Pennsylvania

No trip to the Northeast is complete without a visit to the sweetest place on earth. Hershey, PA is perhaps a bit touristy, but if you’ve got younger kids, they will love this place. But there’s plenty for the teens and adults in your family as well.

The top spots to explore include Hersheypark, Hershey Gardens, The Hershey Story Museum, The Chocolatier Restaurant, and ZooAmerica. If you need somewhere to stay, check out the Hershey Lodge or Hotel Hershey.

4. Acadia National Park, Maine

Along the rugged coast of Maine, you’ll find one of the most stunning and popular national parks — Acadia. This is the perfect destination for a more outdoorsy and adventurous family trip.

Bar Harbor, which is on Mount Desert Island, has the most variety concerning lodging and food options, and almost half of the island (47 miles) offers up some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the entire park.

As for what to do, some of our favorite hikes and spots to explore include Thunder Hole, The Beehive, Gorham Mountain, Sand Beach, Cadillac Mountain, and the Wonderland Trail.

5. Portland, Maine

No trip to New England is complete without exploring the Maine coastline, and one of our favorite spots is Portland, ME. This is where you will find the picturesque and quintessential rocky coastline, lined with great food, lighthouses, and breweries for those of drinking age in the family.

Take a ride on the antique train in Casco Bay, explore the narrow, cobblestone streets of the Old Port District, and or ride bikes along the Back Cove loop trail. Other notable spots include Bug Light Park, Peaks Island, Mackworth Island, the Public Market in Monument Square, and the Portland Museum of Art.

6. White Mountains, New Hampshire

Another great destination for families who like to keep things active is the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Here you’ll find an abundance of rock climbing, hiking trails, and waterfalls, among a wide range of other activities.

Visit the top of Mount Washington, the highest mountain in the Northeast by taking a ride on the Cog Train. For views of gorgeous waterfalls and covered bridges, hike The Notch in Franconia. To explore glacial caves or climb to Herbert’s Observation Tower, check out Loon Mountain.

These are just some of the many, many things you can do and explore in the White Mountains. There are also some fun amusement parks, including Storyland, Clark’s Bears, Santa’s Village, Alpine Adventures, and Polar Caves.

7. Green Mountains, Vermont

Honestly, there are so many spots to check out in Vermont, especially if your family is a fan of ski trips. This state offers some of the best there is to do and see in New End — and one of our favorite regions is the Green Mountains, which has nearly 500 miles of trails winding around numerous quaint towns and villages.

For the cheese lovers in your family, check out the North Meadow Farm. If you want to relax and enjoy some time splashing around in the summer, visit Smuggler’s Notch. For some history, take a stroll through Bennington, home of Robert Frost. And for some of the best skiing in the state, you’ve got to visit Stowe or Killington. Gilford Woods State Park is also a must for some excellent hiking.

8. Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

Just two hours outside of Philadelphia and New York City, you’ll find the beauty and fun of the Poconos Mountains. This is the perfect family getaway as it offers a wide variety of unique, relaxing, and exciting activities.

It’s hard to list the top attractions, as there is so much to do in the Poconos, but some of our favorites include Shawnee Mountain, Candyland, Klingel’s Farm, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Pocono TreeVentures, Heckman Orchards, and Lake Wallenpaupack.

9. Washington, DC

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention at least one of the most educational and historical sites in the Northeast. Our nation’s capital is a must-see and it can be a learning experience for anyone in the family, no matter their age.

The top attractions in DC are the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian Museums, the Washington Monument, the Holocaust Museum, the National Museum of African American History, the National Children’s Museum, and the White House.

If you want a lot of history but have already done Washington, DC, other places worth checking out include Philadelphia, PA, and Boston, MA. But if you want a DC not focused on history, check out this 4-Day Washington DC Itinerary.

10. Adirondacks, New York

Last on our list is the Adirondack Mountains in Northern New York. This region spans over 6 million acres and offers plenty to do year-round. However, we are partial to this vacation spot in the fall, as that’s when its natural beauty truly shines.

The Adirondacks are split into three regions — the coast along Lake Champlain, the Tri-Lakes in the northern region, and Lake George in the south — where you can enjoy so many outdoor activities from hiking and canoeing to paddleboarding and boat rides.

Some popular spots in the Adirondacks include the Ausable Chasm, Lake Placid, High Falls Gorge, Mount Severance, Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course, Glen Falls Drive-In, and Million Dollar Beach.

Tips to Enhance Your Family Trip

If you already live on the East Coast, then some of these destinations might only be a short drive away. However, if reaching these spots will take a few hours or more in the car or on a plane, make sure you plan ahead to help alleviate boredom.

If you’re a parent, you are likely all too familiar with how challenging it can be to keep your kids entertained on long trips, but did you know that boredom can also cause health issues such as increased stress hormones and depression?

If you take a lot of trips together as a family, try these tips to prevent boredom from taking over and bringing everyone down:

Car karaoke
I-Spy games
The license plate game
20 questions
Toss or kick a ball at rest stops
Audiobooks
Handheld video games
In-car or in-flight movies
IPAD games or e-books

Additionally, if you are going to be putting a lot of miles on the car, take the necessary precautions to avoid any maintenance issues along the way. Nothing spoils a family trip worse than getting stranded on the side of the road.

Make sure you take your car in for a maintenance check-up and tell them that you are planning a long road trip so they check the appropriate things. They might also be able to offer you some professional advice on how to keep your car in top shape along the way.

If you are traveling in the winter, it’s also a good idea to make sure you are prepared to potentially drive in snow and ice. Put chains on your wheels or bring them with you just in case. Keep your lights on, even during the day to increase visibility. Avoid speeding and brake gently when you have to stop. Most importantly, allow yourself more time to get to your destination.

While this might seem like the boring part of planning your family trip, it’s essential. If you want to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time, it’s always best to be as prepared as possible.

Conclusion

If you’ve not yet explored much of the Northeast Coast, we highly recommend it. The Northeast offers some of the best views in the country, along with an abundance of unique things to do and see. There’s history, culture, great food, amazing hiking, fun activities, and just about every recreational outdoor sport you could think of. And it’s made all the better when you have your family with you.

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Ready to Start Planning Your Trip? Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!

AIRFARE
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog, Skyscanner, and WayAway.com.
- Get airfare deal alerts up to 90% off from Dollar Flight Club (free & paid membership options)
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Book your Airport Parking Reservations and save money.
ROAD TRIP/CAR RENTAL
- Take the scenic route and rent an RV from RVShare
- Get packed for an epic road trip and don’t forget the Road Trip Games to Play in the Car Need more space? Get a rental car thru Discovercars.com.
LODGING
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or booking.com.
- For camping and RV campgrounds, find the ideal location with Campspot.
PACKING
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from Away and Eagle Creek.
- For packing cubes, we love these from Eagle Creek and these reusable silicon bags for a 3-1-1 bag from Stasher.
TRAVEL PLANNING
- Looking to start travel hacking and want a place to keep track of it all? There’s the free TravelFreely site.
- For budgeting help, get our road trip budgeting tips here.
ATTRACTIONS/ACTIVITIES
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with
  - Tiqets for cultural events, museums, Broadway shows, etc.
  - CityPASS for multi-day attraction passes at up to 55% off in select cities
  - Get Your Guide and Viator for guided tours/excursions, day trips, and activitties
  - Groupon for discounted local attractions and event tickets
  - Undercover Tourister for discounted theme park tickets
- Find guided outdoor activities led by local guides at 57Hours.
- Find information on local trails with the AllTrails App.
LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
- We use and recommend Rosetta Stone to learn a new language. We bought the $179 lifetime option with unlimited access to ALL 25 of their languages.
Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners.