Ideas For A Family Vacation In Massachusetts

With coastal charm, history-rich towns and vibrant cities to spare, Massachusetts is brimming with impeccable destinations. And, between the diverse outdoor recreation opportunities, beaches, preserved battlefields, museums and fantastic dining, it’s especially perfect for families. There’s something for everyone — teens will be thrilled about the foodie sites, hiking, centuries-old cemeteries and aesthetic urban spaces. Meanwhile, your younger school-agers will eat up the pirate history, bakery treats and hands-on museums. As for toddlers? It doesn’t get better than visiting a state that’s home to both the Dr. Seuss Museum and the very festive Yankee Candle Village.

If you’re on the hunt for indoor or outdoor things to do in Massachusetts that will entertain everyone, you’re in luck. The family day trips Massachusetts has to offer are plentiful. There’s so much to see despite this being a relatively small area of New England. The best family towns in Massachusetts aren’t hard to reach from the port, as long as you have a mode of transportation (I recommend renting a car so you can fully explore). Once you’ve figured out how you’ll get around, it’s really just about narrowing down which Boston family trips are best for you.

So, as a travel writer and former resident, let me guide you through the best vacation spots in Massachusetts for families based on what kind of trip you’d like to take.

While In Port: Taking A Family Vacation In Boston, Massachusetts

Taking a Royal Caribbean cruise to Boston is great if you’re excited about the idea of port experiences. This city has so much to do for all ages, and it’s all right there. In Boston, you can literally walk through American Revolutionary War history, peruse world-renowned art, explore a timeless harbor and feast on the best seafood of your life all in an afternoon. As far as vacation spots in Massachusetts for families go, it has it all. 

If taking Boston family trips sounds enticing, here’s where to go in Beantown based on what you want to do with your kids:

1. Educational Activities In Boston

● Best for kids 2-9: Check out sea life at the New England Aquarium, visit the Museum of Science and see the historic graves at Granary Burying Ground or Copp's Hill Burying Ground. 

● Best for kids 10-17: Walk the Freedom Trail (the Paul Revere house is a must-see), visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, tour the USS Constitution and celebrate the abolitionist movement at the Museum of African American History.

2. Active Activities In Boston

● Best for kids 2-9: Run around Boston Common and the Frog Pond, walk the Charles River Esplanade and do some climbing at the Boston Children’s Museum. 

● Best for kids 10-17: Canoe the Charles River, go candlepin bowling (American Flatbread is great) and wander Beacon Hill or Harborwalk. 

3. Artistic Activities In Boston

● Best for kids 2-9: Check out the children’s section at Beacon Hill Books and do hands-on activities at the Boston Children’s Museum. 

● Best for kids 10-17: Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art, see the art inside the Boston Public Library and visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. 

Where To Eat In Boston

Where To Find Dessert In Boston

Historic Massachusetts Destinations Outside Of Boston For Families

Salem

With multiple museums, cemeteries and monuments, this seaside city of witch trial fame is great for history enthusiasts.

● Distance from Boston cruise port: 24 miles.

● Ages: All.

Historic Deerfield

Wander through this historic colonial village for a peek into old New England — it’s so well-preserved that your family will feel like you stepped back in time.

● Distance from Boston cruise port: 99 miles.

● Ages: Ages 10-17 and adults.

Concord And Lexington

Revolutionary War buffs will appreciate the battlefields, while literary fans will enjoy seeing the historic houses of some of their favorite authors.

● Distance from Boston cruise port: 25 miles.

● Ages: All, but better suited for older kids and adults who know the history or have read the authors.

Plymouth

See the place where it all began at this Pilgrim history site.

● Distance from Boston cruise port: 40 miles.

● Ages: Ages 2-9.

Stockbridge

Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum, stunning mansions and exhibitions in this gorgeous town.

● Distance from Boston cruise port: 131 miles.

● Ages: Ages 10-17 and adults.

Newburyport

This 1600s port city offers plenty of historic sites and cobblestone streets

● Distance from Boston cruise port: 39 miles.

● Ages: All.

Outdoorsy Massachusetts Destinations For Family Vacations

Cape Cod National Seashore

 This scenic stretch offers ocean views, plenty of beachcombing and wildlife sightings.

● Distance from Boston cruise port: 93 miles.

● Ages: All.

Brooks Woodland Preserve (Petersham)

This is a fantastic spot for hiking and woodland, orchard, farmland and marsh scenery.

● Distance from Boston cruise port: 77 miles.

● Ages: All, but especially great for younger children, thanks to the easy trails.

Quincy

This spot has plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities, from hiking in the Blue Hills Reservation to swimming at Quincy Shores Reservation.

● Distance from Boston cruise port: 10 miles.

● Ages: 10-17 and adults.

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary (Natick)

 Enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of the region along well-maintained trails through marshland, ponds and woodlands.

● Distance from Boston cruise port: 21 miles.

● Ages: All, but especially great for younger children due to the easy trails.

Mount Greylock State Reservation (Lanesborough)

Expect mountain views, tons of trees and epic hiking at this park in The Berkshires.

● Distance from Boston cruise port: 150 miles.

● Ages: Ages 10-17 and adults.

Race Point Beach (Provincetown)

Take a dip or look for shells on this section of the larger Cape Cod National Seashore with your family before digging into some excellent seafood in colorful Provincetown.

● Distance from Boston cruise port: 118 miles.

● Ages: All.

Toddler-Friendly Massachusetts Destinations Outside Of Boston

Yankee Candle Village (South Deerfield)

The year-round Bavarian Christmas Village is pure magic for little ones, while the candy shop, toy-making workshops and special events will likewise delight the whole family.

● Distance from Boston cruise port: 116 miles.

● Biggest draw for toddler families: Year-round holiday magic.

Old Sturbridge Village

Step back in time and enjoy this quaint setting that features historians in costumes, who are ready to perform, cook, craft and educate toddlers and adults alike.

● Distance from Boston cruise port: 61 miles.

● Biggest draw for toddler families: Hands-on educational activities.

New Bedford Whaling Museum

This New Bedford gem is perfect for toddlers who like both hands-on activities and animals, as here, they can engage with huge whale skeletons, ship models and a Kids’ Corner that’s stocked with ocean-themed games and books.

● Distance from Boston cruise port: 57 miles.

● Biggest draw for toddler families: Immersive ocean exhibitions.

Springfield

Home to the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, this locale is ideal for both little readers and dribblers — visit both museums if your toddler fits into both categories.

● Distance from Boston cruise port: 92 miles.

● Biggest draw for toddler families: Indoor fun that gets tots excited about sports, reading or both.

The EcoTarium (Worcester)

This museum of science and nature offers both indoor and outdoor fun for all, from interactive exhibits to dinosaur models to live animal habitats.

● Distance from Boston cruise port: 48 miles.

● Biggest draw for toddler families: Dinosaurs and safe interaction with live animals.

Whydah Pirate Museum (West Yarmouth)

This massive space will thrill any kiddos going through a pirate phase, and offer a history lesson in the process that they’ll actually be excited about.

● Distance from Boston cruise port: 76 miles.

● Biggest draw for toddler families: Pirates galore.

Revolutionary Destinations: Cruise Toward Your Massachusetts Family Vacation