Summer Fun in New England

As published in The Florida Villager

Believe it or not, summer is right around the corner and with it comes the yearly summer family vacation. As parents, we are very well aware of the cardinal rule; if the kids are happy, the parents are happy. A vacation with kids is the best vacation if strategically planned based on age and interest of the children. Since kids would rather ‘do’ than ‘see’, sometimes it becomes a challenge for us parents. Here are some exciting places in New England that will spark an interest in your children and put some zing in your family vacation.

New England encompasses Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. With its vast array of history and breathtaking beauty, New England offers several places that are sure to bring fond memories.

New Hampshire – Lake Winnipesaukee is all about family gatherings by the lake. There are cottages, water activities, moonlit swims and even an old fashioned drive in. True quality family time.

Maine – For the outdoor oriented family, Acadia National Park offers 47,000 acres of tide pools, lakes, forests and mountains. Looking for a classic, sleepy New England seaside village? Don’t pass up Ogunquit. For more of a selection of activities, Bar Harbor has it all.

Vermont – Lake Champlain is your consummate lake retreat and spectacular for exploring and relaxing. There is even a Champlain Coast Wine Trail for the parents. Smuggler’s Notch is the quintessential family destination. There are lawn games, arts and crafts, pools, water park, nature walks and much more. A trip to Vermont would not be complete without visiting the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory.

Rhode Island- Newport’s Cliff Walk is breathtaking. As you walk its 3.5-mile shoreline, you are transported back to an era of Gatsby mansions once owned by America’s most elite families.

Connecticut- Mystic Seaport is a recreated 19th century maritime village. It houses the largest maritime museum in the US. The Mystic Aquarium, Olde Mistick Village, boat tours, Fields of Fire Adventure Park and even a Seaside Shadows Ghost Tour will leave your kids exhausted at the end of the day.

And last, but certainly not least, is my home state of Massachusetts. This state is brimming with history, architectural beauty, interesting towns and relaxing seashores. From Plymouth Plantation to walking the Freedom Trail in Boston, to picnicking in the Boston Commons along with The Boston Children’s Museum, a hands on museum that will mesmerize your children, your family will never be bored. A stop in Salem to stroll the streets of “The City of Witches” cannot be left off the itinerary. Boarding a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard and having a true old-fashioned beach vacation will go down in the annals of your family photo albums. Note of warning: the Flying Horses will end up being a daily occurrence.

The bottom line is, no matter where you choose to spend your vacation in New England, as long as you are with your family, it will be a time to remember.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *