Family Getaways in New England: Best Options for Each Season

Family traditions create lasting memories and foster strong bonds, and New England provides the perfect setting for these cherished moments. With its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and diverse attractions, New England is an ideal destination for family getaways throughout the year. 

In this article, we'll explore a variety of year-round activities and attractions in New England, showcasing how families can create timeless traditions and unforgettable memories. From summer splashes at amusement parks to winter wonderlands in the mountains, discover the best that New England has to offer for families seeking adventure and connection.

Summer Splashes: The best options to enjoy your summer vacation in New England

Water Adventures at Lake Compounce

Lake Compounce's water attractions are designed to cater to a wide range of preferences, ensuring that every family member finds their perfect summer adventure. Whether it's the thrills of Boulder Dash and Zoomerang or the refreshing fun of Croc-O-Nile and Bayou Bay, Lake Compounce offers a memorable summer experience for everyone.

Unique Attractions

Boulder Dash

Experience the thrill of Boulder Dash, a world-renowned wooden roller coaster that seamlessly integrates with the natural terrain. Voted as one of the best wooden coasters in the world, Boulder Dash offers an exhilarating ride through the forested mountainside, combining speed and scenic beauty for an unforgettable adventure.

Wildcat

For those seeking a high-adrenaline experience, Wildcat is a must-ride. This iconic wooden roller coaster has been a staple at Lake Compounce since 1927, offering a classic coaster experience with its traditional design and exciting layout. Wildcat promises an exciting and intense ride that keeps guests coming back for more, blending nostalgia with thrilling adventure.

Water Rides for all the family

Croc-O-Nile

Perfect for a family-friendly water adventure, Croc-O-Nile offers a relaxing float through a tropical-themed lazy river. Riders can unwind as they drift along the gentle current, taking in the lush surroundings and enjoying a refreshing break from the summer heat.

Mammoth Falls

Mammoth Falls is an exciting water slide that provides fun for the whole family. This multi-person raft ride takes guests on a thrilling journey down a series of twists, turns, and drops, ensuring a shared adventure filled with laughter and excitement.

Tunnel Twister

For those who crave a more intense water slide experience, Tunnel Twister delivers. This ride features enclosed twisting tunnels that plunge riders into darkness, heightening the suspense and thrill of each twist and turn. It's a fast-paced, exhilarating slide that water enthusiasts will love.

Bayou Bay

Bayou Bay is a wave pool that offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Families can enjoy gentle waves or more adventurous swells, making it an ideal spot for both lounging and playing in the water. The varying wave patterns ensure there's something for everyone.

Stay at Lake Compounce

What’s a getaway if you don’t stay out of your house at least for a weekend? Lake Compounce is a haven for fun, but also a great place to stay the night. Get your spot at the campground, book a cabin, or rent a cabana by the lake for the day. 

Lake Compounce Campground

The Lake Compounce Campground offers a variety of options for staying the night. Rent a cabin with one or two bedrooms, or the cub hut for a home-like experience with everything you need. Or bring your own stuff and park your RV in a partial hook-up site, or set up a tent for a full camping experience.

Cabanas

For a comfortable experience during your day at Lake Compounce, you can book a cabana for up to 9 people, with exclusive on-call waiter service, a shaded area with loungers, and even locker to keep your stuff safe while you enjoy the park. 

Beach Escapes

Cape Cod

Coast Guard Beach

Coast Guard Beach, located in Eastham, Massachusetts, is a quintessential Cape Cod destination known for its pristine sands and picturesque scenery. This popular beach offers a perfect mix of relaxation and outdoor activities. Families can enjoy swimming in the refreshing Atlantic waters, exploring the tidal pools, and taking scenic walks along the shore. With its stunning views and family-friendly amenities, Coast Guard Beach is a must-visit summer spot.

Maine Coast

Ogunquit

Ogunquit, often referred to as a "beautiful place by the sea," lives up to its name with its charming coastal village atmosphere and expansive sandy beaches. Ogunquit Beach is ideal for families, featuring gentle surf, soft sand, and plenty of space for beach games and picnics. The nearby Marginal Way, a scenic coastal walk, provides breathtaking ocean views and easy access to quaint shops and restaurants in town, making it a well-rounded destination for a summer getaway.

Old Orchard Beach

Old Orchard Beach is a classic Maine beach destination known for its lively boardwalk and family-friendly attractions. The seven-mile stretch of sandy beach offers ample space for sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles. The historic pier and beachfront amusement park add to the fun, with rides, games, and tasty treats for all ages. Old Orchard Beach is perfect for families seeking a vibrant and entertaining beach vacation in New England.

Spring Blooms: Festivals and Events

Outdoor Adventures

Tower Hill Botanic Garden (Massachusetts)

Located in Boylston, Massachusetts, Tower Hill Botanic Garden offers 171 acres of beautiful landscapes and blooming flowers. Spring events include workshops and tours, showcasing magnolias, rhododendrons, and tulips. It's a perfect destination for families and nature enthusiasts.

Acadia National Park (Maine)

Acadia National Park in Maine comes alive in spring with wildflowers and lush greenery. Visitors can hike scenic trails, explore the coastline, and enjoy birdwatching as migratory birds return. The park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure.

Sebago Lake (Maine)

Sebago Lake, Maine's second-largest lake, is ideal for spring activities like boating, fishing, and hiking. The blooming landscape and serene atmosphere make it perfect for family picnics and outdoor fun.

Cultural Experiences

Plimoth Patuxet Museums (Massachusetts)

Plimoth Patuxet, previously known as Plimoth Plantation, in Plymouth, Massachusetts, is a living history museum that recreates the 17th-century Pilgrim settlement. Spring events feature costumed interpreters and activities highlighting early colonial history, making it an engaging educational destination.

Vermont Maple Festival (Vermont)

The Vermont Maple Festival in St. Albans celebrates the state's maple syrup industry. The spring event includes syrup tastings, pancake breakfasts, live entertainment, and family-friendly contests, offering a sweet cultural experience.

Farm Visits

Spring is a great time to visit New England farms for hands-on activities and fresh produce. Families can enjoy sheep shearing, planting workshops, and farmers' markets while children interact with farm animals and learn about sustainable farming. Among the many worth-visiting farms in the area, Cider Hill Farm, Smolak Farms and Ingalsby Farm are some of the best options to pick some of the best fruit and pumpkins in the area while learning about farm life.

Fall Foliage: Enchanting Autumn Traditions

Leaf Peeping

Vermont Scenic Drives

Vermont's scenic drives offer breathtaking views of autumn foliage. Routes like the Green Mountain Byway provide stunning vistas of vibrant fall colors, making them perfect for a leisurely drive.

Apple Orchards

Connecticut's apple orchards are a must-visit in the fall. Families can enjoy apple picking, hayrides, and homemade cider, all while surrounded by beautiful autumn landscapes.

Fall Festivals

Topsfield Fair and Harvest Festivals in Massachusetts

The Topsfield Fair, America's oldest agricultural fair, is a highlight of the fall season. It features livestock shows, giant pumpkin contests, and carnival rides, offering fun for the whole family while having a look at the area’s produce.

Pumpkin Patches

New England's pumpkin patches are a fall favorite. Families can enjoy seasonal activities like navigating corn mazes and picking their own pumpkins to later carve at home, creating lasting autumn memories.

Phantom Fall Fest

Returning this fall, Phantom Fall Fest at Lake Compounce offers thrills by day and frights by night. Families can enjoy their favorite rides during the day with kid-friendly activities like pumpkin painting and costume contests, and after 6 p.m., the park transforms with four scare zones and four haunted houses, perfect for extreme screams and horrific fun.

Winter Wonderland: New England Snow Adventures

Skiing and Snowboarding

New England offers top-notch skiing and snowboarding destinations. From beginner slopes to advanced trails, there’s something for everyone in the snowy mountains.

Winter Festivals

Holiday Lights

Lake Compounce's Holiday Lights festival transforms the park into a winter wonderland with dazzling light displays, festive music, and holiday-themed rides. It's a magical experience for families to enjoy during the winter season.

Winter Sports

Smugglers' Notch (Vermont)

Smugglers' Notch in Vermont is a premier destination for winter sports, offering skiing, snowboarding, and a variety of family-friendly activities amidst stunning mountain scenery.

Bretton Woods (New Hampshire)

Bretton Woods in New Hampshire provides excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions, with well-groomed trails and beautiful views of the White Mountains.

Indoor Activities

Boston Children's Museum (Massachusetts)

The Boston Children's Museum offers interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that entertain and educate children, making it a perfect indoor escape during the winter months.

Salem Witch Museum (Massachusetts)

The Salem Witch Museum provides a fascinating look into the history of the Salem witch trials, offering educational exhibits and presentations suitable for all ages.

The Breakers (Rhode Island)

The Breakers, a historic mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, offers tours that showcase its opulent architecture and décor, providing a cozy and enriching indoor activity for winter visitors.

Creating Timeless Family Traditions

Family Bonding Activities

Creating lasting family memories often involves simple, yet meaningful activities. Consider spending evenings around a campfire, sharing stories, and roasting marshmallows. Stargazing on clear nights can spark wonder and foster connections, as well as enjoying a day of thrills at an amusement park can build stronger bonds between kids and parents.  These moments of togetherness are what family traditions are made of.

Toddler Friendly Vacations

Lake Compounce is perfect for families with young children, offering kid-friendly attractions that ensure fun for the littlest visitors. The Kiddie Coaster provides gentle thrills, while the Flying Elephants and Drum Circus offer whimsical rides that toddlers will love. It's a safe and enjoyable environment for toddlers to explore and have fun.

Year-Round Tradition

Make visiting Lake Compounce a yearly family tradition! The park's diverse seasonal attractions—from summer water rides to winter holiday lights—offer something special for every time of the year. By visiting regularly, families can create a continuous thread of joyful experiences and cherished memories.

Embrace Timeless Adventures at Lake Compounce!

New England's array of attractions offers endless opportunities for families to create timeless traditions. Among these, Lake Compounce stands out as a year-round destination that promises fun and adventure for all ages. Plan your visit today and start making memories that will last a lifetime. Get your tickets now and embark on an unforgettable family-fun day!