For a summer vacation that combines the outdoor appeal of camping (without having to load the gear and pitch a tent), the comforts of a cottage, lots of activities for everyone and someone else doing the cooking, consider one of these New England options. They’re like summer camp, but for the whole family and with no forced schedule. At all these, kids will find plenty of playmates and swim buddies.
Log cottages sit under tall pines along the shore of Sebago Lake, Maine’s second-largest and the deepest (316 feet) lake at 12 miles long with about 105 miles of shoreline. Migis Lodge guests can use the resort’s canoes, kayaks, sail boats (from Sunfish to fiberglass 18-footers), row boats, power and pontoon boats. Waterskiing and wakeboarding are also available with lessons. There are two golden sand beaches and lawns for sunbathing, tennis courts, a fitness center and a wood-fired sauna. Cottages are decorated in a rustic country style, with big stone fireplaces and firewood provided. There are also rooms in the main lodge. Migis is an all-included resort, with all meals included in the room rate. The menu combines family favorites with more innovative choices; breakfasts include entrees like eggs Benedict and lunch can be in the dining room or at the daily barbecue and picnic on the lake shore. Campfires and ‘smores are part of the evening routine.
Purity Spring in the White Mountains
Lodgings at northern New Hampshire’s Purity Spring, a laid-back lakeside resort where some families have returned each summer for three and four generations, come in a range of choices. There are the homey comforts of the century-old inn, cozy cottages, luxury rooms overlooking Purity Lake, condos and modest lodge rooms and suites. Wherever guests stay, they are welcome to use all the facilities and join all the activities: the full-sized swimming pool, fitness center, kayaks, canoes, water skiing, hiking trails, mountain biking. Some suites and all cottages have kitchenettes, but the dining room and tavern serve family-pleasing meals, so hardly anyone bothers cooking (several packages include meals).
Quimby Country, in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom
Like Purity Spring, Quimby Country has hosted family vacations in the rustic lakeside cottages for more than a century, so they know a thing or two about it. Families can play together or parents can spend time reading in a porch rocker while counselors take the kids on a hike or a picnic or to play games or learn crafts — it’s all included. Bike, swim, learn to fish; kayaks, paddleboards and boats are all there for guests to use. The 19 cottages vary in size, with as many as four bedrooms; some have kitchenettes, but all-inclusive plans are the most popular. After all, it’s everyone’s vacation.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Mar 27, 20243 Family-Friendly Hotels in Baltimore
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is surrounded by activities and attractions to keep families busy for several days, and for those who travel to get there, a trio of nearby hotels welcome children with amenities such as swimming pools, kid-sized bathrobes and bunk beds.
Sponsored Content
Make the Most of Hamad International Airport When Transferring
Making travel plans can be exciting; did you know planning on how to spend time at the airport the right way can enrich the overall trip experience? As a transfer hub, traveling through Doha's Hamad International Airport is a unique experience, as waiting never feels like waiting at one of the best airports in the world.
Destinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024Spring Festivals in New Orleans
Spring has sprung in New Orleans, Louisiana, for family travelers! Bring your crew to the Big Easy this season for a variety of family-friendly festivals, events and attractions.
Destinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024Spring Adventures in New River Gorge
New River Gorge, America’s newest national park at less than 4 years old, was formed by one of America’s oldest rivers. New River surges through deep canyons, surrounded by a rugged landscape of forests and rock cliffs. Family travelers to this 70,000-acre park will find outdoor sports and adventures for the whole family.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
North America
Mar 26, 2024Don’t Miss Grande Lakes Orlando’s Modern Willy Wonka Golden Ticket Experience
If you hear the phrase “golden ticket,” you’re apt to think of Willy Wonka and the popular films to have come from the franchise. But did you know Grande Lakes Orlando takes the golden ticket concept one step further? This spring, the popular resort pays homage to the classic film and recent movie Wonka with a one-of-a-kind Golden Ticket Experience.
ShareThis