School may be back in session but that doesn’t mean there’s a reason to stop exploring. Here’s where you can work in a science lesson on what happens when chlorophyll breaks down during a long weekend to some of New England’s most iconic locales.
Trying to pronounce the Kancamagus Highway is almost as much fun as driving it, especially its hairpin turns through the White Mountain National Forest, where ruby, amber and rust trees dapple the plunging peaks. Kids will love a ride up Mount Washington, New England’s tallest summit (the Granite State claims the top five tallest peaks), or a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad, the world’s first cog railway whose nostalgic 19th century is nestled right in the center of town. Zeb’s General Store offers throwback penny candy, or for some toothsome eats, take a drive a bit further afield to Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill, where the same family has served up flapjacks with locally made maple syrup for 75 years. There may be a bit of a wait but it’s for good reason, and the vistas to admire in the meantime—with ample room for the kids to run around—are worth it. Those who didn’t finish up their back-to-school shopping can also check out hundreds of value-priced outlet stores in Conway or North Conway center, or have a ball at Pirate’s Cove mini golf (open through mid-October). There’s no shortage of family-friendly accommodations in this ski town, but those who want to stay in the heart of the action—with some great views to boot—should check out Red Jacket Mountain View Resort, whose massive indoor water par,k Kahuna Laguna, is open year-round.

Photo: Famveldman | Dreamstime
Sure, Monument Mountain may not have the stunning cliff sides of New Hampshire’s Kanc, but that makes it all the more kid-friendly for a good-paced hike to gaze out at foliage in Great Barrington. The bucolic Berkshires offer up plenty of outdoor activities, especially in fall, when local shops, restaurants, musicians and more come together for Lenox’s harvest Apple Squeeze harvest festival, and the Berkshire Botanical Garden Harvest Festival brings together fans of this sprawling educational space. There’s plenty of smooth and flat family-friendly biking trails (check out Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in nearby Adams) and stunning Bash Bish waterfall is easy to meander to on the Massachusetts-New York border. Whether you’re checking out Great Barrington’s two toy stores or amazing farm-to-table restaurants — Prairie Whale offers up lawn games for those queuing up for its delectable fried chicken — or Norman Rockwell’s muse of Stockbridge, the Red Lion Inn is a slice of Americana that can’t be beat. The Historic Hotel of America’s Take a Hike package, offered through mid-November, includes a backpack with locally made goodies and trail maps.
Yes, the Green Mountain State is as wonderfully sleepy as it sounds — but not exactly the case when it comes to the rush when a falcon with a five-foot-wide wingspan is rushing toward your outstretched arm. The “sport of kings” comes to your little prince or princess with falconry lessons at the Woodstock Inn in central Vermont, where the gang can also learn more about how the state’s most famous export — cheese — is made at the on-site Billings Farm & Museum, a fully operational dairy farm that also grows produce. Get a hands-on taste of how your farm-to-table food is procured for the hotel, or check out the Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee, whose rushing gorge is easy to admire from an overview not far from Quechee Gorge Village. The diner there is great for kids, along with old-time penny candy shops, or stroll across one of Vermont’s iconic covered bridges on Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park’s winding trails.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
May 14, 20257 Luxury Hotels to Visit for World Oceans Day
June 8 marks the celebration of World Oceans Day. For family travelers looking to celebrate in a meaningful way, consider a visit to these properties around the world committed to protecting our oceans.
Hotels
May 13, 2025Multigen Travel Offerings Await at This California Resort
Located in Carmel Valley, California, The Quail caters to family travelers interested in a multigenerational vacation. Set on 850 acres, this resort boasts an array of family-friendly offerings and accommodations, perfect for a multigenerational getaway.
Kids
May 12, 2025Experience Abu Dhabi Reveals What Kids Want on Vacation
A new global survey commissioned by Experience Abu Dhabi delivers family travelers a kids’ travel wish list! The destination brand of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi polled more than 7,000 children ages 5 to 12 and their parents from across nine countries to find out what younger travelers want in family vacations.
Hotels
May 12, 2025The Ozarks’ Big Cedar Lodge Promises Families Best Summer Ever
With summer on the horizon, kids are itching for the end of school and some epic summer vacations. If you don’t have a trip planned yet, put Big Cedar Lodge on your radar. America’s premier wilderness resort comes alive in summer, and this one is no different. The resort offers family travelers the opportunity to have the Best Summer Ever with a special program.
Cruises
May 12, 2025Reserve Now for a Family Sailing Cruise with Star Clippers
It might seem too early to plan your winter family travel, but Star Clippers gives you a good reason to act now. Through the end of May, families save 50 percent on fares for children ages 17 and under when they book sailing cruises in the Caribbean, Costa Rica and Panama.
Hotels
May 9, 2025Maldives Resort Opens Art Lab, Teens Hut
Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives recently announced the addition of two new experiences for family travelers. The Art Lab and Teens Hut are visionary spaces created through a collaboration with Singapore-based KulörGroup and London’s Muza Lab. These immersive environments evolve artistic exploration and are inspired by organic forms from the ocean, the island’s natural landscape and both embody Finolhu’s playful spirit.
ShareThis