Fun Family Vacations You Can Drive to (From Boston)
Even when stay-at-home orders have ended, it’s going to take the travel industry a little while to bounce back.
And I’m sure you’ve been stuck in your home for months that you want to go somewhere… anywhere.
So, whether you’re looking for weekend trip or a longer road trip, I’ve put together some ideas for some fun vacations within driving distance of Boston. These drives are a little longer than the weekend trips I wrote about a few weeks ago, so if you’re looking for something a bit shorter, check out this post! On the other hand, if you’re looking for a longer drive where “getting there” is part of the fun, keep an eye out for a new blog post in the next few weeks!
Stowe, Vermont
Drive time: 3 hrs., 26 mins.
You might think of Stowe as a winter wonderland for skiers, but honestly, I love it even more in the summer. The town transforms into a family-friendly outdoor playground filled with adventure and charm.
Both Smugglers’ Notch and the Trapp Family Lodge are destinations all on their own. With activities like horseback riding, kayaking, and hiking, there’s something for every age and energy level, all within the comfort of the resort!
If you’re craving a little “me time,” Smugglers’ Notch offers Summer Fun University, a lineup of kids’ camps that range from classic kids’ club fun to more specialized experiences like tennis, mountain biking, and even more thrill-oriented activities like rock climbing or an obstacle course! It’s the perfect way for kids to gain independence while you enjoy the spa or a relaxing afternoon at a local brewery.
And no trip to Stowe is complete without a stop in Waterbury, Vermont. There, you can watch fresh cider being pressed at Cold Hollow Cider Mill, tour the Ben & Jerry’s Factory, or sample local cheeses at the Cabot factory store.
Where to Stay: Smuggler’s Notch
Lake George, NY
Drive time: 3 hrs., 43 mins.
I love the New Hampshire lakes, but sometimes, you just need to go a little further away. Sometimes, the best travel experiences push you a little outside of your comfort zone!
Consider Lake George: it has a luxurious feeling while being completely family friendly. It has so much more to offer than just lakeside fun! You can enlist the kids in the King’s army at the Fort William Henry Museum, ride a wooden roller coaster at Great Escape, or check out one of the many adventure parks.
Plus, there’s a tour for just about everybody: Lake George offers historic tours, moonlight tours, fireworks cruises, and the famous Minne-Ha-Ha, an authentic sternwheel steamboat.
Where to Stay: The Lodges at Cresthaven
Lake Placid, NY
Drive time: 5 hrs., 14 mins.
I recently attended a wedding in a tiny upstate New York town that was so far north we were practically in Canada!
On the way, we decided to make a quick stop in Lake Placid, just to say we’d been there, and now, I can’t wait to go back! It’s a small town with such a big history, and I was honestly amazed that it managed to host not one, but two Olympic Games. We even visited the arena where the Miracle on Ice took place, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen my dad so excited! Naturally, I couldn’t resist grabbing every brochure I could find for local attractions.
I’m already dreaming about bringing my kids back to explore the Olympic Museum, hike through High Falls Gorge, swim in Mirror Lake, and—if we’re feeling brave—take a ride down the bobsled track!
Where to Stay: Whiteface Lodge
New York City
Drive time: 4 hrs., 10 mins.
I can’t talk about all these great upstate locations without mentioning the tourism capital of the world.
The Big Apple may not be the first place you think of for a family destination, but the number of family-friendly happenings in New York City on any given day is overwhelming.
The city plays host to top-notch museums, most of which have interactive children’s programs, creative play spaces (check out this list from Mommy Poppins), amazing parks and playgrounds, and even a child friendly amusement park in the middle of Central Park.
Plus, even NYC restaurants cater to families by offering play spaces, events, and cool DIY opportunities like ice cream and chocolate making.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Drive time: 4 hrs., 38 mins.
Voted one of America’s Best National Park Vacations with Kids, Acadia National Park is a true New England gem tucked along the rugged coast of Maine.
The park is home to myriad plants and animals, as well as the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast. It also boasts manageable hikes, super swimming spots, family-friendly dining, and spectacular sights.
It’s the perfect mix of wild beauty and family-friendly adventure. The park is home to countless plant and animal species and the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast. With scenic hikes that are just the right level of challenge, crystal-clear swimming spots, cozy local eateries, and views that take your breath away, Acadia gives families a breathtaking taste of the Northern New England coast.
Where to Stay: The Harborside Hotel Bar Harbor
RESORT STAYS
If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, these resorts are a destination in and of themselves.
Mohonk Mountain House: New Paltz, NY
Drive time: 3 hrs., 26 min.
The 251-room Mohonk Mountain House overlooks sprawling grounds containing a pristine lake, 85 miles of hiking trails, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, stables, and a grand lawn where families can watch movies in the open air.
If your kids aren’t up for a game of golf, kids ages 4 to 12 can participate in their award-winning children’s program that includes guided nature walks, animal tracking, and fossil hunts.
Rocking Horse Ranch: Highland, NY
Drive time: 3 hrs., 25 mins.
Rocking Horse Ranch is a popular, extremely kid-centric dude ranch in the hinterland of the Hudson Valley.
Besides the usual ranch activities like horseback riding (kids must be at least 7 years old) and hay rides, there’s an enormous wagonload of other fun things to do, including rock climbing, archery, swimming, tennis, and more!
No matter which direction you head from Boston, there are so many incredible destinations within driving distance, each offering its own blend of adventure, relaxation, and family fun. Whether you’re craving mountain air in Vermont, lakeside views in New York, or the salty breeze of Maine’s rugged coast, these getaways prove you don’t have to hop on a plane to make lasting travel memories.
If you’re dreaming of a quick escape but aren’t sure which destination (or resort) is the right fit for your family, I can help you narrow it down. From planning the perfect route to finding family-friendly accommodations and can’t-miss stops along the way, I’ll make sure your next road trip feels effortless from start to finish.
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Who is Christina?
Meet Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists. After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation too.
She specializes in Disney, the Caribbean, Europe, and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.
