Boston Daytrips for Families with Kids
Day trips from Boston are diverse and plentiful. Boston is a great central point to access unique venues all over New England. New England offers everything from small quaint historic towns, camping and the great outdoors, to amusement parks, ski resorts, amazing beaches, & whale watching in Boston Harbor. You can get to the beach, the mountains, the big city, a country town all within an hour or two.
Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area, Boston
The Boston Harbor Islands offer countless opportunities for visitors to tour historical sites, observe wildlife, and participate in recreational activities.
The Boston Harbor Islands offer countless opportunities for visitors to tour historical sites, observe wildlife, and participate in recreational activities.
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, $
Features rotating exhibits of over 1200 pictures by the children's book author and artist and others. Drawings are hung at children's eye level. The large art studio hosts almost daily art-making activities.
Features rotating exhibits of over 1200 pictures by the children's book author and artist and others. Drawings are hung at children's eye level. The large art studio hosts almost daily art-making activities.
Mystic Aquarium, Connecticut, $$$
Experience Mystic Aquarium's marine creatures in their underwater world. A good New England day trip from points south and west of Boston.
Experience Mystic Aquarium's marine creatures in their underwater world. A good New England day trip from points south and west of Boston.
Mystic Seaport, Connecticut, $$$
A stroll through Mystic Seaport provides a glimpse of life, from blacksmithing to whaling, in an authentic 19th century seafaring village.
A stroll through Mystic Seaport provides a glimpse of life, from blacksmithing to whaling, in an authentic 19th century seafaring village.
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Western Mass, $$$
Located in Springfield, MA., the birthplace of basketball, the Basketball Hall of Fame is a 48,000 sq. ft. museum with 3 levels of entertaining and educational
Located in Springfield, MA., the birthplace of basketball, the Basketball Hall of Fame is a 48,000 sq. ft. museum with 3 levels of entertaining and educational
Newport Mansions, Rhode Island, $$$
View two centuries of American architecture, history and decorative arts in the grand villas of the powerful men and influential women who made Newport America's leading resort and a center of the arts and architecture.
View two centuries of American architecture, history and decorative arts in the grand villas of the powerful men and influential women who made Newport America's leading resort and a center of the arts and architecture.
Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, $$
The Sturbridge Village museum re-creates the daily work activities of a rural 19th-century town in authentic, living history. An easy Boston area day trip.
The Sturbridge Village museum re-creates the daily work activities of a rural 19th-century town in authentic, living history. An easy Boston area day trip.
Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, Western Mass, $$
Open 7 days a week - year round - this magical butterfly conservatory is relaxing and fun for all ages. See exhibits, live butterflies, beautiful gardens, moths and tropical vegetation.
Open 7 days a week - year round - this magical butterfly conservatory is relaxing and fun for all ages. See exhibits, live butterflies, beautiful gardens, moths and tropical vegetation.
Roger Williams Park, Rhode Island, $
The award-winning Roger Williams Park, designed by Horace Cleveland in 1878, attracts more than 2 million visitors per year. Enjoy a covered Victorian carousel, boating, botanical gardens, zoo and natural history museum.
The award-winning Roger Williams Park, designed by Horace Cleveland in 1878, attracts more than 2 million visitors per year. Enjoy a covered Victorian carousel, boating, botanical gardens, zoo and natural history museum.
Beech Hill Farm and Ice Cream Barn, New Hampshire, Free
The Kimball family invites you to their 9th generation historic family farm on Beech Hill Road in beautiful Hopkinton, New Hampshire.
The Kimball family invites you to their 9th generation historic family farm on Beech Hill Road in beautiful Hopkinton, New Hampshire.
Ben & Jerry's Factory Tours, Vermont, $$
Ben & Jerry's Ice cream factory tours are 30 minutes long. Sign-up is on a 1st-come, 1st-served basis. Day trip tours fill up quickly, so please plan accordingl
Ben & Jerry's Ice cream factory tours are 30 minutes long. Sign-up is on a 1st-come, 1st-served basis. Day trip tours fill up quickly, so please plan accordingl
Beneski Museum of Natural History at Amherst College, Amherst, Free
Amherst College's collections include fossil skeletons of a mammoth, mastodon, dire wolf, saber-toothed cat, Irish Elk and cave bear; the world’s largest collection of dinosaur tracks, and skulls of a Tyrannosaurus rex...
Amherst College's collections include fossil skeletons of a mammoth, mastodon, dire wolf, saber-toothed cat, Irish Elk and cave bear; the world’s largest collection of dinosaur tracks, and skulls of a Tyrannosaurus rex...
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, Rhode Island, $
Blithewold, located in Bristol, RI, is 33 acres of lawns, gardens, specimen trees, and historic stone structures. Blithewold provides a wide array of educational programs for adults and children.
Blithewold, located in Bristol, RI, is 33 acres of lawns, gardens, specimen trees, and historic stone structures. Blithewold provides a wide array of educational programs for adults and children.
Cabbage Island Clambakes, Maine, $$$
Cabbage Island has been the home of traditional clambakes since 1956! Take a cruise around Boothbay Harbor en route to Cabbage Island, where you will be greeted by a feast of Maine lobsters, clams, and all the...
Cabbage Island has been the home of traditional clambakes since 1956! Take a cruise around Boothbay Harbor en route to Cabbage Island, where you will be greeted by a feast of Maine lobsters, clams, and all the...
Cape Cod Scenic Railroad, Cape Cod, $$$
All aboard! The Scenic Excursion Train winds past cranberry bogs, lush marshes, and natural woodlands on it two-hour journey between Hyannis and the Cape Cod Canal.
All aboard! The Scenic Excursion Train winds past cranberry bogs, lush marshes, and natural woodlands on it two-hour journey between Hyannis and the Cape Cod Canal.
Center Church Crypt Tours - New Haven, Connecticut
Tour a fascinating crypt tucked away in the subterranean underworld of neighboring Center Church, where you can see tombstones dating back as far as 1687.
Tour a fascinating crypt tucked away in the subterranean underworld of neighboring Center Church, where you can see tombstones dating back as far as 1687.
Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, Maine, $$
Located in the Arts District of downtown Portland, the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine features a wide variety of interactive exhibits and activities for children and families!
Located in the Arts District of downtown Portland, the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine features a wide variety of interactive exhibits and activities for children and families!
Children's Museum of New Hampshire, New Hampshire, $
The Children’s Museum of Portsmouth is now The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover. With triple the space, several new major exhibits, and enhanced visitor amenities, the museum is is a great destination for...
The Children’s Museum of Portsmouth is now The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover. With triple the space, several new major exhibits, and enhanced visitor amenities, the museum is is a great destination for...
Dinosaur Dome Park, Connecticut, $
One of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. Beneath the dome you'll find rich displays of Jurassic fossil tracks made 200 million yrs. ago.
One of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. Beneath the dome you'll find rich displays of Jurassic fossil tracks made 200 million yrs. ago.
Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, Western Mass, Free
The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is located at the Quadrangle in Springfield, MA, the city where Theodor Seuss Geisel was born.
The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is located at the Quadrangle in Springfield, MA, the city where Theodor Seuss Geisel was born.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Connecticut, $$$
A coal-fired locomotive pulls restored railroad cars past forests and streams, lovely vistas and nostalgic towns, farms and millponds, and tidal wetlands.
A coal-fired locomotive pulls restored railroad cars past forests and streams, lovely vistas and nostalgic towns, farms and millponds, and tidal wetlands.
Forest Park Zoo, Western Mass, $
The Forest Park Zoo in Springfield, MA, features exotic and indigenous animals representing a large variety of species found throughout the world and in North America.
The Forest Park Zoo in Springfield, MA, features exotic and indigenous animals representing a large variety of species found throughout the world and in North America.
Foxwoods Resort & Casino, Connecticut
Enjoy just about anything you can imagine on a day trip to the entertainment mega-center at Foxwoods Resort & Casino. Features Concerts, Shopping, Dining, Danc
Enjoy just about anything you can imagine on a day trip to the entertainment mega-center at Foxwoods Resort & Casino. Features Concerts, Shopping, Dining, Danc
Gloucester Waterfront, Gloucester, Free
Walk along the boardwalk and watch the boats and catch the ocean breeze. A nice day trip from points west and south of Boston and Cape Cod.
Walk along the boardwalk and watch the boats and catch the ocean breeze. A nice day trip from points west and south of Boston and Cape Cod.
Great Falls Discovery Center, Central Mass, Free
Great Falls Discovery Center is an educational visitor center about the Connecticut River Watershed's rich natural, cultural and industrial history. Exhibits highlight various habitats found in the watershed. Timelines put perspective on today's view of the threats to...
Great Falls Discovery Center is an educational visitor center about the Connecticut River Watershed's rich natural, cultural and industrial history. Exhibits highlight various habitats found in the watershed. Timelines put perspective on today's view of the threats to...
Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Amherst, $
The Hitchcock Center for the Environment on the Larch Hill Conservation Area in Amherst, Massachusetts offers natural history programs for people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Hitchcock Center for the Environment on the Larch Hill Conservation Area in Amherst, Massachusetts offers natural history programs for people of all ages and backgrounds.
KidCity Children's Museum, Connecticut, $
KidCity is a two-story house that has been converted into a multi-activity center for kids. This is a good daytrip from points west of Boston.
KidCity is a two-story house that has been converted into a multi-activity center for kids. This is a good daytrip from points west of Boston.
Lupa Zoo, Western Mass, $$
This family-friendly, non-profit wildlife facility is dedicated to promoting appreciation and respect for the conservation of animals and their ecosystems.
This family-friendly, non-profit wildlife facility is dedicated to promoting appreciation and respect for the conservation of animals and their ecosystems.
Marblehead, Marblehead
Marblehead is an easy day trip from Boston. Enjoy charming shops, coastal dining, boating and beaching here. State Street Landing is fun for boat watching.
Marblehead is an easy day trip from Boston. Enjoy charming shops, coastal dining, boating and beaching here. State Street Landing is fun for boat watching.
Mount Washington Observatory, New Hampshire, Free
The Mount Washington Observatory operates on the summit of Mount Washington and in North Conway Village.
The Mount Washington Observatory operates on the summit of Mount Washington and in North Conway Village.
Museum of Natural History & Planetarium, Rhode Island, $
For more than a century the Museum has served as a unique educational, scientific and cultural resource by offering exciting exhibitions, workshops and presentations that provide ways for children and families to learn...
For more than a century the Museum has served as a unique educational, scientific and cultural resource by offering exciting exhibitions, workshops and presentations that provide ways for children and families to learn...
Norman Rockwell Museum, Western Mass, $$
The Norman Rockwell Museum houses the world's largest and most significant collection of original Rockwell art.
The Norman Rockwell Museum houses the world's largest and most significant collection of original Rockwell art.
Plum Island, Newburyport
Plum Island is an 11 mile long barrier Island off the shore of Newburyport and Newbury. The island has many residences, a national wildlife refuge, small shops and restaurants, and of course miles of beautiful sandy...
Plum Island is an 11 mile long barrier Island off the shore of Newburyport and Newbury. The island has many residences, a national wildlife refuge, small shops and restaurants, and of course miles of beautiful sandy...
Portsmouth, NH, New Hampshire
A beautiful little town about an hour north of Boston. It's a college town without a college.... great little shops, restaurants and seafood!
A beautiful little town about an hour north of Boston. It's a college town without a college.... great little shops, restaurants and seafood!
Providence Children's Museum, Rhode Island, $$
Providence Children's Museum is a hands-on place where kids and grown-ups play and learn together. Come see how much fun learning can be!
Providence Children's Museum is a hands-on place where kids and grown-ups play and learn together. Come see how much fun learning can be!
Provincetown, Cape Cod, $$$
Provincetown offers fabulous stretches of pristine beaches that are just steps from the town's trendy restaurants, shops, galleries, and clubs.
Provincetown offers fabulous stretches of pristine beaches that are just steps from the town's trendy restaurants, shops, galleries, and clubs.
Rockport, MA, Rockport
Just an hour north of Boston, visitors can enjoy a leisurely day in this quaint, shoreline town. It's wonderful to stroll main street and Bear's Neck to poke around in all the unique stores.
Just an hour north of Boston, visitors can enjoy a leisurely day in this quaint, shoreline town. It's wonderful to stroll main street and Bear's Neck to poke around in all the unique stores.
Salem, MA, Salem, $$
Just 16 miles North of Boston, Salem is a excursion rich in American heritage and international culture. Our museums, attractions, restaurants and tours are family friendly. Visit Salem.org to learn how to get the most out of Salem!
Just 16 miles North of Boston, Salem is a excursion rich in American heritage and international culture. Our museums, attractions, restaurants and tours are family friendly. Visit Salem.org to learn how to get the most out of Salem!
Schooner Fame, Salem, $$$
Sail on the schooner Fame of Salem, an authentic replica of the successful privateer from the War of 1812. FAME sails every day -- weather permitting -- from M
Sail on the schooner Fame of Salem, an authentic replica of the successful privateer from the War of 1812. FAME sails every day -- weather permitting -- from M
SkyVenture New Hampshire Vertical Wind Tunnel, New Hampshire, $$$$
SkyVenture completely immerses visitors in the world of high adventure skydiving, without ever having to pack a parachute, pull a ripcord, or jump out of a perfectly good airplane.
SkyVenture completely immerses visitors in the world of high adventure skydiving, without ever having to pack a parachute, pull a ripcord, or jump out of a perfectly good airplane.
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, New Hampshire, $
Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, and lake cruises, the Science Center has educated and enlightened visitors for forty years about the importance of our natural world.
Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, and lake cruises, the Science Center has educated and enlightened visitors for forty years about the importance of our natural world.
Stonewall Farm Learning Center & Discovery Room, New Hampshire, Free
Stonewall Farm is the only working dairy farm and education center in the region open to the public with a Learning Center that draws 20,000 visitors per year, as well as classes and camps.
Stonewall Farm is the only working dairy farm and education center in the region open to the public with a Learning Center that draws 20,000 visitors per year, as well as classes and camps.
The Paper House, Rockport, $
If you drive up Pidgeon Hill Street in Rockport, you may not notice anything unusal about the house at #52. The only giveaway is the sign on the front: 'Paper House'.
If you drive up Pidgeon Hill Street in Rockport, you may not notice anything unusal about the house at #52. The only giveaway is the sign on the front: 'Paper House'.
Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, Vermont, $$
Besides the fuzzy factory tour, you can help stuff, sew and dress your very own 13 inch bear in the Make a Friend for Life room.
Besides the fuzzy factory tour, you can help stuff, sew and dress your very own 13 inch bear in the Make a Friend for Life room.
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Connecticut, $$
The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is dedicated to outstanding collections, exhibitions, and educational programs, Pick up a Family Artpak and check the schedule for free family days and other events.
The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is dedicated to outstanding collections, exhibitions, and educational programs, Pick up a Family Artpak and check the schedule for free family days and other events.
Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, $$
Experience magnificent artwork from five millennia of world cultures. View paintings by Cassatt, Gauguin, Goya, Monet, Sargent and Whistler; admire cutting-edge contemporary art; and discover the Museum's many other...
Experience magnificent artwork from five millennia of world cultures. View paintings by Cassatt, Gauguin, Goya, Monet, Sargent and Whistler; admire cutting-edge contemporary art; and discover the Museum's many other...
Yankee Candle Company Flagship Store, Western Mass, Free
Each year, millions travel to the flagship Yankee Candle Store in South Deerfield, MA. Shop, visit the museum, dine, picnic, and more!
Each year, millions travel to the flagship Yankee Candle Store in South Deerfield, MA. Shop, visit the museum, dine, picnic, and more!
Vist our photo guide of some of our favorite Boston Daytrips for ideas for fun family outings within a short drive from Boston.