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The East Coast of the United States is a wonderland of diverse experiences that charm families year after year. With its enticing blend of historical cities, natural wonders, vibrant culture, and kid-friendly destinations, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Whether you’re drawn to the rich history of Boston, the power-packed Washington D.C., the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or the sun-kissed shores of Florida, East Coast family vacations offer an unforgettable adventure for families.
This guide offers 8 fun East Coast family vacation ideas you might want to consider for your next family vacation.
East Coast Family Vacation Destinations Guide
Cool East Coast Family Vacation Ideas Up North
Suppose you’re a summer lover that hates the heat and humidity often found in more southern locales. In that case, a north coast family vacation offers beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a respite from the summer heat.
New England offers an incredible array of opportunities for families to explore, and it’s not just beaches – though we have plenty of those too. Here you can hike, bike, whitewater rapid ride, scale mountains, and learn to surf, sometimes all in one day.
Boston, MA: The Family Vacation Spot For History Buffs and Baseball Fans
Known historically as the birthplace of the American Revolution, Boston is a city teeming with a vibrant history, rich culture, and educational attractions designed to entertain and edify kids and adults alike.
Walking along the two-and-a-half-mile Freedom Trail can take families through 16 historically significant sites, from old cemeteries and churches to iconic places like Paul Revere’s house and the USS Constitution.
The kids will love the colorfully garbed guides that stay in character throughout, bringing the experience to life along the journey.
For maximum fun, spend a morning here at the Museum of Science, where you’ll enjoy live informative shows from the staff and be able to catch a bite to eat in the museum’s cafe before it’s time to cool off on one of Boston’s iconic Duck Tours, which are conveniently located right outside the Museum of Science.
Sports lover? Take the family on a tour of Fenway Park and grab a picture of the notorious green monster before picking up tickets to a night game.
Boston is an incredible East Coast family vacation destination with easy airport access, excellent public transportation options, abundant family-friendly hotels, dining options, and activities.
Lincoln, NH: A Hiker’s Paradise
If you’re a skier, you may already be familiar with Loon Mountain, one of New England’s largest ski resorts, but what you might not know is that many ski resorts have been forced to expand what they offer to guests due to poor weather in recent years and an overall decline in people that ski.
The good news for us summer lovers is that many of these resorts have been able to offer families incredible outdoor activities and programming during warmer months, including Loon, making the White Mountains the perfect east coast family vacation destination for active families.
Take a day trip and explore the White Mountains this summer, where you can take a gondola up to the peaks, admire the scenery, and then hike glacial caves to your heart’s content.
Need something a little more active to keep your little ones engaged? Check out the new Ninja course and see who can get the best score in the family. Their new summer adventure packages are fantastic for children of all ages, and when you’re done for the day, you can kick back in style at one of the many ski lodges.
The Berkshires, MA: A Performing Arts Family Vacation
If you like the idea of an east coast family vacation in the woods but prefer a little more culture, The Berkshires might be a perfect fit for your family. Running from the northwestern tip of Massachusetts down into Connecticut, The Berkshires offers plenty of fun for outdoor enthusiasts, with its many lakes, rivers, streams, and hiking trails.
This area also has incredible performing art centers, museums, and festivals. Spend an afternoon at Jacob’s Pillow, where you’ll see world-class performances from traveling dance troupes and students, or catch the latest exhibit at Mass MoCA, the Museum of Contemporary Art.
After a day of sightseeing, grab a bite to eat at any of the many farm-to-table restaurants in the area and learn about the region’s agricultural and farming traditions while experiencing a meal that delights all 5 of your senses.
Family-Friendly Accommodations in The Berkshires:
If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to stay in the Berkshires, check out these gorgeous lakeside cabin rentals, or get funky with one of the many interesting Airbnbs.
Cape Cod, MA: The Quintessential East Coast Family Vacation Destination For Beach Lovers
If salt on your skin and sand under your feet is your idea of the perfect East Coast family vacation, look no further than Cape Cod, New England’s quintessential beach destination. Here the sand is soft, the waters are warm (well, for New England, anyways), and the towns are bustling.
From the boisterous docks in Provincetown to the family-friendly South Yarmouth, the cape offers many different experiences for travelers. Our family loves staying at the Red Jacket Resorts in South Yarmouth due to the abundance of family-friendly accommodations and children’s programming. Still, you might also enjoy renting one of the many cabins in Wellfleet, which offer much more privacy and solitude.
Wherever you end up, you will surely have a good time taking in Cape Cod’s natural beauty.
Middle East Coast Family Vacation Ideas
While coastal New England might be my family’s preferred East Coast family vacation destination, and the southern coast might be the most recognizable thanks to Disney World, let’s not forget the mid-coast with its southern charm, a wealth of American history, and slower pace of life.
Block Island, RI: A Set It and Forget It Island Getaway
I’ve written before about family-friendly Block Island, and having just returned from my family’s 10th annual island vacation, I’m happy to report that the little island that could remains a staple destination in my family’s vacation destinations roster.
This cheery little island, located roughly 6 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, continues to be one of our favorites due to its stunning natural beauty, abundant hiking trails, and a highly walkable or bikeable setup.
We were lucky to enjoy a robust Sunday brunch and an outdoor music concert at 1661 this year. One of the best Tuna Tatakis I’ve ever had from The Mohegan Restaurant (seriously, ya’ll, I went back for a second time), and while we didn’t find any glass floats, our family did enjoy a fire on the beach where we listened to the waves crash on the shore while the kids toasted marshmallows and my father, brother, and sister-in-law played music and sang.
This is just one mid-coast destination I never tire of, and I think it is often overlooked as an excellent place to spend a week or two in summer.
Washington D.C.: A Blend of Education and Entertainment
Like Boston, the United States capital city, Washington D.C. entices families with its historical sites and remarkable museums. Monuments that stand tall with pride and museums filled with artifacts are scattered everywhere around the city.
From touring the U.S. Capitol and walking around the National Mall to exploring the interactive exhibits at the National Air and Space Museum or learning about natural history at the Smithsonian Museum, there’s something to satisfy every family member’s interests.
I’ve said this before, and I’ll repeat it here – buy tickets for the Hop-On Hop-Off busses if you’re visiting D.C. The last time I visited the area was in 2010 when I took a babymoon vacation with my mom down to Virginia and traveled north from D.C. to NYC before heading home.
There are many fun things to do in D.C., but the weather is hot and humid in the summer. While you could walk from one place to the next, that air-conditioned bus will look mighty fine in the mid-day heat, especially if you have little ones.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Embrace the Natural Side
The Smoky Mountains National Park is a “not to miss” spot for families that love the outdoors. Rainbow Falls trail offers the chance to witness a spectacular 80-foot waterfall.
Characterized by diverse wildlife and scenic views, Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley that allows for an up-close encounter with nature during your family picnic. The park also provides rafting opportunities on rivers that wind their way amidst the lush greenery of the mountains.
If visiting the Great Smoky Mountains is on your bucket list, I think this one’s an excellent candidate for a multi-day road trip; you’ll even have the opportunity to hike parts of The Appalachian Trail!
Another reason to consider The Great Smoky Mountains for your next East Coast family vacation is the breadth of available family-friendly hotels, motels, camps, and cabins. From Wilderness Lodge in The Smokies to Dollywood’s DreamMore resort and spa, this region is peppered with affordable, family-friendly hotels.
Southern East Coast Family Vacation Destinations
The Family Vacation Paradise: Florida
With its warm weather, abundant sunshine, and picturesque coastlines, Florida is a tremendous hit among families. Everyone, from kids to grandparents, can enjoy a relaxing sunbath, build sandcastles, or get in the surf on the sunny beaches.
The amusing array of theme parks in Orlando, from Disney World to Universal Studios, add to the excitement, making it the ultimate family paradise for those that love to stay in touch with their inner child.
Talking about the best East Coast family vacation destinations without talking about Florida would be impossible. The Sunshine State offers everything from theme parks to farmlands without missing a beat; as a bonus, driving from coast to coast can take as little as 2 hours if you stay in Orlando, so enjoy the theme parks one day and let the kids imaginations take flight in the Kennedy Space Center a different day.
When organizing a family vacation to the East Coast, it’s crucial to remember your family members’ varying needs and interests. The East Coast offers diverse experiences, from historical tours and hikes through untouched wilds to fun-filled days on sandy beaches.
It’s impossible to cover every East Coast family vacation destination in a single post. Still, one thing is certain: there’s a destination sure to please everyone in your family, from beach lovers to mountain hikers. Until next time!