Travel > Places > New England
With the kids and the adults, too
Traveling with kids presents certain challenges, but planning a whole trip around what the kids want can be boring for the adults. Below are some destinations that offer the perfect compromise for little ones and grown ups.
- Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is most famous for its winter sports, but outdoors-y families will find the area fascinating year-round. The town boasts a quaint and compact downtown, and one of the most lovely churches in the whole state.
- For kids: The Ben
& Jerry's Factory (866-BJ-TOURS), just a few minutes away in
Waterbury, offers half-hour tours. Stowe's gondola ride
(802-253-7311) whisks families up the mountain for a stunning view and
allows small legs to only walk down the mountain.
- For adults: The Trapp Family Lodge offers baby-sitting. Take advantage and go for a kayak ride (Umiak Outdoor Outfitters; 802-253-2317). Skiers will find the Vermont Ski Museum (802-253-9911) fascinating
year-round.
- Portland, Maine
Portland is a charming little city, with many of the attractions of Boston (it's easily walkable, with a historic downtown) and few of the downsides (easier parking, cheaper prices, much smaller). You can take the Downeaster train and avoid the stress of driving.
- For kids: The Children's Museum of Maine (207-828-1234) offers a camera obscura and a real
fireman's pole. Maine's AA team The Portland Sea Dogs (800-936-3647) has cheap tickets and lots of entertainment between
innings.
- For
adults: Shopping at L.L. Bean (800-341-4341) and other outlets is just a short car ride away in Freeport. The Portland Head Light and Museum (307-799-2661) and Eagle Island tours (207-774-6498) offer
maritime fun.
- Lexington and Concord, Mass.
Lexington and Concord are excellent spots for a culturally-minded vacation, without being too dry. The history is right out in the open, but bookish parents and kids will find lots of literary destinations as well.
- For kids: Little girls (and their mothers) who loved "Little Women" must stop by Orchard House (978-369-4118) for a pilgrimage to Louisa May Alcott's home. Also, drop by Longfellow's Wayside Inn (800-339-1776) to visit the Redstone School (the one mentioned in "Mary Had a Little Lamb"), and some period food served by costumed waiters.
- For adults: Thoreau is a bit advanced for young kids, but adults will find the serenity of the Walden Pond State Reservation (978-369-3254) calming. Similarly, the Ralph Waldo Emerson House (978-369-2236) offers a
glimpse into the poet's life.
- Cape Ann, Massachusetts
Cape Ann lives in the shadow of Cape Cod, but that's good news for families: the crowds are thinner and the prices are lower. It does still get busy in the summer (though nowhere near as busy as Cape Cod), so early summer and fall are the best times to go.
- For kids: A whale watch takes several hours, but the payoff is huge! Companies are
virtually indistinguishable: Cape Ann Whale Watch (800-877-5110); Captain
Bill's Whale Watch (800-33-WHALE); Seven Seas Whale Watch (800-238-1776) and
Yankee Whale Watch (800-WHALING). If whales are too big, or the watches too
long, consider a lobster trip (978-546-3642).
- For adults: There's shopping galore, including a large number of art galleries, not to mention some stunning architecture. Be certain to eat the fried
clams while you're there.
- Plymouth, Massachusetts
Whatever you do, don't go to Plymouth in November. Though there are a plethora of events to tempt you, and the the town does its best to handle the throngs, it's just too crowded.
- For kids: Classroom history just can't rival visiting the hands-on historical re-creations of Mayflower II and Plimoth Plantation (both: 508-746-1622).
- For adults: Anyone interested in Mayflower genealogy should stop off at the Mayflower Society House (508-746-2590) to do research.
- Mystic, Conn.
There's more to southeastern Connecticut than just the casinos. Mystic offers a taste of New England's seafaring history.
- For kids: Speaking of re-creations.... Mystic Seaport (888-9-SEAPORT) offers a complete maritime immersion experience. Continue the theme at the world-class Mystic Aquarium (860-572-5955).
- For adults: Old Mistick Village, a cutesy shopping center, offers an adult diversion. Pick up some wine or beer and enjoy it at Abbott's Lobster in the Rough, a
classic lobster shack.
- Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock is an exceptionally well-preserved village, thanks in part to the interest of the Rockefeller family and a strong sense of history.
- For kids: The Billings Farm and Museum (802-457-2355) is not a re-creation, but a working farm that simply hasn't changed in more than 100 years. The predatory birds at The Vermont Raptor Center (802-457-2779) will appeal to kids' wild nature.
- For adults: The whole town is crammed full of charming shops, historic
houses, and quaint cafes. Be certain to check out the elliptical green.
- Amherst, Mass.
Like most college towns, Amherst is vivacious, charming, and packed with interesting sights.
- For kids: The Museum of Picture Book Art (4130-658-1100) isn't just kid-friendly — it's kid-centric. The art on the walls is familiar to anyone who has read "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and it's hung at kid-eye-level.
- For adults: Amherst is a bibliophile's dream, with dozens of bookstores. Raven Used Books (413-584-9868) is just one of them.
- Worcester, Mass.
The state's second city, Worcester is a very manageable destination.
- For kids: Indulge children's bloodthirsty nature with the arms and armor at The Higgins Armory (508-853-6015). Then take them for a tree-top Canopy Walk at the EcoTarium (508-929-2700).
- For adults: The Worcester Art Museum (508-799-4406) is a small but exceptionally fine institution, with works by Mary Cassat, Rembrandt, and Edward Hick.
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