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Family Fun in the Northeast States
America’s Northeast is a land of contrast. Places like New York, Toronto and Boston unlock worlds of adventure through museums, entertainment and world cuisine. In contrast, the rustic spaces of New England and the Canadian Maritimes redefine quaint farm fun. The sprawling shores of the Great Lakes could consume several vacation itineraries, but leave room for the king of all water attractions: Niagara Falls.
Jump to a State
Connecticut
The charming town of Mystic is a popular place to stroll the shops or the seaport. New Haven is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with several state parks nearby. While in town, explore the remarkable campus and museums of Yale University. Take a cultural excursion to Hartford to visit the Mark Twain House & Museum.
Delaware
Delaware might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beaches, but the First State has more than its share of beautiful shores along the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. Head inland to explore Dover, where you can learn about aviation history at the Air Mobility Command Museum or catch NASCAR action at the Dover International Speedway. Brandywine Valley, in the northern part of the state, offers natural beauty and historic sites for families to enjoy.
Indiana
Indiana caters to kids at the popular Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and the top-rated Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, with sweeping views of Lake Michigan, is a picturesque place to hike, swim and paddle. Tucked away in verdant landscapes, several state parks offer hiking trails with scenic views. Learn about the state’s earliest residents at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. Racing fans can’t leave the state without a stop at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Maine
Stately lighthouses line the rocky Atlantic shores of America’s easternmost state, and succulent fresh-off-the-boat lobster is served up at local restaurants. If you can pull yourself away from the coast, find the starting point for the famed Appalachian Trail or make your own trek into the woodlands. Acadia National Park offers spectacular scenery and a plethora of outdoor adventures. Cadillac Mountain is a beloved spot to catch a sunrise or sunset or to gaze at the stars.
Massachusetts
From early summer to late fall, Massachusetts offers the active RVer a bounty of treasure: Cape Cod for surf fishing, beach camping and picnics; Boston for the Freedom Trail and Faneuil Hall Marketplace; and quaint New England countryside. Off the coast of Cape Cod, several RV-friendly islands beckon, such as Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Both offer campgrounds you’ll want to visit with your RV after a pleasant ferry ride.
Michigan
Michigan boasts more than 3,000 miles of freshwater coastline—more than any state except Alaska—along four Great Lakes, providing scenic recreational opportunities. Climb up the huge sand dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for a remarkable view of the sapphire lake below—and a fun trip down. The Henry Ford, a museum in Dearborn, displays artifacts about the history of automobiles. Don’t miss Greenfield Village, where you can ride a Model T and tour historic homes. A visit to Mackinac Island will transport you back in time as you stroll along the charming Victorian architecture.
New Hampshire
The White Mountains of New Hampshire make a beautiful backdrop for family adventures. Start with a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway or Mount Washington Auto Road. Escape to one of the many beautiful state parks, which are brimming with lush landscapes, waterfalls and recreational opportunities. Hit the rails with a ride on the Mount Washington Cog Railway or the Conway Scenic Railway. For something different, Santa’s Village is a top-rated theme park in Jefferson.
New Jersey
The Jersey Shore in the southern part of the state is home to beloved beaches and boardwalks that are bursting with family fun. Try your hand at a carnival game, take a spin on a Ferris wheel or find a tasty treat before relaxing at the seashore. For a different slice of nature, visit the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Battleship New Jersey and Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum are highly rated educational stops.
New York
New York City is packed with iconic sites for families to explore, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park. Beyond the Big Apple, the Adirondacks offer stunning scenery and charming small towns. The Finger Lakes region is full of beautiful bodies of water and pleasant wineries. Niagara Falls is a must-see stop for an unforgettable experience. Fans of America’s favorite pastime will love the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown.
Ohio
On the shores of Lake Erie, roller coaster fans can get an adrenaline fix at Cedar Point, considered one of the best theme parks in the nation. In Cleveland, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the lively West Side Market pulse to the rhythms of the city. The quieter side of the state can be found in the verdant landscape of Hocking Hills State Park or the quaint villages of Ohio Amish Country. Explore aviation history with a stop in Dayton, the Wright Brothers’ hometown.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania opens doorways into the past. Philadelphia is steeped in the history of America’s Founding Fathers and home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Explore the Revolutionary War at Valley Forge and the Civil War in Gettysburg. Pittsburgh offers big-city fun, while Lancaster offers the simple pleasures of Amish Country. For all things chocolate, head to Hershey. Escape to the Pocono Mountains to find scenic views and outdoor recreation.
Rhode Island
America’s smallest state packs a lot of fun into a relatively diminutive area. If you like music, time your visit around the famous Newport Jazz Festival, held the end of July each year. Tour the Newport Mansions to experience life as it was lived by the characters in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” Visit and find friends for yourself among the Rhode Islanders.
Vermont
Plan your visit to Vermont in the fall and watch as the mountainsides erupt in a sea of colorful fall foliage. Vermont is picturesque any time of year. Hiking and biking are popular activities here, especially on the Stowe Recreation Path and the Burlington Bike Path. Head to Mount Mansfield and the Quechee Gorge for stunning views. Explore history at the Shelburne Museum and Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home.