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Family Vacations to Massachusetts

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Massachusetts – Family Vacation Guide

The heart of New England packs a wide variety of terrain and options for families. From city culture in Boston to the sandy beaches of Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard to the dense forests and mountains of the Berkshires in the west, Massachusetts offers plenty to explore. Not to mention its rich history that can be discovered along the Freedom Trail, at Plymouth and the battlefields at Lexington and Concord, to name a few.

Why Go

  • Arts & Culture

    Boston boasts some fantastic museums and fun for kids including the Museum of Fine Arts, the fantastic Children’s Museum, where kids can do everything from unleash their inner drama queen on the KidStage to be little builders in the Construction Zone. The aquarium features thousands of animals including highlights like penguins and sea lions and a tank for petting sharks and rays. Outside of Boston, you can also find great art at stops to Mass MoCA and the Clark Art Institute.

  • History

    Give kids a history lesson at every turn in Massachusetts with walks along the Freedom Trail, that takes you to 16 historically significant sites to bring the American Revolution alive. See famous battle fields and discover where some of the first pilgrims landed and settled.

  • Beaches

    Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod and Nantucket all offer relaxing and luxurious beach getaways where you can bury your toes in the sand or body surf the waves and enjoy laying out in the sun.

  • Outdoor Activities

    Head to the famed Berkshires for mountain fun that includes hiking, biking, cozy cabins, canoeing and more.

  • Sports

    Boston sports are well-known for inspiring fanatics and die hard fans. Catch a baseball game at Fenway Park, see the New England Patriots play a football game or enjoy a basketball game cheering for the Celtics.

  • Food

    Massachusetts is the place for fresh sea food, clam chowder and lobster rolls.

Where to Go

Boston

The Massachusetts capital was one of the key players in America’s early history and this heritage is clearly on display along its Freedom Trail. But the city is also brought up to date with an abundance of fun offerings from interactive museums to restaurants with harbor views and boutique shops along the promenade at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

Take Me to Boston

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Cape Cod

Relax on one of the numerous and lovely beaches along the Cape Cod National Seashore. Stroll, roller blade or bike along the Rail Trail or duck into an art gallery in Provincetown. Luxurious resorts, boutique hotels and homes for rent are all available to families here.

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Martha's Vineyard

Join the likes of the Obamas, Clintons and Kennedy’s at the famed vacation destination of Martha’s Vineyard. Enjoy bustling spots like Edgartown or quieter family stretches in Chilmark and West Tisbury. Head to the beach, grab a kayak, take a bike ride or just sit back in your beach chair and relax.

Take Me to Martha’s Vineyard

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Nantucket

A short one-hour ferry ride off the coast of Cape Cod you’ll find the island of Nantucket. During the summer months, it turns into a hot spot for families that transports you back to a simpler, more relaxing era. Bike along sand-strewn streets, build sand castles, stroll hydrangea-lined streets or play a board game inside one of the many family homes available to rent.

Take Me to Nantucket

The Berkshires

A great destination anytime of year, the Berkshires are especially beautiful in the autumn when the leaves put on a show of fiery golds and reds. Outdoor activities are plentiful and it plays host to the famous Tanglewood, home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the summer.

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Getting Around

You won’t need a car in Boston since much of the city is highly walkable, with the rest easily accessible using public transportation and the “T.” Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket are accessible by ferry and bikes are a great way to get around once you arrive. However, if you plan to explore the Berkshires or other more rural parts of the state, a car is the way to go.

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