Family-Friendly Travel In Massachusetts

Massachusetts Family-Friendly

With endless family memories to be made, explore all Massachusetts has to offer for travelers of all ages. The Bay State welcomes visitors with all interests to experience our museums, nature exhibits, and interactive activities. For families looking for an activity for a rainy day or to continue their learning over school breaks, each region has something special to offer. For those who want to travel as a family, here’s where to learn about family-friendly attractions, activities, dining, and lodging in Massachusetts. Plan the ultimate family road trip in Massachusetts, any time of the year.

Cape Cod & The Islands

There’s more to the Cape and Islands than endless beaches and delicious seafood! Explore history and art museums, learn about regional marine life and pirates, test your skills at local mini-golf and activity parks, and don’t forget to try local taffy and fudge!

Accommodations

Photo: Cape Codder

Cape Codder Resort and Spa

1225 IYANNOUGH RD, HYANNIS, MA 02601

This family-friendly resort offers a fantastic experience for kids where they can splash and play in the indoor and outdoor pools or enjoy the excitement of the waterpark. If parents are looking for some vacation relaxation, the spa is the perfect place to unwind. With a lively restaurant, an arcade for endless entertainment, and even movie options, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Photo: Red Jacket Resorts

Red Jacket Resorts

1 S SHORE DR, SOUTH YARMOUTH, MA 02664

Located on the Yarmouth shores of Cape Cod, Red Jacket Resort collection offers five spectacular resorts that are perfect for families. The collection consists of four properties with private beaches, and one overlooking a championship par 3 golf course. Guests are invited to step outside and discover the boutique shops, walking and biking trails, boating excursions, and more.

White Elephant Nantucket

50 EASTON ST, NANTUCKET, MA 02554

Sitting serenely on the Nantucket Island waterfront, White Elephant Nantucket offers a plethora of world-class services and amenities, from pre-arrival concierge services to complimentary Priority Bicycle beach cruisers to courtesy cars for rides into town. Go for a dip in the pool, reserve a cabana for a full day of relaxation, enjoy poolside treats, and reserve boogie boards and beach toys. Plus, the hotel offers accessories for families, including pack n' plays, diapers, and strollers.

Photo: @sarapenaprints (IG)

Winnetu Oceanside Resort

31 DUNES RD, EDGARTOWN, MA 02539

With morning and evening programs for children, parents can take some much needed time to themselves while their kids get to explore to beach, play games, and visit nearby farms. The property comes with outdoor swimming pools, ping pong, foosball, and complimentary s'mores.

Dining

Photo: @glutenfreehaley (IG)

Hearth N’ Kettle

1225 IYANNOUGH RD #3, HYANNIS, MA 02601

Serving hearty, wholesome, great tasting meals at reasonable prices, Hearth N' Kettle has entrees by land and sea, plus a dedicated kids menu with family favorites. The family restaurant is open all day so it is the ideal spot for fluffy pancakes or delicious pastas.

Photo: @life_with_matt (IG)

Millie’s

326 MADAKET RD, NANTUCKET, MA 02554

From the shores of New England to the sun-drenched beaches of Baja California, Millie’s robust menu features coastal fare and a dedicated kids menu. Visitors can reach the restaurant by renting bicycles or hopping on a local transit shuttle.

Photo: @ebloch97 (IG)

PJ’s Family Restaurant

2616 US-6, WELLFLEET, MA 02667

This family owned and run restaurant offers plenty of options for everyone to enjoy, from mussels, to burgers, to hot dogs and even a dedicated kids menu with fish and chips and fried clams.

The Wharf Restaurant and Pub

3 MAIN ST, EDGARTOWN, MA 02539

Owned and operated by the Coogan family since 2004, The Wharf Restaurant and Pub is located at the bottom of Main Street in downtown Edgartown. They enjoy the tradition of connecting locals and tourists with televised sporting events, local seafood, and live music. Open seven days a week, year-round, The Wharf serves up lobster rolls, chicken wings, salads, and a dedicated kids menu.

Educational Activities

Photo: Atlantic White Shark Conservancy

Atlantic White Shark Conservancy

235 ORLEANS RD, CHATHAM, MA 02650

Great White Sharks are perhaps the Cape’s most famous visitors and also the most misunderstood. The Chatham Shark Center offers interactive exhibits, videos, displays, and virtual-reality experiences to teach visitors more about these captivating creatures. There are two locations on Cape Cod, both in Provincetown and Chatham.

Photo: @staceylynn619 (IG)

Cape Cod Children’s Museum

577 GREAT NECK RD S, MASHPEE, MA 02649

This museum is fully dedicated to the children's experience and consistently offers new and exciting exhibits to keep families entertained. The museum even offers specialty events with fan-favorite "Night at the Museum" where families can stay late, enjoy arts and crafts, and play games.

Photo: Maria Mitchell Assocation

Discovery Playground at Nantucket’s Maria Mitchell Museum

54 OLD SOUTH RD, NANTUCKET, MA 02554

The Discovery Playground is an inclusive, STEAM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics), outdoor play, fitness, and gathering space for all ages. The playground is located at the Maria Mitchell Association which offers many exciting activities for the whole family.

Photo: Dan Cutrona

Woods Hole Science Aquarium

166 WATER STREET, WOODS HOLE, MA 02543

The Woods Hole Science Aquarium displays approximately 80 species of marine animals found in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. waters. The aquarium is designed for self-guided tours of the main exhibits and a behind-the-scenes look at aquarium operations.

Indoor Activities

Photo: @knotsoloud (IG)

The Brewster Store

1935 MAIN ST, BREWSTER, MA 02631

Scour the trinkets and treasures at this general store. With penny candy, books, souvenirs, and other unique items, this store easily transports families back in time.

Photo: Claire Lindholm

Whydah Pirate Museum

674 MA-28, WEST YARMOUTH, MA 02673

Cape Cod’s newest interactive science museum featuring real pirates and real treasures. The Whydah Pirate Museum combines artifacts of the slave trade and the pirate’s life, early maps of the Atlantic and the Caribbean, and imagery of the 18th-century world.

Outdoor Activities

Photo: @ack4170 (IG)

Children’s Beach

NANTUCKET, MA 02554

Not simply a beach, though it's awesome for wave-free swimming and tide pooling, Children's Beach also has a big, grassy field, a fun playground, a snack shack, and restrooms.

Photo: Paul Scharff

Corporation Beach

250 CORPORATION RD, DENNIS, MA 02638

The curve of this beach creates a tidal pool that is perfect for children who want to explore the ocean in shallow water. The receding tide leaves large flats to explore in its wake, including sea life such as snails and crabs.

Critter Cruise

STRAIGHT WHARF SLIP 1018, NANTUCKET, MA 02554

[OPEN SEASONALLY] Families can board a one-hour Critter Cruise that travels a bit offshore to allow kids to fish, catch, handle crabs and lobsters, and take in harbor views.

Photo: Island Alpaca Company

Island Alpaca Company

1 HEAD OF THE POND RD, VINEYARD HAVEN, MA 02568

Island Alpaca Company of Martha's Vineyard began in 2004 with the purchase of 19 acres of land and an antique post-and-beam barn and today has a select herd of over 50 colorful Huacaya alpaca. The goal of the breeding program is to produce alpaca with the highest quality fleece, diverse in color, and with excellent conformation, while still providing an excellent quality of life for the animals and for visitors to pet and enjoy.

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