FAQs: New England Region

What are the top five activities for your teen in/near New England?

New England offers a diverse mix of outdoor adventure, rich history, and modern entertainment. Whether your teen is into nature, the arts, or unique experiences, there’s something for everyone across this beautiful, historic region.

• White Mountains Trails – Franconia Notch State Park (NH): Hike through Franconia Notch State Park or along portions of the Appalachian Trail. Try the Flume Gorge Trail or summit Mount Lafayette.

• Mystic Seaport Museum (Mystic, CT): Teens can explore historic ships, participate in maritime workshops, and step back into a recreated 19th-century seafaring village.

• Newport Cliff Walk (RI): This scenic 3.5-mile coastal path offers dramatic ocean views alongside the Gilded Age mansions of Newport.

• Berkshire East Mountain Resort (MA): A year-round mountain playground featuring ziplining, mountain biking, and an aerial adventure park—plus skiing and snowboarding in winter.

• Old Port District (Portland, ME): Teens can wander cobblestone streets, visit art galleries, enjoy waterfront dining, or hop on a whale-watching tour.

Top Cultural Activities for Teens in New England

• Freedom Trail Tour (Boston, MA): This 2.5-mile guided or self-guided walking tour connects 16 key Revolutionary-era historic sites and tells the story of America’s fight for independence.

• RISD Museum (Providence, RI): Located at the Rhode Island School of Design, the museum features extraordinary collections ranging from ancient art to contemporary design.

• Mark Twain House & Museum (Hartford, CT): Visit the home where Twain wrote Huckleberry Finn, see original furnishings, and learn about his life and legacy.

• Shelburne Museum (Shelburne, VT): A sprawling collection of folk art, decorative arts, and historic buildings—and even a retired steamboat to explore.

• Boston Symphony Youth Concerts (Boston, MA): Enjoy world-class orchestral performances designed specifically for teens and young audiences.

Best Outdoor Activities for Teens in New England

• Acadia National Park (ME): Explore tidepools, cycle historic carriage roads, or hike Cadillac Mountain for breathtaking sunrise views.

• Cape Cod Rail Trail (MA): A 25-mile paved path perfect for biking or inline skating through scenic Cape Cod towns and cranberry bogs.

• Lake Champlain Kayaking (VT): Paddle scenic waterways, spot wildlife, and enjoy island views on one of New England’s largest lakes.

• Rumney Rocks Climbing (NH): A top destination for climbing, offering routes suited to all skill levels and surrounded by mountain beauty.

• Narragansett Beach (RI): A favorite summer spot—whether for surfing, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on the sand.

Best Indoor Activities for Teens in New England

• Boda Borg Boston (Malden, MA): An immersive “questing” experience where teams handle a mix of mental and physical challenges.

• Dave & Buster’s (Multiple Locations): A modern arcade/restaurant combo offering games, food, and live competition.

• Launch Trampoline Park (Various Locations): High-energy indoor fun with trampoline dodgeball, laser tag, and obstacle courses.

• Providence Place Mall + IMAX (RI): A one-stop destination for shopping, dining, and blockbuster movies.

• Mystery Room Adventures (CT/MA/NH): Escape room challenges with themed puzzles to solve in 60-minute sessions.

Best New England Restaurants for Teens

• Friendly Toast (Multiple Locations): A lively, retro-style diner offering all-day breakfast, massive portions, and playful décor.

• Flatbread Company (ME/NH/MA/VT): Known for wood-fired, organic pizzas and family-friendly locations—some even include bowling.

• The Duck & Bunny (Providence, RI): A whimsical creperie and cupcake lounge in Providence, perfect for light meals and treats.

• Modern Pastry (Boston, MA): Famous North End bakery serving authentic Italian pastries like cannoli and tiramisu.

• Caseus Fromagerie Bistro (New Haven, CT): A cheese-focused bistro specializing in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and a curated cheese shop.

Best New England Museums for Families

• Boston Children’s Museum (MA): Perfect for younger siblings—features include bubble rooms, building zones, and climbing structures.

• Connecticut Science Center (Hartford, CT): Packed with interactive exhibits on physics, space, forensics, and more.

• Museum of Science (Boston, MA): A top-tier science museum with a planetarium, lightning shows, and rotating educational exhibits.

• EcoTarium (Worcester, MA): A blended indoor-outdoor science and nature museum featuring wildlife habitats and treetop walkway.

• Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (Dover, NH): Ideal for family outings with hands-on STEAM labs and art studios.