More Than Just Skiing: East Coast Family Vacations in Winter

Taking a wintertime family vacation presents a unique set of challenges for parents seeking the perfect New England getaway. Although Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine offer endless opportunities for skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing, we all know that there’s more to great East Coast family vacations than just snow. Kids can grow tired of it, weather can be unpredictable, and many parents crave a more multi-dimensional experience. Those looking for New England destinations with more diverse — and less weather dependent — offerings, will love these options for winter getaways with the whole family. Hitting the sweet spot between the natural splendor of a remote winter wonderland and the culture and convenience of a city center, these family vacation destinations are just right for those looking for an enhanced winter getaway on the East Coast.

                                                Explore Winter Vacations for Non-Skiers

Providence, Rhode Island

While beaches and summer festivals make Rhode Island a top warm-weather destination for families, a winter vacation in Providence has its own charms as well. This small yet vibrant capital city has a bustling downtown, great museums, a local hockey team, and a great zoo! The RISD Museum features art spanning from the ancient Greeks to contemporary abstract, and the Providence Children’s Museum has a slew of engaging, hands-on exhibits geared toward child development. The Providence Bruins are a farm team for the Boston team, and offer a great budget-friendly alternative to big league hockey for the whole family. Best of all, the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence is considered by many to be the best in all of New England. Take the kids to see kangaroos, giraffes, alpaca, and pythons! Family-friendly hotels and resorts near Providence make for easy access to all the city has to offer.

Burlington, VT

Burlington is Vermont’s urban jewel ashore of Lake Champlain, and it's a city that knows how to do winter. When you’re only a few miles from Canada, you learn to adapt! Rather than bundle up and hunker down, Burlington thrives on winter like a true East Coast destination, and hosts the perfect blend of outdoor activities and cultural amenities all year long. Ski slopes at Stowe and Sugarbush are just under an hour away, so those looking to hit the slopes can do so easily from Burlington. If you and your kids want to enjoy the city, stay in town and meander along the pedestrian-only church street. Shops and restaurants abound, not to mention the ECHO Aquarium and Science Center and excellent indoor activities like climbing at Petra Cliffs Climbing Center. Stay right in town at Hotel Vermont or right outside it at The Essex Vermont Culinary Inn & Spa and position yourself perfectly for a wonderful winter family vacation.

Portland, ME

Like Burlington, Portland, ME, is no stranger to the cold.  With snowshoe and Nordic ski trails just ten miles from the city center, and excellent downtown shopping and a variety-packed culinary scene, there's something for the whole family to enjoy. Rent skates and try out the Portland Ice Arena, snowshoe at nearby Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, or stroll the cobblestone streets of Portland’s Old Port. The Old Port has become a haven for art galleries, artisan shops, and great restaurants for the whole family. For a day at the museum with the kids, we recommend the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine. If you've got an older bunch, take them to the Portland Museum of Art, featuring works by Monet, Picasso, and Degas. You can easily pair a couple of days in Portland with a few on the slopes at Sunday River, too — they are just under two hours apart. Hotels in Portland range from the luxury to the budget-friendly, so you shouldn't have trouble finding the best for your family. If you’re looking for outdoor thrills, terrific meals, and world class cultural attractions for the whole family, these ideas for East Coast family vacations will do the trick, and then some!