The dense population of families in and around Boston, Massachusetts draws on beautiful New England for weekend getaway ideas.

Whether your family is looking for a rural holiday, a cheap vacation package, a fun last-minute excursion to break up a road trip, or a weekend getaway along the Atlantic coast, you will find dozens of great options within a 200-mile radius of the Boston metropolitan area.

This weekend getaway roundup includes some of our family's favorite family stomping grounds, whether you're trampling urban pavement, sandy shore or verdant lawn. This list will get you started, but there are, of course, many, many other choices for spending your time and money on a short break. To read about more of them, check out the many articles you'll encounter in the related articles tool on the right side of pages.

New England Family Beach Weekends

Cape Cod Seashore Attractions
The dune-lined Massachusetts' shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean beckons families with low-key family resorts in many price ranges, plus old-fashioned fun stuff to do.

Lighthouses for the Night
Ever thought about staying in a lighthouse? Several historic beacons offer affordable family-friendly lodging along the East coast of North America.

Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Visit New England's only oceanfront amusement park for classic rides, live entertainment, lobster dinners, and a walk through history.

Outdoor Adventure Getaways in New England

Extreme Winter Adventures in New England
When you're traveling with teens, sometimes the best adventures can be the most challenging, as this group discovers in Maine and New Hampshire.

Massachusetts Apple Farms
New England is known for its excellent apple crops, and Boston area families have many u-pick fruit farms to choose from on a quick getaway.

Acadia National Park, Maine
Encompassing a few Atlantic islands and some coastline, Acadia offers a pristine playground of sea, shore, forest and New England charm.

Summer Fun Vermont Style
Want to enjoy budget summer fun in Vermont? FTF gives you the inside scoop on where to stay and what to do with little ones in the snow-free Mt. Snow Valley.

New Hampshire's Lost River Valley
Take it from this camping enthusiast: Lost River is just the right balance of active family adventure and the quietude of nature in the White Mountains.

Eastern Canada & New England Cruises
Want to cruise, but not interested in the Caribbean? Try out big ship style and service on ports-of-call between Boston, Massachusetts and Quebec, Canada.

Culture & City Fun for Short Breaks from Boston

Cooperstown New York for All Ages
Families love Cooperstown, New York -- a tripleheader for grandparents, parents and kids because of its variety of contemporary and historic amusements.

Connecticut Family Attractions
There's so much to see and do in nearby Connecticut, which boasts Lake Compounce, the nation's oldest themepark, and Mystic Seaport, an amazing aquarium.

LL Bean & Portland Maine
Fun for all ages, great learning activities, eco-adventures and quality merchandise share the shelves of LL Bean in Freeport Maine.

Providence is Rhode Island's Family Town
Beautiful gardens and museums, and even thrilling water rides, can be discovered on a weekend trip to Providence, Rhode Island, a small and welcoming city.

Pioneering Weekend in Northampton, Massachusetts
A mother-daughter weekend in the hip New England town of Northampton, in the shadow of Smith College, makes for a rewarding and fun time away.

A Family Reunion Weekend in Albany
New York's capital is celebrating the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's arrival with refreshed historical sites, attractions and value.

Favorite New England Weekend Getaway Resorts

Three Top Northeast Family Resorts
Three of our favorite no-brainer weekend getaways take place at these resorts, where you'll find kids clubs, water sports, hiking, adult-only activities, guest camaraderie, water slides and more.

Basin Harbor Club, Vermont
A clubby, chic lakefront resort offers roomy accommodations, tons of activities, an active children's program, great food and a laid back atmosphere.

Red Lion Inn – Picture Perfect New England
This charming inn in Stockbridge, Massachusetts is your base for a few days surrounded by art, music, theater, history, and natural beauty.