The family vacation is a rite of passage for many households, one that in a split second can evolve into a National Lampoon farce. But as any veteran family vacationer will assure you, a family trip can be among the most pleasurable and rewarding times of your life.
Families will have little trouble finding fun, low-key things to do with kids in northern New England. The natural world seems to hold tremendous wonder for the younger set -- an afternoon exploring mossy banks and rocky streambeds can be a huge adventure. Older kids may like the challenge of climbing a mountain peak or learning to paddle a canoe in a straight line, and the beach is always good for hours of afternoon diversion.
Be sure to ask about family discounts when visiting attractions. Many places offer a flat family rate that is less than paying for each ticket individually. Some parks and beaches charge by the car rather than the head.
When planning your trip, be aware that a number of inns cater to couples and prefer that families not stay there, or at least prefer that children be over a certain age. This guide notes the recommended age for children where restrictions apply, but it's still best to ask first just to be safe. At any rate, if you mention that you're traveling with kids when making reservations, often you'll get accommodations nearer the game room or the pool, making everyone's life a bit easier.
Recommended destinations for families include Weirs Beach and Hampton Beach in New Hampshire, and York Beach and Acadia National Park in Maine. North Conway, New Hampshire, also makes a good base for exploring with younger kids. The town has lots of motels with pools, and you can find nearby train rides, streams suitable for splashing around, easy hikes, and the wonderful distraction known as Story Land.
Familyhostel (tel. 800/733-9753; www.learn.unh.edu/familyhostel) takes the whole family, including kids ages 8 to 15, on moderately priced domestic and international learning vacations. Lectures, field trips, and sightseeing are guided by a team of academics.
You can find good family-oriented vacation advice on the Internet from sites such as the Family Travel Network (www.familytravelnetwork.com); Traveling Internationally with Your Kids (www.travelwithyourkids.com), a comprehensive site offering sound advice for long-distance and international travel with children; and Family Travel Files (www.thefamilytravelfiles.com), which offers an online magazine and a directory of off-the-beaten-path tours and tour operators for families.
There are two books you might read before going. The Unofficial Guide to New England & New York with Kids (Wiley Publishing, Inc.) is a good overview of the region's offerings for families. How to Take Great Trips with Your Kids (The Harvard Common Press) is full of good general advice that can apply to travel anywhere.
