With fresh lobsters, gorgeous landscapes, and lots of family fun, the New England islands sure know how to sparkle. Although similar in geographic region, these islands cover a vast array of terrain and vibes, from quaint coastal villages to the bustling streets of Vineyard Haven on Martha's Vineyard in the summer. Instead of trying to figure out which of the New England islands to visit, why not use this guide to make a plan to visit them all?

Here are 10 New England islands to visit with kids. You don't have to pack them all into the summer—the islands can be great to visit in the off-season when the beaches, restaurants, and shops are less crowded. For more New England family fun, check out our list of 100 things to do in New England with kids before they grow up and our favorite New England hotels for families.

When the temperatures soar in Boston, families can always stop by a sprinkler park or splash pad to cool off a little. But sometimes, a refreshing swim in a traditional pool is in order. Sure, there are some swanky hotel or membership pools inside city limits where you can pay a pretty penny to swim. But with kids and diaper bags in tow, you don't need much more than a safe stretch of cool water to feel happy. Here, we’ve rounded up eight great swimming pools in Boston where kids and parents can splash, float, or practice strokes all summer long, without breaking the bank. So read on for our guide to free swimming pools in Boston for families.

Looking to find ways to stretch your summer budget without skimping on family fun? Check out 50 Free Things To Do with kids in Boston this Summer. For even more ways to beat the heat check out our full summer guide and visit our events calendar. 

Connecticut shores face Long Island Sound, so of course many of our kids have beach swimming as one of their essential summertime memories. But there are delightful places to swim all over our little state including pools, lakes, and swim clubs. Club membership brings with it access to many features such as outdoor pools, indoor pools, and lake swimming and boating, so why not give it a try? Read on for our guide to beach and swim clubs for kids in Connecticut!

If you're still looking for that perfect beach experience, see Mommy Poppins Summer Beach List. If you're up for some swimming but want to skip the sand, check out the Top 15 Swimming Pools for Families in Connecticut. And check out our Summer Fun Guide for lots of great activities around Connecticut. 

Imagine a swim in a rooftop pool with a side of skyline views—there's arguably no more scenic spot for a rooftop pool than NYC. Whether you're a New Yorker looking to book a staycation or a visitor on the hunt for a family-friendly hotel in New York City, consider booking one of these hotels with rooftop pools—some of these cool hotel pools even offer day passes.

We've found eight family-friendly hotels with rooftop pools, plus one beachfront haunt, just waiting to welcome you for a cooling dip. If your travels take you further afield, consider a stay at one of these resorts with cool hotel pools in New York state.

With the dog days of summer upon us, parents may be dreaming of a cold brew—but where can you indulge alongside your kids? A family-friendly Hudson Valley brewery might be the answer. At these local taprooms and brewhouses, parents can enjoy locally brewed beers alongside kid-friendly perks like food truck fare, lawn games, and even enjoy some facetime with furry friends.

We've found 12 local breweries to visit in the Hudson Valley or nearby Catskills regions. If that's too far to travel today, consider supporting one of these local beer gardens or switch gears and visit a family-friendly vineyard or cider house nearby. Wherever your day takes you, cheers to a day of family fun.

With everything from pool play to life-saving skills, these locations offer swimming classes in Philly for the tiniest swimmers and provide great options for introducing young children to the water.

Bubbles and splashing, bonding and safety: for fun, survival, or some combination of both, getting young children into a pool is at the top of many parents’ lists. Starting with caregiver−child swimming classes and progressing all the way to stroke refinement, many of these facilities take your child’s swim journey from infancy through childhood. So get those swimsuits on (you, too, grown-ups) and head to the pool any time of year to learn a lifelong skill and have fun along the way.

For more parent−child bonding, check out these mommy and me classes in Philly, or browse our Philly Classes for Kids Guide to find a class for kids of all ages.

Family road trips can be a great adventure—and also a pounding headache with antsy kids in the backseat—but the newly opened Bluebird Sunapee aims to reinvigorate the family road trip by offering a well-appointed, boutique, roadside motel with welcoming service and upscale amenities waiting to greet you when you put the family car in park.

The innovative new Bluebird Sunapee, in Newbury, New Hampshire, is located steps from the banks of the beautiful Lake Sunapee and within a stone's throw of the Mount Sunapee Ski Resort, making it a perfect jumping-off point for all-seasons adventure. Its proximity to major East Coast cities—1 1/2 hours from Boston, and 4 1/2 hours from NYC—makes it an epic road trip destination for families anxious to explore the great outdoors.

So, load up the kids, brush up on your road trip games, and pack some essentials, then hit the road. Bluebird Sunapee awaits.