My Connecticut-based family spends every summer in Cape Cod, and we're always exploring the rest of New England, especially Maine and Vermont. These are my top picks for a fun family vacation so that you can spend summer nights snuggled up under starry mountain skies roasting s’mores over the bonfire or days catching crabs and searching for hidden pirate’s treasure along the New England coastline.

Maine Resorts

The Lodge On the Cove — Kennebunkport 

Nightly s’mores around the bonfire, popcorn and a movie at the Clubhouse, lawn games, Tie Dye Tuesdays, and kids’ crafts are the tip of the iceberg at The Lodge on the Cove. When you add poolside dining, morning bakery bags delivered right to your room, complimentary beach chairs, and a heated pool, this Maine resort delivers the perfect family vacation. The Lodge on the Cove is located in a beautifully renovated motor lodge and offers a variety of rooms to pick from. 

Kids can take a Pirate Cruise at Sebasco Harbor Resort.

Sebasco Harbor Resort — Sebasco Estates 

The Sebasco Harbor Resort epitomizes the reason that Maine is known as "Vacationland." Kayak trips, mountain bike rides, swimming, golf, hiking — it’s hard to know where to start! Thankfully, this coastal Maine resort has a schedule of daily activities for the whole family. From 8am to 10pm, enjoy a seemingly endless amount of activities including candlepin bowling, sunset cruises, family campfire, and sing-alongs, kids-only pizza parties, pirate cruises...the list goes on and on. As if that wasn’t enough, you can also sign the kiddos up for Camp Merritt. In season, this program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 3pm.

Bar Harbor Inn — Bar Harbor 

This waterfront inn features an outdoor heated pool, oceanfront firepit, direct access to the shoreline, restaurants, and more. Three different buildings offer a wide variety of accommodations that range from the luxurious to traditional New England style lodge. This Maine resort is located within walking distance of downtown Bar Harbor filled with unique shops and restaurants. Don’t forget to check out the schedule for hotel activities, especially the Kids in the Bake Shop program and the spa for the parents.

RELATED: Best Boston Hotels for Families

Enjoy the activities on the Green at Spruce Peak. 

Vermont Resorts 

Spruce Peak — Stowe 

Start your family vacation at Spruce Peak with the weekly Friday evening Market, Music, and Movies on the Green where you can enjoy local musicians before snuggling up for an outdoor movie screening. Spruce Peak offers a wide range of children's programming including educational nature scavenger hunts, poolside Zumba, and build-a-buddy kits delivered right to your room. 

Enjoy the fresh mountain air at Mountain Top Inn. Photo by the author

Mountain Top Inn — Chittenden 

Nestled on a quiet mountain road, The Mountain Top Inn encompasses 700 private acres, including a 740-acre lake, picturesque meadows, miles of trails, and access to the Green Mountain National Forest. Guests can lounge by the heated swimming pool, sit lakeside on a private beach, take a kayak tour, fish, golf, or take advantage of the activities at the equestrian center. Accommodations range from luxurious guest houses, quaint cabins, or more traditional lodge rooms.  

It's all about relaxing at the beach at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel.

Cape Cod Hotels

Sea Crest Beach Hotel — North Falmouth 

This waterfront resort is located along the sandy shores of Cape Cod. Spacious accommodations include amenities such as mini-fridges, living room and dining spaces, waterfront view, and balconies. Make the Sea Crest hotel your homebase while exploring Cape Cod. There are onsite water sport rentals, indoor, outdoor, and kiddie pools, an arcade, and poolside ice cream served at The Scoop. 

Chatham Bars Inn has award-winning children’s programming. 

Chatham Bars Inn — Chatham 

Chatham Bars Inn has somehow managed to combine the phrases "kid-friendly" and "upscale" without missing a detail. This Cape Cod hotel’s award-winning children’s program is offered from late June through August and offers hands-on programming with an emphasis on fun. Make sure you check out the pirate cruise and search for stolen treasure. While the kids are entertained, mom and dad can enjoy some downtime taking advantage of the inn’s many amenities, including a luxury spa or just hitting the beach.

Green Harbor Resort — West Yarmouth 

With direct beach access, a playground, mini-golf course, and shuffleboard, it is easy to see why the Green Harbor Resort has had families coming back year after year. With a variety of family-friendly accommodations, guests can choose from suites, townhomes, or private cottages. Green Harbor Resort also offers a Kids Club with a range of children’s activities that will keep the kids entertained all summer long.

The indoor water park makes the Cape Codder a year-round family-friendly destination. 

Cape Codder Resort — Hyannis 

The Cape Codder has been Cape Cod’s one-stop destination for family fun since 1973. In addition to its year-round outdoor pool, the Cape Codder also has indoor theme pools with water slides, a spouting humpback whale, a kiddie spray pool, a wave pool, and so much more. To put it simply, this place is Kid Paradise with a packed kids activity program that includes live animal shows, board games, recreation equipment, live entertainment, pickleball, courtyard movies, and a firepit.

RELATED: Best East Coast Campgrounds for Families

Relax by one of the two pools at River Walk at Loon. 

New Hampshire Resorts

River Walk at Loon — Lincoln 

Spacious and comfortable rooms are a great basis for any family vacation. Two huge swimming pools and an arcade room will keep your family happily entertained for the duration of your stay. Summer nights mean stargazing while eating s’mores by the bonfire. A short drive from the resort, the White Mountains of New Hampshire provide nature’s playground for kids to explore. There are plenty of short and easy hikes for little feet.

Stay at the Whaler's Inn in Mystic for the perfect family getaway!

Connecticut Hotels and Resorts