— By Laurie Bain Wilson —
The country will be partying like it’s 1776 to celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation next July, and families can start planning now. In particular, New England is gearing up for the big birthday bash, given its storied history, and already boasting their “first” and “oldest” taverns, inns, and battles ahead of the occasion.
Here are some family-friendly historic spots in New England where classroom history books come alive. This is where America’s story began (and is still being written).
Note: Plans are still fluid in some destinations, so check the links often for updated info.
Rhode Island
Bristol
Bristol Harbor / Photo courtesy of Visit Rhode Island
Flag the small-town of Bristol for your itinerary. Just 15 miles from bustling Newport, the coastal town is on the map for the parade of all Fourth of July parades. It’s been a tradition here since 1785, and Bristol is home to the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the country. And there are other compelling reasons to visit.
“Newport lives up to its nickname as ‘America’s Summer Playground’ with historic charm, iconic mansions and scenic harbors,” said Victoria Cimino, Discover Newport CEO. “We also encourage visitors to explore nearby gems like Bristol — a historic port town rich in Revolutionary War history, Portuguese culture, and outdoor adventures.”
There are many activities for visiting families. The East Bay Bike Path embraces Bristol, a scenic coastal trail for a walk or bike ride that snakes along Narragansett Bay, all the way to Providence. Along the way, colonial-style homes flank the streets. You’ll also find a sea of restaurants like The Lobster Pot, serving lobster dishes to the region for decades.
A family vacay isn’t all about the kids. Mom will want to sneak away for some wellness at the Alayne White Spa, a colorful creative spa located right in town and famous for its facials for more than 25 years.
And, like Newport, Bristol has its collection of mansions with lots of outdoor gardens and lawns for kids to spread out; Blithewold is especially kid friendly.
Photo courtesy of Bristol Harbor Inn
Stay
Bristol Harbor Inn: A prime waterfront spot in town and next to the East Bay Bike Path that hugs the Narragansett Bay, this is a family-friendly place to stay with 56 rooms and suites.
Bristol also hosts a handful of inns, like the Bradford-Dimond-Norris Inn, built in 1792 for Deputy Governor William Bradford with five lovely guest rooms and a porch for lazy summer days. (Yes, kids are invited and welcome.)
Massachusetts
Boston
Rock the cradle of the American Revolution next summer in Boston, the state capital. This is a great city to consider, as Boston will host hundreds of activities during the Independence Day holiday to celebrate the semiquincentennial in 2026.
The USS Constitution, Paul Revere’s House, Bunker Hill Monument, and other historic sites kids have learned about in school sit beside the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail; start at the Boston Common and end at Charlestown.
The Hatch Shell on the banks of the Charles River is always a banner spot for the annual Fourth of July concert and fireworks, and next year will be extra special, for sure.
Have a meal at The Union Oyster House which turns 200 next year and is the oldest restaurant in Boston and oldest in continuous service in the country; you’ll find a kids’ menu and a lot of interesting memorabilia once you’re inside. Fun fact: Daniel Webster slurped oysters at the circular bar, which is still here.
Sail Boston will celebrate maritime history next summer with tall ships and vessels for the birthday bash next year.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) will debut its 18th-century Art of the Americas galleries next year just in time for the July 4th party. They’ll have all hands on deck at The USS Constitution Museum, and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is also making plans for the big birthday.
Batter up! Baseball-loving sluggers will love Fenway Park. Home to the Red Sox, Fenway is the oldest MLB ballpark in the nation (founded in 1912) and will be grand slamming it next summer with special events; tours are also a fun idea.
Photo courtesy of Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
Stay
Ah, the irony. Once the infamous Charles Street Jail, the hotel will celebrate freedom next summer with a special package. This is a spot that kids will love to share in their “what I did on my summer vacay” essays.
The exclusive, guest-only 250th Sail-abration Event for the Fourth will include fireworks you’ll see from The Yard and the fourth-floor catwalk. (Remember, this is a former jail.) The package also includes waterfront views of the iconic Boston Pops concert by the Charles River along with Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, unlimited water/seltzer, a live DJ, face painting, and a photobooth.
Harvard Square in Cambridge, just across the Charles River, is famously home to Harvard University. As this area continues to make history, there are plenty of relics of the past to explore. It is also home to the Charles Hotel, a smart choice for families visiting Boston (and a quick ride on the T will scoot you right into the city). The rooms are handsomely decorated, and Henrietta’s Table comes with an array of locally sourced ingredients. The hotel is a skip from Harvard Yard, and you might consider the student-led tours for more insight into your surroundings.
Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District
Book one of the guest rooms with water views, and you’ll wake up to the sunrise over Boston Harbor. There is also a swimming pool, an outdoor deck with fire pits, an impressive (and included) breakfast buffet spread, and room rates can be cheaper than other Boston hotels.
Liberty Hotel Fourth of July celebration / Photo courtesy of The Liberty Hotel
Maine
Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is famously known for the Bush compound, where the Bush family takes their summer vacations. As such, the seaside town always shows its red, white, and blue stripes on the Fourth with a parade that has typically included the former presidents. Next summer, it’s a given that Kennebunkport will go all out for the Fourth.
Kennebunkport is also where travelers enjoy lobster rolls, fried clams, and ice cream on hot summer days. (The Clam Shack in town by the water is a favorite; the long lines will tell you you’re arrived.) Along with the great eats, there are plenty of family-friendly beaches to explore.
Kennebunkport / Photo by Laurie Bain Wilson
Stay
This unpretentious yet classy family resort has all the feels of nostalgic childhood vacation, and that’s why families keep coming back generation after generation. The hotel’s history dates back more than a century, with perhaps the best location in Kennebunkport. You can enjoy a nice walk into town or to the beach, though there’s also a shuttle for even easier access.
You may find that kids won’t even want to leave the resort, with a kid’s camp including all the essentials for a dream summer vacation. (Think: crab racing right on the dock, swimming in the outdoor pool, wiffle ball games, basketball…) At night, fire pits dot the lawn with tuckered-out kids s’moring and parents sipping.
Happy campers rule this camping resort in Kennebunkport about five miles from town in RV’s, pop-up tents, glamping tents (i.e. chandeliers but no bathrooms), and cabins with outdoor seating like picnic tables. Also, each unit has a fire pit to easily make s’mores and memories as a family. Most of the units don’t have bathrooms, but there are convenient bathhouses nearby with a private toilet and shower in one space.
You’ll also find a saltwater pool, a busy playground, lawn games like Bocce, and organized games like Candy Bar Bingo. Head to a lodge to find Maine souvenirs along with snacks (cheese, chips, Jiffy Pop popcorn to cook over the campfire) and adult bevs (including frozen boozy ice pops). Next summer for the Fourth, expect a decorated kiddie bike parade, old-fashioned barbecues, cotton candy, and other Yankee Doodle dandies.
Sandy Pines Campground / Photo by Laurie Bain Wilson
New Hampshire
Portsmouth
The maritime heritage is rich in this historic cobblestoned seaport town that sits about an hour-and-a-half north of Boston on the busy Piscataqua River. Portsmouth was incorporated in 1653, when the name first appeared with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Strawberry Banke Museum is an easy-to-do outdoor living history museum that explores 300 years of New England, from the colonial days to the 20th century, with fun activities like candle making and blacksmith tools. And it’s just a skip from town. Next summer, gear up for all of the charm you’d expect from an old-fashioned celebration of Americana.
And on a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than licking an ice cream cone and watching the passersby while sitting in Market Square or on a bench in Prescott Park, with its lovely gardens.
Portsmouth / Photo by Laurie Bain Wilson
Stay
The Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel
The indoor pool is reason enough for families to love this big hotel. The location is another compelling perk, just a quick stroll to all the action including the waterfront, restaurants, ice cream shops, and Strawberry Banke Museum.
A quick 15-minute drive to Portsmouth (there is also a complimentary shuttle), this sprawling historic resort in New Castle has all the bells and whistles. The Gilded Age retreat debuted in 1874, hosting many presidents and dignitaries since. For families, there are clay tennis courts, a pair of swimming pools, a spa, and a picturesque marina. At the marina, you’ll find Latitudes restaurant and its iconic lobster rolls (along with a kids’ menu).
Photo courtesy Wentworth by the Sea
Connecticut
Mystic
Mystic will show its maritime stripes next summer. It’s home to the 19th-century maritime Mystic Seaport Museum, which pays homage to the nation’s earliest seafaring days and whaling industry. Kids love to climb the Charles W. Morgan, the only remaining wooden whaling vessel; dating to 1841, it’s the country’s oldest commercial ship still afloat. There will be costumed interpreters and reenactments for the Fourth next summer, as well as 19th century games.
The Mystic Aquarium has a splashy sea lion show and is located next to Olde Mistick Village, a great spot to while away an afternoon with fudge and ice cream shops; visit Alice’s Haunted Little Bookshop, it raises the bar for bookstores — lots of fun for both kids and parents.
Also, visit downtown Mystic and grab slices and pies from the pizza shop that starred in the flick Mystic Pizza.
Stay
Kids love this hotel, thanks to the indoor pool and “dive-in” movies, where they can swim and watch family-friendly movies while in the water; scavenger hunts and prizes; craft activities; and the Mystic Aquarium right across the street. The Irons restaurant is lively and pays homage to the region’s shipbuilding heritage.
The hotel is less pricey and much more budget-friendly than some other Mystic options. It’s also just a short walk (or two-minute drive) to Olde Mistick Village and the Mystic Aquarium. Connecting and pet-friendly rooms are another option, and the complimentary breakfast, bagel, and coffee bar are also family-friendly. If your family is a fan of beating the heat in the water, the outdoor pool here sees a lot of action!
Vermont
Woodstock
It will be a Yankee Doodle summer next year in Woodstock, a darling historic village located in the Green Mountains; Woodstock predates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, as it was chartered in 1761. And it offers Americana eye candy at every turn.
Woodstock’s Fourth of July centers around a small-town parade with big ambition, maple cremees galore, swimming holes, a carnival celebration at the local high school, and the biggest fireworks display in the state. Next year will be no exception.
Photo courtesy of Woodstock Inn & Resort
Stay
The 142-room historic resort is an example of well-preserved New England craftsmanship and heritage. It’s got a plum location on the green, right next to the library (check out the book sales) and a skip from the boutiques and restaurants. There are family-friendly experiences to entertain the whole squad: tennis, golf, swimming (two pools), fly fishing, spa treatments, hiking, biking, a retro game room, and s’mores by the fire pit on the lawn, of course.
Looking Ahead to America’s 250th
With the Fourth of July right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to think ahead to next year and the many festivities set to take place to honor America’s 250th birthday. In the meantime, Happy Independence Day! While next year is a big one, enjoy celebrating the country’s 249th with your friends and family in 2025!
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About the Author: Laurie Bain Wilson’s work has appeared in Real Simple, Working Mother, OpenTable, PBS/Next Avenue, Travel Channel, CNN Travel, Travel Market Report, Eat This, Chowhound, Parents, Salon, Wine Enthusiast, VinePair, and New York Times. She is also a longtime correspondent at The Boston Globe. Find more from Laurie at weekendsandcupcakes.com and her Muckrack profile.
