Top 5 Ways to Have Fun Traveling with Kids in New England

Planning a trip to New England sometime soon? I've lived in New England all of my life, and I wouldn't have it any other way. No matter when you plan your trip,, there are zillions of things to do with kids. Here's a rundown of some of my favorites for vacation fun.

1. Zoos: New England has all types of zoos, from the exotic to the barnyard variety. My favorite zoos in New England are both in Massachusetts. One is Southwick's Zoo in Mendon, MA. (www.southwickszoo.com). this zoo has everything! From monkeys to elephants to a petting zoo, to a deer forest filled with roaming deer that you can walk through, this zoo has it. Southwick's also has a great playground, a snack bar/picnic area, and a small midway with amusement rides, and pony rides. There are plenty of opportunities for learning as well. Visit Southwick's on your vacation, and you won't be dissapointed. Another favorite zoo is not just a zoo, but also an aquarium, or Zooquarium, to be exact http://www.zooquariumcapecod.net/. Travel just over the Cape Cod Bridge to West Yarmouth, MA, for a real treat. Zooquarium has a wonderful variety of local animals and sea life. Zooquarium's focus is not so much on exotic species, but on animals indigenous to New England. There's a mini tide pool, an outdoor petting zoo area, and an indoor aquarium, where sea lion shows occur every couple of hours. The sea lion show is a must see event, and the animals are incredibly smart. They also call on some helpful children from the audience to be part of the show, which is always a big hit.

2. Water Parks: If your trip is planned for summer, there's nothing better than splashing around on a waterslide! If you live in New England, you know that Water Country in Portsmouth, NH (www.watercountry.com) is the place to go when it gets hot! There's a huge wave pool, a lazy river with waterfalls that you can ride a tube through, a pirate ship pool with water play area, and of course, lots of waterslides. One of the most popular is called the Double Geronimo, in which you go feet first down a shallow slide that looks like a perfect vertical drop. That one's for the brave, and those with a good fitting swimsuit, as the rushing water has been known to steal a few! The newest ride at Water Country is the Dragon's Den, a swirling vortex of water and mist, with part of the slide covered and part open. Other favorite water parks include the Weirs Beach Water Slides in Weirs Beach, NH http://www.weirsbeach.net/waterslide.html, and the brand new Coco Key indoor water resort at the Sheraton Ferncroft in Danvers, MA http://www.sheratonferncroftresort.com/waterpark.html.

3. Museums: OK, the word museum usually makes my kids groan, but what if you could see the remains of an actual sunken pirate ship? Pretty cool, huh? That's what you'll get to do when you visit Expedition Whydah Museum in Provincetown, MA http://www.whydah.com/. This one's at the very tip of Cape Cod, so plan for a day trip, and while you are there, also visit out the Pilgrim Monument and Museum http://www.pilgrim-monument.org/. It's a huge stone structure with a winding staircase leading up to a breathtaking view of Cape Cod. How about a spooky museum? Check out all that Salem, MA has to offer www.salemweb.com/. The witch museum, witch village and wax museum will give you the heeby geebies! Plan your trip for October for the full effect, as Salem has special events all month long.

4. Beaches: This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning the beaches. New England's sandy shores are some of the best places to have a vacation. My two favorites are First Encounter beach in Eastham, MA, so named because the Settlers first encountered Native Americans here when they landed the Mayflower http://www.mayflowerhistory.com/History/explore5.php. It's a gorgeous, bay beach with sand flats. In the summer, you can walk for about a quarter of a mile into the ocean, and not get over thigh-deep water. The flats are ideal for kids, and some of the best sandcastles are made on lazy summer afternoons. On the way down to the beach, look for the historical Eastham Windmill, on Route 6. Travel up the coast to Maine for my other favorite, Popham Beach State Park in Bath, ME http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/doc/parks/find_one_name.pl?park_id=22. Just north of the famous L.L.Bean store, this is the cleanest, most unspoiled beach I have visited in New England.

5. Festivals: In New England, there is a festival planned for all seasons. In spring, there's the Nantucket, MA daffodil festival. In summer there's the Children's Festival http://www.hamptonchamber.com/members/m_calendar_display.cfm?eventID=28 , which includes a magic show, costume parade, and the annual sandcastle contest at Hampton Beach, NH. In fall, New England comes to life with color and foliage is just the beginning. The annual Seafood Festival at Hampton Beach, NH, is a delicious choice. Another must-see is the yearly Pumpkin Festival in KEENE, NH. You will never see so many jack-o-lanterns in one place. Think festival of lights, only with pumpkins! www.pumpkinfestival.com If you are thinking of traveling to New England for a winter trip, check out Stowe, VT's winter carnival http://www.stowecarnival.com/. It has everything from ice sculptures to snow volleyball, and includes a block party.

No matter what time of year you plan to visit, New England has something to offer kids and their families!