There’s nothing quite like a summer stay at one of the best beach resorts in the Northeast for families! From Maine to Massachusetts, you’ll find many kid-friendly destinations to spend your next warm-weather getaway. Families will love spending time with their toes in the sand, roasting s’mores by the outdoor fire pits, and simply enjoying some fresh summer air. Every beach resort offers something different in terms of amenities, children’s programming, and location, but we guarantee they’ll all have an amazing view! We also have choices for all ages, between smaller children, picky teens, and everyone in between. Whether you have a particular destination in mind or not, our list of Best Beach Resorts in the Northeast for Families can help you make the final decision on where you spend your summer vacation. From summer fun to kid-friendly activities and more, here’s our parent-approved list!
Wequassett Resort and Golf Club
Cape Cod, MA
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Cape Cod is one of America’s most beloved vacation destinations and home to some of the best hotels in Massachusetts for kids and families. At the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, each member of your family can enjoy a family beach vacation that combines quality time together and relaxation alone. The luxury resort features true Cape Cod lodging with decadent guest rooms and suites with king beds, second-story guest villas for two to four guests, four-bedroom cottage-style accommodations, and three-bedroom private residences. From the resort’s pools and beaches to the kids’ clubs and world-class spa service, you will never want to leave the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club!
Summer Fun
Summer fun is plentiful at the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club. Thanks to the hotel’s private oceanfront location, families can spend endless time on the beach while staying at one of the best beach resorts in Massachusetts. Nearby vendors also offer watersport rentals such as kayaking, sailing, and more. Kids can splash in one of the two outdoor pools, while parents relax in the Jacuzzi. Then, rent a boat or take a charter from the Wequassett dock to enjoy beautiful views! The resort also hosts multiple tennis courts for a quick game or private lessons. In July and August, the whole family can watch a movie under the stars at the pool or eat a picnic lunch on the resort’s landscaped property. Summer is also ideal for dance classes, swimming lessons, nature walks, and more. Remember to take your kids to the ball pit and splash park too!
The Children’s Center is also the perfect place for younger children between four and twelve to spend a couple of hours or the entire day. With educational programs, arts and crafts, and innovative activities, they will be entertained for quite a while. Video game enthusiasts can play on the latest systems and drama-lovers can put on their own performance at the outdoor amphitheater. The resort’s pirate ship playground is a favorite among younger guests, letting them exercise their imagination and interact with other children. If your child is interested in the culinary arts, the Kids in the Kitchen program offers a behind-the-scenes experience in the resort’s kitchens. Children can learn all about the art of cooking and see the chefs at work firsthand!
Why Parents Love It
With your children well cared for, parents are free to enjoy all the amenities the hotel offers adults. First, there’s the top-ranked golf course, ranked among the top 20 courses in the world. The 18-hole course is perfect for advanced golfers and beginners alike. If you want to maintain your fitness routine or try something new, visit the hotel’s fitness center. Fully equipped with everything you need for an impactful workout, you can keep up with your regular workouts even on vacation. When it is time to rest and relax, take advantage of the resort’s relationship with a local spa service. Spend time being pampered with a facial, massage, manicures, and more directly in your room. Your stay at one of the best beach resorts near Boston definitely won’t disappoint!
Find out what other vacation rentals in Cape Cod are renting for!
Chatham Bars Inn
Cape Cod, MA
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Create your own story at the stunning Chatham Bars Inn and take home family memories that you’ll cherish forever. Located in Chatham, less than two hours from Boston, there’s no shortage of activities and sightseeing opportunities during your stay. Accommodations range from standard ocean-view suites in the Main Building with two queen beds to luxurious cottages along a private beach for up to four guests. As one of the best luxury beach resorts in Cape Cod, the Chatham Bars Inn features all of the amenities your family needs to enjoy quality time together while staying at one of the best beach resorts in the Northeast!
Summer Fun
Summer is a premiere season at the Chatham Bars Inn with countless activities for the whole family. Firstly, your family can spend time playing or relaxing on the resort’s stretch of private beach and enjoy the stunning views of Aunt Lydia’s Cove. Private cabanas, calm waters, and soft sand are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and sandcastle building! The resort is also home to a stunning zero-entry pool located right on the ocean and heated to the right temperature. The Farm at the Chatham Bars Inn makes your vacation even more unique, so be sure to take a tour! Learn about the hydroponics and innovative techniques used to produce many vegetables as well as Slovenian beekeeping on-site. The whole family can also get in some quality time with a unique boating experience.
The children’s program at the Chatham Bars Inn offers the perfect getaway for your little ones. The program offers countless fun activities that are educational, inspiring, and interesting. Learn more about the local area, participate in a variety of events, and hang out with other guests their own age. You’ll probably have a hard time dragging your kids away from everything the Chatham Bars Inn offers! We’re not surprised it’s one of the best beach resorts in Massachusetts for families.
Why Parents Love It
What’s not to love about the Chatham Bars Inn? The Chatham Seaside Links golf course is a golfer’s dream! Play a game before stopping by the Spa at Chatham Bars Inn for a luxury treatment. It offers private showers and hydrotherapy tubs as well as top-notch treatments for guests 16 and older. Enjoy a workout at the resort’s incredible fitness center, open each day to work with your vacation schedule. Parents also love the wide variety of fitness classes offered on a regular basis. The resort also hosts yoga classes, aerobic classes, and much more to get you up and moving. Eat dinner at the farm-to-table restaurant or book a group activity at the farm! With so many great amenities, Chatham Bars Inn is certainly one of the best beach resorts near Boston for families.
The Ocean House
Watch Hill, RI
The epitome of New England style and class can be found at the Ocean House resort in Rhode Island. Located in Westerly’s Watch Hill District, the hotel itself tells a story full of history, unique experiences, and countless guests. It’s also well-known for its incredible service, summertime activities, and the impressive amenities available for guests of all ages, making it one of the best beach resorts in Rhode Island for families! Inspired by the hotel’s location, accommodations vary between Standard, Deluxe, and Grand Deluxe Guest Rooms in various sizes with two queen beds. Or, there are also one, two, and three-bedroom suites, plus bigger cottages for large families. Your family can truly enjoy being surrounded by the timeless elegance of New England as well as modern entertainment at Ocean House!
Summer Fun
Located on the seaside, Ocean House thrives in the summer months. The resort has a private beach with beautiful white sand where families can spend days in the sun. Rent a beach cabana to relax near the water or play lawn games like croquet. Ocean House also offers fun outdoor activities like biking, surfing, paddling, squash, and more. For a true New England experience, charter one of the resort’s four yachts and enjoy time on the water. Sports enthusiasts can even book time on a Har-Tru tennis court or the indoor court. The Pond View Pro Shop has everything you need for tennis, private lessons, or group clinics. Creative children can also visit the nearby Weekapaug Inn and request a fairy hunting map. Kids will enter the Land of Paug, stamping each location they find on their map. Once complete, kids can earn a special prize for their adventure!
Ocean House also offers a comprehensive children’s program each summer – just one more reason it is one of the best beach resorts near NYC. Kids between ages five and ten can join the Sand Castles Program and enjoy a variety of activities designed just for them. Resort staff provides full schedules in the morning and evening, including fishing and surfing lessons for those who enjoy the water, tennis classes at the Racquet Club, and swimming on the beach. The Watch Hill Flying Horse Carousel is a top favorite among younger guests as well!
Why Parents Love It
Parents can rest easy knowing their kids are well cared for and enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime vacation at Ocean House. If you love to golf, this resort is a must! Exclusive golf courses are located within 30 minutes of the hotel and resort guests can play at these unique links. The Mountain Course at the Preserve Sporting Club is accessible for guests at the resort as well as other activities at the club. Art lovers will enjoy the specially curated art experiences offered by Ocean House, highly regarded by guests and members of the community. Visit the Ocean & Harvest: The Spa at Ocean House for a seasonal treatment or to restock on beauty products, and check out the fitness center to get in your workout. Parents can also take advantage of the paid babysitting services to enjoy some time by themselves in one of the best beach resorts in the Northeast for families!
Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
Brewster, MA
If you love the beach, you have to visit the Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club! Situated on a 400-acre estate next to Cape Cod Bay, this gorgeous resort is located on a pristine beach, named among the most beautiful in America. Ideal for a summer vacation, the hotel’s grounds offer countless ways to rest, relax, and soak up the sun while surrounded by the beauty of Cape Cod. Choose from oceanfront accommodations at The Mansion, with multiple townhomes, villas, and guest rooms that sleep between four and eight guests. Or, one, two, and three-bedroom suites/villas at The Villages, located in the center of one of the best beach resorts in the Northeast. Perfectly priced for families, the Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club will be one vacation destination you keep coming back to year after year.
Summer Fun
Summer fun is never too far away at the Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club. With the hotel’s private beach, children can splash in calm waters, sunbathe, or build sandcastles. As one of the beach resorts in Massachusetts for families, you can expect watersports such as kayaking and paddleboarding to be available. There are also five incredible pools, so kids can swim any day they want, rain or shine. Two indoor pools are perfect for bad weather days, and three outdoor pools offer a fun place to play when the sun is shining. As one of the best hotels for teens, the resort offers a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and oyster tours. By night, don’t forget to stop by the bonfire on the beach for delicious treats and good company!
Why Parents Love It
Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club caters to guests of all ages. Parents love the Nicklaus Design Golf Course that offers incredible links and stunning views. Challenge yourself on the 18-hole private course and add a round of golf to your visit with a Stay and Play package. For health-conscious guests, Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club offers a top-notch fitness center. Everything you need to maintain your fitness routine is available on-site, including energizing fitness classes. Stop by The Beach House Spa to boost your personal health with relaxing treatments designed to take care of you! Afterward, treat yourself to a drink at one of the hotel’s many restaurants or bars.
The Otesaga Resort Hotel
Cooperstown, NY
Nothing beats personalized service, and The Otesaga Resort Hotel provides just that. From the valets that remember your name to hotel staff that listens to your needs, your whole family will feel pampered throughout your stay at one of the best family beach resorts in New York. Overlooking Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, New York, the resort combines historic charm with elegant amenities for a unique vacation. If you’re looking to relax, time seems to slow down at the hotel. For thrill-seekers, there is no shortage of outdoor activities and adventures to be found on the property as well. When it comes to accommodations, you can choose between charming guest rooms with two double or queen beds and larger suites with a built-in parlor area. The Otesaga Resort Hotel is unlike anything you have experienced before with amenities catering to guests of all ages!
Summer Fun
Summer fun awaits your family at The Otesaga Resort Hotel! With the hotel’s lakeside location, you’re never too far from a refreshing dip in the water. For active kids, you can also participate in watersports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Little ones will also love splashing in the resort’s heated outdoor pool or playing on the lakeside deck. Children that love sports can also spend time playing tennis, hiking, or biking outdoors, along a path by the lake or throughout the nearby Village. Speaking of The Village, it’s also a great place to spend time as a family! Browse the local farmer’s markets, enjoy live musical entertainment, and even special festival events.
Why Parents Love It
The Otesaga Resort Hotel is truly a unique escape for parents. If you require rejuvenation, the full menu of spa treatments at The Hawkeye Spa will surely do the trick. From massages and facials to top-of-the-line skincare products, the spa services are designed to help you relax and enjoy the picturesque setting. Golfers love the Leatherstocking Golf Course, frequently named among the most challenging and beautiful on the East Coast. If you love fitness, the on-site fitness center is sure to excite and the nearby running trails offer the perfect place to exert some energy in nature. Plus, if you’re in the mood for a shopping spree, you could always stop by The Village to browse boutiques and souvenir stores. Don’t forget to wrap up your day with a drink at one of the resort’s bars!
Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Martha’s Vineyard, MA
At the Winnetu Oceanside Resort, every guest can access their playful side and enjoy simpler times. Located on Martha’s Vineyard, the whole family will love the wide range of amenities available at the resort, including swimming pools, children’s programs, beach access, and much more. Hotel rooms range from one to four-bedroom suites sleeping up to ten people and one or two-bedroom premium cottages that can sleep eight guests. If you are looking to make special family memories during the summer, Winnetu Oceanside Resort certainly has your summer bucket-list covered!
Summer Fun
Winnetu Oceanside Resort is a top summer destination for family fun thanks to the countless activities available for guests. Games, competitions, outdoor adventures, and more are available all year long! The famous South Beach is also located just steps from Winnetu Oceanside Resort, offering beautiful views, calm waters, and fun water sports. Kids will love kayaking, canoeing, or surfing! For an even better adventure, rent a Jeep Gladiator and go oversand driving with your family. Your little fish will also love the two heated pools located at the resort, and you may have a hard time getting them out of the water. From kite flying to beach kits, an outdoor playground, and a campfire to roast s’mores, there are plenty of other complementary activities for families. Play with a life-size chess board, challenge each other to cornhole, or ride the antique fire truck for a unique experience!
As one of the best beach resorts near Boston for families, the Winnetu Oceanside Resort also offers a top-notch children’s program. Children’s Day is a complimentary program providing nonstop activities for younger guests between ages three and twelve. Kids can enjoy time on the beach and outdoor adventures supervised by trained counselors. The Farm Institute is a great place for learning and fun, and the kids’ camp is perfect for making new friends throughout their stay. Pee Wee and Junior tennis camps are available at the resort, as well as foosball, ping pong, and pool. If you want to capture your precious memories at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort, be sure to book a portrait session with Randi Baird!
Why Parents Love It
The children’s program at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort lets parents take the morning off to rest and relax. You can sleep in, book a spa service, or enjoy some time alone. Parents also love the complimentary yoga classes available on the front lawn of the hotel and the full schedule of activities available each day. If you love to work out, you have to visit the on-site fitness center that is fully stocked with the best equipment. Or, play a game on the tennis courts. To reach a complete state of relaxation, book treatments at the resort’s spa or request the concierge team to make a massage reservation during your stay. For a romantic meal, the hotel offers many dining options, including a water taxi dinner cruise.
Newport Harbor Island Resort
Newport, RI
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There is nothing more beautiful than Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. At Newport Harbor Island Resort, you can enjoy the stunning views and historic charm that Newport has to offer. The resort is located right on the water, providing countless indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family. Accommodations range between guest rooms with two double or two queen beds and spacious suites, some of which are bi-level. Seasonal activities make each stay a unique experience, and nearby attractions keep guests entertained for days.
Summer Fun
Get ready for summer fun at Newport Harbor Island Resort! Kids can splash around in the outdoor heated pool or the indoor heated pool open for year-round swimming. For children who really love the water, the family can enjoy a day on paddleboard or kayaks. The nearby Newport Marina is also a great place to charter a sailboat. Kids up to age 12 can spend the afternoon participating in all of the fun activities and events the resort has to offer at the Kids’ Club. Your little ones get to spend time with kids their own age while you can enjoy some much-needed personal time.
Why Parents Love It
You can rest easy at the spa, where you can book a therapeutic treatment or spend some time in a private relaxation room! Take a dip in the heated pool inside, visit the saltwater pool outside, or fit in your workout at the on-site fitness center. It’s open 24 hours a day to perfectly accommodate your preferences and vacation schedule. The resort is also conveniently located near plenty of local attractions. Newport is home to historic mansions, fascinating museums, stunning vineyards, and so much more. Take in a theatrical performance, visit a local beach, or take the family to a nearby state park.
Inn By The Sea
Cape Elizabeth, ME
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The Inn by the Sea is definitely one of the best beach resorts in Maine for families! Located on a sandy beach on Cape Elizabeth, this luxury hotel on Maine’s southern coast is only a few miles away from Portland. Summertime stays are among some of the best here, with access to a ton of Maine family-friendly attractions. Plus, a variety of hotel amenities for adults and children directly on-site make visiting a convenient experience. With one or two-bedroom suites with private exterior entrances, the Inn by the Sea is definitely one of the best beach resorts in the Northeast for families!
Summer Fun
The Inn By The Sea has everything you need for a spectacular summer vacation. Take a stroll along the private boardwalk to Crescent Beach, where kids can swim, play, and build sandcastles. Water sports such as sea kayaking are available through various vendors along the shore and families can even visit nearby Crescent Beach State Park for more outdoor fun. Kids will also love the resort’s outdoor swimming pool. There are also organized Great Pond Walks or Garden Tours around the property, plus nature walks and opportunities to fish or go boating.
Though the Inn by the Sea doesn’t have a dedicated kids club, activities families can do together include family yoga on the front lawn, s’mores by the fire pit, and arts & crafts. The hotel also offers occasional cooking classes and special bug eco-tours. Plus, don’t forget to explore Maine’s nearby lighthouses, just a short drive or bike ride away!
Why Parents Love It
Parents can unwind without a care in the world at The Inn By The Sea. At the hotel’s Portland Spa, you’ll find separate men’s and women’s sanctuaries, with treatments such as Swedish, stone, or personalized massages. If you want to stay active, the hotel also has a fully-equipped fitness center. Grab a drink from the on-site bar to treat yourself afterward or head to nearby Portland to explore some more. Endless opportunities for fun beckon when you stay at The Inn By The Sea! It’s surely one of the best beach resorts in the Northeast for families.
Smuggler’s Cove Inn
East Boothbay, ME
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the perks that come with staying at Smuggler’s Cove Inn. Located in East Boothbay, this luxury hotel was formerly known as Sunset Beach, conveniently located between Boston and Acadia National Park. The quiet atmosphere makes it perfect for families with kids, between nearby Boothbay Harbor, a private oceanfront location, and tons of things to do. Plus, you can’t beat the views! Families can witness a spectacular Maine sunset right from the comfort of their rooms, which all include a private oceanfront balcony. Anyone searching for a rustic family vacation will certainly love Smuggler’s Cove Inn. After all, it is one of the best beach resorts in Maine for families!
Summer Fun
Smuggler’s Cove Inn comes alive in the summertime! Thanks to the hotel’s private beachfront location, families can spend their vacation lounging on soft sand or swimming at low tide. There’s also complimentary use of kayaks and canoes, plus chances to fish or launch boats from the hotel’s private dock. Kids will also love the hotel’s outdoor heated swimming pool, which has an adjacent playground for double the summer fun. For more gorgeous Maine vistas, visit one of three scenic walking trails located on the resort’s property, all of which are relatively easy hikes for kids. Families will also find plenty of things to do in nearby Boothbay Harbor. Go on a lighthouse tour, play mini-golf, or take a whale-watching cruise!
Why Parents Love It
Indulge in some much-needed self-care at Smuggler’s Cove Inn. Parents can relax and soak up the sun at the beach or by the pool with a drink in hand. There’s also a small convenience shop on-site, selling essential items like beverages, snacks, and desserts. Though the hotel doesn’t offer an on-site spa or gym, you’ll be near Boothbay Harbor. Find popular places to pamper yourself, like The Skin Care Room, which offers radiant facials. If you’d prefer to shop, Boothbay Harbor also showcases the Boothbay Harbor Shopping area, which has an array of stores. Feel free to ask the hotel concierge for suggestions if you want to explore Maine but don’t know where to start!
Beach house or cabin? Your perfect vacation awaits!
The Colony Hotel
Kennebunkport, ME
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The Colony Hotel ranks as one of the best East Coast beach resorts. Located in Kennebunkport, it showcases a gorgeous sandy beach, ocean views, plus a sense of history. In fact, the hotel has been open since 1914, making it a unique landmark as well. In addition to having access to all The Colony Hotel’s wonderful amenities, families will also be within walking distance to some of southern Maine’s best attractions. Rooms and suites stretch for five separate buildings across the hotel’s property, ranging from one, two, and three-bedroom options. Plus, with nearby shopping, art galleries, and friendly service, what’s there not to love about The Colony Hotel?
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Summer Fun
Enjoy summer fun at The Colony Hotel! Access to a private beachfront means kids can build sandcastles, swim at low tide, or go seashell hunting. Watersports such as sailing or kayaking can be arranged too. A heated saltwater pool for little ones to splash regardless of the sun shining. There’s no dedicated Kids’ Club at The Colony Hotel, but the hotel organizes games and movie nights throughout the week. Go hiking, biking, or play shuffleboard and croquet! Make use of the game-room on-site, and remember to check out the hotel’s library. The Colony Hotel also offers tours of its grounds for history buffs, alongside sustainable excursions around Maine. Together, families can go fruit picking, visit a nearby farm, or explore nearby natural wonders such as tidal pools.
Why Parents Love It
Parents will treasure their time at The Colony Hotel! Since the hotel is eco-friendly, don’t be afraid to indulge yourself. At the on-site spa, you can unwind and forget about your worries with a relaxing massage. Take a visit to the fitness center for a workout or a peaceful yoga class. Golfers will appreciate access to an 18-hole putting green. If you’re in the mood to explore southern Maine, you can also take a trolley, walk, or drive to nearby Dock Square. No wonder it’s one of the best beach resorts in the Northeast for families!
Thank You To Our Community!
As always, this article on the Best Beach Resorts in the Northeast for Families would not have been as helpful, informed, or family-friendly without the contributions and input from the amazing members of our Facebook group, Families Who Love To Travel! For more travel recommendations on beach resorts in the Northeast for families or other vacations with children, be sure to join us on Facebook at Families Who Love To Travel. It’s a community of dynamic families who love to adventure and explore through travel. Plus, follow us on Instagram (@families.love.travel) to connect with other families who love the unique experiences travel has to offer – and to get sneak peeks of upcoming articles!
*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.
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