8 Must-See Stops from Connecticut to Maine

8 Must-See Stops from Connecticut to Maine

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — because therapy bills are real and they definitely don't pay themselves. Everything I recommend is something I actually use. No filler links, ever - this mama doesn't have time for that! Thanks for being here!

A Northeast Road Trip Built for Families Who Love to Explore

Whether you're a homeschooling family looking for living history, a crew chasing coastal views, or parents who just want to keep childhood wild & free, this Connecticut-to-Maine corridor delivers. We've driven this route from Pennsylvania to Maine with young kids in tow, and these eight stops are the ones we'd do again in a heartbeat.

We embarked on this trip several years ago, when our big kids were still small. Back then we hadn't yet experienced disability parenting so we were not focused on accessibility whilst planning our adventures. After reminiscing on this lovely trip, looking back through our pictures and videos and digging up my old travel notes, I researched some of the accessibility information I would want to know if we were planning this trip today. I cannot speak from personal experience for the accessibility of this trip, but have included a few things I found in my recent research. You all know I can't get enough of the Northeast, so I'm sure my new knowledge will come in handy in our near future.

1. Gillette Castle State Park, CT

This is such a fun stop to get out, stretch, hike, explore and if you're anything like us, get a snack from the cooler. Gillette Castle was built in 1914 by William Hooker Gillette, an actor, director, and playwright most famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. Mansion tours are very reasonably priced and given from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day. Check the website for days & times. Even if the mansion is closed during your stop, exploring the grounds is worth it! All terrain wheelchairs are available with advanced reservation. Allot 30 minutes to 2 hours for this stop, depending on how much you'd like to explore.

2. Roger Williams Park, RI

There is so much to do at Roger Williams Park, you could make it a full day trip. We focused our time here in the Japanese Gardens, Williams Family Cemetery, and the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium. If you'd like to explore the grounds and trails, download the free self guided tour notes and maps directly off the Roger Williams Park website. We absolutely loved our time at the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium. We were greeted by friendly staff who had interactive packets, clipboards and pencils ready for the kids. The tickets were extremely reasonable and we would absolutely stop here again.

3. Plymouth, MA

This was the main destination of our trip so we allocated our time and funds accordingly. We stayed in Plymouth for two days, exploring the town and Plymouth Rock the first day and Plimoth Patuxet Museums  the following day. There are many different ticket options for this destination so make sure you understand what you're getting prior to purchasing! We chose the Plimoth Patuxet option due to the Mayflower II undergoing repairs at the time of our visit. The Plimoth Patuxet Museum does not participate in Museums for All but instead has their own low cost option. Call ahead to determine if you qualify. Part of the grounds are wheelchair and stroller accessible, however the Mayflower II is not. 

4. Boston, MA

Boston is a treasure trove of educational stops. We spent our time exploring the multiple stops along Freedom Trail, Paul Revere's House, Beacon Hill and Old North Church. Although we didn't have accessibility needs at the time of this trip, our kids were 6 & 4. We pushed the double stroller all over the hilly terrain of Boston and those stops were all any of us could handle at the time! We can't wait to explore Boston as a destination trip someday!

5. Concord, MA

One of our personal favorites. Concord is a living classroom; Minuteman National Historical Park, Walden Pond, and the homes of Louisa May Alcott and Ralph Waldo Emerson are all within a few miles of each other. It's pure bliss for our history & literature loving family. If you're just passing through, I'd suggest investing in Concord Museum. You'll get an overview of all the history Concord has to offer for your next trip, and trust me you'll want another trip. The museum is accessible - making it an easy stop on a long drive. Read the blog post about our weekend trip to Concord and get our Concord, MA travel guide.

6. Portland, ME

We chose to enjoy the cobblestone streets and coastal scenery of Portland by taking a Duck Boat Tour. The tour was fully narrated and gave a great overview of Portland's history and geological features. There are several companies that provide Duck Boat Tours in Portland, all with varying levels of accessibility. Call ahead or visit their websites to see which is the best fit for your family's needs.

7. Cape Neddick Lighthouse, ME

The Cape Neddick Lighthouse, commonly called "Nubble Light," is renowned for its picturesque Victorian keeper's house and is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. It sits on a beautiful private island. Visitors are not allowed inside the lighthouse, but this was such a fun spot to get out of the van, stretch, and explore. The park area is flat with paved paths and designated viewing areas that are wheelchair accessible. If you're hungry, it's just a short walk to Fox's Lobster House where you can enjoy fresh Maine seafood and have a view of the lighthouse while you dine.

8. Eric Carle Museum, MA

The beloved picture books we spent hours reading came to life at the Eric Carle Museum. This was the perfect last stop for our road trip. Exhibits are interactive and engaging, highlighting our favorite Eric Carle stories and illustrations. This museum is accessible and participates in the Museums for All program.

After our last stop, we packed in the van and headed back to Pennsylvania. It was a wonderful trip, but we were ready to be home!

Tips for the Trip

  • Our route covered roughly 800 miles in total. If this is also the case for you, plan for 5-7 days to enjoy it without rushing.
  • Many stops have free or low-cost admission, making it budget-friendly for families.
  • If you plan to spend more time in Concord, MA, check our printable destination guides for Concord, MA for self-guided tour notes and lesson plans you can download before you go.

Books We Read to Prepare for this Trip

 

Have you done any part of this route? Drop your favorite stop in the comments. We'd love to hear what we missed!

Back to blog