I think the East Coast has some of the best beaches in all of the United States. Sure California is beautiful, but there are no shortages of family-friendly beaches along the East Coast. When most people think of East Coast beaches, I’m sure their mind goes to Florida. But, there are so many family-friendly beaches in Northeast USA that are perfect for a quick weekend escape!
My favorite part of beaches in the Northeast is that they’re designed to be family-friendly with many activities for kids, teenagers, and adults! From the rocky shores of Maine to the sandy beaches of New Jersey, there’s no shortage of family fun to be had!
In this post, I’m sharing 10 family-friendly beach getaways in Northeast America. You’ll find a list of free and paid family-friendly activities to do at each beach – perfect for those traveling on a tight budget!
Let’s get to work planning your next beach getaway!
Family-Friendly Beaches in Maine
1. Old Orchard Beach, ME
Old Orchard Beach is a classic New England beach and offers many activities for families & kids of all ages! It features a lively downtown and a 7-mile stretch of sandy shoreline – making sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The beach is clean and wide, offering plenty of room for kids to play, while the shallow surf makes it safe for younger swimmers. Nearby, the historic Old Ochard Pier (pictured above) and beachfront amusement park (Palace Playland) make great activities to enjoy with the whole family!
Free Family-Friendly Activities:
- Watching fireworks (held on select summer nights)
- Enjoying free concerts in the square during select summer evenings
- Walking along the historic Old Orchard Pier (pictured above)
Paid Family-Friendly Activities:
- Visiting Palace Playland, a beachfront amusement park with rides for all ages
- Playing arcade games on the Pier
- Grabbing ice cream or fried dough (a New England delicacy!)
Family-Friendly Beaches in New Hampshire
2. Hampton Beach, NH
Hampton Beach is a lively spot with something for everyone. Families love the clean beach, kid-friendly waves, and bustling boardwalk. There are often free concerts and events during the summer, and the beach has lifeguards on duty, which adds peace of mind.
Free Family-Friendly Activities:
- Attending nightly concerts at the Seashell Stage
- Watching the fireworks – see the schedule here!
- Watching street performers on the boardwalk
- Collecting seashells
- Watching a free movie on the beach every Monday
- Visiting the Tuck Museum (admission is free!)
Paid Family-Friendly Activities:
- Going mini golfing along the strip
- Joining a whale watching tour
- Visiting the ice cream shops and snack shacks
Family-Friendly Beaches in Massachusetts
3. Cape Cod Beaches, MA
Cape Cod is a quintessential summer getaway for families, with miles of sandy beaches and charming coastal towns. It’s that little hook-shaped area off the mainland of Massachusetts!
There are many beaches you can check out within Cape Cod including Coast Guard Beach, Mayflower Beach, and Old Silver Beach. Kids can explore tidal pools, watch seals, or ride bikes along the Cape Cod Rail Trail. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place, perfect for relaxing or exploring!
Free Family-Friendly Activities:
- Walking or biking the Cape Cod Canal or Rail Trail
- Biking along the Shining Sea Bikeway
- Exploring tidal pools at low tide
- Visiting local lighthouses (some allow free exterior access)
- Watching sunsets over the bay
Paid Family-Friendly Activities:
- Mini golfing at one of the many themed courses across the Cape
- Whale watching tours from Provincetown or Barnstable
- Visiting the Cape Cod Inflatable Park or Wicked Waves Waterpark
- Visiting the Cape Cod Children’s Museum
4. Good Harbor Beach, MA
If you’re looking for a beach close to Boston, check out Good Harbor Beach! Located in Gloucester, MA this beach offers soft white sand and a relaxing environment. What’s super cool about this beach is the sandbar that appears at low tide, which connects the beach to Salt Island!
Free Family-Friendly Activities:
- Walking the sandbar at low-tide to Salt Island
- Trying body surfing or boogie boarding
- Playing beach volleyball
- Going beachcombing and find some beach treasures!
Paid Family-Friendly Activities:
- Joining a whale-watching tour
- Checking out the Eastern Point Lighthouse
- Visiting the Maritime Gluocester museum
Family-Friendly Beaches in Rhode Island
5. Easton’s Beach, RI
Newport, Rhode Island is a classic New England summer escape! Easton’s Beach in Newport, also known as First Beach, features gentle waves and a playground right on the sand. It’s within walking distance to the famous Cliff Walk and other Newport attractions. The beach also offers tide pools and a carousel for everyone to enjoy!
Free Family-Friendly Activities:
- Exploring the scenic Cliff Walk
- Taking a scenic drive along Ocean Drive
- Beachcombing and shell collecting
- Playing at the beachfront playground
Paid Family-Friendly Activities:
- Visiting the Aquarium & Exploration Center
- Taking a tour of one of the historical mansions in Newport
- Check out the Norman Bird Sanctuary
Family-Friendly Beaches in Connecticut
6. Ocean Beach Park, CT
Ocean Beach Park in New London, CT is a traditional family beach destination with a fun, retro boardwalk atmosphere. The wide sandy beach offers scenic views of the Long Island Sound and plenty of space for kids to play and swim.
There is so much to do in this beach, especially for young kids! However, adults will find plenty of fun activities on this beach as well.
Free Family-Friendly Activities:
- Walking along the boardwalk
- Playing beach volleyball or frisbee on the sand
- Enjoying seasonal free concerts and car shows
- Playing in the splash pad
Paid Family-Friendly Activities:
- Mini golfing and amusement rides for young kids
- Checking out the Olympic-sized swimming pool
- Playing arcade games
- Riding the kiddie rides (for young children)
Family-Friendly Beaches in New York
7. Jones Beach, NY
If you’re driving through Long Island, this is a must-visit destination for family fun! With over six miles of oceanfront, it’s ideal for sandcastle building, splashing in the waves, or relaxing under an umbrella. This beach also features a two-mile boardwalk that is perfect for walks, bike rides, or just relaxing & reading!
Free Family-Friendly Activities:
- Walking or biking the scenic boardwalk
- Exploring nature trails and birdwatching
- Playing beach volleyball
Paid Family-Friendly Activities:
- Attending a summer concert at the amphitheater
- Visiting the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center (admission is free, but parking is paid)
- Go zip-lining at WildPlay, a beachside aerial amusement park
8. Coney Island, NY
For those visiting or living in New York City, a visit to Coney Island is a must-visit place to add to your summer bucket list! I’m ashamed to say I didn’t visit Coney Island until I had been living in New York for like 6 years and I’m so sad I missed out so many years of summertime fun!
Coney Island is easy to get to via car or subway and features the perfect mix of nostalgia and boardwalk entertainment. The lively boardwalk is packed with classic attractions like Luna Park amusement rides, Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, and the historic Cyclone roller coaster.
Free Family-Friendly Activities:
- Walking the boardwalk
- Watching free summer movies and concerts on the beach
- Splashing in the waves or enjoying playgrounds nearby
Paid Family-Friendly Activities:
- Riding the Cyclone roller coaster and kiddie rides at Luna Park
- Enjoying a ride on the iconic Wonder Wheel
- Visiting the New York Aquarium
- Playing classic carnival games on the boardwalk
- Eating a hot dog at the original Nathan’s Famous
Family-Friendly Beaches in New Jersey
9. Cape May Beach, NJ
Cape May Beach is a charming, family-friendly escape in the Southern tip of New Jersey. It features clean beaches, Victorian architecture, and peaceful vibes.
Known as one of the prettiest beach towns on the East Coast, Cape May is ideal for families looking for a relaxing beach day mixed with gentle adventure. Its blend of historic charm and kid-friendly amenities make it a timeless favorite for multi-generational vacations.
Free Family-Friendly Activities:
- Walking the promenade
- Visiting the Cape May County Zoo (free admission, but donations welcome)
- Window shopping at the nearby Washington Street Mall
- Admiring the Victorian style homes lining the beach
Paid Family-Friendly Activities:
- Climbing the Cape May Lighthouse for ocean views
- Taking a dolphin-watching boat cruise
- Renting bikes or surreys to explore the town
- Enjoying ice cream shops, arcades, or casual seafood restaurants
10. Wildwood Beach, NJ
Wildwood Beach is a high-energy destination filled with wide sandy beaches, exciting boardwalk attractions, and lots of family fun to be had. The Wildwood boardwalk spans 2.5 miles and features amusement rides, waterparks, shops, and eateries. The beach is free to access—no beach tags required—which makes it a budget-friendly choice for large families.
Free Family-Friendly Activities:
- Playing on the extra-wide beach (great for kite flying and beach games)
- Watching the free weekly fireworks show on the beach
- Strolling the boardwalk and watching street performers
- Enjoying live music and festivals in summer
Paid Family-Friendly Activities:
- Riding the coasters, carousels, and Ferris wheels at Morey’s Piers
- Visiting one of the three beachfront waterparks
- Playing mini golf, arcade games, or trying out go-karts
- Grabbing boardwalk classics like funnel cake, curly fries, and fudge
I hope you found this list of family-friendly beaches in Northeast USA inspiring to plan your next beach getaway! If you have any other Northeast favorites, definitely share them in the comments below. Happy traveling!
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