1. Newport, RI
Travel time: 4 hours by car
Don’t forget to pack your boat shoes for a trip to this harbor town—after seeing all the beautiful yachts at the docks, the kids will want to get out on the high seas themselves! Sail Newport (60 Fort Adams Dr, Newport; 401-846-1983, sailnewport.org) offers youth dinghy classes for kids ages 7 and up of all experience levels, as well as rents boats for experienced families to helm themselves. If you’d rather stay on dry land, stroll along the Cliff Walk to take in the picturesque scenery (wear proper footwear, as it can get rocky or slippery in places). For parents who can’t resist checking out Newport’s historic mansions, there’s a kid-friendly audio tour at The Breakers (424 Bellevue Ave, Newport; 401-847-1000, newportmansions.org) that will ensure they’re not bored to tears—it guides them through the extravagant rooms through the eyes of fun characters.