Explore family-friendly things to do on the East Coast—from Maine to South Carolina
Planning a family trip can be a fun experience, but choosing a location and finding activities that will entertain a large group of people can be tricky. Your multigenerational reunion should also be financially realistic. This criterion is best met on the East Coast, where you can find low-cost stays with scenery straight out of a movie, as well as a variety of affordable attractions and activities for all ages and interests. Discover these eight exceptional East Coast locales that offer affordable family-friendly experiences.
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Olde Mistick Village in Mystic, CT. Photo credit: This is Mystic Facebook
Mystic, Connecticut
Sift Bakery
The Sift Bakery is perfect for breakfast; both locals and visitors come here for fresh, handmade pastries inspired by French cuisine. Colorful macaroons, savory delicacies and sweet treats are crafted from scratch by experts in French-focused baking. Accompany your pastry with an artisanal coffee to prepare yourself for a day of adventure.
Olde Mystick Village
The Olde Mystick Village holds decades of secrets waiting to be uncovered. Take a walk through the re-created seaport town and experience 19th-century life. Museum interpreters bring the bustling village to life through maritime trade demonstrations, featuring blacksmiths, coopers, printers, and ship carvers. More than 30 buildings offer groups the opportunity to experience coastal culture in a tangible, memorable and affordable way.
Sea Swirl
Take a break and enjoy savory snacks and sweet treats at Sea Swirl, a clam shack famous for its ice cream and affordable seafood dishes. Featured on the Food Network, the menu offers a variety of delicious dishes, including their famous fried clams and one-of-a-kind lobster roll swirl cones, as well as hard and soft serve ice cream, sundaes and frozen drinks.
Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour
If you are interested in the haunting history of Mystic, this is a must-experience that’s worth every penny. Listen to the chilling tales of colonial and Revolutionary-era heroes and the tragedies that are said to have led to hauntings as you embark upon a Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour. Through legends and lore, visitors will travel from the 17th through the 20th centuries and learn about hauntings and paranormal activity that have plagued the town of Mystic for hundreds of years. Tours are $30 per person from March through September, and $35 during the spooky season of October.
Southeast Lighthouse on breathtaking Block Island, RI. Photo credit: biearthworks
Block Island, Rhode Island
1661 Inn Farm and Gardens
The 1661 Inn Farm and Gardens on Block Island is a free attraction open year-round, offering a unique opportunity to immerse your group in a diverse array of wildlife. Feeding a multitude of exotic animals, such as kangaroos, is a memorable experience suitable for all ages. The Animal Farm focuses on education and sustainability, where guests can learn about the animals in their care. The Gardens feature a variety of colorful blooms and vegetation, perfect for wandering and relaxing in nature. Group accommodation includes the Farm House Suites, the Farm Apartment and Campbell Cottage for a memorable agrarian stay.
Block Island Maritime Institute Aquarium
The Block Island Maritime Institute (BIMI) Aquarium is a free site that hosts a variety of events for all ages and interests. Here, you can learn about local sea life through hands-on experiences that blend learning with family bonding. Family Fun programs offer a range of activities with a focus on interactive exploration and learning. Groups can enjoy a harbor tour and learn about local history and fascinating folklore while taking in the idyllic scenery.
Clayhead Trail and Maze
Spanning 190 acres in the northeast part of the island, the Clayhead Trail and Maze attracts visitors to its spectacular scenery and secluded beaches. The trail offers tranquil hiking and biking that lead to “the maze,” a series of interconnected, unmarked trails for a thrilling exploration of nature at no cost.
Southeast Lighthouse
A visit to the breathtaking Southeast Lighthouse won’t disappoint. This national historic landmark stands prominently atop Mohegan Bluff and is the highest lighthouse in New England. The site is rich in history, and visitors here will learn the story of how three acts of Congress, combined with the efforts of the Coast Guard and the local community, saved the lighthouse from falling into the ocean. The most expensive admission is a combined museum visit with a guided Lighthouse Tower tour, affordably priced at $20 for adults, $16 for seniors, active military personnel, and students, with children under nine admitted free of charge.
Ogunquit Beach on Maine’s beautiful coast. Photo credit: Ogunquit, Maine: Beautiful Place by the Sea Facebook
Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit Museum of American Art
Open from April to November, the Ogunquit Museum of American Art (OMAA) is situated on a three-acre sculpture park, comprising 18 small gardens that overlook the ocean and its surrounding coves. The museum’s mission is to exhibit, preserve and interpret American art in a way that’s engaging and memorable. Not only do they feature rotating exhibits that change with the seasons, but they also host classes led by professional artists for their attendees. Adult tickets are $12, senior and student tickets are $10 and admission is free for children under 12 years old.
Perkins Cove
One of the most picture-perfect areas in southern Maine, Perkins Cove is an ideal spot to spend the afternoon or entire day. This historic working fishing cove offers a range of family-friendly activities, free outdoor recreations and fun entertainment—from quaint shops, boat activities and galleries to one-of-a-kind restaurants that serve fresh seafood straight from the water. Explore a myriad of local boutiques and dining opportunities, featuring fudge and saltwater taffy, artisanal goods, pottery, toys, fine art, and more.
Ogunquit Beach
It is no shock as to why so many people visit Ogunquit Beach. It is said to be one of the best in Ogunquit, boasting more than three miles of soft sandy beach, crystal-clear waters and plenty of shoreline for beach games, sunbathing or leisurely strolls. Three access points offer flexibility and options for less crowds during peak season: Main Beach (numerous family amenities, including beach equipment rentals and dining options), Footbridge Beach (quieter and less crowded), and North Beach (secluded at the northernmost point of Ogunquit). The only cost to you is parking fees at the numerous lots.
Ogunquit Playhouse
Enjoy Broadway-esque shows that range from various plots for the family at the Ogunquit Playhouse, a legendary historic theater. Unique plots, including Christmas musicals and Elvis Presley meeting The Beatles, make family bonding fun and entertaining. For over 100 years, the Ogunquit Playhouse has been presenting Broadway-caliber performances in the charming seaside town, making it a must-experience family outing.
DAKS Kayaks & Paddleboards take families out through marshlands on guided tours. Photo credit: DAKS Kayaks & Paddleboards Facebook
Ocean City, New Jersey
Ocean City Boardwalk
Visit the famous Ocean City Boardwalk for a nostalgic and exciting family experience along the Jersey Shore. Explore unique beach shops and restaurants or hop aboard thrilling amusement park rides. Test your luck with carnival games or head to the water for beach time or boating adventures. There is no shortage of affordable family entertainment on the Ocean City Boardwalk.
Ocean City Beach
Relax on Ocean City Beach, eight miles of gorgeous sand-swept shoreline beloved by many from near and far. Enjoy the sea breeze while building sandcastles or beachcombing. Immerse your group in surf culture with lessons for the whole family. Paddleboarding is also a favorite pastime here, with plenty of inexpensive rentals available.
DAKS Kayaks
Speaking of affordable rentals, if you have an interest in kayaking, visit DAKS Kayaks to rent a kayak for every member of your family. Hit the calm waters with your group and explore the picturesque seascape on a guided kayaking or paddleboard tour. Expert guides lead your group on a stunning journey through marshlands and open-ocean environments for a memorable experience.
Take a wild horse tour in Corolla for a memorable adventure. Photo credit: Wild Horse Adventure Tours Facebook
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is open daily. Interact with a diverse array of aquatic animals, including sharks, otters, and stingrays, in aquarium touch tanks. Explore the waters of the Outer Banks and discover the conservation efforts showcased through fascinating exhibits, including Operation: Sea Turtle Rescue. Daily programs bring the region to life in chats with a scuba diver, with educational movies and animal encounters. It offers affordable admission of $15 for adults and $12 for children ages three to twelve (free for children under three years old).
Wild Horse Tours
One of the most popular activities to do in the Outer Banks is an off-road wild horse tour on the northern beaches, where you can glimpse wild horses roaming freely. Brought here by Spanish explorers more than 500 years ago, these wild mustangs have thrived in often unforgiving environments. Go off-roading on a safari-type tour and discover the magic of Mother Nature and the horses in their natural habitat. Prices vary depending on which tour you choose, but this top attraction in the OBX will not disappoint.
Outer Banks Beaches
Considered an epic region for windsurfing, kiteboarding and hang gliding, it’s no wonder that families flock to the numerous Outer Banks beaches for summertime fun, including flying kites in the constant breezy conditions. Visit one of the many Kitty Hawk Kite locations for unparalleled designs and vibrant flyers. Bring Fido along for pet-friendly beachside adventures or visit Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the most extensive natural living dune system on the East Coast, for sandboarding, hiking, kite flying, swimming, and a trip to the visitor center and museum. Beaches in the Outer Banks are free of charge.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, SkyWheel. Photo credit: SkyWheel Myrtle Beach Facebook
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach State Park
Stopping by the beach is a must in this town, and Myrtle Beach State Park is a top choice to visit. The park offers numerous activities for families, including beachcombing for treasures such as shark teeth and seashells, spotting sea turtle nests, swimming, and fishing. Escape the hustle and bustle on a stroll along the Sculptured Oak Nature Trail that winds through spectacular maritime forests. Entry fees vary by age, with tickets no more than $8 per person.
SkyWheel
A must-experience attraction for groups visiting the Grand Strand is a trip on the SkyWheel. This 200-foot observation wheel offers incredible aerial views of the Boardwalk and the vast Atlantic Ocean. From sunrise flights to sparkling nighttime city panoramas, your family can get a different perspective from above at any time of the day or night. This affordable attraction offers ticket prices of $15 or less per person.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
See unbelievable artifacts that everyone will enjoy at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Myrtle Beach. Explore several floors of fascinating oddities and artifacts and learn about the stories they hold. Lose yourself in the Vortex Tunnel, a sensory experience that incorporates a colorful light show and illusions. Go behind the scenes and explore a fun collection of movie memorabilia, including the original Nike “Air Mags,” worn by Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future Part II. This affordable museum is sure to provide something exciting for every member of your group, with ticket prices under $15 per person.
Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Golf
Add a little competition to your trip with a few friendly rounds of mini golf. At Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Golf, considered the best in the world, guests can play 36 holes on two unique courses. If you are successful at getting a hole-in-one at their Legendary 19th Hole, the gift is a lifetime pass to the park, and your name will be immortalized in their history. Group rates for 25 people or more make this even more cost-effective. However, don’t worry if you have a smaller gathering, as they offer adult tickets for around $12 and children’s tickets for around $10.
Affordability on the East Coast
These affordable East Coast locations provide numerous free activities, reasonably priced attractions and inexpensive dining options so you can focus on spending quality time with your loved ones. After all, you can’t put a price on multigenerational family trips and the bonding that happens on them.
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By Laurie Contreras, Contributing Writer
