Moray

We are planning to travel around New England (possibly a short trip into Canada) early July for 3 weeks with our 13 and 16 year old kids. Would appreciate any recommendations for scenic drives, nice beaches, amusement parks or anything interesting worth a visit. Starting in Boston for 3 nights then have no plans at all.

dfrostnh

This July?
Portsmouth NH Water Country Rt 1
Our favorite scenic drive is from Prescott Park in Portsmouth to Newcastle via Rt 1B. If you also go along the coast, the Rye mansions are beautiful

Portsmouth also has events in Prescott Park, check schedule
Boat ride either Portsmouth Harbor or inland rivers. Boat dock is within walking distance of parking garage

Canobie Lake Park in Salem NH (less than an hour from Boston up Rt 93)

Zip lining - various places
Mountain biking - Northfield NH but check various ski areas

Rent a kayak. Spend a day on a river. Take a picnic lunch. Contoocook River Canoe company will drop you off on the Merrimack River depending on whether you want to do full day or half day. Several secluded sandy beaches along the way to take out and have picnic lunch. Might see eagles. (near Concord NH)

Before you get to the mountains, you can get off at exit 23 for Meredith NH on Lake Winnipesaukee. There are lots of places around the lake for activities, dining. Probably can rent a jet ski. Weirs Beach is the area of arcades and people watching. Also has a beach on the lake. Drive In Theater!

Continuing up I93 the scenery is actually pretty nice and goes thru the White Mountains. Hike the Flume (very popular with tourists) or choose other hikes.

See if any of the museums in NH look interesting to kids. Near Concord is Canterbury Shaker Village. It's a beautiful area. Tour is fascinating.

There's a free weekly newspaper Hippo Press which lists activities (also has a website). You can check for some local activities that you might like i.e. free outdoor evening concerts, art events, sports, wine tastings, summer theater, cruise nights.

My favorite Saturday morning farmers market is Norwich VT just over the NH border. There are several jewelry vendors as well as prepared foods. Live music makes it a festive event. Near Norwich is Quechee Gorge. Visit Simon Pierce. Building and glass blowing are fascinating. Restaurant is expensive but might be worth it. Go early to get a table by the window.

I'll let someone else talk about the other states. It might help to specify interests. Maybe specify some places you want to see and let posters provide some additional details. If your kids are interested in cooking, for example, you could take a baking class at King Arthur Flour in Norwich VT. But maybe they prefer extreme hiking trails.