Seeking a winter get aways with kids in New England

December 8, 2014 3:36 PM

The alms family (2 adults + 8 y.o. + 4 y.o.) is looking to spend 2-3 days in a rural setting over the winter break, with activities like sleigh rides, bonfires, snow shoeing, nature walks, board games, tubing, possibly xc skiing, and other kids activities. We don't downhill ski or snowboard ourselves although we’d consider a ski resort if it has enough of the other things going on. We think a full service inn catering to families is probably the best bet but maybe there is a farm-inn stay, ski resort or rental that would work.

Proximity to Boston a plus, but we're willing to further afield for the right location.

posted by alms to Travel & Transportation (7 answers total)

Any Inn in Jackson NH would cover most of those criteria.
posted by sammyo at 4:31 PM on December 8, 2014 [2 favorites]

Feel like driving up to Canada? Jouvence is exactly what you want. We've been there a few times, summer and winter. Love it. Great for kids and grown ups.
posted by Cuke at 5:27 PM on December 8, 2014 [1 favorite]

Friendly Crossways - Great Brook Farm Park in nearby Carlisle has a working dairy, ice cream stand, and walking paths which are used for cross country skiing in the winter.
posted by XMLicious at 6:59 PM on December 8, 2014

Seconding Jackson. We've stayed at the Eagle Mountain House for the past couple of years. It has a lotion r�ustic charm, including an old cage elevator and a fireplace in the lobby. You can get a two room suite, although there's no door between the rooms. There are a ton of options in the area. This is what's worked best for us in terms of price and amenities. Have fun!
posted by SobaFett at 4:27 AM on December 9, 2014

Bartlett and North Conway (both right next to Jackson) are also good choices. (North Conway is less rural, more resorty.)
posted by mskyle at 5:31 AM on December 9, 2014

The Bethel Inn (Maine) has lots of family winter activities and trails for snowshoeing / cross-country skiing right out the door. Sunday River is right next door and they have snow tubing as well as skiing/snowboarding. About a 3.5 hour drive from Boston.
posted by mikepop at 7:14 AM on December 9, 2014

Response by poster: Thanks, all! We are investigating our options and will report back in the new year.
posted by alms at 7:17 PM on December 14, 2014