The school year is coming to an end, and if you’re a senior like myself, I’m sure you’re looking for things to keep you busy and make the most of the break. New England has no lack of activities, from water parks and beaches to hikes and roller coasters.
You can’t call yourself a New-Englander if you haven’t heard of Water Country, but I’m here to tell you that the hype is not warranted. The lines are crazy long, the location is lackluster, and the whole vibe just feels a bit off. It’s a great destination for families with younger kids, but now that I have my own car, the drive doesn’t seem worth it. Luckily there’s an alternative. Breezy Acres. Douglas, MA might not be where you would expect a fun summer destination to lie, but Breezy is full of surprises. The handful of only three water slides might seem underwhelming at first, but the location is much more than that. The slides empty directly into a lake, making a clean and natural place to cool off. A clean picnic ground sprawls around the pond, making it a great place to relax for a nice weekend day trip.
For those a bit more adventurous, look no further than the rocky peaks of New Hampshire. Mount Monadnock is one of the most scenic and exciting hikes in New England, with the peak far above the tree line, giving 360 degrees of beautiful New Hampshire mountain scenery. Numerous trails for any sort of hiker lead to the peak. Easier trails give a relatively relaxing hiking experience while still providing the adventure. Harder, winding trails have slippery roots and some daunting rock scrambles that will give the more athletic hiker a fun challenge. Mount Monadnock is a great destination for any nature enthusiast. If you can’t make it in the summer, try to get there in the fall to see the leaves change.
Springfield MA, brings a staple to the table: Six Flags New England. While tickets do lie on the pricier end, the experience is certainly worth it. From water slides to roller coasters to fried food, Six Flags is the epitome of the theme park experience. The highlight of the park comes from the DC themed rides. The Superman and Batman rides in particular are some of the best coasters in the area, providing thrills all day long. Grab a group of friends and make the car ride to Springfield and have a blast, just make sure you’ve saved up some extra cash for food.
For those looking for a classic beach trip, Cape Cod is the place for you. If you want something more laid back and calm, take the bay side. The shelter of the bay makes for calm waters and low winds, ideal for tubing and other watersports. The ocean side gives a bit to be desired on the standard coastal beaches, being a bit more rocky and wavy, but not enough for surfing. However, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket give some great destinations for seafarers willing to take the short ferry ride over for the island experience. There’s also plenty of fishing to be done and even whale watching excursions.
This short list just scratches the surface of New England locations. There are countless beaches ranging from Maine to Martha’s Vineyard. And the mountains of the northern states feature endless outdoor activities like mountain biking and rafting. So stop making excuses and get out of the house this summer.