Planning a beach trip with kids? If you’re looking for the best kid-friendly beaches in New England, you’ll want places with gentle waves, soft sand, and family-friendly amenities. As a mom, I know how important it is to find beaches with bathrooms, snack bars, and calm waters for stress-free fun.
From Cape Cod to Maine, these top 10 New England beaches are perfect for building sandcastles, splashing in the waves, and making unforgettable summer memories.
1. Mayflower Beach – Dennis, MA
🏖️ Why it’s great for kids:
✅ Warm, shallow tidal pools—perfect for toddlers
✅ Soft white sand for building sandcastles
✅ Lifeguards, restrooms, and a snack bar
Mayflower Beach is one of Cape Cod’s most beautiful family beaches (a personal favorite of mine), known for its expansive low tide sandbars where kids can splash safely while searching for hermit crabs. The calm, warm water makes it a top choice for young swimmers.
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive early parking fills up FAST!
2. Skaket Beach – Orleans, MA
🏖️ Why it’s great for kids:
✅ Shallow, warm water—great for little swimmers
✅ Low tide exposes tide pools filled with hermit crabs
✅ Restrooms and a picnic area available
Located on Cape Cod Bay, Skaket Beach is a hidden gem for families. At low tide, kids can explore sandbars, collect seashells, and chase tiny sea creatures. The gentle waves at high tide make it a perfect spot for the kids to swim.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring water shoes for wading in the tide pools!
3. Old Orchard Beach – Old Orchard Beach, ME
🏖️ Why it’s great for kids:
✅ Seven miles of soft sand for running and playing
✅ A classic boardwalk with arcades and amusement rides
✅ Lifeguards on duty
Old Orchard Beach is a quintessential New England beach town with a kid-friendly boardwalk. Families love the gentle waves, beachside snack shacks, and Palace Playland amusement park.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t miss the fireworks on Thursday nights! (Late June – Labor Day)
4. Ogunquit Beach – Ogunquit, ME
🏖️ Why it’s great for kids:
✅ Wide, sandy shoreline with mild waves
✅ Shallow tide pools at low tide
✅ Close to ice cream shops and family-friendly restaurants
Ogunquit Beach offers soft sand and calm waters, perfect for kids who love to wade and splash. The scenic Marginal Way walking path is also a fun way to explore the area with older kids.
💡 Pro Tip: Take the trolley from downtown to avoid parking stress. This runs daily from late June – mid October.
5. Rocky Neck State Park – East Lyme, CT
🏖️ Why it’s great for kids:
✅ Soft, white sand and shallow waters
✅ Picnic areas and nature trails
✅ Restrooms and a snack bar
Rocky Neck State Park is one of Connecticut’s top family beaches, offering gentle surf, tide pools, and scenic walking trails. The beach has a campground and plenty of shaded picnic spots, making it great for an all-day trip or a weekend getaway.
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive early on weekends—this beach is popular!
6. Ocean Beach Park – New London, CT
🏖️ Why it’s great for kids:
✅ Boardwalk with mini-golf, an arcade, and a water park
✅ Olympic sized pool with lifeguards
✅ Free splash pad for kids under 8
Ocean Beach Park is more than just a beach—it’s a full family fun zone! Kids can ride the carousel, play mini-golf, or cool off in the splash pad.
💡 Pro Tip: The Olympic-sized pool and splash pad are great alternatives if your kids don’t like saltwater!
7. Harvey’s Beach – Old Saybrook, CT
🏖️ Why it’s great for kids:
✅ Calm, shallow waters ideal for toddlers
✅ Huge low-tide sandbars for exploring
✅ Easy parking and clean facilities
Harvey’s Beach is a small but perfect beach for young kids. The gentle waves and warm, shallow water make it a stress-free experience for parents. The beach area is very small during hightide so it can get crowded. Snack bar located right almost right on the beach.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit at low tide for miles of exposed sandbars!
8. Hampton Beach – Hampton, NH
🏖️ Why it’s great for kids:
✅ Soft sand and gentle waves
✅ A lively boardwalk with ice cream shops & arcades
✅ Lifeguards on duty
Hampton Beach is one of New Hampshire’s most famous family beaches. Parents love the clean facilities, while kids enjoy the playground and fun boardwalk attractions.
💡 Pro Tip: Check out the sand sculptors in summer and fireworks on summer nights!
9. Second Beach (Sachuest Beach) – Middletown, RI
🏖️ Why it’s great for kids:
✅ Gentle waves—perfect for beginner swimmers
✅ Soft sand and plenty of space
✅ Less crowded than other Rhode Island beaches
Second Beach is a top pick for families in Rhode Island. The waves are mild, making it a great first-time boogie-boarding spot for kids.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring a boogie board—this beach has the best small waves for beginners!
10. Scarborough State Beach – Narragansett, RI
🏖️ Why it’s great for kids:
✅ Shallow, kid-friendly waves
✅ Plenty of space for sandcastle building
✅ Restrooms, snack bars, and picnic tables
Scarborough State Beach is one of Rhode Island’s most beloved beaches, offering safe swimming areas, lifeguard supervision, and beautiful ocean views.
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 AM on weekends—this beach fills up quickly!
Tips for a Stress-Free Beach Day with Kids
🌞 Pack wisely: Sunscreen, towels, snacks, and plenty of water!
🌞 Arrive early: Parking lots at popular beaches fill up fast.
🌞 Check the tide schedule: Some beaches (like Skaket Beach) are best at low tide.
🌞 Bring beach toys: Buckets, shovels, and boogie boards make a beach trip even more fun!
🌞 Use a wagon: A beach cart can help carry all your gear easily.
Final Thoughts: Best Kid-Friendly Beaches in New England
New England is home to some of the best family beaches in the U.S., offering calm waters, soft sand, and fun activities for kids. Whether you’re exploring Cape Cod’s tidal pools, enjoying a classic Maine boardwalk, or relaxing on a quiet Rhode Island beach, these kid-friendly beaches guarantee a perfect summer day.
🏖️ Which New England beach is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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