North of Boston/Merrimack Valley offers indoor & outdoor fun for children and families

Hands-on activities and exciting outdoor environments make visiting The House of the Seven Gables a fun family experience. Take a tour of the 17th-century gabled house, now called the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, which inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel. You can also visit the author’s birthplace, other colonial homes and colorful seaside gardens. Weekend activities might include learning how to use a quill pen or how to churn fresh butter. (Check the event calendar.) Over at the Kids Cove, in the 19th-century Counting House, kids can check out harbor views from the helm of a “ship,” or through a porthole telescope. A scavenger hunt is also available. The property also offers a variety of theatrical performances centered around Hawthorne, Salem, MA and different holidays. And check the website for special coloring pages.

Concord, MA offers an abundance of family-friendly activities and events that blend history, culture, and outdoor fun. Retrace the steps of Revolutionary War soldiers, literary greats, and more with a walking tour where guides bring the town’s rich history to life. Indulge in Concord’s bustling food scene, take a guided Chocolate Tour of the downtown area, and stroll between locally owned shops. Tour the Orchard House, home of Louisa May Alcott, where fans of Little Women can explore the home where the beloved novel was written and took place. For a scenic outdoor experience, check out the area’s many walking and hiking trails, and don’t miss a visit to Minute Man National Historical Park to hear tales of the first shots of the American Revolution. Between Concord’s many museums, its local charm, and well-preserved historic sites, your family will be begging you to stay longer.