Home of quaint New England towns, amazing architecture, delicious seafood, and historic sites – Massachusetts is a popular destination for families from around the world. With beautiful Atlantic coastlines and pristine beaches, there’s a lot to love.
If you’re looking to plan the perfect beach getaway with your family, check out our list of the best beaches in Massachusetts for families. Pack your bags and get ready for unforgettable days enjoying the sand, sun, and surf!
Constitution Beach
Nestled within the shores of an inlet, Constitution Beach is one of the most loved beaches for families. It’s super safe for kids to enjoy the water because there are almost no waves. The water is very calm and there are multiple lifeguards on duty at the entire beach.
Families with toddlers love Constitution Beach because the beach is nice and wide with soft sand, making it easy to carve out a little slice for yourself where kids can enjoy building sandcastles away from crowds.
Older kids will enjoy the basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts just off of the beach. For little ones, there is a giant playground for hours of endless fun. There are plenty of amenities like bathrooms and showers available during the summer.
Crane Beach
For dune lovers, Crane Beach is the place to go! The area is part of a 1,234-acre conservation area and features nearly 4 miles of gorgeous coastline with shallow water and calm surf.
Kids of all ages will enjoy playing in the dunes and adults will enjoy relaxing on the soft sand and taking in the stunning views. It’s a great place to enjoy a peaceful day with plenty of room to spread out and find a little space that’s all your own!
The water can be a little bit chilly at Crane Beach, even in the summer, which is something to keep in mind. It might be a good idea to pack a change of dry clothes and some warm towels for your family when they get out of the water.
Nantasket Beach
The glittering blue water of Nantasket Beach attracts countless tourists each year and it continues to be one of Massachusetts’s most popular destinations for families traveling with kids.
For a well-rounded day, bring some bikes and take a ride on one of the area’s scenic bike trails. You might also enjoy getting some exercise by taking a hike. There are a variety of amenities including picnic shelters to escape the sun, playgrounds for kids, bathrooms, and showers.
In the summertime, head to Nantasket in the late afternoon or evening to enjoy live music and free public events that will offer fun for the entire family. There is even a carousel that you can ride for a small fee.
Singing Beach
One of the prettiest and most well-maintained beaches in Massachusetts is Singing Beach. Located in Manchester-by-the-Sea, it’s a favorite for families due to the perfectly soft sand – there isn’t a rock in sight!
There are gentle waves for your family to swim and splash in and plenty of space to spread out. Amenities include parking, restrooms, showers, and a yummy snack shack to purchase snacks.
The entire area is walkable to downtown so after your beach day, you can enjoy a nice meal at one of the many delicious family-friendly restaurants.
Godspeed Island Beach
A little over an hour outside of Boston, Godspeed Island Beach is the perfect place to escape for a day on the water for families taking in the historical sights of one of America’s most historic cities.
Godspeed Island Beach is closer to the city and a lot less crowded than some of the other beach towns, making it a perfect spot for families who want to relax and let their little ones run wild.
To access the beach, you will need to park and walk your beach gear to the sandy area that protrudes from the mainland. There is plenty of space to play, and calm waters that are perfect for swimming. If you’re looking for a great beach close to Boston, this is it!
Shell Point Beach
Another great option outside of Massachusetts biggest city, Shell Point Beach is a little over an hour from Boston and features all kinds of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
This is a great place to rent kayaks for the day as the waters are calm and provide the perfect place for older kids and adults to try out paddling in the beautiful Atlantic.
Chatham Lighthouse Beach
The beach is only the beginning of the attractions at this lovely location. Chatham Lighthouse Beach is only half a mile from the town of Chatham which is a perfect example of a New England coastal town.
The beach is home to the working lighthouse at the coast guard station, and kids of all ages will enjoy viewing this classic East Coast landmark. There are a variety of hiking trails throughout the area so that your family can enjoy nature and get some exercise.
It’s also a prime place to spot wildlife including seals and sea birds.
The swimming areas are well-marked and families should use caution not to venture outside of the areas marked safe because currents can be strong along this part of the coast.
Joseph Sylvia State Beach
A family favorite, Joseph Sylvia State Beach is popular because it has warmer water temperatures than many other locations. The waters are shallow along the shore, making it perfect for small kids to enjoy swimming and splashing.
The nearby Sengekontacket Pond offers ample opportunities to hike, bike, and enjoy nature. It’s a 750- acre tidal lagoon with all kinds of wildlife.
There are a variety of snack stands nearby, in case little ones get hungry after hours of playing in the sand and surfing.
Madaket Beach
For a family-friendly option in Nantucket, look no further than Madaket Beach. The millennials amongst us will be thrilled to learn that this was the home of our childhood hero Mr. Rogers!
There are bike rentals nearby so that older kids and adults can ride for miles along the shoreline, and the area is one of the best places to watch beautiful sunsets on summer evenings.
