Rockport Ma With Kids
If you're looking for a day of relaxing with the family, there are plenty of things to do in Rockport MA! It's an easy day trip from Boston and is a family friendly spot to spend time unwinding, enjoying the beautiful scenery, and eating delicious food! Within an hourdrive of Boston, it's a fun staycation, vacation, or evening getaway.
Family Friendly Things to do in Rockport MA
Rockport, Massachusetts is a small town that's full of character. It's got the quaint feel and seems to just run a little slower than most of our fast-paced world. It's the perfect retreat even for families to visit the coastal area in Massachusetts whether for a week, a day, or even a nice summer evening.
Stroll through Bearskin Neck.
Whether during the day or later in the evening, take a walk down the main strip of Bearskin Neck out to the coast. Along the way there are several shops, ice cream parlors, and small restaurants. It's not a very long walk, but it's worth it. Once you get out to the end, there is a place where you can walk out on the rocks and look off into the Atlantic.
In the summer, enjoy the festivities!
The first friday during the summer months, shops on main street are open late, lanterns are lit, there is musical entertainment on the streets, and it's a great time to get out and enjoy the weather.
One night each August there is also a fireworks show and lantern festival that illuminates the town! From June to September there are also boat rides given to the island if you reserve a place in advance on Wednesdays & Saturdays.
My sweet girl was so excited to see the world around her that she popped her head out the side! No worries, we got her straightened out.
Note: many shops both on Bearskin Neck and throughout the city on main street and beyond ask that no strollers come into their shops. Many families still had strollers, but take this into account before bringing one! We personally chose to wear and carry our kids with no issues.
Go to to Front Beach on Main Street
It's a short walk from the main attractions, galleries, and shops, but a nice area to sit and relax. There is a life gaurd stand and there are bathrooms on location which makes it a perfect kid friendly destination to go swimming and enjoy the ocean. There are also some ducks and they're not afraid to get withing a foot or two of you if they think you have food!
Plan on going to Harvestfest in the Fall
Always around the second weekend in October, there is live music, food, and lots of family fun. Painting activities for kids, food competitions, and locally-grown produce are just a few of the things to do in Rockport MA at the festival.
On your way to the beach, stop at The Paper Mermaid
This is a local kids' shop and boutique. There's a great wooden toy selection and great ocean-themed items, decorations, and toys. In fact, to either prepare for the trip or remember your time visiting, they sell an illustrated kids' book called A Day in Rockport.
Watch the sunset on the water.
It doesn't really matter where you are, it's simply beautiful. The way the evening light hits the city, especially if you're at Front Beach is SO beautiful. It's a relaxing time looking at such a beautiful and picturesque city.
A note about parking and transportation – Parking meters are $0.50/hour with a five hour limit. No meters have to be paid after 6pm. There is also a trolley that you can ride through town!
Places to Eat in Rockport Massachusetts
Roy Moore's Lobster Company inside of Bearskin Neck is a must!
There are two Roy Moore locations. The original and smaller one is about halfway down Bearskin Neck and is a small shack. You walk through the lobster tank area to get to a small picnic table eating area out back. There aren't any highchairs that we saw and is definitely "seafood in the rough," but it was well worth it. It was inexpensive, super fresh lobster and other fish. The clam chowder was best and even as a non-seafood lover, I LOVED the food!
Rockport Fudgery
Again, lot of treats here, but this is a great stop to get taffy, baked goods, and of course fudge to take home or to enjoy on the road once you leave. Go in, enjoy a few samples, and buy your favorites while you see all the fudge flavors and new batches being prepared behind the counter.
Rockin' Cupcakes
Don't be fooled they have more than cupcakes. They have some really delicious ice cream, cannoli, and other sweet treats. I have Peanut Butter Caramel Cookie Dough and it was a great snack after a long day of exploring.
Have you been to Rockport, MA? What's your favorite attraction?
Source: https://bostonkidfriendly.com/things-to-do-in-rockport-ma/
