10 Airbnbs that are perfect for your family’s spring break vacation
While many Bostonians will flock to warmer climates this spring break, there’s plenty to do in New England with your family when the kids are off school for a week. These 10 Airbnbs are all available to rent during the week of April 17—spring break for Boston Public Schools and other districts—and will keep your children from going stir-crazy while you enjoy quality family time.
Maine Log Cabin
This authentic log cabin located in Bridgton, Maine, is surrounded by lakes and mountains, and is a nice choice for the family that’s looking for a late-season ski trip. The large house sleeps eight in six beds with separate common areas for the kids. It’s conveniently located near a drive-in movie theater, hiking trails, and an outlet mall, and is within 45 minutes of the North Conway skiing area and the Story Land amusement park.
The reviews say: “Well equipped house was perfect for the entire family! Loved the separate living areas. Everyone had their own space! We will definately be back!”
Cost per night: $180 for up to eight guests.
Distance from Boston: 2.5 hours.
New Hampshire Farm House
This two-bedroom farmhouse—with an indoor hot tub—is located on a working cattle farm in the countryside of New Hampshire. Buy locally-sourced groceries at the farm store, and delight your children with visits from the farm’s house-trained pig, Tazzy, the resident bunny, and the herd of Scottish Highlander cattle, which are available for guests to ride. An added bonus: If any of the animals give birth during your stay, your children can name the babies.
The reviews say: “Carole’s place is great for anyone looking to getaway for the weekend. The farm is quiet, very inviting, and the view is beautiful. The apartment is very large and the extra downstairs space with the fireplace was our favorite. It was great to get to hang with Tazzy the pig and the bunny. Everyone on the farm was friendly and helpful with anything we needed. The jacuzzi tub is terrific. We did not use the kitchen as we only stayed 1 night but it was fully stocked. There are places to eat within 10-15 minute drive. Highly recommend!”
Cost per night: $175 for four guests; $25 per additional guest up to seven.
Distance from Boston: 1 hours and 15 minutes.
Vermont Barn
This historic barn is located in Waterbury, Vermont, home of the the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory. It’s also only 10 minutes from Stowe and 30 minutes from Burlington, both of which are full of ski opportunities, restaurants, and shops. A sustainable and locally-sourced restaurant, Zenbarn, and yoga studio owned by the host are under and next to the home, respectively, and trails and a brook (with fish!) are located on the property.
The reviews say: “Ari is an amazing host and we had such a great time at his Airbnb and the Zenbarn restaurant downstairs. The Airbnb was clean, spacious and looks even better than pictures (which is rare!). We would definitely rent again if we do another trip to VT/Stowe area.”
Cost per night: $164 for two guest; $15 per additional guest up to eight.
Distance from Boston: 3 hours.
Cape Cod Beach House
While the region’s April weather likely won’t allow for traditional beach days, this cozy Chatham beach house can still offer your family an amazing spring Cape Cod trip. The three-bedroom promises pretty, beachy decor, and is located near the beach, walking trails, basketball and tennis courts, and the Cape Cod Rail Trail bike path. Enjoy walks on the beach and sunsets without the crowds (or prices) of a Chatham summer.
The reviews say: “Great place for a family – close to P town – Hyannis and Chatham Lighthouse. Close walk to quiet beach. Looking forward to possibly staying on the summer.”
Cost per night: $195 for six; $45 per additional guest up to eight.
Distance from Boston: 1 hours and 15 minutes.
Historic Rhode Island Home
Located in downtown Newport, Rhode Island, this pristine four-bedroom is great for the family that likes to stay busy. Spend your days exploring the cobblestone streets of the Newport Historic District, where you’re steps away from the harbor, the Gilded Age mansions, and Thames Street shopping. And because the home offers one king bed and three queen beds, it’s a good option for a larger family or one with older children who prefer their own space.
The reviews say: “Karen is a great host. Location is really perfect – situated in the heart of town near to the action on Thames and America’s Cup, but also a short distance to the famous Cliff Walk. Historic home in historic section that is ideal for larger groups or families. Highly recommended.”
Cost per night: $223 for four guests; $35 per additional guest.
Distance from Boston: 1.5-2 hours.
Vermont Chalet
This three-level Stowe, Vermont, chalet accommodates eight in four bedrooms and is a five-minute drive from the picturesque Stowe Village, which offers a myriad of family-friendly activities, including dog-sledding, fly-fishing, and mini golf, as well as an old-fashioned malt shoppe. If you choose to relax at home, the spacious chalet has a recently added outdoor hot tub and fire pit, while the open floor plan and kitchen allow the family to spread out while still enjoying each other’s company.
The reviews say: “Kristyna and David’s place was beautiful and just like the pics. We were two families of four with two young children each. The setting was bucolic perfection. We were just far enough into the countryside to feel removed from it all while just a few minutes drive from Stowe with plenty of great restaurants, hiking and other activities. We cooked lots of great dinners in the well-equipped kitchen and roasted marshmallows at the fire pit next to the sweet pond in the backyard. Two Creek Hill was perfect for us. Thank you!
Cost per night: $357 for up to eight guests.
Distance from Boston: 3.5 hours.
New Hampshire Cabin Retreat
Located within miles of Ragged Mountain Resort, this Danbury, New Hampshire, log cabin sleeps eight in four beds and provides plenty to do in addition to the resort’s skiing and golfing. For the kids, there’s a game room with a large plasma TV, ping-pong table, foosball table, and a dart board to enjoy while the adults relax on the wraparound deck or in the custom-designed cherrywood kitchen.
The reviews say: “If there was a 6th star I would happily select it. What a magical experience and a great place! This is a dream come true log cabin, cozy, roomy, and enjoyable for the entire family. Great place to create good family memories. This will most probably be an annual trip for us.”
Cost per night: $575 for up to eight guests.
Distance from Boston: 2 hours.
Connecticut Arts & Crafts Lake House
This Ashford, Connecticut, three-bedroom retreat can accommodate eight. It comes with access to a stone path that leads to a private dock with a seating area, a hammock, a fire pit, and two kayaks for guest use.
The reviews say: “It was winter and we had an absolutely wonderful-warm long weekend at Lisa’s and Fred’s lake house. It’s very well equipped for cooking, sleeping, etc., with lots of comfortable common space as well. And a very warm, cozy wood stove. The views from the house and specially from the porch are so beautiful-ideal for a morning hot coffee or a cozy wine break. If you happen to need anything or just have some questions about the area, Lisa and Fred were always available throughout the weekend by text message-very friendly and welcoming. We can’t wait to come back soon and enjoy the outdoors during spring and summer time. You will love staying here during any season–the house has it all for a wonderful short or long getaway.”
Cost per night: $175 for four; $20 for additional guests up to eight.
Distance from Boston: 1.5 hours.
Massachusetts Grand Silo Tower
Be the hero of spring break by renting this tower apartment for your family in Tyringham, Massachusetts. Your children can fulfill their dreams of being princesses and princes by sleeping in the “tower” section, where a winding staircase leads up to a large third-story loft and sleeps two in a queen-sized canopy bed. Downstairs, there’s a sofa bed, kitchenette, and a large gallery space with a ping-pong table. The property is located on and overlooks the Santarella Estate and Gardens, where guests are welcome to enjoy garden paths, babbling brooks with stone bridges, lily ponds, and a stone bench seating area with a chiminea and firewood.
The reviews say: “We couldn’t have asked for a better experience during our stay. Denise greeted us upon arrival to give us a tour and to make sure we had all that we needed – complete with a bottle of wine! The Grand Silo was a magical place to stay. The charming, unique and artistic detail in the suite was better than we imagined. It was cozy, quiet, romantic, and so relaxing. The gardens were gorgeous! And we a had some fun playing ping pong right in the suite! We wish we had more time to spend here and we will definitely return! Thank you for having us!”
Cost per night: $350 for two guests; $50 per additional guest up to four.
Distance from Boston: 2 hours.
New Hampshire Ski House
Airbnb
This spacious Thornton, New Hampshire, ski house sleeps up to 10 on three levels—super for the family with kids who like to bring along friends. After a day of skiing at Waterville Valley or Loon, you can relax at home or in the estate’s community center (four passes provided), which offers two indoor pools, a hot tub, gym, game room, bar, and outdoor seasonal facilities, including pools, a pond, basketball courts, and tennis courts.
The reviews say: “This place was awesome! The 3 large beds were super comfy and having the 4 bedrooms and 3 baths made it perfect for 8 adults! The main living area was beautiful and spacious with lots of room to hangout in. The kitchen is definitely fully stocked with anything you could need. The air hockey table was also a lot of fun. Great location near the highway and easy to get to. Check in and out was super easy! We had a great time!”
Cost per night: $116 for four; $10 per additional guest up to 10.
Distance from Boston: 2 hours.
