20 Beaches by Boston That Are Perfect for Families

Stage Fort Park is the historic site of Gloucester's first settlers. Two beaches, Half Moon and Cressy's Beach, are located in the park. Half Moon is a small, quiet beach, named after its crescent shape. Cressy's is a rocky beach that overlooks Gloucester Harbor and makes a great place for a picnic or reading a book. Restrooms, a restaurant, playground, picnic tables and cooking area where you can bring your own grill are available. Outdoor concerts, fireworks, storytelling activities and more are held during the summer season.

This beach is a favorite for families with small children as low tide produces tons of tidal pools to explore and rocks to climb along with white sand and clear water protected from big waves. Restrooms, showers and a concession stand are available. It's best to get there early as parking fills up or wait until late in the afternoon.

If you are looking for great waves for boogie boards or body surfing, this is the beach for you. White powdery sand directly faces the Atlantic. At low tide, you can walk out on the sandbar to explore Salt Island or play a game of frisbee. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day-Labor Day. Restrooms, showers and a concession stand are all available. Be sure to arrive early as parking fills up quickly.

Situated in picturesque Rockport, Front Beach is the perfect spot for swimming since during high tide there isn't much beachfront left uncovered! Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season. When you are finished at the beach, it's a short walk to downtown with plenty of shops and restaurants along Bearskin Neck.

Cape Cod National Seashore, located in Massachusetts, preserves 40 miles of pristine shoreline, dunes, salt marshes, and woodlands along the Atlantic coast. Established in 1961, it offers visitors opportunities for hiking, swimming, wildlife viewing, and exploring historic lighthouses. There are 6 swimming beaches: Coast Guard Beach, Nauset Light Beach, Marconi Beach, Head of the Meadow Beach, Race Point Beach, and Herring Cove Beach. Each beach has its own charm, interesting features, and entertainment offerings.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  We would visit these gorgeous beaches every summer as kids. Brings back lots of fun memories, a great area to keep busy with kids.