CONNECTICUT
1. Mystic Aquarium, Mystic
Beluga whales, harbor seals, California sea lions, and Northern fur seals can be found at this aquarium tucked away in a quaint village. Along with a new stingray touch tank, there’s an exhibit of animatronic dinosaurs and an interactive replica of Long Island Sound. 55 Coogan Boulevard, 860-572-5955, mysticaquarium.org
2. Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill, Bridgeport
With ball returns that look like giant sharks, mermaids, and jellyfish, and lanes bathed in blue lights, you can imagine being at the bottom of the ocean. Even the bowling balls are decorated with images of sea creatures. 1 Bass Pro Drive, 203-362-4100, unclebucksfishbowlandgrill.com
Advertisement
MAINE
3. Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor
Maine’s only Smithsonian-affiliated museum, the Abbe showcases contemporary and historic art from Maine’s original inhabitants, the Wabanaki Nations. Visitors learn about the tribes’ way of life, from viewing canoes and traditional dress, to student artwork from schools in present-day Wabanaki communities. 26 Mount Desert Street, 207-288-3519, abbemuseum.org
4. Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, Portland
Located in the city’s arts district, this museum provides an indoor home to a 25-foot-long fire truck, with a pole to slide down and fire gear to try on. Kids can X-ray their teddy bear in the mini-doctor’s office or play in a lumberyard replica. Live theater productions run year-round, with kids as the stars. 142 Free Street, 207-828-1234, kitetails.com
MASSACHUSETTS

5. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst
This museum exposes the writers, illustrators, and creative process behind favorite children’s picture books. Visitors learn how Eric Carle classics like The Very Hungry Caterpillar came about, see rotating exhibits on other authors, and glimpse unpublished artwork and alternate book covers. 125 West Bay Road, 413-559-6300, carlemuseum.org
6. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield
Advertisement
Located in the birthplace of basketball, the Hall of Fame honors more than 400 inductees. Read a script as if you’re in an ESPN studio, and watch your performance afterward. Interactive exhibits include the Rebounder, where you measure your high jump. A full-size basketball court is open for play, with 6- and 9-foot-high hoops. 1000 West Columbus Avenue, 413-781-6500, hoophall.com

NEW HAMPSHIRE
7. Funspot, Laconia
Located at Weirs Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee, Funspot packs in more than 600 games, including classics like pinball, Tetris, and Skee-Ball. There’s also indoor mini-golf, bumper cars, and bowling. Founder Bob Lawton recommends prepping for a visit by watching The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, a 2007 documentary about Donkey Kong record-holders filmed at the arcade. 579 Endicott Street, 603-366-4377, funspotnh.com
8. Kahuna Laguna, North Conway
This indoor water park offers tube slides for big kids and tipping water buckets for little ones. A DJ spins tunes for the swimmers in the giant wave pool. If you’d rather not get wet, head to the arcade and snack bar. 2251 White Mountain Highway, 603-356-5411, kahunalaguna.com
RHODE ISLAND

9. International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport
You don’t have to be a tennis fan to appreciate the passion and art behind the sport, from the uniforms to the game’s history. Interactive experiences include an exhibit where kids can record themselves broadcasting a match. A hologram of Roger Federer brings kids close to the legendary pro. Kids 16 and younger are admitted free. 194 Bellevue Avenue, 401-849-3990, tennisfame.com
Advertisement
10. RISD Museum, Providence
The Rhode Island School of Design has churned out many talented artists, and some of their work is on display here, along efforts by other creators. You’ll see Egyptian mummy masks, the many colors of a Jackson Pollock painting, and Japanese battle armor from the 17th century. Look for Super Art Sunday, which offers hands-on family activities, and admission is free. 224 Benefit Street, 401-454-6500, risdmuseum.org
VERMONT
11. Ben & Jerry’s factory tour, Waterbury
A tour of the ice-cream maker’s factory, complete with samples, would make even a rain-soaked camping trip enjoyable. After the walk-through, get suited up in a tie-dyed coat and head to the lab, where you create your own flavor. 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Road, 802-882-2047, benjerry.com
12. ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington
Whether or not you believe in Champ, Vermont’s fabled lake monster, you’ll still appreciate this spot. With beautiful views of the lake and Adirondacks, the science center exhibits animals from the area. If you’re interested in Champ, you’ll find a section with images, stories from locals, and biologists’ opinions. 1 College Street, 802-864-1848, echovermont.org
RELATED SUMMER TRAVEL STORIES:
Can camping and comfort go together? Check out these 9 New England spots
50 years after the famed concert, take a road trip to Woodstock, New York
Take a trip to Estonia, land of saunas, forests, and startups
Advertisement
Squam vs. Winnipesaukee: Which N.H. lake is better for campers?
How to eat well while camping out
The 5 best movies about camping in New England
The camping essentials most people forget to pack
Will bug-repellent clothing protect you from being bitten?
Five outdoor games kids will love to play while camping
Mary Shertenlieb is a writing instructor at Emerson College. Send comments to magazine@globe.com.