Massachusetts is also an ideal part of America to visit should you be taking children with you, as it is rich in theme parks, amusements and attractions that will entertain both parents and youngsters alike.

The Boston Children’s Museum is a fine example of this. After undergoing a massive renovation programme, the 23,000 square foot building is dedicated to the education of children. Don’t let the ‘e’ word put you off; the museum is a state-of-the-art, fully interactive environment with literally dozens of activities that will keep both adults and children engaged for hours.

Another way to see the sights of Boston, without having to walk the 2.5 miles of the Freedom Trail, is by taking either the Boston Trolley Tour or Duck Tour. Whilst the Trolley Tour offers a hop on/hop off route serving the best of Boston’s landmarks, the Duck Tour is a much more attractive option for children, as after taking in a similar route to the Trolley Tour, the amphibious World War II vehicle, splashes down into the Charles River, offering unrivalled waterfront views of the Boston and Cambridge skylines.

Whilst on the subject of water, an entertaining half-day can be spent at the New England Aquarium at Boston Harbour. Whilst displaying many of the inhabitants off the Massachusetts coastline, visitors can enjoy sea lion shows, countless sea life exhibitions and displays, and the ‘Edge of Sea’ exhibit, where it is actually possible to touch the anemones, and even pick up the crabs!

A ten-mile drive west of Boston along Route 159 will bring you to Six Flags Amusement and Water Park - the biggest theme park in northeast America. Six Flags is the ultimate day out for families, with rides and attractions suited to all ages available. Whether it be the Superman ‘Ride of Steel’ rollercoaster for adults, the countless rides and amusements suitable for toddlers, or the family-friendly water park; Six Flags is pure fun, no matter how old, or how brave the adventurer inside you is.

Staying out west, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden in Springfield is a place which all generations can relate to. It features life-size bronze statues of the characters made world-famous by Springfield-born Seuss, including The Grinch, Horton the Elephant and, of course, the Cat in the Hat.

Speaking of world-famous; no visit to Massachusetts can be complete without visiting the beaches of Cape Cod. With 560 miles of almost untouched coastline (read more about MA’s coastline), Cape Cod is the most famous beach region in New England. From a family perspective, Cape Cod Bay - with its freshwater swimming, perfect beaches, fishing, walking and bicycle trails is the best port of call if travelling with youngsters.

Taking Route 3, south of Boston; one of the most entertaining family days out can be found at the Pilmoth Plantation - a re-creation, complete with actors, of a 15th Century Pilgrim village. What makes Pilmoth unique from other recreated era-villages in Massachusetts is the amount of effort that has gone into replicating the original community down to its most minute detail. Actors employ the speech, dress and mannerisms of times gone by, assuming roles such as house framing, shearing sheep, or cooking - using only cookware and tools available at the time in question. Families are also invited to help the Pilgrims in some of these activities, making this one of the most educational and fun days out during a stay in Massachusetts.