There’s no better place to kick off a journey through New England than at one of the most storied cities in the U.S.—Boston, Massachusetts. Bring the classroom to life as you explore the area’s many historic landmarks on foot by following the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail.

Your young readers will no doubt want to head to Wynott’s Wands, where they can gear up with their very own magical accessories. Here you’ll find floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with wands of every shape and size, along with other playful Wizarding World-themed gifts, and more than a few nods to famous witches and wizards from the Harry Potter franchise.

In early fall, you can camp or glamp at a secluded beach forest at Sandy Pines Campground, which offers unique family-friendly accommodations and amenities.

Heading farther up the Maine coast you’ll find lots of lookouts begging to be explored. While there’s no shortage of landmarks along your route, the Portland Head Lighthouse is a scenic stop the whole family will enjoy. Little legs will find plenty of room to roam here alongside crashing waves and the oldest lighthouse in Maine. It’s an iconic scene, and as you investigate, you’ll uncover unique rock formations that resemble petrified wood.

The Holy Donut has three locations boasting gourmet pastries that come in flavors ranging from cinnamon sugar and pumpkin spice to chocolate coconut, honey lavender, and sweet potato ginger. But what really makes these confections unique is their recipe, which uses riced potatoes to give the donuts a flavor, texture, and consistency that’s unlike anything you’ll find at your local bakery.

Acadia National Park is brimming with mountains, beaches, wetlands, forests, lakes, and other natural wonders unique to this outdoorsy paradise. Epic sunrise views—and magnificent leaf peeping—can be found atop Cadillac Mountain; the park’s tide pools offer the chance to explore an ecosystem that’s often underwater; and the coastal downtown of Bar Harbor, Maine, provides endless opportunities to sample the region’s bountiful seafood, along with other tasty treats.

Heading east into the colorful White Mountains of New Hampshire you’ll spy Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern U.S. The drive up the mountain is a harrowing experience, full of steep drops and nail-biting blind turns. A more peaceful journey upwards can be found aboard the Mount Washington Cog Railway. It’s the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway, where visitors choose between a steam or biodiesel-powered locomotive.

When it comes to epic outdoor adventures, the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park makes the perfect pit stop to close out your fall family getaway. Explore this natural chasm by following a self-guided 2-mile trail. You’ll trek uphill (and up a fair number of stairs) for some of the path, so you’ll want to come prepared. Gear up in suitable footwear before embarking on this rewarding journey that offers a doable challenge for the novice hikers in your group.