Summer is coming to a close, and for many parents that means back-to-school shopping is on the horizon. Whether your little ones are officially in school or just need new warm-weather gear for the upcoming fall and winter, you’re probably planning to do some shopping in August and September.
Although back-to-school shopping can be a headache, it can also turn into a fun day trip for any parent, babysitter or nanny. These outlet malls have all your bargains under one roof, plus dining and entertainment options that ensure the whole family has a good time. Here are 10 of our favorite outlet malls near Boston.
The Outlets at Assembly Row
Address: 355 Artisan Way, Somerville, MA 02145
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Friday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 617-440-5565
You used to have to drive far out of the city to access the great deals available at outlets, but Assembly Row has brought bargain shopping closer to Boston proper. A trip to Assembly Row is convenient enough to be attempted with little ones in tow, and it can even be done on public transit now that the Assembly Row stop is open on the MBTA’s Orange Line. Parents will love shopping at outlets for the kiddos, including stores like Carter’s, Gymboree, and OshKosh B’Gosh, as well as visiting adult favorites like J.Crew and Ann Taylor.
Once your shopping is done, there are plenty of family-friendly entertainment options at Assembly Row, including pop-up yoga classes and live entertainment. There’s also live music and other events throughout the summer and fall, so be sure to check the mall’s events page before you visit.
Wrentham Village Premium Outlets
Address: 1 Premium Outlet Blvd., Wrentham, MA 02093
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 508-384-2876
The Wrentham Village Premium Outlets have been a long-standing favorite destination for bargain shoppers in Boston. The outlet mall is less than an hour outside the city, but with more than 170 shops on-site, it’s well worth the drive — even with kids. A Disney Store, Gap Kids, and Nautica Kids, as well as staples like Carter’s and Gymboree, make this a great destination for parents needing to stock up on kids’ supplies.
Wrentham Village occasionally has family events on site, including a Dog’s Day Out , where pups can play and families even have the opportunity to adopt. There are also plenty of family-friendly dining options on-site, like Friendly’s, Ruby Tuesday, and Unos, to fuel you throughout a day of shopping.
Merrimack Premium Outlets
Address: 80 Premium Outlets Blvd., Merrimack, NH 03054
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 603-424-0050
The Merrimack Premium Outlets in Merrimack, New Hampshire, are about an hour outside Boston — as long as you don’t hit too much traffic on Route 3. These outlets are a great choice if you want to turn a few hours of shopping into a day of adventure. Besides shopping, Merrimack and the surrounding towns are home to plenty of great activities, including Silver Lake State Park (where kids can swim), Twin Bridge Park (which has a playground and picnic area), and the Budweiser Brewery (which offers daily tours).
Of course, the shopping is also great, especially since you’re in tax-free New Hampshire, which means you’ll save even more at the register. Merrimack Premium Outlets include the Children’s Place, OshKosh B’Gosh, and other children’s favorites. If your kids have been on great behavior, reward them by heading to the Candi Barrel, where you can buy old-fashioned candy in bulk.
Kittery Premium Outlets
Address: 375 US-1, Kittery, ME 03904
Hours: Monday – Thursday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Friday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m
Phone: 207-439-6548
If you go to Maine, you’ll feel as if you’ve gone far away from the city’s hustle and bustle, but the truth is that Kittery — Maine’s southernmost town — is just over an hour from Boston. That makes the Kittery Premium Outlets perfect for shoppers who want to combine their trip to the mall with a beach day — or even a weekend away!
The Kittery Premium Outlets are home to favorite shops, including Gap Kids, Gymboree, and Motherhood Maternity. The outlets are right by the ocean, so be sure to carve out time for eating some delicious Maine lobster while you’re up there. For more adventure, head north to Ogunquit, which has a beautiful kid-friendly beach, or south to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which is full of family-friendly activities.
Settlers Green Outlet Village
Address: 2 Common Court, North Conway, NH 03860
Hours: Monday – Thursday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Friday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Saturday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Phone: 888-667-9636
A trip to Settlers Green Outlet Village in North Conway has to be part of a bigger family adventure, because the outlets are just under three hours from Boston. That said, if you can swing an overnight trip, shopping at Settlers Green Outlet Village in the shadow of the White Mountains is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.
This outlet mall is home to stores like Carter’s, OshKosh B’Gosh, and Gymboree. As child-friendly as the shopping is, the area is even more focused on family fun. A playground is situated in the middle of Settlers Green, but there are also tons of adventures to have farther afield in North Conway, including visiting Echo Lake State Park or Diana’s Baths, a series of waterfalls where kids can splash in the slow-moving water.
Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets
Address: 20 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton, CT 06413
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 860-664-0700
If you’re heading south, a trip to Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets may be a good fit for you. Although the outlets are about two hours and 20 minutes outside Boston, they’re close to well-traveled routes to New York and other destinations. Not only does Clinton Crossing has over 50 stores, there are also plenty of ice cream and candy shops to keep kids entertained or to help bribe them into good behavior!
Clinton Crossing also has a food truck area, making the outlet mall feel like a mini food festival.
Tanger Outlets, Tilton
Address: 120 Laconia Road, Tilton, NH 03276
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Friday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 603-286-7880
If you’re headed to the Lakes Region at all this summer, stopping off at the Tanger Outlets in Tilton, New Hampshire, is the perfect way to score some savings. This outlet mall is directly off the highway, making it a quick stop on your journey up or down Interstate 93. The mall is home to the Children’s Place, Justice, and other baby and kids’ favorites. There’s also a great playground to keep kids entertained amid all the shopping.
Tilton is full of family-friendly dining options, like the Ninety-Nine and the Tilt’n Diner. When you’re done shopping, you’re just a short drive to New Hampshire attractions like Weirs Beach at Lake Winnipesaukee to the north or the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center planetarium to the south.
Lee Premium Outlets
Address: 17 Premium Outlet Blvd., Lee, MA 01238
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sunday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Phone: 413-243-8186
The Lee Premium Outlets are about two hours west of Boston, in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains. While many people head north to New Hampshire or Maine to experience great savings and rural charm, the 54 stores at Lee Premium Outlets offer savings and scenery. Your kids will absolutely love that Lee Premium Outlets has a Toys“R”Us Express, a perfect place to pick up some Christmas or birthday presents.
While you’re in Lee, older kids might appreciate a trip to Animagic, the museum of animation and special effects. The Berkshire Museum in nearby Pittsfield has something for everyone, including the youngest visitors.
Tanger Outlet Foxwoods
Address: 455 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket, CT 06338
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 860-383-4340
A trip to the outlet mall at Foxwoods might be better suited for a parents’ night away than for a family excursion. The outlets are just under two hours from Boston, making this a perfect destination for an overnight away from the kids.
While you’re away, you can shop for your little darlings at H&M, Columbia, Gap, and Gymboree, as well as collect some items for your own wardrobe at one or more of the 48 shops on-site. Whether you’re going with the kids or making it an adults-only trip, be sure to check out their events, which, include photos with Santa.
Freeport Village Station
Address: 1 Freeport Village Station, Freeport, ME 04032
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: No central phone line; call individual stores listed on website.
Freeport Village Station is a smaller outlet mall about two hours north of Boston. However, if you find yourself driving up the gorgeous Maine coast, a stop into Freeport Village Station is the perfect way to finish off your back-to-school or holiday shopping. The outlet mall is home to Claire’s, L.L. Bean, and many more options for hearty New England clothing — because Maine accepts nothing less.
Freeport itself is full of family-friendly activities, from local farms and petting zoos to art classes. If your kids are extra sweet, take them on a tour of the chocolate factory at Wilbur’s of Maine, an experience they won’t soon forget!
