Long Weekend Getaways from NYC with Kids
One of the best things about living in New York City for 10 years was how many family-friendly escapes we could reach with just a short drive or train ride. These trips gave my husband, son, and me the breathing room to slow down, reconnect, and make lasting memories together.
Where you stay shapes the whole experience, and each setting offers its own way to keep both parents and kids happy and engaged.
Here are some of the best long weekend getaways from NYC with kids that I’ve discovered while traveling with my own family, perfect for anyone looking for a mix of fun, relaxation, and just the right amount of adventure.
1. Hull-O-Farms: A Weekend on the Farm - 2 hours 45 minutes from NYC
My family and I drove about 2 hours 40 minutes north from New York City into the northern Catskills.
When we arrived at Hull-O-Farms in upstate New York, I felt like we had stepped into a world where family time and fresh country air mattered more than anything else.
From the moment we were welcomed, my son was running toward the animals with so much joyful excitement, and I loved watching him feed goats and pet baby chicks—it felt like a hidden gem of simple pleasures.
My husband and I relaxed as we watched our son help with morning chores, and it was the coolest experience to see him gather eggs and learn about farm life firsthand.
We spent the afternoon wandering the wide-open fields, fishing in the pond, and taking in spectacular views of the Catskill Mountains all around us.
One of my favorite parts was the family-style meals, where hearty home-cooked food brought us together at the table and made us feel like part of the farm family.
I thought it was awesome how Hull-O-Farms gave us the rare chance to disconnect from screens and reconnect with each other in the most meaningful way.
Evenings were peaceful, with the three of us sitting on the porch, watching the sun set over the fields while fireflies began to glow.
I loved how the farm balanced fun for kids with relaxation for adults—it was exciting to see my son so engaged while my husband and I could unwind.
For me, Hull-O-Farms is the absolute best family getaway, filled with laughter, learning, and memories we’ll carry home long after the trip ended.
2. Golden Arrow: Lakefront Peace in the Adirondacks - 5 hours 15 minutes from NYC
We drove about 5 hours 15 minutes north from New York City to Lake Placid, home of two Winter Olympics.
When we arrived at the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort in Lake Placid, I felt instantly surrounded by beauty—the Adirondack mountains rising high and Mirror Lake shimmering right at our doorstep.
Walking into the resort with my husband and son, I loved how welcoming it felt, with rustic charm blended with modern comfort that gave us a joyful sense of home away from home.
Our room overlooked the lake, and waking up to those spectacular views together made the mornings feel so peaceful and special.
We spent the day paddling on the lake, and it was the coolest thing watching my son’s excitement as he tried kayaking for the first time while we floated nearby.
Later, we explored the village of Lake Placid, and I thought it was awesome how many shops, cafés, and Olympic sites were just steps from the resort.
One of my favorite moments was simply sitting on the private beach with my husband, watching our son play in the sand while the mountains framed the whole scene like a postcard.
Evenings at the resort felt magical—we enjoyed a cozy dinner together, then relaxed by the fire pit under a sky full of stars.
I also loved how family-friendly the resort was, offering activities for kids while still giving us space to unwind and reconnect as a couple.
For me, the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort is the absolute best family getaway—where adventure, relaxation, and togetherness all come together in the most memorable way.
Check prices at Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort
3. Hope Lake Lodge: Indoor Waterpark & Mountain Air - 3 hours 30 minutes from NYC
We drove about 4 hours 15 minutes northwest from New York City to Hope Lake Lodge at Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Cortland.
When we arrived at Hope Lake Lodge at Greek Peak Mountain Resort in upstate New York, I felt like we had discovered the perfect family-friendly mountain escape.
The rustic timber lodge design gave us a joyful sense of coziness right away, and I loved how the grand lobby with its stone fireplace felt warm and welcoming.
Our suite was spacious and comfortable, with a full kitchen and balcony views of the mountains that were absolutely spectacular.
We spent the afternoon at Cascades Indoor Waterpark, and it was the coolest thing watching my son splash and slide while my husband and I floated along the lazy river.
Later, we explored the mountain itself—hiking trails in the summer and ski runs in the winter—making every season feel exciting in its own way.
One of my favorite parts was the adventure center, where zip-lining and mountain coasters brought out the most joyful laughter from all of us.
In the evening, we had dinner at the on-site restaurant, and I thought it was awesome how convenient it was to enjoy hearty, delicious food without leaving the lodge.
Afterward, we sat by the fire pit together, roasting marshmallows and looking up at a sky glittering with stars—it felt like a hidden gem moment I’ll never forget.
For me, Hope Lake Lodge at Greek Peak Mountain Resort is the absolute best family getaway—where comfort, adventure, and togetherness come together in one unforgettable experience.
4. Ampersand Bay Resort: Quiet Shores & Canoe Mornings - 5 hours 25 minutes from NYC
We drove about 5 hours 15 minutes north from New York City to Saranac Lake, a village known for its historic “cure cottages” and artsy Adirondack vibe.
When we arrived at Ampersand Bay Resort in Saranac Lake, I felt like we had stepped into a peaceful Adirondack retreat that was made for families like ours.
The cabins and condos sat right on the edge of the lake, and I loved how the setting instantly gave us a joyful sense of calm, with water on one side and mountains on the other.
Our place was spacious and cozy, with a full kitchen, fireplace, and plenty of room for all of us—it felt like a hidden gem where we could truly settle in for the long weekend.
Each morning we woke up to spectacular lake views, and my son ran straight down to the dock, eager to dip his toes in the water before breakfast.
We spent our days kayaking, swimming, and exploring the shoreline, and it was awesome to see how excited he was to try something new with every activity.
One of my favorite moments was taking a boat ride at sunset, watching the sky glow in shades of pink and gold while my husband and I soaked in the beauty together.
I thought it was exciting how the resort gave us easy access to hiking trails and nearby towns, so we could balance adventure with relaxation.
Evenings were perfect for grilling dinner, sitting around the fire pit, and roasting marshmallows while the lake grew still under the stars—it was the coolest way to end each day.
For me, Ampersand Bay Resort is the absolute best family weekend getaway, where lake life, mountain views, and quality time come together in the most memorable way.
Check prices at Ampersand Bay Resort
5. Outdoor adventures at Rocking Horse Ranch Resort - 1 hour 50 minutes from NYC
We drove about 1 hour 45 minutes north from New York City to Rocking Horse Ranch in Highland (population around 5,600). Opened in 1958, this family-owned all-inclusive resort blends Hudson Valley scenery with Wild West flair.
When we arrived at Rocking Horse Ranch Resort in Highland, New York, I felt like we had found the perfect family adventure spot wrapped in a welcoming, all-inclusive setting.
The moment we checked in, my son’s eyes lit up at the sight of horses everywhere, and I loved how the joyful energy of the ranch made us all excited to jump right in.
Our room was cozy and comfortable, giving us a relaxing base for days filled with activities, and I thought it was awesome how everything we needed was right on the property.
We started with horseback riding, and watching my son’s smile as he rode through the trails was absolutely spectacular—an experience we’ll never forget.
Later, we explored the water park, with its slides, pools, and splash zones that gave us the coolest way to cool off together as a family.
One of my favorite parts was the evening entertainment—live shows, music, and games that kept us laughing and made every night feel festive and exciting.
We also loved the food; the buffet-style meals made it easy for everyone to find a favorite, and it felt like a hidden gem of convenience for parents.
In between the big adventures, we enjoyed simple moments—paddle boating on the lake, roasting marshmallows, and sitting by the fire while the stars came out.
For me, Rocking Horse Ranch Resort is the absolute best family getaway, blending fun, relaxation, and togetherness in one unforgettable experience.
Check prices at Rocking Horse Ranch Resort
6. Marine Village Resort: Classic Lake George Summer
We drove about 3 hours 45 minutes north from New York City to Lake George Village (population around 900 year-round, though it swells with summer visitors).
When we arrived at Marine Village Resort on Lake George, I felt like we had found the perfect spot for a family-friendly escape right on the water’s edge.
The resort sat directly on the lake with its own private beach, and I loved how easy it was for my son to run down to the sand while my husband and I set up chairs to enjoy the view—it felt like a hidden gem for families.
Our room was comfortable and cozy, with everything we needed, but the real highlight was stepping outside to those absolutely spectacular lake and mountain views.
We spent the mornings swimming and lounging by the beach, and it gave us a joyful sense of being able to relax while still keeping the day fun and active.
Later, we rented a kayak from the resort, and it was the coolest adventure paddling across the calm waters together, spotting boats and soaking in the scenery.
One of my favorite parts was being just steps from Lake George Village, where shops, arcades, and ice cream stops made exploring exciting and easy for the whole family.
Evenings at the resort were peaceful—we grilled dinner at the picnic area, then sat by the beach as the sun dipped behind the Adirondack Mountains.
I thought it was awesome how Marine Village Resort balanced relaxation for adults with plenty of fun for kids, making it a true family treasure.
For me, Marine Village Resort is the absolute best Lake George getaway, where convenience, beauty, and family memories all come together.
Check prices at Marine Village Resort
Conclusion: Why These Getaways Mattered
On the drive home from Lake George, somewhere between snack wrappers and nap-time silence, I looked out at the Hudson and thought, “We needed every bit of this.” These weren’t glamorous escapes, but they were full of what mattered: slow mornings, muddy shoes, shared meals, and tired giggles echoing down hotel hallways.
Each place gave us something different. The open fields at Hull-O-Farms reminded us how good it feels to get your hands dirty. Golden Arrow taught us the value of stillness, how to float in a canoe and simply exist. Hope Lake Lodge gave us indoor thrills that melted the chill outside. At Ampersand Bay, time stretched wide like the lake itself. Rocking Horse Ranch delivered joy on horseback and in hayrides. And Marine Village brought us full circle, simple fun that needed nothing more than water, sun, and togetherness.
My personal highlights:
What I love most is watching kids discover the best surprises, roller coasters at Hersheypark, the unique history of Boston, the underrated charm of Lake George, or simply roasting marshmallows in the Poconos. Each place feels special and has quickly become one of my favorite long weekend traditions with family.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
