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What are some great weekend trips with kids near New York City?
- Whether your dream long weekend trip with kids involves exploring the Adirondack wilderness, splashing down a waterslide, or relaxing with calm lake views, there are many amazing places to choose from near New York City.
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What historical attractions can families visit?
- Visit the historic estates and attractions of Hudson Valley for a glimpse into the past.
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Are there farm stays available in upstate New York?
- Stay on a working farm in upstate New York for a unique and educational experience.
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Where can families go hiking?
- Hike in the Catskill Mountains and explore scenic trails perfect for all ages.
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Are there beach destinations near New York City?
- Sunbathe on the beaches of Long Island and enjoy the coastal scenery.
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What are some great resorts for a family getaway?
- Check into a full-service resort on the banks of Lake George for a fun and relaxing retreat.
⮕ Do a digital detox at the Hull-O-Farms - 2 hours 45 minutes from NYC
Disconnect from screens and enjoy an affordable, unusual weekend on a spring farm trip.
© Hull-O-Farms
Location:
Durham, NY (Northern Catskill Mountains)Highlights:
If you’re craving a family getaway that ditches the screens and brings everyone closer to nature, I wholeheartedly recommend Hull-O Farms. Here, your kids can swap their PlayStations for baby goats and hay bales, while you relax and reconnect as a family on a beautiful 300-acre working farm.We Recommend This For:
Families, animal lovers, adventure-seeking kids, and anyone looking for a wholesome, hands-on farm experience away from the digital world.What We Love:
Feeding and playing with farm animals, the charming and comfy farm cottages, and fun seasonal activities like corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and hay climbs — plus nearby adventures like the Zoom Flume Water Park or the ancient Howe Caverns.- Stay in one of three spacious, fully equipped farm cottages, each with a private bathroom, kitchen, living room, and cozy country decor.
- Join daily farm chores or just relax on your porch, soaking in the peaceful charm of a true working farm.
- Play with puppies, kittens, baby chicks, goats, and rabbits, or let the kids roam free through hay piles, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches.
- Explore nearby attractions like the Zoom Flume Water Park or marvel at the prehistoric wonders of Howe Caverns.
Address:
10 Cochrane Rd, Durham, NY 12422Phone: 518-239-6950
⮕ Relax with breathtaking views of Mirror Lake at Golden Arrow - 5 hours 15 minutes from NYC
Admire Mirror Lake views and relax in comfort on a romantic fall getaway.
© Golden Arrow
Location:
Lake Placid, NY (on Mirror Lake)Highlights:
If you’re looking for a luxurious Adirondack escape that mixes nature, relaxation, and a touch of indulgence, I’d absolutely recommend Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort. Nestled right on Mirror Lake, it’s the perfect place to unwind, enjoy the stunning scenery, and treat yourself to lakeside pampering just steps from Lake Placid’s gourmet dining and boutique shopping.We Recommend This For:
Couples, families, nature lovers, luxury travelers, and anyone craving a mix of outdoor beauty and upscale amenities.What We Love:
Gorgeous lake and mountain views, spacious suites with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, on-site gourmet dining at Generations, and fun extras like Nintendo game consoles, a cocktail lounge, and even a nightclub for the grown-ups.- Stay in one of 165 beautifully appointed rooms or suites, many with private patios or balconies, fireplaces, kitchenettes, and whirlpool tubs — plus flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and Nintendo consoles.
- Relax with everything you need on-site: an indoor pool, health club, upscale shops, and a gourmet seafood restaurant.
- Enjoy a lively evening at the cocktail lounge or Roomers Nightclub once the kids are tucked in for the night.
- Explore the charming town of Lake Placid, just minutes away, with its fantastic restaurants, exclusive shops, and outdoor adventures.
Address:
2559 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946Phone: 844-898-0924
⮕ Experience the romance of Hope Lake Lodge - 3 hours 30 minutes from NYC
Savor cozy suites and explore mountain trails on a peaceful couples retreat.
© Hope Lake Lodge
Location:
Cortland, NY (Finger Lakes Region)Highlights:
If you’re dreaming of a cozy, lodge-style escape that keeps both the kids and adults happy, I’d definitely recommend Hope Lake Lodge. Perched on a hill overlooking Hope Lake, this rustic-chic resort is the perfect blend of family fun and grown-up relaxation, right in the heart of New York’s beautiful Finger Lakes.We Recommend This For:
Families, groups, spa lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking for a roomy, luxurious getaway with space to spread out and play.What We Love:
Spacious two-bedroom suites that can sleep up to 10, private balconies with lake and mountain views, the exciting indoor water park for kids, and indulgent spa treatments, cocktails, and fine dining for the adults.- Stay in one of 106 rustic, beautifully furnished suites featuring fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, dining rooms, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and pullout sofas — some with gorgeous private balconies.
- Play at the indoor water park, splash in the outdoor pool (seasonal), or hit the fitness center for a workout.
- Relax in the soothing on-site spa or unwind in the hot tub after a full day of activities.
- Dine at one of the resort’s excellent restaurants or enjoy a cocktail while soaking in the lodge’s cozy, timber-framed atmosphere.
Address:
2177 Clute Rd, Cortland, NY 13045Phone: 607-218-8714
⮕ Have fun on the water at Ampersand Bay Resort - 5 hours 25 minutes from NYC
Go paddleboarding and admire scenic lake views on an exciting summer trip.
© Ampersand Bay Resort
Location:
Saranac Lake, NY (Adirondack Mountains)Highlights:
If you’re longing for a peaceful lakeside escape surrounded by the serene beauty of the Adirondacks, I can’t recommend Ampersand Bay Resort enough. It’s that perfect spot where you can slow down, breathe deep, and enjoy the shimmering waters of Saranac Lake — just a few hours from the bustle of the big city but worlds away in spirit.We Recommend This For:
Families, couples, nature lovers, fishing enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a mix of rustic charm and upscale lakeside comfort.What We Love:
Beautifully decorated luxury suites, rustic cottages, and private cabins; full kitchens and private porches; nightly campfires; and free access to kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats for endless lakeside fun.- Stay in wood-and-stone luxury suites, cozy rustic cottages, or modern private cabins — all featuring two or three bedrooms, full kitchens, private bathrooms, and thoughtful extras like Adirondack chairs, rainfall showers, or whirlpool tubs.
- Relax on the sandy shore or unwind on a private porch or balcony, taking in the peaceful mountain and lake views.
- Play on the water with complimentary kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats, or join nightly campfires for that classic Adirondack evening vibe.
- Fish for bass, bullhead, and pike in the well-stocked lake, a dream for anglers of all levels.
Address:
31 Bayside Dr, Saranac Lake, NY 12983Phone: 518-891-3001
⮕ Sign up for outdoor adventures at Rocking Horse Ranch Resort - 1 hour 50 minutes from NYC
Ride horses and explore outdoor attractions on a fun family adventure.
© Rocking Horse Ranch Resort
Location:
Highland, NY (Hudson Valley)Highlights:
If you’re a parent wondering how to keep the kids busy on vacation, I’d wholeheartedly recommend Rocking Horse Ranch Resort. This all-inclusive, 500-acre Hudson Valley resort is packed with nonstop fun for all ages — letting you relax while the experts handle the entertainment!We Recommend This For:
Families, multi-generational groups, active kids, and parents looking for a worry-free, all-inclusive adventure where no one ever says, “I’m bored.”What We Love:
Unlimited horseback riding, lakeside activities, heated outdoor pools, an indoor waterpark, bungee jumps, rock climbing, and all-you-can-eat meals — truly something for every member of the family.- Stay in two cozy lodges offering spacious rooms designed to accommodate families and groups of all sizes comfortably.
- Play all day with activities like mountain tubing, kayaking, banana boat rides, mini golf, basketball, tennis, and the super fun Lucky Horseshoe Arcade with mini bowling.
- Swim and splash in heated outdoor pools with water slides or dive into the Big Splash indoor waterpark featuring a thrilling 250-foot-long flume.
- Eat to your heart’s content with three delicious, all-you-can-eat meals included in every stay, making mealtime easy and satisfying for everyone.
Address:
600 US-44, Highland, NY 12528Phone: 845-691-2927
⮕ Take the kids to Marine Village Resort
Take the kids swimming and explore lakeside sights on an easy vacation.
© Marine Village Resort
Location:
Lake George, NY (Adirondack Mountains)Highlights:
If you’re looking for a family-friendly lakeside escape with a cozy, home-away-from-home feel, I’d definitely recommend Marine Village Resort. Nestled right on the sandy shores of Lake George, this charming spot offers the perfect mix of comfort, fun, and convenience for families.We Recommend This For:
Families, multi-generational groups, lake lovers, and travelers wanting a relaxed Adirondack getaway with kid-friendly perks.What We Love:
Spacious, well-equipped rooms with kitchen conveniences, a big outdoor pool surrounded by a sunny terrace, on-site dining where kids eat free, and easy access to boating, hiking, and quirky local attractions like the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum.- Stay in comfortable rooms featuring fridges, microwaves, toaster ovens, TVs, and free Wi-Fi — plus lovely views of either the pool or the lake.
- Relax by the large outdoor pool, complete with a spacious terrace lined with lounge chairs and umbrellas for a lazy afternoon under the sun.
- Play on the lake with boating and paddling adventures or explore nearby hiking trails through the scenic Adirondack wilderness.
- Dine at the resort’s own Morgan’s restaurant, where hearty meals keep everyone happy — and the kids eat free!
Address:
370 Canada St, Lake George, NY 12845Phone: 518-668-5478
⮕ Have fun by the lake at Blue Lagoon Resort
Have lakeside fun and walk along sandy beaches on a quick summer trip.
© Blue Lagoon Resort
Location:
Lake George, NY (Adirondack Mountains)Highlights:
If you’re dreaming of a peaceful lakeside escape where you can sip your morning coffee just steps from the water, I’d happily recommend Blue Lagoon Resort. With its charming cottages and motel rooms right on the sandy shore, this laid-back spot is perfect for a classic Adirondack family getaway.We Recommend This For:
Families, boating enthusiasts, couples, and anyone looking for simple, cozy accommodations with unbeatable lake access.What We Love:
Clean, comfy cottages and motel rooms with kitchens; Adirondack chairs lined up by the water; on-site playgrounds for little ones; and the chance to explore Lake George by kayak, canoe, or even your own boat docked right outside your cottage.- Stay in two- or three-room units — whether in a cozy lakeside cottage or a motel room — all featuring private bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens for easy family living.
- Relax in your Adirondack chair right on the sandy shore, soaking in the serene lake views just steps from your door.
- Play with the kids on the playground, paddle a canoe or kayak, or rent a boat for a scenic family ride across the lake’s crystal-clear waters.
- Dock your own boat right in front of your cottage, making lake adventures easy and spontaneous throughout your stay.
Address:
3670 Lake Shore Dr, Lake George, NY 12845Phone: 518-668-4867
⮕ Enjoy unique activities at The Whiteface Lodge
Enjoy rustic luxury and discover unusual mountain activities on a romantic weekend.
© The Whiteface Lodge
Location:
Lake Placid, NY (Adirondack Park)Highlights:
If you’re dreaming of a luxurious mountain escape wrapped in rustic charm, I can’t recommend The Whiteface Lodge enough. Just a short drive from Lake Placid, this Adirondack gem feels like stepping into a timeless lodge sanctuary, where cozy firesides, handcrafted woodwork, and soaring ceilings surround you with warmth and beauty.We Recommend This For:
Couples, families, luxury travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful yet indulgent retreat in the heart of the Adirondacks.What We Love:
Adirondack-style suites with handcrafted wooden furniture, jetted tubs, and fireplaces; on-site activities from bowling to canoeing to ice-skating; a serene spa and fitness center; and the incredible Kanu restaurant for gourmet meals and cocktails.- Stay in stunning studio Junior Suites or go all out in the four-bedroom Presidential Suite, all featuring flat-screen TVs, kitchens, fireplaces, free Wi-Fi, and luxurious bathrooms with jetted tubs.
- Relax in the serene spa, take a dip in the indoor and outdoor pools, or unwind in the steam room after a day of exploring.
- Play with family and friends in the on-site movie theater, bowling alley, or on the ice-skating rink, with plenty of activities for every season.
- Dine at Kanu restaurant for a gourmet experience, or sip handcrafted cocktails in the cozy lounge for the perfect end to your day.
Address:
7 Whiteface Inn Ln, Lake Placid, NY 12946Phone: 518-523-0500
Driving Distances from New York City
| From New York City, NY To | Driving Time |
| Lake George, NY | 3 hours 20 minutes |
| Highland, NY | 1 hour 50 minutes |
| Lake Placid, NY | 5 hours 10 minutes |
| Cortland, NY | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Saranac Lake, NY | 5 hours 25 minutes |
| Durham, NY | 2 hours 40 minutes |
| Tannersville, NY | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Montauk, NY | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Rock Hill, NY | 1 hour 50 minutes |
| Catskill, NY | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Milford, NY | 4 hours |
Map:
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