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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.
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1. 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.
Take away their PlayStations, iPads and cell phones and take the kids to the 300-acre Hull-O-Farms on a vacation that will bring them closer to the real world of hard work and that will help you reconnect as a family. They will get to play with the puppies, kittens, baby chicks, tiny goats, and fluffy rabbits. They can climb a pile of hay, get lost in a corm maze, or stumble through the pumpkin patch.
Hull-O Farms are true working farms in the Northern Catskill Mountains in upstate New York that offer a family vacation of a very different kind. You are free to get involved in all daily farm chores, or you can just relax on the porch of one of three rental cottages spread around the spacious, lovely farm. Each cottage is a complete home with a private bathroom, kitchen, living room, and all modern amenities, decorated in the charming farm cottage style. If the kids are cooperating, you can reward them with a trip to the Zoom Flume Water Park just down the road or to the nearby 156-feet deep prehistoric Howe Caverns.
10 Cochrane Rd, Durham, NY 12422, 518-239-6950
2. 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.
Located on the sandy shore of Mirror Lake just a few minutes from the Lake Placid gourmet restaurants and exclusive shopping and surrounded by the lush wilderness of the Adirondack Mountains, Golden Arrow is a refuge from daily stress. It seamlessly combines luxury pampering and respect for the surrounding natural wonders. The resort’s 165 spacious, luxuriously appointed suites and rooms offer breathtaking views of Mirror Lake and forested mountain slopes.
All rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, Nintendo games consoles, and coffeemakers. Many also feature private patios and balconies. Suites and some rooms also have fireplaces, kitchenettes, and whirlpool tubs. Everything guests can possibly need is available right in the hotel: an indoor pool, high end boutiques, a health club, shops, snacks, and the gourmet seafood restaurant Generations. And when the kids fall asleep, mom and dad can enjoy a cocktail lounge and Roomers Nightclub.
2559 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946, 844-898-0924
3. 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.
Perched on top of the hill on Hope Lake in the Virgil Valley, Hope Lake Lodge is a luxurious hotel located in the town of Cortland in the scenic Finger Lakes Region of Central New York. The grand, imposing timber-framed structure has 106 rustic, beautifully decorated suites with two bedrooms and 1-3 bathrooms, fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, dining rooms, cable TV, Wi-Fi and pullout sofas.
They can sleep up to 10 people. Some suites have beautiful views of the surrounding lakes and mountains from private balconies. The lodge-style resort hotel is a delight for the kids with its indoor water park and an outdoor pool in season. For the adults, there is a soothing spa, a hot tub, a fitness center, and several options for great dining and cocktails.
2177 Clute Rd, Cortland, NY 13045, 607-218-8714
4. 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.
As you drive down the forested slopes of the scenic Adirondack Mountains, you will suddenly arrive at the shimmering waters of Saranac Lake. With old trees reflected in the clear water, it is an idyllic scene of peace and tranquility, so close to several big cities and so far away from the stress and noise. Ampersand Bay Resort is spread on 28 acres on Lower Saranac Lake, right on the sandy shores, and it is perfect for swimming, fishing, canoeing, or lounging in the shade. Accommodation ranges from superbly decorated wood and stone luxury suites, luxury camping in the charming rustic cottages, or private modern cabins.
All accommodations offer full kitchens, private bathrooms, two or three spacious bedrooms, and one to three bathrooms. Some have private porches or balconies, Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, dining tables, rainfall showerheads, and whirlpool tubs. Wi-Fi is free in the communal areas. Nightly campfires, free use of the kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats are available for all guests. The lake is full of bass, bullhead, and pike for avid fishermen.
31 Bayside Dr, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, 518-891-3001
5. 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.
Taking kids on a vacation always fills parents with the worry about how to keep them occupied and entertained. Let the experts take over by bringing them to the all-inclusive, endless-fun Rocking Horse Ranch Resort. Set in the Hudson Valley on a 500-acre property with a private lake and beautiful verdant nature, the resort has fun activities for all ages and interests.
There is unlimited horseback riding, mountain tubing, kayaking, paddle boats, banana boats and fishing on the lake. Kids can have fun in the outdoor heated pools with water slides and at Big Splash indoor waterpark with a 250-ft long indoor flume. Adventurous kids can test their courage and strength on bungee jump and rock climbing walls. Other fun family activities at the resort include mini golf, basketball, tennis, a kids’ fun barn and Lucky Horseshoe Arcade with mini bowl. Families are accommodated in two cozy lodges featuring rooms that can accommodate groups of all sizes. Three delicious, all-you-can-eat meals are included in the cost of your stay.
600 US-44, Highland, NY 12528, 845-691-2927
6. Take the kids to Marine Village Resort
Take the kids swimming and explore lakeside sights on an easy vacation.
Located on the sandy banks of Lake George in the heart of the scenic Adirondack Mountains, Marine Village Resort is the perfect place for the entire family. Comfortable, spacious rooms with fridges, TVs, microwaves, toaster ovens, free Wi-Fi, and wonderful views of the pool or the lake are perfect if you travel with the kids and need a bit of home away from home.
Hanging out by the large pool surrounded by the spacious terrace with lounge chairs and umbrellas is just one option for a relaxed day. You can try boating or paddling on the lake and take a short walk to the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum or along the lovely shady trails through the Adirondacks, which are great for the more active family members. The resort’s own restaurant Morgan’s can take care of your hunger, and the kids eat for free.
370 Canada St, Lake George, NY 12845, 518-668-5478
7. Have fun by the lake at Blue Lagoon Resort
Have lakeside fun and walk along sandy beaches on a quick summer trip.
About half way between New York City and Montreal, Canada, Lake George has been a popular tourist destination for more than a century. People love its clear, deep water surrounded by the unspoiled forests of the beautiful Adirondacks. Blue Lagoon Resort is snuggled on the very edge of the lake on about 200 feet of sandy shore with cottages and a motel, which are so close to the water that everyone can have a morning coffee on the beach in their Adirondack chair lined up in front of the room.
All units have two to three rooms and are clean, simple, and comfortable with private bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens. Cottages have nice, spacious living rooms. There is a lovely kids’ playground for the small ones and canoes and kayaks for the bigger kids and their parents. You can bring your own boat and dock it right in front of your cottage, or you can rent one and take your family on a nice, scenic ride across the lake.
3670 Lake Shore Dr, Lake George, NY 12845, 518-668-4867
8. Enjoy unique activities at The Whiteface Lodge
Enjoy rustic luxury and discover unusual mountain activities on a romantic weekend.
In the heart of the six-million-acre magnificent Adirondack Park and just a short drive from Lake Placid, The Whiteface Lodge is a beautiful hotel nestled among the stately aspens and firs. Upon walking inside, you’ll feel as though you have stepped back in time with the lodge’s soaring high wood-beamed ceilings, cozy sitting rooms with cast-iron fireplaces, and plush carpets strewn around. It is a mountain sanctuary at its best.
All suites, from studio Junior Suites to the four-bedroom palatial Presidential Suite, are beautifully decorated in the signature Adirondack style with sturdy wooden furniture that is often handcrafted. Bathrooms are opulent and feature jetted tubs. Suites have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, kitchens, fireplaces, and much more. The resort’s guests can enjoy a movie theater, serene spa, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, steam room, canoeing, bowling, and ice-skating. Kanu restaurant and lounge are there for a gourmet meal or some excellent cocktails.
7 Whiteface Inn Ln, Lake Placid, NY 12946, 518-523-0500
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Do a digital detox at the Hull-O-Farms - 2 hours 45 minutes from NYC
- 2. Relax with breathtaking views of Mirror Lake at Golden Arrow - 5 hours 15 minutes from NYC
- 3. Experience the romance of Hope Lake Lodge - 3 hours 30 minutes from NYC
- 4. Have fun on the water at Ampersand Bay Resort - 5 hours 25 minutes from NYC
- 5. Sign up for outdoor adventures at Rocking Horse Ranch Resort - 1 hour 50 minutes from NYC
- 6. Take the kids to Marine Village Resort
- 7. Have fun by the lake at Blue Lagoon Resort
- 8. Enjoy unique activities at The Whiteface Lodge