Sometimes the best family memories are made in just a few days — a quick road trip, a cozy cabin, a new place to explore together. These getaways weren’t about flashy theme parks or packed itineraries. They were about campfires, bike rides, shared meals, and space to slow down and connect. I remember thinking, “We didn’t need a big vacation — we just needed a change of view, and a little time together.”
Best Family Weekend Getaways:
Skytop Lodge in the Pocono Mountains
Skytop Lodge felt like summer camp and a country estate all at once — but with soft beds, full plates, and more laughter than I’d heard in a long time. It was the kind of place where the kids ran free and we actually sat down long enough to notice the sky. I remember thinking, “This is what a family getaway is supposed to feel like.”
What We Loved Most: Paddling on the lake, watching dragonflies skim the surface while the kids squealed from the nearby zipline course.
Our highlights? Dinner in the formal dining room with filet for us and mac and cheese (made fancy) for the kids. Everyone left full and smiling.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Skytop, Pennsylvania (Poconos)
- Vibe: Grand, classic, outdoorsy
- Highlights: Hiking, lake activities, archery, ziplining
- Best Time to Visit: Summer or fall for foliage and adventure
- Cost: Mid-to-high
- Address: One Skytop, Skytop, PA 18357
Margaritaville Beach House Key West
From the moment we checked in, the vibe at Margaritaville Beach House Key West was laid-back and just a little tropical. Parrots, poolside music, and easy access to the beach — it didn’t take long for all of us to relax. I remember thinking, “This is what it feels like when everyone gets what they need — fun, sun, and frozen drinks (with or without rum).”
What We Loved Most: Evening walks to the beach collecting shells, while the sky turned pink and the kids darted through the surf.
Our highlights? Fish tacos from the Tin Cup bar, with fries for the kids and mojitos for us. Casual and delicious.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Key West, Florida
- Vibe: Tropical, relaxed, fun
- Highlights: Outdoor pool, bikes, beach access, family-friendly dining
- Best Time to Visit: Winter or spring for ideal weather
- Cost: Moderate to high
- Address: 2001 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
The Crawford Hotel in Denver, Colorado
Staying in Denver’s Union Station with the whole family felt like stepping into a time capsule — with Wi-Fi and lattes. The Crawford blended historic charm with modern comfort in a way that kept everyone curious. I remember thinking, “This is how you do a city weekend with kids — cool, convenient, and a little bit magical.”
What We Loved Most: Riding scooters along downtown’s trails during the day and returning for bedtime stories in a room with vaulted ceilings and railroad echoes.
Our highlights? Burgers and shakes from the station’s own Next Door eatery — easy, local, and crowd-pleasing.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Vibe: Urban, historic, family-smart
- Highlights: Direct access to restaurants, train rides, bike trails
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for mild weather and activities
- Cost: Moderate to upscale
- Address: 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite
Evergreen Lodge gave us starry skies, cabin vibes, and the kind of family adventures that make lifelong memories. Close enough to Yosemite for epic hikes but far enough to feel unplugged. I remember thinking, “This is what family bonding looks like — real conversations, dirty shoes, and no cell service.”
What We Loved Most: Roasting marshmallows by the campfire while the kids made up stories and the trees swayed overhead.
Our highlights? Turkey and avocado sandwiches with house-made chips after a hike to Bridalveil Fall — eaten outside with red cheeks and big smiles.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Groveland, California
- Vibe: Rustic, outdoorsy, cabin-style
- Highlights: Proximity to Yosemite, guided hikes, on-site games and firepits
- Best Time to Visit: Summer or early fall
- Cost: Moderate
- Address: 33160 Evergreen Rd, Groveland, CA 95321
Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri
Big Cedar Lodge was bigger than we expected — and somehow still felt like home. Tucked into the Ozarks, it gave us boats, trails, s’mores kits, and plenty of space to reconnect. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of trip they’ll talk about when they’re older.”
What We Loved Most: Watching the sun set over Table Rock Lake from the lawn while the kids played tag and we sipped sweet tea in rocking chairs.
Our highlights? A family-style BBQ dinner at Devil’s Pool — ribs, cornbread, and the kind of mac and cheese that disappears fast.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Ridgedale, Missouri
- Vibe: Lodge-style, family resort, nature-focused
- Highlights: Water activities, nature trails, multiple dining options
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for lake fun; fall for color
- Cost: Moderate to luxury depending on lodging
- Address: 190 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO 65739
Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village gave us calm mornings and active afternoons, all with a view of the water. With a marina out front and Estero Bay in the distance, it was peaceful without being boring — which, with kids, is kind of everything. I remember thinking, “This is the recharge we didn’t even know we needed.”
What We Loved Most: Taking the ferry to the beach in the morning, then splashing in the pool by sunset with drinks in hand (juice for them, margaritas for us).
Our highlights? A big brunch at Marker 92 — banana pancakes for the kids and shrimp & grits for us. Coastal, colorful, and comforting.
Travel Tips:
- Location: Cape Coral, Florida
- Vibe: Coastal, spacious, polished
- Highlights: Beach ferry, pools, marina, bike rentals
- Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring for sunshine
- Cost: Mid-to-high range
- Address: 5951 Silver King Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33914
Why We’d Go Back
Each of these spots gave us something special: a new trail to hike, a hotel that felt like home, a poolside laugh we didn’t even realize we’d been missing. Whether in the mountains, on the beach, or in the middle of a city adventure, these weekend getaways reminded us that family time doesn’t have to be far — it just has to be intentional. And a little bit of fun helps too.
Plan your next family weekend: