Best Weekend Getaways from New York City for Families

Juan L. said:  The National Mall is just the start of what this city offers for families on vacation. There's tons of activities and sights kids will love. A bonus for parents is the educational value -- museums, historical sites, culture -- that you can impart to your children while having a blast! There are tons of historic monuments, parks, and museums all for free. The river offers a nice water view and some great boating opportunities both through tours and canoeing/kayaking. For a break from the tourist spots, visit the National Zoo and see the baby pandas, again, all for free!

Emily N said:  Attention chocolate-loving families! Hershey is the perfect place for you! Roughly 3 hours from Midtown Manhattan, there is much to do in this town famously known for Hershey's Chocolate. Along with the famous Hershey Park Amusement Park, Hershey is also home to the Hershey Story Museum, with sweet activities like their hands-on Chocolate Lab! Kids can create and take home delicious hand-poured chocolate creations! You can even lodge at a Hershey's resort.

Emily N said:  Philadelphia is a great road trip option for families as it's roughly 2 hours from Midtown Manhattan and there is so much to do! Families can visit historical sites like the Liberty Bell or the Betsy Ross House and learn all about the beginnings of our country. Many historical spots, like the Liberty Bell, are free to enter! Or visit one of Philadelphia's many museums including the Please Touch Museum for the little ones, or the Magic Gardens for the art enthusiast.

Check out our Visiting Philadelphia with Kids list for more recommendations!

Emily N said:  Normally about a 90 minute drive from Midtown, make it a weekend trip to the countryside by checking out Lehigh Valley's 3 incredibly charming cities: Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. All day attractions nearby include Crystal Cave, DaVinci Science Center, and the Crayola Experience. Kids can create and mold their own crayons, transform themselves into a coloring page or create drip art masterpieces! The quaint cities of Lehigh Valley also welcome your family overnight with delightful B&Bs and boutique hotels.

Emily N said:   The Pocono Mountains are roughly 2 hours away from Midtown Manhattan. The Poconos have something to offer no matter what season it is. Whether families looking for skiing and snowboarding in the Winter or hiking and swimming in the Summer, they are sure to find dozens of indoor and outdoor options. The Poconos are also home to a variety of family friendly attractions like animal parks, family fun parks and water parks. Consider lodging atop a mountain peak or an inn with vintage charm. You can even bunk your family up in a dude ranch for the weekend!

Emily N said:  Bear Mountain State Park is a beautiful area roughly an hour away from Midtown Manhattan that offers an array of family friendly activities including hiking, fishing, boat rentals, ice skating and a popular Merry-Go-Round! Rugged mountains, shaded groves, and rivers present a stark change from city life!

Bear Mountain also features trailside zoo museums where families can meet native wildlife or learn about the local geology. Perfect for a day trip, but there are plenty of nearby accommodations to make it an extended stay.

Beth Wood said:  Rocking Horse Ranch is a family friendly dude ranch located 90 minutes north of New York City. This all inclusive offers horseback riding, indoor and outdoor pools, bonfires, hiking, water skiing, mountain tubing and may more family fun activities. Included in the price of your stay is a kids camp where your children will be entertained and stay active. With 113 rooms, Rocking Horse Ranch keeps their guest list low ensuring you won't have to wait in long lines to join your favorite activities.

Emily N said:  Fire Island is a beautiful New York oasis located off Long Island, roughly 2 hours from Midtown Manhattan. There are different areas to visit depending on the experience desired. For families who prefer more action such as dining out and treasure-laden shopping, Ocean Beach may be the perfect place for you. For a more nature-centered experience, check out Sailor's Haven, where families can take a tour of the sunken forest or meet sea critters at the nature center touch tank. Your family will also have its pick of charming hotels.

Emily N said:  The Catskill Mountain regions are roughly 2 1/2 hours away from Midtown Manhattan and make for a great family getaway. There are different types of accommodations for families such as a resort stay, camping, or even an authentic farm stay where families can pitch in with farm work and get a full countryside experience. The Catskills have a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, paddling and fishing. Be sure to visit one of the Catskill's beautiful waterfalls! Some amazing waterfall hikes even allow easy access for young children.

Joni Monacell said:  Located in Montauk, this is a 189-site campground on the ocean. The grounds have picnic areas and fireplaces. The park is home to "walking dunes" (shifting dunes), playing fields, a playground, and a fresh water lake. With so much to do, this a great destination for families. There are hot water showers in the park, as well.

Camping season is April-November

Emily N said:  A bit of a trip from New York City, roughly 6 hours, the Adirondack region is well worth the ride. This stunning area of the state offers so many outdoor activities for families to get involved including an accessible, elevated hiking trail called the Wild Walk and a thrilling adventure through the Ausable Chasm. Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks, this amazing experience gets families down into the depths of the region with hiking trails or rafting tours. There are plenty of camping or hotel accommodations with rustic charm and mountain views.

Emily N said:  This quaint maritime town is a perfect family getaway. Located about 2 1/2 hours from Midtown Manhattan, Mystic was the setting for the 1988 film Mystic Pizza from which it gained much popularity. But the town has so much more to offer for families aside from the famous Mystic Pizza Shop, including the Mystic Aquarium, harbor cruises, paddling, and a bustling small downtown district to enjoy a seaside meal together.

Emily N said:  A popular Halloween destination, Salem has fun attractions year-round as well! Located about 4 hours from NYC, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the Salem Witch Trials at the Salem Witch Museum. Families can also explore historic Pioneer Village and get transported back to 1630! Or check out the Salem Maritime National Historic Site and see a huge re-creation of the Friendship vessel from the 17th century! There a many hotels, inns, and B&Bs that are centrally located to it all, and are as charming as they are historic!