Hotels & Resorts

Las Vegas Babysitting Services That Let Parents Enjoy Vegas, Baby

Submitted by Kathie Bozanich on Thu, 08/31/2017 - 3:35pm

Our daughter feels like Vegas is her second home, and it’s no wonder: we've been visiting Sin City a couple of times a year since she was a baby. We fit in lots of family outings during our visits, like riding the High Roller Las Vegas Ferris wheel, watching the Bellagio fountains, and checking out the flamingoes at the Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino. My husband and I usually do the rotation thing when it comes to gambling (one of us goes and one of us stays with our daughter), but every now and then it's nice to splurge on childcare and enjoy Las Vegas as a couple.

Family Weekend Getaway: River Rafting with Kids in the Catskills

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Mon, 08/28/2017 - 10:00am

I've wanted to take my kids river rafting since my teenage son was a toddler, yet we never managed to get around to it—until this summer. After spending a wonderful day on the Delaware River in the Sullivan Catskills, my only regret is that we didn't go sooner.

With three kids ranging from 8 to 13, finding an outing we can all enjoy is sometimes a challenge. River rafting hit the mark beautifully, providing a completely unplugged experience that's fun for all ages. Plus, clocking in at just under two hours from New York City (and even less for Westchester residents), rafting in the Catskills is an easy day trip or a quick weekend getaway. We opted to make a weekend out of it, so we've got the scoop on where to go rafting and what to expect, plus where to stay overnight.

For more weekend getaway ideas, consult our Day Trips & Getaways Guide and sign up for our newsletters.

Farm Stays Near NYC: Enjoy a Farm-Themed Family Vacation

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Thu, 08/24/2017 - 4:20pm

For New York City area families, it only takes a few hours to arrive in the bucolic countryside, where the landscape seems thousands of miles away from the crowded subways and packed playgrounds. Farm stays are an increasingly popular vacation option to enjoy that countryside and a back-to-nature experience. For children who’ve never been around livestock, farm stays provide a firsthand way to learn about the animal world in a casual fashion. It also often comes with a few more amenities when compared to camping.

If you're interested in the source of your food, farm holidays offer a fine way to connect with what you eat and sometimes even pick your own fresh fruit, veggies, and eggs. You're not required to work during your farm stay, but many visitors find farm chores so different from their regular routines that they are eager to participate. Curious kids should relish the opportunity to gather eggs, watch cows be milked, and pick fresh peaches off the tree.

Consider these eight farm stay options in the Hudson Valley and Catskills, New York, and in Pennsylvania for your next family vacation.

10 Perfect Fall Weekend Getaways Near NYC for Families

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Tue, 08/22/2017 - 3:01pm

Fall in the Northeast is a lovely time of year as the trees explode in a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and gold. The crisp air and outdoor activities are hard to resist for most kids (and grown-ups). New Yorkers can experience that magic right in the city's gorgeous parks, some of which feel almost like a countryside retreat during a foliage walk. But for a weekend away, perhaps over those fall school holidays, consider a trip north to full immerse the family in falltime fun.

We’ve rounded up 10 options, from a luxury retreat in Connecticut to glamping in New Hampshire to an Adirondack wilderness retreat where you can really unplug.

Special Campgrounds With Kid-Friendly Extras Near Westchester

Submitted by Janine Annett on Thu, 08/10/2017 - 10:00am

"Getting away from it all" and spending time camping in the woods sounds idyllic, but let's face it: Sometimes—especially when kids are involved—you just need something a little extra.

Whether it's a place to do laundry or a game to keep the kids happy, these campsites are all within a reasonable distance and have plenty of amenities and activities. You'll still feel like you're getting away from civilization, but with any luck you won't hear the never-ending cries of "I'm bored!"

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5 New England Resorts with Great Kids Camps

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Sat, 06/17/2017 - 10:00am

Still looking for the perfect summer getaway? To us, a vacation that combines family fun with opportunities for grown-up-only time can't be beat, but a lot of hotels and resorts seem to specialize in one type of experience or the other. So we did some digging to find regional hotels that are best for parents looking to spend quality time with their kids—and each other.

Best of Asbury Park Beach and Boardwalk for Kids and Families

Submitted by Andy Fenwick on Thu, 06/15/2017 - 4:50pm

Asbury Park’s current and continuing turnaround amazes anyone who remembers this New Jersey beach town’s disrepair in the late 1980s. A stroll on today’s Asbury Park beach and boardwalk reveals families, attractions, clean beaches, artwork, great food, and a free, city-supported playground—on the sand—halfway between Convention Hall and the old casino to the south. Asbury Park’s shoreline now counts as one of the highlights of Monmouth County, and the Jersey Shore.

Read on for our top tips for visiting this Jersey beach with the kids, and if you're looking to rack up warm-weather memories, wander over to our Jersey Shore Guide for more beach and boardwalk fun.

Best Family Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Tue, 06/13/2017 - 2:30pm

As a born and bred New Yorker who is raising children here myself, my out-of-town friends always ask my advice when planning their NYC family vacation. They want to know everything: the best things to do, places to eat, museums to explore and, perhaps most importantly, where to stay.

New York City is, of course, loaded with hotels, many of which are kid-friendly. And while it's nice to have options, there are so many it can feel overwhelming. That's why we've compiled this list of 16 NYC hotels for families based on a combination of personal experience, trusted recommendations from friends and great reputations. Some have pools, others offer gratis strollers, while a number of our choices are located smack next to top kid attractions; some are more budget-friendly and others a splurge.

Our picks aren't all in Midtown Manhattan. We included places to stay with kids in downtown Manhattan, the Upper West Side, and Upper East Side, and even hotels that are in hot neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens.