Weekend Trips

12 Places LA Families Can Drive To Pretend It's Winter

Submitted by Arianna Menon on Tue, 01/15/2019 - 11:11pm

When most of the country is covered in snow, LA is typically enjoying fall temperatures with highs in the 70s. This is great for those who of us love the warm weather, but if you or your little snow angels are longing to chill out and experience ice and snow, all it takes is a drive to higher elevations and the whole family can experience the thrill of winter sports, explore alpine landscapes, and take in the magic of winter for the day. Other people survive winter; Angelenos visit it.

Winter Day Trips: 9 Family Fun Spots Near NYC

Submitted by Fiona Taylor on Sun, 01/13/2019 - 9:00am

Whether you prefer spending the winter months snuggling on the couch or frolicking in the snow, there's one thing we can all agree upon—sometimes, you just need to get out the city for a change of pace. So we pulled together a list of family-fun day trips that appeal to all sorts of interests, from budding naturalists to full-fledged ski bunnies. Best of all, these destinations are all two hours or less from New York City by car, and we think they're all worth the trip.

For more day trip ideas, check out our Day Trip and Weekend Getaway Guide. Happy trails!

Favorite Ski Spots Near NYC for Families and Kids

Submitted by Anna Fader on Sun, 01/06/2019 - 10:16am

Now that winter has arrived, it's time to embrace the chill. We've rounded up some of the best skiing and snowboarding spots within a few hours of New York City.

A winter sport like skiing is great way to get outdoors as a family, and it will make the warm weather seem to come much sooner. Read on for our rundown of these nine nearby slopes, so you can pick one or two that match your kids' skill levels and interests. Want info on more family skiing and other snow sports? Check out our Ski Guide, covering the tristate area, New England, and even California for more options, including snowboarding parks or snow tubing.

Happy skiing!

20 Fun Things to Do in Killington, Vermont Without Skis

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sat, 01/05/2019 - 2:05pm

A family trip to Vermont in the winter months is like walking through a real-life winter wonderland. The natural beauty of the mountains and country terrain appeal to outdoor enthusiasts year-round, but when blanketed with a coat of snow, the Killington region really shines.

It isn't necessary to be an avid skier to enjoy this corner of New England come snowfall. The small villages and towns of central Vermont provide the perfect setting for winter activities for the kids and adults, both outdoor snow sports and even indoor arts and crafts. My family regularly visits the area, and though I hung up my skis some time ago, we're never bored.

Best Family Travel of 2018: Great Cities, Beaches, Hotels, and Memories

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Sat, 12/22/2018 - 2:00pm

Our Mommy Poppins families really traveled this year! We scoped out some amazing cities with our kids in tow, from New Orleans to Santa Barbara, up to Vancouver and over to Chicago.

There were some epic science museums to explore, Christmas towns to make us cheery, gorgeous beaches, fun at amusement parks, and of course, a slew of entertaining family-friendly resorts, from Mexico and the Caribbean to Los Angeles and New England ski resorts.

So if you’re planning your next family vacation, take a look at our favorite destinations from the last year, including these warmer climates for February or spring break. In each profile, we highlight the most kid-friendly activities and events and let you know what to skip with toddlers or what to see with the teens.

Best Snow Tubing Spots Near New York City

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Thu, 12/20/2018 - 3:00pm

When there's no snow to be found in NYC, or your neighborhood sledding hills are worn down to dirt, you still can find perfect slopes for snow tubing with the kids just a short drive away.

Sliding down my parents' front lawn is one of my fondest childhood memories, and now our family's winter trek to a nearby snow tubing spot recreates those magical moments. It's a wonderful seasonal activity that, unlike skiing, requires no skill or gear. Everything you need—a tube, a hill, and snow—is provided by the parks. Just dress warmly and you're good to go.

Here are nine ski resorts in upstate New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania that offer snow tubing. Most are less than a two-hour drive from Midtown Manhattan. They typically open in late December or early January, depending on the temperature, so be sure to click through to the listing to read about the day's conditions. You can find more winter sports in our Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snow Sports Guide.

Winter Day Trips for LI Families for Christmas Break and Beyond

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Tue, 12/18/2018 - 10:30am

Although it might be tempting to spend your family time during the winter months snuggled under a blanket or in front of a roaring fire, eventually someone’s going to get cabin fever. No worries: We’ve got just what you need to get everyone off the couch and out of the house with our list of fun, family-friendly winter day trips for Long Island families.

So pile into the car, hop on a ferry, or jump on the Long Island Rail Road because there is plenty to do and see on and off Long Island. From the excitement of New York City to the serene beauty of the North Fork to skiing and more in New England or the Hudson Valley, with our roundup of winter day trips (and some weekend getaways) your family has plenty of options for keeping busy this winter.

Stay warm!

Make a Day of It with These Winter Day Trips for NJ Families

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Fri, 12/14/2018 - 12:00pm

Freezing weather can lead to stir-crazy kids (and parents), so we've pulled together a list of more than 25 great winter day trip ideas for New Jersey families.

Bundle up for a day of snow tubing at Campgaw, or watch the wolves wrestle in their snowy habitat at Lakota Wolf Preserve. If the weather is too frosty for you, try indoor stargazing at the Novins Planetarium, or visit a kid-friendly exhibit at the Newark Museum. Dreaming of summer days? Check out the indoor water park Sahara Sam's, where kids can splash the day away, or visit Adventure Aquarium to see penguins, sharks, and stingrays in action.

Whether your crew loves outdoor adventures or prefers indoor pursuits, read on to find the perfect winter adventure for you.