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Weekend Getaways in New York State for Families

1. Phoenicia

Tucked away in the Catskill Mountains, Phoenicia is a beautiful, quaint town. While it's just a 2½-hour drive from New York City, this sleepy spot feels light years removed from the bustle of the Big Apple and modern life. Its Main Street is full of cute shops and restaurants from a bygone era.

Take a hike (or drive) to the Peekamoose Blue Hole, one of our favorite hidden swimming holes for kids. It’s tough to find, but locals should help direct you. And trust me, it’s worth the trip. Consider the historic Phoenicia Diner for lunch, with its retro vibe and fresh seasonal dishes made from local ingredients. At day's end, rest your heads at the adorable converted motel, The Graham & Co. If you don’t want to venture far from your room, float in the pool, play Scrabble around a picnic table, and roast marshmallows by the bonfire at night.

Access to Olana’s 250-acre landscape is FREE, and a visit is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors. Photo by Diana Kim

2. Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley makes for a quick, awesome getaway for families with beautiful, natural landscapes, loads of activities for kids, historical and cultural attractions, and a variety of accommodations. If you don't want to drive, Metro-North makes stops at all the major towns in the Hudson Valley. For nature lovers, Bear Mountain State Park offers beautiful hiking trails, a trailside museum and zoo, paddle boats, swimming, and even an indoor carousel.

Noteworthy cultural and historical sites include Olana Historical State Park, West Point Historic Museum, Franklin D. Roosevelt's House and Museum in Hyde Park, and the Hudson Highland Nature Museum.

The Hudson Valley has some of the most dynamic art museums and centers, like Storm King Art Center, Dia Beacon, and the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, which hosts kid-specific art programs and events.

Of course, if you have young kids, Legoland New York in Goshen is a not-to-be-missed destination for kids.

3. Fire Island

Take a daycation or spend the entire weekend on this laid-back barrier island situated off Long Island's South Shore. There are almost no cars on Fire Island, so it’s super safe for kids. Drive (about two hours) or take the Long Island Rail Road's Montauk branch to ferry ports, and then bike around once you arrive.

For accommodations, your best bet is to rent a house; you'll find plenty of options through local agents or online. There are a few hotels and resorts, such as the Fire Island Beach House, which offers cottages with kitchens.

For a great family activity, bike or stroll up to the Fire Island Lighthouse to take in the amazing views. Use the water taxi for a scenic tour between towns. Fair Harbor is a great area to explore. There are some delicious, family-friendly dining options there.

RELATED: Unique Roadside Attractions for Your Next NY-Area Road Trip

Head to Long Island's East End for a visit to the charming Montauk Point Lighthouse. Photo by author

4. Montauk

At the East End of Long Island, Montauk makes for a perfect weekend getaway for some sun, surf, and sand. Outdoor activities abound, including swimming, hiking, bike riding, and whale watching. Or, spend most of your time on the Montauk beach, which is routinely ranked among the best in the country. Play in the soft, white sand, take surf lessons, go fishing, or charter a boat to see the sights. Another wonderful activity is visiting the Montauk Point Lighthouse for the most stunning ocean views. If you're game, climb the narrow, rickety stairs to the top.

While rentals are plentiful, several hotels and resorts are offering family-friendly amenities. Gurney's Montauk Resort is pricey, but has rooms and cottages directly on the beach that provide the most splendid views. It's also got an indoor heated pool in case the ocean is a tad bit too cold. For a more affordable option, the Ocean Surf Resort is another hotel with beach access.

The town of Montauk has an eclectic mix of dining options, but one of my favorites is the Ditch Witch—a seasonal food truck that's family-owned and has operated for more than 25 years. Choices include everything from salads, poke bowls, and burritos to cold sesame noodles and cinnamon buns. It's located in the parking lot of Ditch Plains, a surfer's paradise.

Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways in Connecticut

5. Mystic

Less than three hours from the city by car, Mystic, Connecticut, is perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Nestled on the edge of the Mystic River, this seaport town is chock-full of family fun. The top attractions are the Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport: The Museum of America and the Sea. Kids also love The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village in Oakdale, where they can walk the trails and discover more than 40 life-size dino sculptures.

Ocean Beach Park, located on Long Island Sound in nearby New London, is perfect for an afternoon of swimming. It also has a splash pad for tots, mini golf, amusement rides, and yummy food. Olde Mistick Village is great for shopping and has some delicious, family-friendly restaurants.

For family-friendly accommodations, make a reservation at The Whaler’s Inn, a cute historic spot with a complimentary breakfast. For a larger but still family-friendly hotel, try the Hyatt Place Mystic, where kids can enjoy the pool between activities. Wherever you stay, book early as hotels fill up on weekends.

RELATED: Connecticut's Top Attractions for Families

Norwalk packs in plenty of seaside, New England charm. Photo by Ally Noel

6. Norwalk

Explore the best that Connecticut has to offer with a visit to Norwalk. This charming coastal town has a vibrant arts scene, great restaurants, and lots to do and see for families. Kids can have a blast at the Stepping Stones Museum, where they can run, play, touch, imagine, and interact with all the exhibits. The Maritime Aquarium is also a family favorite with so much marine life to see.

Norwalk's proximity to the Long Island Sound means lots of outdoor activities. Play in the water and sand at Calf Pasture Beach, which also has playgrounds, a splash pad, and special events scheduled all season long. Or, take the ferry to the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse on Sheffield Island.

After a day at the beach, wind down with some ice cream at Mr. Frosty's or satisfy hunger cravings with arepas at Valencia Luncheria. Families will also enjoy the many public events taking place in Norwalk throughout the year, such as the Oyster Festival and the SoNo Arts Festival.

RELATED: Niagara Falls: Top Tips for Visiting this Family Vacation Destination

Kids can take part in a watermelon-eating contest during Peddler's Village's Red, White and Blueberries BBQ Bash. Photo courtesy of Peddler's Village

Weekend Getaway Destinations in Pennsylvania

7. Bucks County

The most famous attraction in this idyllic part of Pennsylvania happens to be Sesame Place, a must-see for every preschooler. Go beyond the amusement park and explore the quaint town of New Hope, which boasts lots of family-friendly activities and attractions. Take the kids to see a play at the Bucks County Playhouse or to the Bucks County Children's Museum, which has a mini-town square with a hospital, factory, and a dig site.

For a quintessential railroad experience aboard an authentic 1900s train, the New Hope Railroad offers a variety of excursions throughout the year. Shop and dine at Peddler's Village, which hosts a number of family-friendly festivals and events.

Consider booking a room at the Wedgewood Inn, a historic, family-friendly bed and breakfast complete with secret passageways and a lovely yard for kids to unwind in.

RELATED: 3 Days on the Jersey Shore with Kids: A Local Mom's Guide

Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark, in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, offers summer fun for the whole family!Photo courtesy of Camelback Mountain Resort

8. Pocono Mountains

Head to this beautiful, woodsy section of Pennsylvania (about two hours from NYC by car), where you’ll have mountains, hills, lakes, and rivers at your fingertips. Spend a day of fun in the sun at the outdoor Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark at Camelback Resort. You'll also want to check out its indoor water park, Aquatopia. You can, of course, book your overnight accommodations at Camelback or opt for the nearby Woodloch Resort, which offers an all-inclusive getaway with a full array of family-friendly activities, top-notch accommodations, and dining.

Other activities include hiking, canoeing, or camping in Big Pocono State Park. Try an easy waterfall hike, or opt for a full- or half-day activity tube or paddle down the Delaware River with Kittatinny Canoes. If boating, pack a lunch and stop for a picnic.

9. Hershey & Harrisburg

The cities of Hershey and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania are full of history, museums, and family attractions, making for a perfect weekend getaway. Hershey is, of course, famous for Hersheypark, a sprawling chocolate candy theme park with thrilling rides and experiences for the whole family. Some other really cool attractions include Hershey Gardens and Zoo America, which showcases North American animals.

About 20 minutes away, Harrisburg is a great place to learn about American history. Families can learn more about the American Civil War at the National Civil War Museum. At the State Museum of Pennsylvania, kids of all ages enjoy the archeological and historical exhibits and art displays. The Curiosity Connection is a hands-on area for children under 6. For a little outdoor adventure, the Hershey Harrisburg Adventure Trail is a great place to hike, bike, kayak, fish, and go bird watching.

Opt to stay at one of the Hersheypark properties, like Hershey Lodge or The Hotel Hershey, or stay at the nearby Tru by Hilton Chocolate Avenue, which we loved for its connecting rooms, hearty breakfast, and saltwater pool.

New Jersey Weekend Getaways for Summer

10. Jersey Shore

Just two hours away from NYC, the Jersey Shore is an ideal weekend destination with beautiful beaches, colorful boardwalks, playgrounds, and gorgeous natural parks. There are tons of family-friendly attractions in the region as well.

For sand and surf, the Jersey Shore has some of the best beaches. Whether you're looking for an action-packed boardwalk or a more relaxed vibe, there's a beach for you. Beyond the beach, take the kids to thrilling amusement parks, nature centers, historic lighthouses, or for a round of mini-golf.

There are vacation rentals aplenty, but you'll also find hotels that cater to families that can work with any budget. In Asbury Park, the Asbury Ocean Club Hotel offers lofts and suites to accommodate families and boasts a rooftop pool with stunning views. In Cape May, another popular Jersey Shore destination, Congress Hall is a great choice for families and hosts picnics and events on its lawn. For more local options, bookmark our roundup of Jersey Shore hotels for families.

Originally published in 2016. Jessica Baldenhofer contributed additional reporting. 

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