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How to Plan a Winter Day Trip from NYC

Start by picking a destination within approximately 2 hours of NYC to minimize travel struggles, especially with kids. Check weather forecasts, opening hours (many places shorten hours in the winter), and special events or seasonal closures. Plan around low-traffic times (avoid NYC rush hour!) and confirm parking, reservations, or public-transport schedules in advance.

What to Bring

• Warm, layered clothing — base layers, sweaters, waterproof coats, hats, gloves, extra socks.

• Good winter boots (especially if you expect snow, ice, or hiking).

• Snacks, water, hand warmers, tissues.

• A small first-aid kit, sunglasses (for the bright snow!), and a camera or phone for photos.

• A small backpack or bag for essentials.

Best Modes of Transportation

• Driving gives flexibility and makes it easier to carry winter gear, food, or changes of clothes.

• Train or public transit + local transport for some destinations. 

• Ferry or boat, for some locations.

Timing & Weather Considerations

Winter days are short, so leaving early can be a good idea. Be prepared for cold, wind, or icy conditions. Check road, trail, or water conditions. For outdoor winter hikes or ice skating, always check that conditions are safe before heading out.

Winter Day Trips on Long Island

1. Museums in Garden City – Garden City

Travel time from NYC: ~35–50 minutes by car; LIRR + short ride.
Why this trip is great in winter: Completely indoors and perfect for cold or snowy days. Museum Row packs several kid-friendly cultural stops in one easy location.
Key activities for families: Best known for its collection of family-friendly cultural institutions on Museum Row, including the Long Island Children's Museum, the Cradle of Aviation Museum, and the Nassau County Firefighter's Museum, this Long Island destination holds plenty of surprises.​
Insider tips: Weekday mornings are the quietest. Free on-site parking; easy to combine multiple museums into one full day.
Recommended duration: Half-day to full-day.

2. Roosevelt Field Mall – Garden City

Travel time from NYC: About 35–50 minutes by car or via the LIRR to Mineola or Carle Place with a short bus or rideshare connection.
Why this trip is great in winter: As one of the largest indoor malls in New York, it offers a warm, weather-proof place to walk, shop, and dine when it’s too cold for outdoor activities.
Key activities for families: Browse more than 200 stores, enjoy a wide range of dining options, and take advantage of the spacious indoor layout that’s easy for families to navigate.
Insider tips: Weekday mornings are the least crowded. Multiple garages and lots make parking simple, even during busy seasons.
Recommended duration of visit: Half-day to full-day.

RELATED: 14 Inexpensive Winter Weekend Getaways from NYC for Families

Meet some sea creatures at the Long Island Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

3. Long Island Aquarium – Riverhead

Travel time from NYC: ~1.5–2 hours by car or via the Long Island Rail Road plus local transport.
Why this trip is great in winter: A fully indoor, weather-proof escape that offers a warm, family-friendly alternative to outdoor cold-weather activities.
Key activities for families: Viewing sea life (sharks, penguins, cuttlefish), indoor exhibits — ideal for curious kids. The Long Island Aquarium houses more than 100 exhibits, with sea life ranging from mysterious cuttlefish to sand sharks, penguins, and more. Aside from just gawking at the diverse sea creatures, there are a ton of interactive exhibits, too. When you're done there, explore the rest of the family-friendly fun in this North Fork town.
Insider tips: Indoor areas can feel warm, so dress in layers. Check seasonal hours before visiting, as winter schedules may differ.
Recommended duration of visit: Half-day to full-day, especially if pairing with lunch or nearby attractions.

4. Ice Skating – Port Washington

Travel time from NYC: About 40–55 minutes by car; also accessible via LIRR to Port Washington with a short local ride.
Why this trip is great in winter: Indoor and outdoor rinks in Port Washington offer a classic winter activity that’s fun, active, and perfect for all ages.
Key activities for families: Enjoy public skate sessions, skate rentals, and beginner-friendly spaces. Many rinks also offer lessons, themed skates, and warm-up spots for breaks. A visit to Port Washington is a great idea for a winter day trip from NYC. It's close to Manhattan and a family-friendly town to explore. We suggest hitting the rink at the Port Washington Skating Center and then cozying up for some coal-oven pizza at Salvatore's.
Insider tips: Check the rink’s schedule in advance—public skate times vary in winter. Dress in warm, flexible layers and bring extra socks for kids.
Recommended duration of visit: 1–2 hours for skating, or half-day if pairing with a nearby meal or waterfront walk.

Winter Day Trips from in the Hudson Valley and Upstate New York

5. Bear Mountain State Park – Tomkins Cove

Travel time from NYC: About 55–75 minutes by car.
Why this trip is great in winter: Scenic trails, frosty lake views, and open spaces make it a perfect cold-weather outdoor escape. The seasonal ice rink adds classic winter fun.
Key activities for families: Walk easy trails, visit the carousel and Trailside Zoo, enjoy winter picnics, or skate at the rink when open.
Insider tips: Arrive early on weekends, dress in warm layers, and check rink and zoo hours in advance. A winter day trip to Bear Mountain State Park offers everything you need for the perfect outdoor winter day. The park features plenty of hiking and cross-country ski trails, plus an outdoor skating rink open from late October through mid-March.
Recommended duration of visit: 2–4 hours or half-day.

6. The Trailside Museums & Zoo – Tomkins Cove

Travel time from NYC: About 55–75 minutes by car.
Why this trip is great in winter: Small, indoor/outdoor zoo with local wildlife exhibits makes for a cozy, educational winter outing. If you fancy spending the night, the Bear Mountain Inn is a great choice.
Key activities for families: Explore native animals, walk short trails, visit indoor museum exhibits, and learn about local ecology. Bear Mountain's Trailside Museums and Zoo is the perfect size for little ones and houses bears, eagles, foxes, coyotes, and beavers. See reptiles, amphibians, and fish at the Herpetology House, plus a neat geode collection at the Geology Museum. 
Insider tips: Weekdays are less crowded, dress in layers for outdoor areas, and check seasonal hours before visiting.
Recommended duration of visit: 1–2 hours.

7. Ski at Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz

Travel time from NYC: About 2 hours by car.
Why this trip is great in winter: Picturesque resort setting with groomed slopes and snowy trails offers a classic winter skiing experience for families.
Key activities for families: Downhill skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and beginner lessons for kids and adults. The stunningly beautiful Mohonk Mountain House offers various winter activities, including skating on an outdoor rink, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing—no overnight stay required. 
Insider tips: Check trail and slope conditions before visiting, rent equipment on-site if needed, and dress in warm, layered ski gear. Grab a winter sports pass for a perfect day trip from NYC.
Recommended duration of visit: Half-day to full-day.

RELATED: 100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before they Grow Up

Learn about the history of the Hudson Valley at Olana Historic Site and bask in the stunning natural landscapes. Photo by the author

8. Olana State Historic Site – Hudson

Travel time from NYC: About 2 hours by car.
Why this trip is great in winter: Stunning views of the Hudson River and snow-covered landscapes make it a peaceful winter outing.
Key activities for families: Tour the historic mansion, explore walking trails, enjoy scenic vistas, and take family photos. Experience the stunning natural beauty of the Hudson Valley and learn about the history and impact of Frederic Church, a central figure in the Hudson River School of landscape painting. You'll see amazing art, design, and architecture.
Insider tips: Check for guided tour schedules, dress in warm layers for outdoor trails, and bring a camera for winter landscapes.
Recommended duration of visit: 1–2 hours.

9. Dia Beacon – Beacon

10. Historic Cold Spring Village – Cold Spring

Travel time from NYC: About 1.5–2 hours by car or via Metro-North to Cold Spring station plus a short walk.
Why this trip is great in winter: A charming historic village with period buildings offers a cozy, educational winter outing. ***Note: the Village Grounds are open to walk around during the weekdays at certain times, but the historic buildings are closed during the winter. This could be a great outdoor-only winter trip, but you may wish to look ahead on the website and visit when there are special event weekends.
Key activities for families: Please check the website for special event weekends, as the historic buildings are currently closed.
Insider tips: Check seasonal hours and special winter events, dress in warm layers for outdoor areas, and bring a camera for the scenic village.
Recommended duration of visit: 1–2 hours.

RELATED: Explore Ice Castles Across America with Kids this Winter

Visit the SeaLIfe Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center at the American Dream Mall in New Jersey. Photo by the author

Winter Day Trips to New Jersey and Nearby States

11. American Dream Mall – East Rutherford

Travel time from NYC: About 30–40 minutes by car or via NJ Transit to Secaucus Junction plus a short ride.
Why this trip is great in winter: Massive indoor mall and entertainment complex provides a weather-proof, all-in-one winter outing for families.
Key activities for families: Indoor amusement park, water park, ice skating, Lego Discovery Center, shopping, and dining options. Besides the Nickelodeon Universe theme park, American Dream Mall also boasts the largest indoor water park in North America, plus an Angry Birds mini-golf course. Other kid-friendly favorites include a SeaLIfe Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center, and an over-the-top, three-floor candy store. There's also an on-site ice skating rink and indoor ski slope, dubbed Big Snow.
Insider tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds, check attraction hours in advance, and consider purchasing tickets online for rides and water park access. 
Recommended duration of visit: Half-day to full-day.

12. Play at the Princeton Playspace – Princeton

Travel time from NYC: About 1–1.5 hours by car or via NJ Transit to Princeton Junction plus a short ride.
Why this trip is great in winter: Fully indoor, climate-controlled play space perfect for active kids when it’s too cold outside.
Key activities for families: Climbing structures, slides, imaginative play areas, and open spaces for toddlers and young children. A fun and inexpensive getaway from NYC awaits your family in Princeton, New Jersey. The Princeton Playspace is an indoor romping spot, recommended for ages 0-10. You can even host parties and join classes there.
Insider tips: Weekdays are less crowded, socks are required for all kids, and check for seasonal hours or special events.
Recommended duration of visit: 1–2 hours.

RELATED: 25 Winter Day Trips from New Jersey for Families

Mountain Creek boasts more than 40 runs and is a mere hour from NYC. Photo courtesy of the mountain

13. Skiing at Mountain Creek – Vernon

Travel time from NYC: About 1.5–2 hours by car.
Why this trip is great in winter: Full-service ski resort with snowy slopes offers classic winter fun for families.
Key activities for families: Downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and beginner lessons for kids and adults. Mountain Creek is one of our favorite local ski spots for its all-around experience. 
Insider tips: Check snow conditions and lift schedules before visiting, rent equipment on-site if needed, and dress in layered, warm ski gear. If you're looking for more than a day trip from NYC, make a weekend of it by staying at the on-site accommodations.
Recommended duration of visit: Half-day to full-day.

14. Liberty State Park – Jersey City

15. Liberty Science Center – Jersey City

Travel time from NYC: About 20–30 minutes by car or via PATH train plus a short walk.
Why this trip is great in winter: Fully indoor, hands-on science museum offers a warm, educational escape from cold weather.
Key activities for families: Explore interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, the planetarium, and STEM-focused activities for kids of all ages.
Insider tips: Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds, check for special exhibits or shows, and allow extra time for the planetarium experience.
Recommended duration of visit: 2–4 hours.

RELATED: No-Car Skiing Day Trips: NYC-Area Ski Trips Without a Car

Even on a chilly, gray day, Lady Liberty is a worthy day-trip destination. Photo by Jody Mercier

16.  Ride a Ferry – Multiple Locations

The Statue of Liberty is a lovely day trip from NYC and is accessible by ferry ride from Lower Manhattan or New Jersey. The NY Waterway and Seastreak ferries let New Yorkers and New Jerseyans swap places for a day. A ride on the NYC Ferry yields several outer-borough stops for visitors and locals to explore. Hop a ferry from Port Jefferson to Bridgeport, Connecticut, for some New England seaside charm.

17. Great Wolf Lodge – Scotrun, Pennsylvania

18. Kalahari Resort – Tannersville, Pennsylvania

Travel time from NYC: About 2–2.5 hours by car.
Why this trip is great in winter: It's a massive indoor water park and entertainment resort that offers a warm, family-friendly escape from cold weather.
Key activities for families: Water slides, wave pools, arcade games, mini-golf, and kid-focused interactive activities. The park features an 11,000-square-foot wave pool, plus eight water slides, including the thrilling Anaconda and the Cheetah Race Mat Slide. Little ones will love Coral Cove, a sea-animal-themed play area.

Insider tips: Reserve tickets in advance, bring swimsuits and water shoes, and plan for an overnight stay to enjoy all attractions.
Recommended duration of visit: Half-day to full-day, or overnight.

RELATED: Indoor Water Parks near NYC for a Warm Getaway

Watch the beautiful wolves nuzzle in the snow. Photo by James Stein Photography for the Lakota Wolf Preserve

19. Woodbury Commons Outlet – Woodbury, New York

Travel time from NYC: About 1–1.5 hours by car.
Why this trip is great in winter: Indoor/outdoor outlet shopping with covered walkways offers a weather‑resistant way to score deals and enjoy a day out.
Key activities for families: Shop top brands at discounted prices, grab a meal at family-friendly restaurants, and enjoy the spacious walking areas. Carter's, OshKosh B'Gosh, Gap Kids, and plenty more family-friendly brands all have stores here.
Insider tips: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, dress in warm layers for outdoor sections, and check store hours during winter.
Recommended duration of visit: Half-day to full-day.

20. Visit Mystic – Mystic, Connecticut

Travel time from NYC: About 2–2.5 hours by car.
Why this trip is great in winter: Coastal town with indoor and outdoor attractions offers a cozy winter getaway with family-friendly activities.
Key activities for families: Explore Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, and charming shops and restaurants in the historic downtown. A visit to the amazing sea creatures at the Mystic Aquarium should definitely be on your list of stops. Old Mistic Village boasts plenty of open-air shopping and dining, plus a movie theater with programming that includes lots of family films and blockbusters. No trip to Mystic is complete without refueling at Mystic Pizza, made famous by the '80s film of the same name.
Insider tips: Check seasonal hours for the aquarium and seaport, dress in warm layers for outdoor walks, and consider weekday visits to avoid crowds.
Recommended duration of visit: Half-day to full-day.

21. Explore Philadelphia – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Travel time from NYC: About 1.5–2 hours by car or 1.5 hours via Amtrak.
Why this trip is great in winter: City offers a mix of indoor museums, historic sites, and kid-friendly attractions that make for a fun, weather-proof outing.
Key activities for families: Visit the Franklin Institute, Please Touch Museum, Liberty Bell, and historic Old City. From holiday activities to exploring art museums, attractions, and family-friendly activities, you'll find something for the whole family in the City of Brotherly Love.
Insider tips: Dress in warm layers for walking between sites, check museum hours in advance, and consider a city pass for cost savings.
Recommended duration of visit: Full-day.

Visit Art Omi, a beautiful sculpture park in the Hudson Valley. Photo by Alon Koppel Photography

22. Meet the Wolves – New Jersey and New York

Go on a Wolf Watch Tour at the Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia, New Jersey, or the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, New York. The wolves are in a natural environment, but guests get to watch them play, interact, and possibly howl from a protected, fenced-in area.

23. Enjoy Some Outdoor Art – Multiple Locations

NYC's Socrates Sculpture Park and MoMA's Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden have been longtime, year-round destinations. Others, like the Grounds For Sculpture, in Hamilton, New Jersey, and the popular Storm King Art Center, in New Windsor, New York, offer expanded hours in the winter to give visitors a chance to see art in a whole new season. Art Omi in the Catskills is also another great sculpture park that's beautiful in the winter.

24. Hit the Trails – Multiple Locations

We might associate hiking with warm summer months and cool, crisp fall days, but it's actually a great all-season outing. We've got picks for great family-friendly trails in upstate New York's state parks; hiking trails and beach walks all across Long Island; and state parks, forests, reservations, and kid-tested trails in the Garden State.

RELATED: Sleep in a Lighthouse and More Hudson Valley Resorts

Snow tubing at Mount Peter will make your kids embrace the snow. Photo courtesy of Mount Peter

25. Snow Tubing – Multiple Locations

The best part of snow tubing is that, unlike skiing and other winter sports, it requires little skill or gear, making it a great family experience. Check out our snow tubing roundup for suggestions, including Campgaw Mountain, which is just 45 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan, and Mount Peter, an hour and a half away.

FAQs for Family-Friendly Winter Day Trips near NYC

What are the best winter day trips from NYC for families?
Top family favorites include Bear Mountain, Cold Spring, Long Island Aquarium, Liberty Science Center, Mountain Creek, American Dream Mall, and indoor water parks like Great Wolf Lodge and Kalahari. These spots offer a mix of outdoor adventure and warm indoor fun.

How far can you go in 2 hours for a family winter day trip from NYC?
Many of the best picks—like Bear Mountain, Beacon, Princeton, Mountain Creek, Garden City museums, and Jersey City attractions—are all within about a 2-hour drive of NYC.

Which winter day trips near NYC are good for outdoor activities?
Bear Mountain, Cold Spring, Mohonk Mountain House, Mountain Creek, Olana State Historic Site, Liberty State Park, and many Hudson Valley towns offer hiking, views, snow play, skiing, and winter walks.

What are good indoor winter day trip destinations from NYC?
Long Island Aquarium, Roosevelt Field Mall, Liberty Science Center, American Dream Mall, indoor play spaces like Princeton Playspace, and indoor water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge and Kalahari are top choices.

How should kids dress for a winter day trip from NYC?
Dress in warm, easy-to-layer clothing: thermal base layers, sweaters, waterproof jackets, snow pants (for outdoor trips), hats, gloves, warm socks, and waterproof boots. Pack an extra set of gloves and socks—kids always need them.

Are these winter day trip spots open year-round?
Most destinations, such as museums, aquariums, malls, and historic towns, are open year-round. Ski resorts and snow tubing parks are seasonal, typically operating from late fall through early spring, depending on the weather.

What should families pack for a winter day trip?
Snacks, water, a small first-aid kit, hand warmers, extra socks and gloves, a phone charger, tissues, lip balm, a camera, and any reservation confirmations or tickets.

Is it cheaper to stay for a weekend instead of a day trip?
Sometimes, especially for ski resorts and indoor water parks, day passes can be pricey. Weekend packages or off-peak hotel nights may offer better value. Families who want a more relaxed trip may find the overnight option worthwhile.

Originally published in December 2016.

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