14 Perfect Weekend Destinations for Families Near New York City
Planning a family getaway from the hustle and bustle of New York City doesn’t have to mean traveling across the country. Amazing destinations filled with fun activities, beautiful scenery, and memorable experiences wait just a few hours away from the Big Apple. Whether your family loves beach adventures, mountain hikes, or historic towns, these nearby spots offer the perfect escape for creating lasting memories together.
1. Ocean City
Miles of pristine beaches stretch along this Maryland coastal gem, creating the perfect playground for families seeking sun and surf. Kids can build sandcastles while parents relax under colorful umbrellas, watching waves roll gently onto the shore.
The famous boardwalk buzzes with activity from morning until night. Amusement rides, arcade games, and classic carnival treats like funnel cake and saltwater taffy keep everyone entertained for hours.
Bike rentals allow families to explore the town at their own pace. Many hotels offer family-friendly amenities including pools and complimentary breakfast, making this destination both fun and convenient for weekend warriors.
2. Montauk
Perched at the very tip of Long Island, this charming fishing village offers families a taste of authentic seaside life. Lighthouse tours provide stunning ocean views and fascinating maritime history that captivates visitors of all ages.
Fresh seafood restaurants serve up the day’s catch while kids watch fishing boats return to harbor. Beach combing reveals interesting shells, smooth sea glass, and sometimes even small crabs hiding in tide pools.
Camping options range from basic tent sites to comfortable cabins with modern amenities. State parks offer hiking trails through coastal dunes where families can spot native birds and learn about local ecosystems together.
3. Sullivan County Catskills
Rolling mountains covered in lush forests create a natural wonderland perfect for active families. Hiking trails wind through scenic valleys where crystal-clear streams bubble over smooth rocks and colorful wildflowers bloom in meadows.
Family-friendly resorts offer everything from swimming pools to organized nature walks. Many properties feature game rooms, playgrounds, and evening entertainment that keeps children engaged while parents unwind.
Seasonal activities change throughout the year, from summer tubing down lazy rivers to autumn leaf-peeping adventures. Local farms welcome visitors for apple picking, pumpkin patches, and hands-on learning experiences about rural life in upstate New York.
4. Hamburg
Nestled in western New York, this small town surprises families with its abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Crystal Beach and nearby Evangola State Park offer sandy shores along Lake Erie where swimming and picnicking create perfect summer memories.
Holiday Valley Resort transforms into an adventure playground year-round. Summer brings mountain biking, zip-lining, and scenic chairlift rides, while winter offers skiing lessons perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Local diners serve hearty comfort food that satisfies hungry adventurers. The town’s friendly atmosphere and affordable accommodations make it an ideal base for exploring the beautiful Finger Lakes region without breaking the family budget.
5. Poughkeepsie
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park features the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge, offering breathtaking river views that stretch for miles. Families can walk, bike, or simply stand in awe of the spectacular scenery below.
Historic mansions like the Vanderbilt Mansion transport visitors back to America’s Gilded Age. Guided tours reveal fascinating stories about wealthy families while kids explore elaborate gardens and impressive architecture.
The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum provides hands-on learning experiences that make science and history come alive. Interactive exhibits encourage curiosity and creativity, making education feel like play for children of all ages throughout their visit.
6. Cape May
Victorian architecture creates a fairy-tale setting in America’s oldest seaside resort town. Colorful gingerbread houses line tree-shaded streets where horse-drawn carriage rides transport families back to a simpler time.
Cape May Point State Park offers excellent bird watching opportunities, especially during spring and fall migrations. The historic lighthouse provides panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay meeting at the southern tip of New Jersey.
Beach activities include dolphin watching tours and fossil hunting along the shoreline. Many bed-and-breakfast establishments welcome families, offering personalized service and homemade breakfasts that start each day with warmth and local hospitality.
7. Asbury Park
Once-famous boardwalk attractions have been lovingly restored, creating a vibrant seaside destination that appeals to multiple generations. The iconic Stone Pony and other music venues showcase live entertainment while families enjoy classic carnival games and rides.
Cookman Avenue bustles with unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants serving everything from gourmet burgers to international cuisine. Street art and murals add colorful character to this revitalized downtown area.
The beach offers volleyball courts, fishing opportunities, and gentle waves perfect for beginning surfers. Many hotels feature pools and family suites, while vacation rentals provide kitchen facilities for families preferring to prepare some meals themselves.
8. New Hope
Charming canal boat rides along the Delaware River provide peaceful transportation through scenic countryside. Mule-drawn barges move at a leisurely pace, allowing families to spot wildlife and learn about 19th-century transportation methods.
Antique shops and art galleries line cobblestone streets in this historic Pennsylvania town. Ice cream parlors and candy stores tempt visitors while parents browse unique treasures and handcrafted items from local artisans.
Nearby Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve offers nature trails through native plant habitats. Educational programs teach children about local ecosystems while families enjoy picnic areas with beautiful views of the surrounding Delaware Valley landscape.
9. Hershey
Chocolate-themed attractions make this Pennsylvania destination irresistible to families with sweet teeth. Hersheypark combines thrilling roller coasters with gentler rides suitable for younger children, ensuring everyone finds their perfect level of excitement.
Factory tours reveal the chocolate-making process from cocoa bean to candy bar. Interactive exhibits allow kids to create their own candy bars while learning about Milton Hershey’s remarkable business success story.
The town embraces its chocolate identity with street lamps shaped like Hershey’s Kisses and chocolate-scented air throughout downtown. Hotels offer themed rooms and packages that include park admission, making vacation planning simple for busy families seeking sweet memories.
10. Philadelphia
Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell provide tangible connections to American history that bring textbook lessons to life. Rangers share engaging stories about the founding fathers while kids imagine themselves present during the birth of our nation.
The Please Touch Museum encourages hands-on exploration through interactive exhibits designed specifically for children. Science demonstrations, art activities, and imaginative play areas keep young minds engaged for hours.
Reading Terminal Market offers incredible food variety under one historic roof. Families can sample Philly cheesesteaks, Pennsylvania Dutch specialties, and international cuisines while experiencing the bustling atmosphere of this century-old marketplace.
11. The Poconos
Heart-shaped tubs and romantic resorts might define adult perceptions, but family-friendly activities abound in these Pennsylvania mountains. Water parks, adventure courses, and scenic railways provide excitement for visitors of all ages throughout the year.
Bushkill Falls, known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” offers hiking trails leading to spectacular waterfalls. Easy boardwalk paths accommodate families with small children, while more challenging routes reward adventurous hikers with breathtaking views.
Lake activities include swimming, boating, and fishing in crystal-clear mountain waters. Many resorts offer comprehensive family packages with meals, activities, and entertainment included, simplifying vacation planning while maximizing fun and relaxation opportunities.
12. The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Rolling hills dotted with charming New England towns create picture-perfect scenery that changes dramatically with each season. Fall foliage tours reveal spectacular autumn colors while summer brings outdoor concerts and theater performances under the stars.
Tanglewood Music Center hosts family-friendly performances where children can experience classical music in beautiful outdoor settings. Picnic dinners on the lawn create magical evening memories for music-loving families.
Historic sites like Old Sturbridge Village offer living history demonstrations where costumed interpreters show daily life in colonial America. Kids can try traditional crafts, watch blacksmiths work, and learn about life before modern conveniences made everything easier.
13. Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic Seaport Museum brings maritime history to life through authentic tall ships and working demonstrations. Children can climb aboard historic vessels, watch craftsmen build boats using traditional methods, and learn about whaling industry importance to New England.
The famous aquarium features beluga whales, sea lions, and interactive touch tanks where kids can safely handle starfish and other marine creatures. Educational programs combine entertainment with learning about ocean conservation and marine biology.
Downtown Mystic offers quaint shops and restaurants along the scenic river. Pizza at Mystic Pizza, made famous by the Julia Roberts movie, provides a fun dining experience that connects popular culture with family vacation memories.
14. Beacon
Dia:Beacon showcases contemporary art in a massive former factory space that amazes visitors with its scale and creativity. Large installations and outdoor sculptures provide unique photo opportunities while introducing children to modern artistic expression.
Mount Beacon offers hiking trails leading to spectacular Hudson Valley views. The challenging climb rewards families with panoramic vistas stretching for miles across the river valley and surrounding mountains.
Main Street features antique shops, bookstores, and cafes perfect for leisurely afternoon exploration. The town’s artistic renaissance has created a vibrant community where families can experience small-town charm while enjoying sophisticated cultural attractions within walking distance.
