When it comes to travel convenience, charm, and a real feeling of escaping every day, it's hard to beat a getaway to New York's Catskills. Near enough to the NYC metro area for a quick weekend trip, the region is packed with small-town charm, yet overflows with family-friendly destinations from ski resorts to alpaca farms and everything in between.
In short, if you're looking for a family-friendly weekend escape, look no further than this list of 15 family-friendly Catskills resorts. Once you've booked your accommodations, start plotting your other must-do's with our picks for 25 things to do in the Catskills with kids and find more local travel inspiration in our Guide to Weekend Getaways and Family Day Trips.
Latest Videos
Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.
After a day of exploring, cozy up with a cappuccino—or hot cocoa—in front of the fireplace at Kenoza Hall. Photo by author
Catskills Resorts Open Year-Round for Family Fun
Kenoza Hall – Kenoza Lake
Perched on a hillside and overlooking Kenoza Lake, the views here are stunning and the amenities spoil city dwellers with all the comforts of home—and more. A 1900s-era boarding house, the property has been recently resurrected and restored. Rooms in the main house and well-appointed and ooze Victorian charm, though skew upscale and are probably a better home base for older kids. But, we're particularly excited about the addition of 10, two-bedroom, family-friendly bungalows under construction that are promised to be ready for summer adventures and are accepting bookings for July. The property offers canoes and kayaks to borrow for water adventures in summer, hiking trails to explore, plus a seasonal outdoor pool and year-round hot tub and sauna. For an extra special escape, be sure to book a treatment at its on-site Hemlock Spa while you're there. There's a restaurant and bar on the main floor, serving classic, French-inspired modern fare. We also love the cozy communal spaces, where you can curl up by the fire to get lost in a book, or pull up to a chessboard to battle wits.
Winter Clove Inn & Resort – Round Top
One of the oldest resorts in upstate New York, Winter Clove is an all-inclusive resort nestled on 300 acres of land at the base of North Mountain and adjacent to the Catskill State Wilderness Preserve. Stays here include three meals daily and plenty of fun things to do, with indoor and (seasonal) outdoor pools, an antique bowling alley and game room, plus space for outdoor adventures from cross-country skiing and sledding in the winter to hiking, tennis, golf, and mountain biking in the summer. Artist Falls is a short walk from the front door and provides a stunning waterfall view and a trip over a covered bridge. When booking your stay, choose from rooms in The Main Inn or The Oaks Lodge, which feature traditional hotel rooms and suites, or choose to book The Carriage House, a three-bedroom suite with a small sitting area—it's also the only accommodation with its own television as most rooms are TV-free.
RELATED: The Sweetest Catskills Weekend Getaway for Families
Nestled on 600 acres of Catskills wilderness, the rooms at The Eldred Preserve bring the outdoors inside.
The Eldred Preserve – Eldred
The Bradstan Boutique Hotel is home to 28 well-appointed rooms and suites that put the natural beauty of the Catskills at your fingertips. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto the lush grounds—and many accommodations include private decks. Family-friendly options include one of five stand-alone cabins, with king beds for parents, plus queen-sized sofa beds for kids. Suites, junior suites, and standard rooms with two queen beds are also available. During your visit, you'll have access to 600 acres of pristine nature, including Sunrise Lake where you can paddle or cast a line, bike rentals are available, or you can choose to explore its trails on foot. Come summer, hit the currently-under-construction outdoor pool.
RELATED: 11 Inexpensive Winter Weekend Getaways Near NYC for Families
No matter the weather, Villa Roma has entertainment options sure to put a smile on the faces of visitors young and old.
Villa Roma – Callicoon
Consider Villa Roma your one-stop shop for family fun. This grand, classic Catskills resort has been a mainstay since the early '70s. Accommodations can fit any family size and budget, with options like multi-bedroom efficiency suites, complete with kitchenettes, and enough beds to sleep up to six. Traditional hotel rooms are also offered, as well as deluxe suites with sitting rooms and Jacuzzis. Of course, you likely won't want to spend much time in your room with an action-packed selection of activities, including skiing and tubing in the winter, plus golf, basketball, volleyball, and more in the summer. Indoor and seasonal outdoor pools are available, too, and an on-site sports center includes bowling, bouncy houses, and rock-climbing walls. When it's time to eat, choose from seven restaurants, including a kid-friendly grill and my favorite combo, a coffee-and-sweet shop.
RELATED: Camelback Resort: A Year-round Poconos Getaway for Families
The Kartrite is home to New York's largest indoor water park, plus plenty more family-friendly entertainment and amenities.
Kartrite Resort – Monticello
If you're craving a warm-weather getaway no matter the season, consider The Kartrite, with its 324 guest rooms, all of which are family-friendly suites and include perks like mini-fridges and microwaves, plus a stocked Keurig coffee bar. Some even have balconies overlooking the resort. As far as entertainment goes, it's hard to beat the two-acre indoor water park. Its 80,000-square-feet of attractions include everything from a heated indoor-outdoor pool to high-flying slides for thrill-seeking big kids, a Flowrider surf simulator, and Kartrite Island—the water play area with knee-deep water perfect for little ones. The lazy river is a hit all around! While water park tickets are included in your stay, there are tons of other indoor attractions for an extra fee. A daily calendar of events includes plenty of fun no matter the season. Refuel at the Eat. Eat. Eat. buffet or one of the other six on-site restaurants.
RELATED: 35 Things To Do with Kids in the Hudson Valley
Enjoy the coziness of a log cabin getaway with added luxury at the Emerson Resort and Spa.
Emerson Resort and Spa – Mount Tremper
With two distinct properties on one site, the Emerson Resort and Spa likely has a fit for your travel needs. The Inn offers spacious, contemporary rooms with amenities like en suite fireplaces and soaking tubs with jets. Opt for an Imperial Room, and you'll have two bathrooms and a lofted king bedroom. For a more classic, Adirondack feel, opt to book a stay in The Lodge. What you'll give up in creature comforts, you'll make up for in charm, with exposed wooden beams, the option of a streamside balcony, and stunning views. A packed activity calendar includes fun indoors and out, and a huge highlight for kids here is the Kaleidoshow, aka the world's largest kaleidoscope. Housed in an on-site silo and viewed from the ground up, the Kaleidoshow features stunning visuals set to music. A pair of restaurants are on-site, and if you're craving winter adventures, both Belleayre and Hunter ski areas are nearby.
RELATED: Bed and Breakfasts Near New York City for a Cozy Weekend Getaway
The North Branch Inn is filled with old-fashioned charm.
North Branch Inn – North Branch
It's hard not to fall in love with the old-timey feel of this lovely bed and breakfast. An antique bowling alley is practically a guaranteed good time. Fourteen rooms are spread over three buildings on the property, each providing accommodations for 2-3 people, so keep in mind you might need multiple rooms to accommodate a large family. Breakfast is included, and a trio of common spaces offers room to sprawl out and relax. The North Branch Inn is set on seven acres of land, with gardens, fields, brooks, and creeks to explore. The on-site Bar Room & Restaurant is highlighting local chefs with a series of dining popups this season.
RELATED: Indoor Water Parks Near NYC for a Warm Getaway
Hotel Darby offers a ton of mid-century modern details that make it one unique Catskills destination.
Hotel Darby – Beach Lake, Pennsylvania
OK, so it's technically not in the Catskills, given its Pennsylvania mailing address, but Hotel Darby is a stone's throw away from the charming town of Narrowsburg, New York. One of the newest hotels in the region, this spot is a mid-century modern stunner situated on the banks of the Delaware River. If you're traveling with kids, consider booking a king suite with the adjoining twin bunk room. Beyond your suite, there are 17 acres to explore, a hammock grove to lounge in during the summer, trails to hike or snowshoe in all seasons, birds to watch, and a river to float with the help of the friendly local guides at Lander's River Trips. Stroll into Narrowsburg to immerse yourself in its small-town charm.
Callicoon Hills – Callicoon Center
Everything old is new again, and this resort is proof. Having just opened in June 2021, Callicoon Hills' history dates back to the early 1900s when the boarding house was first erected. But, my how far it's come with a trio of buildings offering varied accommodations. The best bet for families is The Pool House, with its double rooms, which can be booked side-by-side. While there are some grounds to explore, you'll find less organized fun here than at other destinations on our list, so come armed with nearby places to explore if it's not pool season! The charming town of Callicoon is a 15-minute drive away, and we suggest stopping by Catskills Provisions while you're there, where you can nab locally harvested honey, artisanal chocolates, and craft-made spirits.
RELATED: Sleep in a Lighthouse and More Hudson Valley Family Resorts and Hotels
Looking for big-city taste and small town appeal? Book your reservation to Northern Farmhouse Pasta as soon as you schedule your Catskills getaway. Photo by author
Seasonal Summer-Only Catskills Resorts for Families
Roscoe Campsite Park – Roscoe
If your idea of a getaway skews more rustic, consider Roscoe Campsite Park, where accommodations include everything from plots of land for you to pitch your own tent or park an RV, to cabins, luxury tents, and even decked out Calistoga Wagons at its sister site nearby. No matter which you choose, you'll have access to the beautiful Beaverkill River in "Trout Town USA," where fly-fishing was born. Enjoy outdoor pursuits like wildlife watching, mountain biking, and hiking, or go tubing and kayaking on the river. For a spectacular night out, splurge on a meal at Northern Farmhouse Pasta, where reservations are hard to come by, but so worth it for the farm-to-table fare. Roscoe Beer Company offers casual appeal, plus microbrews made on-site, including small-batch root beer, which kids will get a kick out of ordering on tap.
Sunny Hill – Greenville
You'll be treated like family at this summer-only, all-inclusive resort, which offers a dozen different lodging options to fit any configuration, ranging from traditional hotel rooms to whole-house rentals. No matter where you stay, you'll have access to endless activities set on 600 acres. Two golf courses await, plus playgrounds, hiking trails, an obstacle course, and a weekly Friday night lake party complete with fireworks. Three family-style meals are served daily.
Pine Lake Manor – Greenville
Pine Lake Manor has been family-owned and operated for 95 years, and it's easy to see why. The 200+ acre property is home to three lakes—each offering water sports and stocked for fishing—plus a heated swimming pool, kiddie pool, tennis courts, playgrounds, and plenty of room to roam and run. A jam-packed activity schedule changes daily and ensures no one is ever bored. Accommodations are comfortable and cozy, and rates include hearty, family-style meals three times a day.
The Country Place Resort – East Durham
The Country Place Resort is well-loved for its proximity to the seasonal Zoom Flume Water Park, and guests enjoy discounted access to its wet-and-wild fun, which includes the addition of Rip Van Racer, a new double-flume mat ride in 2022. Rooms can accommodate up to five people and breakfast and dinner are included daily. There's also a heated outdoor pool, a lake for pedal boating, fishing, and more activities sure to keep you busy.
RELATED: Family Travel Guide to the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Hudson Valley
Once completed, AutoCamp Catskills will be outfitted with luxurious Airstream Trailers like the one shown here at its sister property on Cape Cod.
Must-Visit Family-Friendly Catskills Resorts Opening Soon
AutoCamp Catskills – Saugerties
If you like the idea—and community of camping—but can't do without the creature comforts of home, AutoCamp Catskills may be the place for you. The brand's second East Coast location, accommodations range from luxuriously appointed Airstream Trailers to luxury tents, and private cabin suites. Luxury linens, towels, and robes are de rigeur. Most accommodations come with cooking basics, and all sites have fire pits and grills. A central Clubhouse, designed to evoke a modern Hudson Valley barn, is promised to be a beacon of activity, with indoor fireplaces, a general store, breakfast and coffee service, and programming meant to make AutoCamp the destination, instead of a home base while you explore nearby. AutoCamp Catskills is on track for a spring 2022 opening day.
Wildflower Farms – Gardiner
This new entree from Auberge Resorts brings a contemporary cabin feel to the Catskills. Nestled on 150 acres, you'll find free-standing bungalows, cottages, and suites to rest your head. The ambling property is filled with old-growth forests, wildflower fields, room to catch your breath—and views to have it taken away again. Expect a farm-to-fork concept to dominate its menu, and set aside time to experience a relaxing spa treatment or take a dip in the indoor saltwater pool. The property is set to open in fall 2022.
Unless noted, all photos courtesy of the resorts.