New York City is unlike any other place in the world, but sometimes we still need a break and these family-friendly weekend getaways near NYC are a great excuse to skip town for a weekend with the family. You don't have to travel far to feel like you're a world away.
We've rounded up 14 of our favorite kid-friendly weekend getaways near NYC for families—all are within 3 hours of NYC. If you're looking for other comprehensive guides to weekend getaways near NYC, check out our definitive list of the Hudson Valley's top attractions, our exhaustive survey of family-friendly options in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, plus our list of New York State's top attractions for families.
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Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways in New York State
1. Montauk
2 1/2 hours from Midtown Manhattan
For a quintessential beach town getaway near NYC that offers plenty of things to do any time of the year—in rain, sun, or snow—Montauk is an obvious choice. Climb to the top of the Montauk Point Lighthouse and take in the view, charter a boat, ride bikes, eat fresh seafood, or just stroll the beautiful sand in search of shells. In fact, we've got details on top things to do in Montauk to help get you started. No car? No problem. Montauk is also accessible via the LIRR.
Where to stay: Hartman's Briney Breezes Beach Resort is a great budget-friendly spot to stay, while a pricier option is Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, the only four-season beachfront resort in the Hamptons.
2. Poughkeepsie
1 hour 40 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
If you're craving fresh air, hop in the car or take Metro-North to Poughkeepsie for year-round adventures. The 212-foot-high Walkway over the Hudson is renowned as the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the surrounding area. For indoor play, check out the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum during your weekend getaway near NYC. The museum has a Rivertown play area where children can pretend to make pies in a bakery, respond to calls in a fire truck, or put in a day's work on a construction site.
Where to stay: Rocking Horse Ranch is an action-packed, all-inclusive resort we love to visit in any season. Book online and read our full review here.
3. Beacon
90 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
The Hudson Valley is a breeze to get to by train or by car, so it's always a popular pick. Beacon offers gorgeous scenery and a laid-back, artsy vibe. Dia Beacon is a must-see year-round, but if your family likes to sample tasty treats (and what family doesn't?) think about timing your visit to coincide with the annual cupcake festival in May or the strawberry festival in June. Visits to local shops and eateries round out a memorable family weekend getaway.
Where to stay: The artsy, boutique Roundhouse is an ideal option for overnight stays.
4. Sullivan County Catskills
2 hours from Midtown Manhattan
For a trip your kids will keep talking about for years to come, consider river rafting in the Sullivan County Catskills. It's a pleasant respite from the hectic pace of city life and a great excuse to get outdoors with each other.
Where to stay: From camping to kicking back at one of these family-friendly Catskills resorts, you can't go wrong in this part of the region. And if you're looking for other ways to make a splash on your family getaway, check out The Kartrite, which boasts the largest indoor water park in New York state. Read our full review here.
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Enjoy the beach, boardwalk, rides, and food during a weekend getaway to Asbury Park, New Jersey. Photo by the author
Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways in New Jersey
5. Asbury Park
Asbury Park on the Jersey Shore is the perfect beachfront destination with entertaining options for the whole family. Kids will love splashing in the waves, eating ice cream on the boardwalk, and parents can check out the lively music and art scenes.
Where to stay: The family-friendly Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel allows for easy beach access, while the luxe Asbury Ocean Club Hotel boasts a rooftop pool with amazing sunset views.
6. Hamburg
90 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
Sometimes it's just about indulgence. Live it up with all the amenities you can ask for at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, New Jersey. The property's sister resorts at the Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Hotel also offer varying seasonal activities, including skiing, swimming, zip-lining, and horseback riding.
Where to stay: In this case, the resort is the destination. Book your Crystal Springs Resort stay here.
7. Ocean City
2 1/2 hours from Midtown Manhattan
Another classic beachfront destination, Ocean City is great for riding bikes on the boardwalk, catching some waves, and then cooling off with ice cream cones. Playland's Castaway Cove and Gillian's Wonderland Pier offer thrills for all ages.
Where to stay: Biscayne Suites, Port-O-Call, and the Flanders Hotel are all popular lodging options, but they tend to book up quickly, so plan ahead.
8. Cape May
3 hours from Midtown Manhattan
With its long boardwalk, wide beaches, and many family-friendly dining options, you can't go wrong with a visit to this seaside gem that's packed with family-friendly things to do. Take a leisurely stroll along the Washington Street pedestrian mall for some window shopping, souvenir stalls, and candy stores. Hop aboard the Cape May-Lewes Ferry for a day trip to Delaware, or enjoy the mini golf, a playground, and snack options at the ferry landing.
Where to stay: Cape Resorts manages a handful of lovely, family-friendly hotels. We love the regal Congress Hall for a splurge, while the Beach Shack has a more laid-back vibe.
RELATED: Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do
There's always sweet fun brewing in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the chocolate capital. Photo by Jody Mercier
Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways in Pennsylvania
9. Hershey
3 hours from Midtown Manhattan
Head to the Sweetest Place on Earth and indulge in chocolatey goodness. Hersheypark is a one-stop destination for family fun, but there's more to this town than its thrilling, kid-friendly theme park. ZooAmerica is home to animals from across North America, and Hershey's Chocolate World takes you behind the scenes to show how all the chocolate magic happens. Read our full itinerary for a Hershey getaway here.
Where to stay: If you're staying the night, The Hotel Hershey offers high-end amenities, while the Hershey Camping Resort provides easy access to Hersheypark and has kid-friendly amenities like pools, splash pads, mini golf, and more. We also love the family-friendly Tru by Hilton and its central Chocolate Avenue location.
10. New Hope
2 hours from Midtown Manhattan
If you're looking for peace and quiet on a weekend getaway near NYC, escape to the family-friendly Bucks County. The town is full of charming shops, restaurants, and annual festivals. Stop at the Bucks County Children's Museum or take a ride on the New Hope Railroad. Dine and pick up souvenirs at the historic Peddler's Village, or say hello to your kiddo's favorite friends at Sesame Place.
Where to stay: Depending on your plans, stay in the heart of Peddler's Village at the Golden Plough Inn or opt for the Spring Hill Suites, which is within walking distance of Sesame Place.
11. The Poconos
2 hours from Midtown Manhattan
The Poconos has been a favorite vacation spot for generations. From water parks to river rafting, horseback riding, and more, there's something for everyone during a family-friendly weekend getaway in the Poconos.
Where to stay: We've got an entire roundup of the best family resorts in the Poconos.
12. Philadelphia
2 hours from Midtown Manhattan
Immerse your family in our nation's rich history with a visit to the very walkable City of Brotherly Love. You can show your kids the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution at Independence National Historical Park, or check out the iconic Liberty Bell. For culture, there's always the Philadelphia Museum of Art, while the Philadelphia Zoo is an all-ages crowd-pleaser. For other ideas, check out our list of 100 things to do with kids in Philadelphia before they grow up.
Where to stay: Stay in the heart of the city at The Logan, which is within walking distance from many of the city's top attractions and is perfect for a car-free getaway. We've got more family-friendly Philadelphia hotels here.
Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways in New England
13. Mystic, Connecticut
2 1/2 hours from Midtown Manhattan
Mystic is a popular and charming family-friendly getaway near NYC. Attractions like the Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport Museum are well-known and worthy of their acclaim. Bank Square Books has a fantastic children's section, and Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream beats any national chain. Of course, '80s movie fans will love popping into the iconic Mystic Pizza for a slice.
Where to stay: The Inn at Mystic is a perfect home away from home, with a seasonal outdoor pool, fire pits, walking trails, and a dreamy view of the Fishers Island Sound. Mystic also offers numerous quaint inns and B&Bs for overnight stays.
14. The Berkshires, Massachusetts
2 hours, 45 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
Even if it's a bit farther from the city than some of our other family-friendly getaways near NYC, the Berkshires are worth the trip. We enjoyed a great car-free getaway to Pittsfield and love visiting Mass MoCA and other family-friendly destinations in North Adams. We've got a full roundup of the best things to do in the Berkshires here.
Where to stay: The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge offers the option to stay in a firehouse that served as the backdrop of a Norman Rockwell painting, while the Library Suite at Pittsfield's Hotel on North looks like it's ripped from the pages of Beauty and the Beast.
This post, originally published in March 2019, has since been updated.
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