The arrival of warmer weather has us dreaming of summer weekend getaways from NYC with kids. I’ve rounded up my top choices for families looking for the most luxurious spots that both parents and kids will enjoy. These resorts are quite popular with New York City area families and will require advance bookings, especially during the summer months.
1. THE MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE, NEW PALTZ, NEW YORK
TIME FROM NYC: 2 HOURS
THE DRAW: A 90-minute drive from NYC, Mohonk Mountain House is a majestic resort that sits on a cliff above a glacial blue lake in New York’s Hudson Valley. The Mohonk Mountain House has received many awards and accolades over the last decade and is considered one of the best resorts in the U.S. The Kids Club’ and Teen Program are complimentary programs for overnight guests and offer various activities such as hiking, scavenger hunts, pony rides and more. The resort also has a private beach, indoor pool, lake water sports, hiking trails, an ice rink (in the winter) and stables. Meals are included in the overnight rate. In our opinion, a lake view room with a balcony is worth the splurge.
INSIDER TIP: Bring dimes for the fish food vending machines located on the porch overlooking the lake. Kids will love to feed the variety of fish off of the pier.
photos: The Mohonk Mountain House
2. THE SAGAMORE: BOLTON LANDING, NEW YORK
Time from NYC: 4 Hours
THE DRAW: The Sagamore sits on a secluded private island just 60 miles north of Albany (200 miles north of New York City) in the heart of the Adirondacks. Families can enjoy the expansive and kid-friendly outdoor pool and stunning patio that overlooks expansive Lake George. Kids and teens can enjoy sports and activities at The Rec, a 10,000 square foot indoor recreation center. The Sagamore Kids Club is available for children ages 4-12 and is included with the overnight guest rate.
INSIDER TIP: Hotel guests can take in some of the best views in the Adirondacks while riding on The Morgan, the Sagamore’s 72-foot replica of a 19th-century touring vessel. The tour is included in the resort fee for overnight guests.
photos: The Sagamore
3: THE OCEAN HOUSE, WESTERLY, RHODE ISLAND
Time from NYC: 3.5 Hours
THE DRAW: The Ocean House, a newly rebuilt mansion-style hotel, sits upon a bluff overlooking the Atlantic in a historic district south of Newport, Rhode Island. Guests rave about the beautiful setting, top notch service (with a “no tipping policy”), and the ability to serve up either a romantic getaway or a relaxing family vacation. The Ocean House has been regularly named one of the most beautiful and best hotels in the U.S.A by in-the-know travel authorities such as Condé Nast Traveler, Fodors and Travel + Leisure.
INSIDER TIP: From late May to early October, Ocean House offers cruises aboard four extraordinary and very different boats. Located a mere three-minute walk down the hill from Ocean House, the fleet offers many ways to enjoy the water.
photos: The Ocean House
4. MONTAUK YACHT CLUB RESORT & MARINA: MONTAUK, NEW YORK (THE HAMPTONS)
Time from NYC: 3 Hours
THE DRAW: Montauk Yacht Club is located on a private waterfront in the East Hampton hamlet of Montauk, on the South Fork of Long Island. Children can enjoy family-friendly activities like bonfires and movies on the Great Lawn. The resort boasts two heated indoor pool and two outdoor heated pools, tennis courts, complimentary paddle boards, kayaks and bicycles. It also offers surf and paddleboard instruction, and sailboat rentals and lessons.
INSIDER TIP: Montauk is known lovingly as “The End” because it is the easternmost point of the island and New York state. The good news there is free shuttle service into town or to the train station that will easily guide you back west.
photos: Montauk Yacht Club
5. WEQUASSETT RESORT: HARWICH, MASSACHUSETTS (CAPE COD)
Time from NYC: 5 Hours
THE DRAW: Overlooking Pleasant Bay on the Nantucket Sound, the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club is a luxurious coastal retreat. One of the top hotels and locations in Cape Cod, this resort gathers high marks for unmatched beauty (the pool is surrounded by water on three sides) and impeccable service. Guests have commented on how the staff is “uncommonly” trained and will anticipate any need you may have to ensure your stay is a pleasant one. The resort has Children’s Center with programming for children ages 2 to 12 and also features a nautical-themed playground with pirate ships and treasure chests and an aquatic playground with fountains and sprays.
INSIDER TIP: Every day at 2 and 4pm a there is an ice cream cart for guests to enjoy complimentary treats.
photos: Wequassett Resort
