Go All-Inclusive
Great Wolf Lodge, Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
Think the Poconos are only a winter destination? Think again! The Great Wolf Lodge in the Pocono Mountains has so many family-focused attractions and activities, your kids will have a tough time deciding what to do next! The resort boasts an expansive indoor water park, a four-story interactive tree house and water fort, a make-your-own-racecar room and much, much more.
Down On The Farm
If you’ve ever dreamt about tossing aside the urban life to live in the country, try spending the weekend on a farm. Not only is learning about farm life educational, but it’s also a great way to bond with your family. Here are three nearby farms that welcome city families:
*Sprout Creek Farms, La Grange, New York
At Sprout Creek Farms in LaGrange, New York, rent the on-site three-bedroom cottage and spend the day learning about cheese-making, visiting farm animals, and taking leisurely nature walks along the scenic creek.
*Turquoise Barn, Bloomville, New York
Turquoise Barn, which is run by two artists from Brooklyn, invites families to stay in the bed and breakfast or camp on their lush grounds—both allow you to feast on their vegetarian, vegan, and raw food. You can also swim in the on-site pond, check out their chickens and vegetable gardens, and cycle on the bike trail located across the street.
*Verdant View, Paradise, Pennsylvania
Verdant View is a 115-acre working dairy farm in Pennsylvania Dutch Country where you can milk cows, bottle-feed baby calves, fish in their pond and enjoy many other agro-themed activities.
Amuse Me
Head to Pennsylvania and take your pick of landmark amusement parks:
*Sesame Place, Langhorne, Pennsylvania
In addition to in-person sightings of Big Bird and the gang from Sesame Street, Sesame Place offers families over two dozen exciting rides, tons of water adventures for every age, and special events like shows and parades. This weekend, celebrate the start of summer with the park’s annual Memorial Day fireworks on Sunday.
*Hershey Park, Hershey, Pennsylvania
There’s something for everyone at this park, plus, enough chocolate to last a lifetime! Hershey Park boats tons of coasters, family rides, kiddie rides and water rides, in addition to award-winning live shows and summer concerts. The Boardwalk, which will feature nine additional water attractions, plenty of games and food, and one huge wave pool, will open on May 29th for the summer season, just in time for the holiday!
*Crayola Factory, Easton, Pennsylvania
Nurture your kids’ creative sides with a trip to the Crayola Factory, which features dozens of interactive and hands-on exhibits (like the Inside Out wall, which allows kids to paint a curved glass wall, or the Crayola Crayon Manufacturing demonstration).
Beach It
Montauk, Long Island
Relax on beautiful beaches, engage in a variety of sports and activities or visit the famous Montauk Point Lighthouse. If your family wants to get their hands dirty, stay at Hither Hills State Park for a classic camping experience everyone is sure to remember. If you’re looking for more traditional housing options, Hartman’s Briney Breezes Motel is a budget-friendly option with spectacular ocean views and plenty of activities.
It’s A Science
Connecticut Science Center, Hartford, CT
Hartford, Connecticut’s newest attraction is worth a trip—the impressive Connecticut Science Center features a host of interactive exhibits for kids covering everything from robots to space to sports, not to mention a 3D theater and a café. Veterans and active members of the armed forces get in free over Memorial Day weekend.
Take An Edu-cation
Washington, D.C.
Jump in the car and head to our nation’s capitol for the ultimate in education vacations. Your must-see checklist should include The Smithsonian, The National Museum of American History, Ford’s Theatre, The White House, The Washington Monument and The Capitol Building. If there’s time, check out the Newseum, where kids can grab a mike, jump in front of a camera, and hone their broadcast journalism chops! (Plus, check out our editor’s account of a recent family trip to D.C.).
Staying in the city for the weekend? No problem—there are plenty of Memorial Day memories to be made here, too:
Take Me Out To Ball Game
Yankee Stadium
What better way to celebrate the holiday than at an action-packed ball game? Watch the Yankees take on the Cleveland Indians in a four-game series at Yankee Stadium this weekend.
Take A Hike
Think you have go outside the city limits to find great hiking? Check out these local family hikes from travel writer Skip Card:
*Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: The wide, level 1.8-mile loop around scenic West Pond in the rustic Jamaica Bay bird sanctuary is a great introduction to hiking. For more info, 718-318-4340.
*Native Forest, New York Botanical Garden: Fifty acres of Yosemite-size timber, the largest tract of virgin forest left in New York City, lies at the heart of this Bronx oasis better known for orchids and roses. Easy trails meander amid centuries-old trees beside the restored Bronx River. For more info: 718-817-8700.
*Old Croton Aqueduct Trail: A wide, easy path traces the linear route of New York City’s historic water pipeline. The most interesting 5.5 miles run from Ossining (train-accessible site of historic bridges, weirs and a visitor center) north to Croton Gorge Park (crowned with a 300-foot dam at the Croton Reservoir). For more info, 914-693-5259.
*Shore Trail, Palisades Interstate Park: This waterfront path on the Jersey side of the Hudson River sits in the shadow of the sheer Palisades cliffs just north of the George Washington Bridge. For easy access: Park near the Englewood Picnic Area and walk north, following the white trail blazes. For more info, 201-768-1360.
*David Weld Sanctuary: Easy trails through The Nature Conservancy’s compact 125-acre preserve near Nissequogue, Long Island (north of Smithtown), run past swamps, fields, shoreline bluffs and examples of the region’s glacier-scarred geologic past. For more info, 631-367-3225.
Do The Wave
Wave Hill
An expansive 28-acre public garden filled with strolling lawns shaded by draping trees, quiet woodland trails, lotus ponds, flower and herb gardens and a dramatic view of the Hudson River. This Sunday, take part in the family art project “All Eyes On Irises.” West 249th Street and Independence Avenue (front gate), Bronx, 718-549-3200.
Seaside Stroll
Coney Island
Stroll the boardwalk, munch on a Nathan’s hot dog and catch a ride on the Wonder Wheel or the Cyclone. Then pay a visit to the New York Aquarium, the oldest continually operating aquarium in the country and home to more than 10,000 marine creatures, including penguins, sea lions, walruses, sharks and more.
Under The Bridge
DUMBO/Brooklyn Bridge Park
Enjoy a picnic at the newly opened Pier 1 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, then stroll the cobblestone streets of this hip Brooklyn nabe.
