Sometimes, the best way to spend a weekend as a New Yorker is to get out of the city! Whether you’re interested in enjoying the great outdoors, taking in some culture, or simply kicking back and relaxing, there’s a day trip that’s perfect for you and your family. To get you started, we’ve compiled nearly 20 ideas for fast, easy, and unique trips that will transport your clan in more ways than one.
Delaware Water Gap
Located just 1 hour and 30 minutes from the city, the Delaware Water Gap is the perfect outdoor getaway for your family. It offers miles of beautiful river, valley, trails, and roadways, as well as scenic overlooks, waterfalls, historic villages, and a conservation park. Take your family camping at Worthington State Forest, which offers easy access to boating, fishing, and the Kittatinny Ridge and Appalachian Trail. nps.gov/dewa
Greenport
Named one of the prettiest towns in America, Greenport houses a historic harbor. Take your family to the East End Seaport Museum, the 1840 School House Museum, the Black Smith’s Shop, and the Rail Road Museum of Long Island to learn about the area’s history. Or spend the day outside hiking, at the beach, or on a walking tour. Greenport’s motto is: “You don’t have to go far to get away.” greenportvillage.com
Splish Splash Long Island Water Park
At Splish Splash, prepare for 96 acres of fun, with everything from tube slides to body slides, tame to extreme! The slides feature themes such as “Dinosaur Falls” and “Alien Invasion.” Kiddie slides and pools are available for the more timid tots. splishsplashlongisland.com
Mystic Country
Founded in 1654, Mystic Country continues to harbor classic New England charm. This seaport hosts famous museums Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium. Olde Mistick Village features independent shops and restaurants, while the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat takes mini conductors on a relaxing ride complete with information about the Connecticut River Valley. mystic.org
Hyde Park
Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, Hyde Park offers campsites, cottages, and cabins for your family to explore the great outdoors. Take your clan hiking or rent a boat and fish for dinner. Free outdoor concerts, a drive-in theatre, and historical sites such as Hyde Park Train Station Museum, Little Red Schoolhouse, and the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt are sure to keep everyone entertained. visithydeparkny.org
Six Flags Great Adventure
With rides ranging in intensity from kiddie to family to big thrills, Six Flags Great Adventure is sure to please children and parents of all ages. And if you grow tired of the coasters, you can stop by the drive-through safari, featuring animals such as giraffes, elephants, lions, and kangaroos. Or take a break with one of many live shows. Staying two days? Then visit Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park right next door! sixflags.com/greatAdventure/index.aspx
Great Wolf Lodge
Located in the gorgeous Poconos of Pennsylvania, the Great Wolf Lodge offers an indoor water park, great for any kind of weather. Beyond the expected slides, tubing, and pools, Great Wolf offers unique attractions such as Fort Mackenzie, a four-story interactive tree house. After you dry off, visit the arcade or the bowling alley. Your kids can become wizards at MagiQuest, or mini grownups at the Kid Spa. greatwolf.com
Sprout Creek Farm
Part farm, part market, part education center, Sprout Creek Farm is a triple threat! Your family can stay at the cottage and enjoy complimentary handcrafted cheeses. Or learn to make artisanal cheeses yourself! Located in the Hudson River Valley, there is plenty of nature to enjoy during your stay. sproutcreekfarm.org
Verdant View Farm Bed and Breakfast
If you want a more traditional farm experience, stop by Verdant View Farm, a dairy and crop farm in Pennsylvania. Learn to milk a cow, feed a bottle to a calf, fish, collect eggs, feed ducks, hike, and play with farm pets. If you stay in the Bed and Breakfast, enjoy a full farm breakfast. Take a Farmland fun tour wagon or be a Farmer’s apprentice for the afternoon. verdantview.com
Montauk
If you’re looking for a beach getaway, head to Montauk on Long Island. Enjoy the waves and the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum. Whale Watching Tours are available on Sundays and Wednesdays in July and August. Admire the horses of Rita’s Stable, take a half day fishing trip, or drop your kiddies off at Surf Craft day care and enjoy a quiet day on the beach. onmontauk.com
Crayola Factory Discovery Center
Encourage the artistic side of your young one in a Crayola adventure! See how crayons and markers are made and participate in hands-on arts and crafts. Learn about the history of Crayola and then explore Doodle in the Dark or Scribble Sea. Your kids are sure to smile when asked to color on the walls! crayola.com/factory
Cape May
Enjoy the beautiful beach in an adorable town with storybook houses. Fun shops and sites line the boardwalk with a perfect view of the ocean. Take a ride through the town with the Cape May Carriage Company, rent a kayak, or visit the Park & Zoo. Make it an educational experience for your kids through Harbor Safari, where a marine biologist will teach you all about the sea critters sharing the beach. capemay.com
New York Renaissance Faire
On Saturdays and Sundays from August 4th through September 23rd (as well as Labor Day Monday), take your family back to Elizabethan England at the New York Renaissance Faire. Witness an archery tournament or enjoy performances by belly dancers, magicians, maypole/peasant dancers, musicians, jousters, and aerial acrobats. Then enjoy the Artisan Market Place or take part in one of many themed games and rides. recfair.com/NY
Stamford Museum and Nature Center
Escape to the great outdoors at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center! Take your family on a meadow picnic or enjoy a nature trail.Visit the animals at Heckscher Farm or explore Nature’s Playground, which lets you and your kids see nature from an animal’s perspective. The center also offers seasonal events, as well as a weekly Farm Market on Fridays. stamfordmuseum.org
Sesame Place
Whether you like wet rides, dry rides, shows, or treats, Sesame Place has it all. And your kids will be tickled that their favorite furry friends are right there with them all the way. Eat a meal with your favorite characters or rock out with Elmo, Zoe, Bert, and Ernie at “Elmo Rocks!” sesameplace.com
The Berkshires
Take your family biking through the rolling hills of the Berkshires. The beautiful scenery features green pastures accented by farms and old churches. Your kids (and you) won’t even realize what great exercise they’re getting! Or, experience the scenery by train at the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum. berkshires.org
The Brandywine Valley
The historic site of the Battle of Brandywine, the Brandywine Valley on the edge of Pennsylvania and Delaware features beautiful gardens and mansions. Visit the battlefield, and then stop by the Ashland Nature Center. Go canoeing, tubing, fishing, or horseback riding. You can even go for a hot air balloon ride! thebrandywine.com
Connecticut Science Center
Come face to face with dinosaurs, explore space, discover the human body, and invent! The Connecticut Science Center offers it all. KidSpace, a special exhibit for 2nd graders and under, lets kids explore their use of the senses. When you’ve had your fill of the exhibits, watch the Science Center’s featured 3D movie. While the Center houses a café, it also offers special deals for local restaurants so that you can explore Hartford. ctsciencecenter.org
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