Summer is meant for relaxing, but every mom and dad knows that even on vacation, parents rarely get a break. What if you could have the best of both worlds—family togetherness in a beautiful setting and time to hit the spa, play golf, or even have a romantic dinner for two? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite resorts, all within easy driving distance of Manhattan, that offer mini summer camps for children.
Mohonk Mountain House (New Paltz, NY) This historic Victorian lodge is set on a spectacular, springfed mountain lake. A National Historic Landmark, it’s surrounded by wonderful hiking, boating, and it’s equipped with a posh spa. The resort offers a “Mohonk Kids’ Club” for children ages 2 to 12, with a morning and an afternoon session running mid-June to Labor Day. A special “Junior Naturalist Experience” program gets kids (ages 4 to 12) outside with a naturalist, while the Teen Program (ages 13 to 17) features hiking, golf and tennis. mohonk.com.
Congress Hall (Cape May, NJ) As America’s oldest seaside resort area, Cape May is home to stunning Victorian homes and wonderful beaches. A haven of relaxed elegance, Congress Hall resort offers luxurious beach and cabana service. After a day in the waves, take advantage of the summer-long, evening “Camp Congress Hall,” which runs through September 1, and is for children ages 4 to 12; Junior gets dinner (with supervised art and music activities) and parents get a chance to unwind and eat a meal that doesn’t include mac and cheese. Don’t miss watching a sunset on the beach together.congresshall.com.
Villa Roma Resort (Callicoon, NY) Experience old-fashioned hospitality in the modern-day Catskills. The Villa Roma has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, and parents will be impressed with their extensive children and teens programs, which run from late June through Labor Day. Activities include pool time, water sports, relay races and bonfires. This summer also marks the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, and the site of the famous music festival is just a short drive away. Bring the whole family to the performing arts center there (bethelwoodscenter.org), and catch a show. villaroma.com.
The Sagamore (Bolton Landing, NY) Nestled on its own private island on Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains, The Sagamore is equipped with a European spa and a championship golf course, plus enough activities to tire out the most energetic tots. The “Teepee Club” (ages 4 -12) is offered from the end of June through Labor Day. It offers full and half day programs, plus a special evening program from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a children’s dinner buffet. Camp Skytop Lodge counselors lead kids on scavenger hunts, take them swimming, help them make crafts, and offer golf and tennis lessons. thesagamore.com.
Skytop Lodge (Skytop, PA) This family-friendly lodge is set on 5,500 acres of pristine land in the Pocono Mountains. Its terrific “Camp-in-the- Clouds” lets children fish, hike, play, and do crafts in the unspoiled countryside. There are swimming lessons, time with the staff naturalist, and even kayaking and rock climbing for older children. The camp offers morning and afternoon sessions from June 20 through the end of August and accepts children ages 3 to 12. skytop.com.
Kick Back In The Catskills
Half a century ago, the Catskills were New York’s go-to destination when it came time to escape the city for some much-needed rest and recreation. Today, the magnificent mountain range is experiencing a familyfriendly resurgence. Just two hours from the city, the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County offer everything from swimming, boating, hiking, camping and cycling to golf, spas, shopping, wine tasting, a riverside farmer’s market, and a water park. It’s also home Tip to historical gems like the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse and an abundance of arts and culture offerings (it’s the home of the 19th-century Hudson River School art movement, after all). As for where to stay, the Great Northern Catskills boast a wealth of family-friendly resorts, like Kaatskill Mountain Club, which features apartments with fully stocked kitchens and a heated outdoor pool (kaatskillmtnclub.com); Sunny Hill Resort & Golf Course, which runs a half-day kids camp (sunnyhill.com); and Pollace’s Family Vacation Resort, an all-inclusive resort with an Italian flavor (pollaces.com).
For more info, visit catskillsfamilyfun.com. —Katie Main
A Family Twist
If you want to participate in organized summer activities side by side with your kids, arrange a stay at Woodloch, a haven for outdoor adventure located in the picturesque Pocono Mountains Lake Region of Northeast Pennsylvania. The focus is on activities the whole family can enjoy together, from kayaking, sailing, and waterskiing to scavenger hunts, movies on the lawns, and cookouts. This year, the resort is even adding bull riding to the roster of fun. Lackawaxen, PA, woodloch.com. —Leah Black
Editor’s Tip
While many know Smugglers’ Notch as a top ski destination for families, it’s also a wonderful place to visit in the summer. Hikes, bike rides, kayaking, tennis, and llama treks are just a few of the activities families can take part in. There are eight outdoor pools and four waterslides, plus a nearby reservoir to swim in. The resort has an adventure program with activities for kids ages 3-17, plus a new Camp Smuggs program for ages 9-14 where kids sleep in townhouses (instead of cabins) supervised by camp counselors. Smugglers’ Notch, VT, smuggs.com. —Leah Black
