Holiday Road Trips for NYC Families 2022

Holiday Road Trips for NYC Families

The holiday season is fast approaching, New Yorkers! While there’s nothing prettier than NYC during the holidays, we know that it can get overwhelming.

Whether you’re looking for a family excursion into the countryside or for some holiday shopping spots no one else will hit, we’ve rounded up all you need to start planning a holiday road trip for the whole family. You’re sure to find fun things to do and beautiful wintry scenes wherever you go!

Psst… need gift inspiration? Be sure to check out any of our many holiday gift guides for all ages: 4-8 year olds, 8+ year olds and tweens to teens!

Stowe, Vermont

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stowe, Vermont (@gostowe)

Looking for the perfect snowy background for family photos? Head up to Vermont for a picturesque holiday road trip! Make a stop in Burlington and wander Church Street for a Hallmark moment, and be sure to check out the Church Street marketplace for holiday gift shopping.

From there, iconic Stowe is less than an hour drive away. This whimsical village has ice skating, skiing, lodges and restaurants for you to enjoy the winter season and cozy up by the fire together. Choose from among a great selection to stay for a few days.

If you are looking to add one more stop to your trip, head south to Weston. Check out the quaint Vermont Country Store for more holiday shopping and enjoy the coziness of this classic small town.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Visit Cape Cod (@visitcapecod)

Want to bypass the crowded typical holiday haunts? Take a drive up Route 6A in Cape Cod! You’ll see the surreal sight of snow between sand dunes and take in beautiful views of lighthouses against the winter sky.

Travel up the coast for a stop in Provincetown, whose famous Lobster Pot Tree you can admire after Nov. 26.

You can also visit the Pilgrim Monument and partake in fun holiday events like the Holly Folly from Dec. 2 to 4 or the Outer Cape Chorale Concert on Dec. 9 and 10! Head down to Chatham for more fun, like the massive holiday wreath lighting or the Chatham Christmas Stroll from Dec. 9 to 11.

Allegany State Park

Take a trip through Norman Rockwell country in Pennsylvania and New York this season! Start your trip in Bradford, PA, for a horse drawn carriage ride through Main Street as you pass by beautiful vintage homes.

From there, head north to drive through the snow-covered evergreen forests of Allegany State Park and take in a short hike if the weather is good!

Looking to make this trip a family tradition? Consider membership at HoliMont in Ellicottville, North America’s largest private ski resort. Members and their guests can enjoy unparalleled access to the slopes during the holiday season.

Lakes to Locks Passage, New York

“New York’s greatest northeast journey” is the perfect trip for your family this holiday season! While the entire drive is beautiful, the stretch from Waterford to Whitehall is especially breathtaking.

Does your family love Hamilton? On this trip, you will be able to see the site of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton’s wedding at Saratoga National Historical Park! Take this trip early in the season and catch the Waterford Christmas Parade on Nov. 26.

If you have birdwatchers in the family, keep an eye out for the dark-eyed junco, evening grosbeak, and the purple finch this time of year, as this route is part of the Atlantic Flyway. Winter also means this is a popular route for ice fishing excursions.

Cape May, New Jersey

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cape May Official IG (@visitcapemay)

Looking to stay closer to home for a road trip? Head down the Jersey Shore this holiday season! Cape May is popular during the holidays for its tree lightings, outdoor shopping village and trolley rides – complete with Victorian holiday ghost tales.

Stay at the historic Congress Hall hotel and experience the Winter Wonderland starting Nov. 25.

As you make your way back up the coast, stop in Asbury Park for its famous Holiday Bazaar. Keep an eye out for the many holiday concerts and benefits going on during the season while you’re here.

Treehouse Shakers

<div>Treehouse Shakers&rsquo; Branching OUT After-School program is for ages 12-14. This awarded program is for young people who identify as LGBTQIA+, or are seeking to become better allies. Branching OUT centers on discovering and exploring one&rsquo;s story and identity through an intentionally artist-led format. During our community-based program, young people will explore and reflect on their own story to create a larger, more meaningful experience, while gaining self-empowerment and gathering with like-minded peers. Through the guidance of our awarded teaching artists, young people will create narratives that will be turned into podcasts, dances, songs or poetry.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Young people have the opportunity to learn new art forms, work with professional artists, while building a meaningful community.</div>

Color Me Mine

Color Me Mine Upper West Side proudly stands as a minority woman-owned studio, and we've been an integral part of the Color Me Mine franchise system since 2018! Pottery painting isn't just an activity; it's a captivating and inclusive experience that transcends age and skill levels. At Color Me Mine Upper West Side, we extend a warm invitation to dive into a realm of creativity, self-expression, and connection. Families, friends and teams grow stronger bonds when they create memories together, and at Color Me Mine, we're here to help facilitate those moments. Whether you're seeking a delightful family outing, a unique date night, or a solo adventure, our paint-your-own-pottery studio offers boundless possibilities. Step into our welcoming space in the heart of Lincoln Center and unleash your inner artist. Create unforgettable memories as you craft beautiful ceramic masterpieces to cherish for many years to come. Color Me Mine Upper West Side is also the preferred venue for celebrations of all kinds. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a baby or bridal shower, a team-building event, a gathering for college groups, an enriching field trip, or an adventure with scouts, we've got you covered. Our versatile space and passionate team provides the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories and fostering creativity in every guest. Join us at Color Me Mine Upper West Side, at 177 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City where every visit promises a fun journey of color, joy, and artistic exploration!

New York Society of Play Summer Camp and Classes

Summer Game Camp There are many who do not feel safe sending their children back out into the world with summer camp, this year. To serve those parents and keep the children connected and stimulated during this challenging time, we are offering NYSP Digital Summer Camp. The name of the game with NYSP Summer Camp is community. We have made a large effort to make our camp feel like a living space, with features including &ndash; - Role-Playing games familiar and new, led by our master storytellers! - Enriching electives such as Chess, World Building, Character Acting, Crafts, Drawing, and more! - Discussion and media screening rooms during lunch! - A digital campus! - Moderated chat hours! &nbsp; Join us for a summer of games, friends, and more! Mon - Fri 10am - 2:30pm &nbsp; Roleplay Expeditions: Dungeons &amp; Dragons No experience is required to join one of our Dungeons &amp; Dragons games. Our game masters have pre-made character sheets, so you'll be able to start playing the game right away! We adapt the rules of traditional Dungeons &amp; Dragons to make them more approachable to children of various ages. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons &amp; Dragons workshop!&nbsp; &nbsp; Public games meet once per week, with different groups every time. Private games meet 1 to 2 times per week with the same group of kids. Since the players and the storyteller in the group are consistent, this enables us to tell epic tales of adventure together! &nbsp; Dungeons &amp; Dragons Junior No experience is required to join one of our drop-in Dungeons &amp; Dragons games. Our Dungeons &amp; Dragons Jr. game provides a D&amp;D storytelling experience without character sheets. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons &amp; Dragons workshop! A great way to introduce young children to D&amp;D so they can eventually move onto the main game.