If you feel like making a last-minute escape to the country side for some rest, relaxation and lots of fun, check out our round up of nearby lodges and inns, perfect for family fun in the winter season.
Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Water Park
About a two-hour drive from New York City, this resort caters to the
adventurous family who would rather splash in the water then play in the snow. However,
you’ll still feel like you’re escaping to a lodge in the Adirondacks, as the venue exudes rustic, winter-y charm. Activities for kids include access to White Water Bay, a 38,000 square foot indoor water
park, character meet-and-greet throughout the day, arts and crafts activities,
games, contests and scavenger hunts; meanwhile, parents can indulge in the on-site spa and
fitness center. The Great Escape Lodge also has a restaurant, ballroom and an
arcade for extra fun, and gets especially festive for the holidays with
weekend Breakfasts with Santa and a rockin’ New Years Eve event
for the whole family. For more info, visit sixflagsgreatescapelodge.com.
Woodloch Pines Resort
Located two hours outside of New York City, near the Pocono Mountains in Hawley, PA, Woodloch Pines has been a
family-owned business catering to family-travelers for 52 years. This all-inclusive
resort has an endless list of things to do ranging from activities in an arts
and crafts room, bumper cars, the indoor Woodlock Forest soft play area, and an
indoor pool and a game room, just to name a few. This winter, families can
enjoy a number of outdoor adventures including snow shoeing, tubing, snowmobiling,
Winter Olympics-inspired activities, ice skating, ice fishing, the festive
Festival of Lights hayride and more. Hoping to squeeze in a date night to your
trip? Woodloch also offers live, Broadway-style performances, a night club, and
of course, babysitting service available upon request. For more info,
visit woodloch.com.
Hershey Park
The legendary amusement park and all-around sweet spot pulls out the stops
around the holidays, transforming into a holiday village with rides, appearances from Santa and
his nine live reindeer, entertainment, games and shops—and two breathtaking
light shows. Parents hoping to relax and indulge in some pampering will also enjoy the holiday spa packages where they will enjoy
a peppermint anti-aging facial, chocolate fondue wrap or a holiday spice
massage. For more info, visit christmasinhershey.com.
Creek Locks Bed and Breakfast
This beautiful Hudson Valley B&B has original 1866 pine wide plank
floors, private baths, ceiling fans and central air conditioning. Families will
love touring the Vanderbilt Mansion, which will be festively decorated until
December 31st, and visiting historic Huguenot Street where they will learn
about the eclectic history of the Hudson Valley. For more info, visit creeklocksbedandbreakfast.com.
Boardman House Bed and Breakfast
Just two hours from Manhattan, this scenic B&B nestled in Connecticut is a perfect winter retreat for
families. Scenically perched on the edge of the Connecticut River, visitors to this beautiful inn
will have the opportunity to explore the historic town of East Haddam. The tiny town (pop. 8,333)
provides big activities like The Godspeed Opera House, St. Stephens Bell
(widely thought to be the oldest in the Americas) and Gillette Castle, which boasts Nutcracker-themed
decorations for the holiday season. For more info, visit boardmanhouse.com.
Lippincott House
While not in this countryside, this Philadelphia B&B is still long on
charm. Your family’s suite in this picturesque inn will be equipped with a
fireplace, wireless internet and satellite television. In the heart
of Philly and steps away from Rittenhouse Square, there is no shortage of things
your family can do. Check out the 4.5 acre indoor conservatory filled with
Christmas trees and other festive greenery in the Longwood Gardens or attend a Winter Family Studio at
the Philadelphia Museum of Art. For more info, visit lippincotthouse.com.
The Inn at Green River
This Hudson Valley inn is a day trip away from Massachusetts and a haven for outdoorsy families.
Visit the huge estate of writer Edith Wharton, take one of the family holiday
programs at the Norman Rockwell Museum or explore the inns’ grounds.
Equipped with a cozy library, a large lawn, garden and old apple orchard as
well as a screened porch, this bed and breakfast is the perfect location to
view and appreciate upstate New York‘s winter landscape. Let’s not
forget the spacious rooms with a working fireplace, air conditioning—and in
some suites—a private terrace! For more info, visit innatgreenriver.com.
Hilltop House Bed and Breakfast
This quaint Harlem Valley inn has rooms filled with antiques
and bedding draped in handcrafted quilts. This cozy retreat offers
guests a place to relax and unwind this holiday season. Families can visit
nearby Olana, the majestic 250-acre home of Hudson River School painter Fredric Edwin Church, stop by the Culinary Institute of
America for a delicious holiday meal made by future great chefs or peruse the
Apple Pie Bakery Cafe for holiday baked goods. For more info, visit hilltophousebb.com.
The Inn at Westwynd Farm
Just a hop,
skip and jump away from Hershey Park, this polished inn is great for
families. Children can hop on the Santa Train or the Polar Bear Express at the
scenic Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad,
a 1.5 hour trip that children find Santa and receive a special gift while
taking in the sights of Central Pennsylvania.
Families can also take a trip to the nearby Whitaker Center for Science and
Arts is also close by where families will enjoy several holiday programs like
the hilarious IMAX film, “Santa
vs. Snowman 3D.” For more info, visit westwyndfarminn.com.
Cooper Beech Inn
The luxury suites at this inn and its award-winning dining will be a hit with
parents, while children will love the area attractions such as the Essex Steam
Train and Riverboat (where children can board the North Pole Express or the
Santa Special) and the Connecticut River Museum, where the museum is hosting
it’s 17th Annual Holiday Train Show. For more info, visit copperbeechinn.com.
