Take a Road Trip to These Family-Friendly Destinations Just Hours from NYC
The season calls for a road trip away from the city.
Summer is quickly approaching, and with the change of season, you may also be craving a change of scenery. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city is ideal—there is so much to explore within driving distance, from adventures at Legoland to the scenic views of the Catskill Mountains. There’s something for every family of every size.
So pack your bags, fill up your tank, and get ready to hit the road towards these family-friendly road trips, all less than a four-hour drive from New York City.
Psst… Check Out Amazing Destinations for a Staycation In and Around New York City
Bucks County, PA
Distance from NYC: 2 hours, 20 minutes
The hills of Pennsylvania have plenty to offer, but the real fun is in Bucks County. Home to amusement parks, historic sites, museums, and many free things to do with the kids, this road trip is ideal for anyone looking to dive into simple living. First, stop at Sesame Place where little ones can dine with Elmo himself, while enjoying over 28 water and attraction rides. After the amusement park, head down to the Peddler’s Village for family-friendly activities and themed seasonal fun, including Sand Sculpture Display (July), Peach Weekend (August).
If you’re looking to slow down, take a drive through one of the many covered bridges that date back to the 1800s. If you’re looking to indulge in nature, sail the waves of Lake Nockamixon or take a hike at Peace Valley Park, where the greenery is endless. The county also offers 25 free things to do with children, such as the New Hope Railroad and Giggleberry Fair.
The Catskills, NY
Distance from NYC: 3 hours, 30 minutes
While the concrete jungle has plenty to offer, New York has tons of hidden gems the further upstate you go. Split into four quadrants, the Catskills offer not just beautiful scenery, but a plethora of activities, fun for families. Put your survival skills to the test on one of their many campgrounds, offering safe options for tent, cabin and RV camping.
Discover fishing and mountain biking, and even horseback riding on over 7,000 acres of wildlife management area. Experience the magic and dive into a real-life fairytale with a stay at the Roxbury, with themed rooms inspired by fairytales, pop culture, and fantasy. Every stay is a choose-your-own-adventure for kids and adults alike. If you’re itching for some interaction, head to one of the many festivals and family-friendly events that the Sullivan Catskills offers during the various seasons, from movie nights and the Met Opera live.
Goshen, NY
Distance from NYC: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Explore the rich history of the quaint village of Goshen, NY, with a road trip. Home everything from farmer’s markets to the Great American Weekend, filled with fresh picks from local farmers and live music, various crafts and yummy food around the First Presbyterian Church.
For those with a creative little one, take a trip to LEGOLAND, where the magic begins. Cool off at the water playground with splash zone featuring slides, water play areas, and a 318-gallon tipping bucket, or spend a weekend at the Lego Festival, with five interactive zones to life, including a LEGO Fortnite Gaming Zone, live DJ dance parties, larger-than-life LEGO characters, and creative building experiences that spark imagination and reinforce hands-on STEM play.
When you’re ready to hit the sack, head to the LEGOLAND hotel for themed play areas, an outdoor heated resort-style pool and nightly children’s entertainment. Each room is designed with a unique LEGO theme you can choose when booking — Kingdom, Pirates, NINJAGO®, or Friends — for a sleepover experience like no other.
When you’re done with fun, visit the Harness Museum and learn about the rich history of horseback racing.
Norwalk, CT
Distance from NYC: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Cruise along the coast and stop in Norwalk, Connecticut, for a road trip to dip into marine life and culture. Ranked as one of the best places for families to live by Fortune Magazine, the whimsical town offers tons of family-friendly activities, especially for those looking for an extra splash in their lives.
Soak up the creativity of the town by visiting the Art Under the Bridge at Heritage Park, or get your feet wet at the Calf Pasture and Shady beaches. Fill your stomachs with some of the best seafood the state has to offer, from award-winning clam chowder to shellfish. Visit the Maritime Aquarium for your favorite sea animals, go for a romantic boat tour of the Norwalk islands, or enjoy a stroll on the waterfront village of Rowayton.
Plymouth, MA
Distance from NYC: 4 hours
History, but make it fun. Plymouth, founded in 1620, is the site of the first Pilgrim settlement. It is rich in history and offers a refreshing experience for the average city walker, making it perfect for a road trip.
Take a revolutionary walking tour and experience the surviving homes from the 1700s and discover how ordinary Hinghamites survived the tumultuous years before, during, and after the American Revolution. Get sticky with a tour of the A.D. Makepeace Company, founded in 1854, and one of the world’s largest cranberry growers or set to the seas and board the Mayflower II, Plymoth’s full-scale reproduction of the tall ship that brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth in 1620, at the State Pier in Pilgrim Memorial State Park to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ arrival on New England’s shores!
Washington, DC
Distance from NYC: 3 hours, 40 minutes
Just shy of a three-hour drive from the city, Washington, D.C., is a hybrid of the concrete jungle and the iconic political landscape that makes up our country, perfect for a close-to-home road trip. Experience the classical neighborhood of Georgetown, with shopping similar to the city, and stop for a cupcake at the iconic Georgetown Cupcake.
Walk along the Potomac River, and if they’re in season, frolic among the beautiful cherry blossom trees that fill the basin. Have a picnic on the National Mall as you soak up views of the national monument and the White House, or take flight at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. D.C. also offers tons of free family-friendly activities from the National Zoo to the Hirshhorn Museum’s Sculpture Garden.
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