Family-friendly weekend getaways
By Holly Rosen Fink
Cape May Point at sunset (Flickr: Clarice)
Looking for a weekend away from NYC with the kids this summer? Even the most patriotic living New Yorkers need a break from the hustle-bustle. Summertime is a great time to get away, with warm weather for swimming, tennis, hikes and exploring new towns and neighborhoods.
The options are endless for short family-friendly weekend getaways from NYC, but we have the scoop on where to book. Take our advice and find yourself transported for two days with one of these five weekend getaways.
The Jersey Shore
Cape May is a very special seaside town tucked away in Southern New Jersey. It has history; it has entertainment; it has the seaside. You can ride bikes or a surrey and explore the Victorian homes, take a horse-drawn carriage, climb to the top of a lighthouse, shop in the town’s center or just lie by the pool. If you’re looking for family-friendly accommodations during your visit to Cape May, look no further than Congress Hall. Located a block from the shore, the hotel puts every ounce of its soul into the design, decor and activity offerings. Rooms start at $239 per night.
The Hamptons
Beach in Southampton (Photo: Mal)
The Southampton Inn is a lovely boutique hotel right in the heart of the Hamptons, just steps away from restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, parks, museums and a movie theater, all just one mile from a popular beach. The hotel is local landmark and holds 90 comfortable guest rooms, a game room, a restaurant, a pool, tennis courts, a shuffleboard court and summer BBQs on the patio. Each room comes with free Wifi, cable TV, coffee and tea all day long, and pastries at breakfast time. Rates start as low as $180 per night.
Hudson Valley
Hudson Valley, NY near West Point (Flickr: Forsaken Fotos)
If you’re looking for a bit of old world serenity for your family, you should check out the Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa in Milton, New York. Just 90 miles north of the city, the inn hosts a working farm and dates back to the 18th century where families can experience the timeless beauty of the Hudson Valley together. Plus, it specializes in sustainability and is a good place to teach your kids about the significance of healthy living. Not only do they serve local, organic foods grown on-site, but the inn relies on geothermal and solar energy to warm its spa waters. Rooms start at $500 a night.
Northern New Jersey
Hilton Short Hills is a good, luxurious choice for families looking to get out of NYC for a weekend break. The hotel offers tennis, an outdoor pool, a gym a restaurant and lounge, a spa, and big, cozy suites with two queen beds aad an additional half bath, separate living area and sofa bed, as well as a well-equipped kitchen. They make it easy for families to enjoy their time away with on-site dining and complimentary shuttle service to the mall across the street, as well as a Family Fun Package on weekends that comes with breakfast for four and free Wifi. Rooms range from $279-$446 per night and the hotel is a hop, skip and jump from the city and a complete refresher from the daily routine.
(MORE: 10 Wonderful Weekend Getaways for Families in the Northeast)
Lehigh Valley
Hyatt Bethlehem (Photo: Discover Lehigh Valley)
Located just less than two hours from NYC in the heart of Pennsylvania near the Poconos Mountains, lies an area called Lehigh Valley, filled with museums, restaurants and antique shops. Perfect for a family weekend away, it is not only full of activity but also quite affordable and you won’t break the bank taking advantage of its many offerings, including the Crayola Experience and Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom. Stay at the Hyatt Bethlehem, located right in the center of town and offering free parking in a covered lot, free breakfast and free Wifi. For around $149-$179 a night, you can get a spacious suite that easily sleeps a big family.
Holly Rosen Fink of The Culture Mom contributed this to MiniTime. She is the founder of Pivoting Media who blogs about her love of culture and travel.
