8 minutes reading time
Looking for some weekend family getaways from NYC?
Although New York City is a popular destination for families, sometimes you just need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. And luckily, there are many great weekend family getaway destinations located within a few hours drive of New York City. Depending on what you like, you can visit historic sites, enjoy outdoor activities, or check out some of the world’s best museums and attractions.
From Saratoga Springs to the Finger Lakes, there are plenty of great weekend family getaway destinations located within a few hours drive of New York City. If you’re looking for some relief from the concrete jungle, check out one of these fantastic weekend getaways.
10 Best destinations for a weekend family getaway from NYC
1. Long Island
Located just outside of the New York metropolitan area, Long Island is a great destination for families looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its many beaches, parks, and historic sites, Long Island offers something for everyone.
Some of the most popular activities on Long Island include swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and hiking. There are also a number of museums and art galleries to explore. For families with children, there are several amusement parks and water parks in the area.
Long Island has a lot of different places to stay, like hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts. There are also a number of campgrounds in the area.
2. The Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region of New York State is a beautiful and popular vacation destination. The area is known for its many lakes, which offer a variety of activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking.
Families who visit the Finger Lakes often go to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and the Strong National Museum of Play. There are also several wineries in the Finger Lakes region, which offer tours and tastings. In addition, the area is home to a number of museums and historic sites, like the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.
3. The Hamptons (Best for luxury weekend family getaways from NYC)
Long Island’s Hamptons are a popular weekend getaway for New Yorkers. With beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and plenty of activities for kids, it’s no wonder this upstate escape is such a hit with city families. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider staying in one of the hamlets outside of the main resort towns.
Though the Hamptons are known for being an expensive luxury vacation destination, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the area on a budget. Many of the beaches are free, and there are several state parks in the area that offer hiking, biking, and picnicking. You can also find discount tickets to some of the area’s attractions, like the Long Island Aquarium and the Southampton Historical Museum.
The Hamptons offer a little bit of everything, so it’s one of the best destinations to visit for all types of family weekend getaway trips.
4. The Catskills
The Catskills region of New York is a popular destination for families looking to get away from the city. With its many hiking trails, lakes, and waterfalls, the Catskills offer a great opportunity to explore the outdoors. The Catskills is also home to North America’s longest, fastest, and highest zipline canopy! For adventurers visiting The Catskills, try out one of the many zip lining or rock climbing tours.
In addition to their natural attractions, the Catskills also offer a number of cultural and historical sites. The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, which is located on the site of the Woodstock music festival, is a popular destination. The Catskill Mountain Railroad, which offers scenic rides through the region, is also a great way to see the Catskills.
The Catskills is one of the best weekend family getaways from NYC for those who want a mixture of outdoor activities and cultural attractions.
5. Hudson Valley
Located just outside of New York City, the Hudson Valley is a popular destination for families looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its many parks, historic sites, and family-friendly activities, the Hudson Valley offers something for everyone.
The Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is a great place to start exploring the Hudson Valley. The park offers stunning views of the Hudson River, and it’s also a great place to take a walk, go for a run, or ride a bike. The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum is another popular destination for families with kids. The museum features interactive exhibits on science, nature, and the arts.
6. Saratoga Springs
For families looking for a fun-filled weekend getaway, Saratoga Springs is the perfect destination. This upstate New York city is home to a variety of attractions, including the Saratoga Race Course, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and the Saratoga Spa State Park.
There are also a number of family-friendly activities in Saratoga Springs, like horseback riding, mini golf, and go-karting. And, of course, no trip to Saratoga Springs would be complete without a visit to one of the many mineral springs in the area. The Roosevelt Baths & Spa is a great place to relax and rejuvenate!
Saratoga Springs is a great option for families on a budget looking for cheap weekend trips to take, while still having a large variety of things to do and see.
7. Ithaca
Buttermilk Falls State Park, Ithaca, NY
Ithaca is a great weekend getaway for families who love the outdoors. Nestled in the Finger Lakes region of New York, Ithaca is home to several state parks, including Robert H. Treman State Park and Buttermilk Falls State Park. Families can explore hiking trails, go for a swim in one of the many waterfalls, or take a scenic boat ride.
Ithaca is also home to Cornell University, which offers a variety of cultural attractions, like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art. And, for families with kids, the Ithaca Children’s Garden is a must-see. This unique garden features a variety of interactive exhibits and activities.
8. Binghamton
Binghamton is a great weekend getaway for families who want to experience a little bit of everything. Binghamton is a city in upstate New York that has a lot of parks, museums, and historic sites. The Ross Park Zoo, the Binghamton Mets minor league baseball team, and the Roberson Museum and Science Center are just a few of the many attractions in Binghamton.
Families can also enjoy a number of outdoor activities in Binghamton, like hiking, biking, and canoeing. And, for those who want to experience a little bit of everything, the region’s many wineries and breweries offer the perfect opportunity to taste some of the area’s best wines and beers.
9. Montauk (Best for outdoor weekend family getaways from NYC)
Montauk Point Light, Lighthouse, Long Island, New York
Montauk is one of the most popular places for families to go on weekends from New York City. It is at the easternmost tip of Long Island. With its sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and serene lakes, Montauk is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.
There are also a number of family-friendly activities in Montauk, like fishing, kayaking, and surfing. And, for those who want to explore the area’s history, the Montauk Point Lighthouse is a must-see. This city is filled with tons of adorable bed and breakfasts, perfect for a weekend away with the family. It’s a great place to enjoy the fresh, crisp mountain air and take in the stunning scenery.
10. The Adirondacks
The Adirondacks are a popular vacation destination for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. With their many lakes, mountains, and forests, the Adirondacks offer a great opportunity to explore the great outdoors. The Adirondack Museum, the Wild Center, and the Lake Placid Olympic Museum are just a few of the many attractions in the Adirondacks.
There are also a number of family-friendly activities in the Adirondacks, like hiking, camping, and fishing. And, for those who want to experience a bit of history, the Saratoga Battlefields State Park is a must-see. This state park is the site of the Battle of Saratoga, which was a turning point in the American Revolutionary War.
The Adirondacks are a great option for nature lovers and history buffs alike. With their many attractions and activities, the Adirondacks are sure to please every member of the family.
Where will your next weekend family getaway from NYC be?
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway that’s close to home or a little further away, New York State has plenty of great options for families. From the Catskills to the Hudson Valley, Saratoga Springs to Ithaca, there’s a perfect weekend getaway for every family.
