Weekend Family Getaways Near New York
Looking for a weekend family getaway near New York City, but not sure where to go? Here are some suggestions the whole family will enjoy, whether you are seeking a relaxing weekend trip or an adventurous, sight-seeing experience.
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Montauk Point, Long Island
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Montauk Point, Long Island, is a major tourist destination, particularly during the summer months. Approximately two and a half hours by car from Manhattan (depending on traffic and time of year), Montauk can also be reached by train via the Long Island Railroad. Taking the train helps travelers avoid traffic jams and the hassle of driving. Scenic beaches, the historic Montauk Lighthouse and museum, family fishing day trips, petting zoos, and five state parks are just some of the features that make Montauk a great family getaway. There are activities for children, such as horseback riding and a petting zoo, at the Deep Hollow Ranch, which is the oldest working cattle ranch in the United States. Montauk also boasts some of the finest restaurants on Long Island, many of which are affordable and family friendly.
The Catskill Mountains
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The Catskill Mountains in upstate New York are a popular, year-round family destination. Depending on which region of the Catskills you visit, driving times are approximately two and a half to three hours from New York City. During the winter months, skiing is the predominant activity, and there are several locations in the Catskills to chose from. There's Hunter Mountain, which offers programs for children including skiing and snowboarding, and Plattekill Mountain, which has snow tubing, skiing and snowboarding. You'll also find lots of activities to chose from during the rest of the year, such as mountain biking, horseback riding, camping and hiking.
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The Pocono Mountains
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The Pocono Mountains are located in northeastern Pennsylvania. The area is about a two and a half hour drive from Manhattan, which makes it an ideal family weekend getaway if you actually want to get out of New York. Like the Catskills, the Poconos offer various winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding. During the autumn months, this is a beautiful place to see the changing fall foliage. It's also a popular camping destination during the summer, where kids will enjoy visiting one of the Poconos' four water parks. Some of these are indoor parks and therefore also open during the winter. Other activities include camping, bird watching, hiking, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking and whitewater rafting.
The Jersey Shore
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The Jersey Shore, along the Atlantic coast of New Jersey, is a great family getaway during the summer months. Popular destinations along the Jersey Shore include Atlantic City, Ocean City and Long Beach Island, among many others. Depending on which town you chose to visit along the Jersey coast, it can be a one-and-a-half-hour to three-hour drive from Manhattan. There are various family friendly activities to chose from all along the Shore. For example, Cape May, the furthest and probably one of the more popular destinations, has a free zoo, beautiful beaches, and whale and dolphin watching cruises. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quiet and relaxing weekend, try the town of Beach Haven. The Jersey Shore is also home to many famous boardwalks, many with rides, including those of Atlantic City, Wildwood and Cape May.
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