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Looking for ideas on family-friendly Northeast winter weekend getaways to help beat the winter blues?
We’ve got you covered in this collaborative post from five fellow travel bloggers who will dish on their favorite places for the best Northeast winter getaways.
From the ski slopes of the Catskill Mountains to the amazing winter ambiance of the Northeast’s hotels and resorts, we’ll even hook you up with what to do in New York City with kids during the winter months!
Look no further for 5 amazing family-friendly Northeast winter weekend getaways! These are some of the best winter vacations with snow that you will find in the USA!
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The Catskill Mountains, Upstate New York
The Catskill Mountains are a go-to destination for families in the
Northeast.
Within 2 to 3 hours of New York City, you’ll find ski slopes
and family resorts that offer easy Northeast winter vacations.
Our favorite ski place is Belleayre Mountain, with its winding blue and green trails, good instructors, and an airy day lodge with a nice fireplace and a good café.
Windham Mountain is another appealing option for skiing families with smaller crowds than some other hills and several restaurants including a waffle cabin and mid-mountain pub.
Both ski mountains have hotels and a large choice of vacation rentals close by.
If you’re feeling a bit indulgent use the Emerson Resort & Spa as your base for Belleayre. It has very large rooms (some with fireplaces), a reliable restaurant, and a walk-in kaleidoscope in the gift shop. Stop by for the kaleidoscope even if you don’t stay.
If you like winter activities but aren’t into downhill skiing, head to a fabulous all-inclusive ranch resort.
Pine Ridge Ranch’s newly renovated lodge has rooms that sleep 4 to 8 people. Winter activities include horseback riding, indoor archery, laser tag,
The large indoor pool has two awesome water slides.
Breakfast and lunch are buffets and table-service dinner is basic family fare; the dining room is come-as-you-are casual.
Part of Pine Ridge’s mission is to provide affordable winter getaways for families. In particular look for mid-week specials.
Read more about these Catskill Mountain destinations on FamiliesGo!
Tannersville, Pennsylvania
Another one of the best Northeast winter getaways is Tannersville, Pennsylvania!
At Camelback Resort in Tannersville, PA, there are numerous family-friendly activities that make for a perfect winter getaway.
Day 1: Camelback Resort has the best skiing and snowboarding trails in the Poconos. It is also home to Aquatopia, an amazing indoor waterpark.
With both skiing and a water park, Camelback truly represents the best of both worlds.
Winter activities on Day 1 at Camelback include 30 ski and snowboard trails and a family-friendly snow tubing park. Spend your morning skiing down the mountain or snow tubing as a family.
Inside, it’s always summer inside Aquatopia, Camelback’s indoor waterpark.
Themed after Kartrite’s journey around the world, Aquatopia has something for kids (and adults) of all ages. Families can easily spend hours sliding down their numerous water slides, splashing in the wave pool and playing in the giant water playground.
Likewise, spend the afternoon relaxing in the lazy river or zooming down a
At night, families can enjoy a hearty dinner at one of Camelback’s many restaurants.
Day 2: If kids tire of the snow or water, Camelback has even more fun activities to enjoy with an arcade, a rock-climbing wall, laser tag, miniature golf, and a treetop climbing course.
As you can see, there’s no shortage of fun at Camelback Resort. With its diverse activities, Camelback is a destination the whole family will enjoy.
Highland, New York
Rocking Horse Ranch Resort in Highlands, NY is the perfect all-inclusive Northeast winter weekend getaway for families.
Three meals a day plus evening hors d’oeuvres are included with your stay as
The list of included activities is enough
Day 1: Skiing and snow tubing are some of the highlights of the entertainment for Day 1.
Rentals are included in your stay as well as group lessons. There’s a fire pit right near the base of the slopes so it’s perfect for a break when night skiing or snow tubing. Likewise, there’s a small hill perfect for new skiers.
When you need a break from the slopes, there’s a small water-park mostly ideal for kids 5 and under. Older kids will still enjoy the water slides and pool area.
There’s also a full entertainment schedule including game shows and live performances such as a live reptile show.
Day 2: Spend another morning skiing or snow tubing.
Afterward, head to the activity barn which will keep kids entertained for a couple of hours with a ball-pit fort, bounce house, and climbing wall. Another building allows you to learn to shoot a bow and arrow or a BB gun.
Lastly, spend the afternoon enjoying a trail ride. There’s a reason it’s called Rocking Horse Ranch, after all!
Trail rides via horse are available during the day with one reservation included in your stay. You can wait to stand by for additional opportunities throughout the day. (Pony rides are available for younger children.)
Overall this resort has so much to offer along with being a great value. Hands down it is one of the best family winter weekend getaways on the East Coast.
New York City, New York
As one of the best Northeast winter getaways, New York City is an automatic mention!
We visited New York City in the middle of winter, right before New Year’s Eve.
People told us we were crazy and that it would be too cold for Australian’s that are used to a much less harsh climate. I was determined to experience New York City, however, and thought that it would be a great experience for us.
It ended up being the coldest New Year’s Eve ever recorded with temperatures averaging -12 degrees with a wind chill of -20 degrees.
Needless to say, the cold did not stop us from doing anything, which is why I recommend New York City as an excellent Northeast winter weekend getaway for families.
Want to be fully prepared for your winter weekend getaway in the Northeast?
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Day 1: With the cold, you’ll have to alter the way you do things.
This means combining a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities. We didn’t plan any all-day outdoor activities, which means we would explore in the morning and do something inside in the afternoon or vice versa.
Also, utilize the indoor subway system as much as possible and if you’re outside, make sure you keep moving to stay warm.
Explore Central Park and walk over the Brooklyn Bridge in the morning.
Spend the afternoon visiting the 9/11 Memorial Museum and then attend an ice hockey game indoors.
Day 2: Visit the Statue of Liberty in the morning and spend the afternoon of Day 2 visiting Times Square and going to a Broadway
Visit here for a thorough recap of the many things to do in NYC during the winter months with kids.
Booking.comThe Adirondacks, Upstate New York
If you love outdoor adventures during the winter, one place you shouldn’t overlook is the Adirondack region of Upstate New York.
The Adirondacks is one of the best places to go in the Northeast, as it is an outdoor playground 365 days per year. And during the winter this often-overlooked destination is on fire with activity.
From the small towns where snowshoeing and cross-country skiing is part of the lifestyle to incredible resort towns like Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, the Adirondacks are chock-full of incredible winter fun.
Lake Placid, after all, was home to not one, but TWO winter Olympic games!
And if that isn’t enough to wet your whistle, stroll (or even snowmobile) on over to The Wild Center in the small town of Tupper Lake.
This combination nature museum and outdoor center
If downhill skiing is your style, head to Lake Placid and ride the slopes of the epic Whiteface Mountain.
This legendary ski resort offers enough challenge for the most advanced snow lovers but has family-friendly slopes for those who are just learning how to ride.
Read more about an amazing Adirondack winter vacation by visiting here!
Northeast Weekend Getaways: Additional ideas
Between visiting Boston, Ocean City, the Jersey Shore, and Cape Cod, the Northeast USA is full of exciting Northeast family vacations.
Though we will likely visit in the fall versus in the winter, the Northeast vacation destination on our United States bucket list is Bar Harbor, Maine.
Bar Harbor is home to Acadia National Park, one of the country’s most beautiful National Parks. In fact, this 47,000-acre natural masterpiece has been named the top ‘Island in America’ by Travel + Leisure.
Hike or take the scenic drive that winds up to the 1,530-foot summit of Cadillac Mountain.
Your reward will be jaw-dropping views of coastal Maine, Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor and the Porcupine Islands.
There are opportunities for paddling as well as indulging in all sorts of gastronomic delights, including mouthwatering lobster. When you need to recharge, family-friendly hotels nearby offer a tranquil respite.
Trips to Discover
If you liked our coverage of these 5 awesome Northeast winter weekend getaways, click here to check out our Related posts:
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