A popular type of family vacation is to head to a resort with great recreation on-site, plus kids programs and family activities. Families in the Northeast can choose from classic hotels on vast acres of woods, or new lodges where the recreation is inside at a water park. Below are half a dozen suggestions...
1. Vermont Inns and Resorts
Photo courtesy of Smugglers Notch.
find family-friendly vacation spots with many summer and winter activities, including all-out-for-families resort such as Smugglers Notch and Tyler Place.
2. Ten New England Family Resorts
Photo courtesy of Mount Washington Resort at Bretton Woods.
Suggestions include a resort in New Hampshire with downhill skiing, a "casually upscale" family-friendly resort on Martha's Vineyard, a 400-acre resort on Cape Cod, and more.
3. NY: Rocking Horse Ranch
Photo courtesy of Rocking Horse Ranch.
On 500 acres in the Shawangunk Mountains, 90 minutes from New York City; activities and meals are all-included. Winter snow tubing and skiing, ice skating, sleigh rides; indoor pool with geyser; horseback riding; summer water skiing, fishing, archery, boats; nursery, day camp for kids; more.
4. NY: Mohonk Mountain House
Photo courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House.
Like a Victorian castle on cliffs by a mountain lake, this National Historic Landmark 90 miles from New York City has 1200 acres, 85 miles of trails, activities year-round; Kids Club during summer and occasional weekends; seasonal celebrations at Halloween etc.
5. NY: The Sagamore, Lake George
Photo courtesy of The Sagamore.
Classic Victorian grand hotel, on a 70-acre private island off the west shore of Lake George. Kids are welcome; kids club and sailing club operate seasonally. Lake George is a popular vacation spot 3-4 hours from NYC, with lake watersports; setting within the giant Adirondack Park (with miles of hiking trails); centuries of history, brought to life at several museums; theme park and waterpark, outlet malls.
6. NY: Otesaga Resort Hotel
Photo courtesy of Otesaga Hotel.
Built in 1909, this grand lakeside hotel has lake watersports and is walking distance from historic Cooperstown, "America's most perfect village", which the Baseball Hall of Fame, living-history Farmer's Museum, and more. Look for holiday packages.
7. NY: Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Water Park
Photo courtesy of Six Flags Great Escape Lodge.
This Adirondack-themed resort in the Lake George area has 200 suites and its own indoor water park, and is located across the street from the Great Escape theme park.
8. Pennsylvania Family Resorts
Photo courtesy of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.
Pennsylvania has some super choices, including classic lodges and huge recreational properties.
