They're a top type of family vacation: resorts with great recreation on-site, kids programs, and all-round family-friendly ambiance. Families in the Northeast have choices from classic hotels on vast acres of woods, to new lodges where the recreation's inside at waterparks.
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. NH: Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods
Photo courtesy of Mount Washington Resort at Bretton Woods.
The century-old Mount Washington Hotel, built in the grand old style, is part of the Bretton Woods ski resort. Features include 900-foot verandah, Kids Camp, outdoor activities, seasonal events such as Thanksgiving weekends. Other lodging at Bretton Woods include an Inn that's National Historic Landmark (as is the Hotel.)
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 2200 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. Pennsylvania Family Resorts
Photo courtesy of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.
Pennsylvania has some super choices, including classic lodges and huge recreational properties.
