What a combo: the urban attractions of the City, plus terrific recreation and family resorts just hours away.
1. New York City: Top Things to do With Teens
New York City is exciting for any age but there's an extra thrill in visiting with a teen old enough to know they're in one of the world's great cities. Check out highlights from from several trips. Movie tours, harbor boat ride, great art museums, Top of the Rock...
2. More New York City With Kids
Photo of Toys'R'Us © T. Plowright
Check out great New York City toy stores (that are more like entertainment venues), Big Apple Greeters (- for your own volunteer local guide), toddler-friendly attractions, Disney on Broadway, good places to stay, and more.
3. Lake George
Photo courtesy of Visitlakegeorge.com.
This popular vacation spot for families is 3 to 4 hours drive from NYC. Features include: lake watersports; a setting within the giant Adirondack Park (with miles of hiking trails); centuries of history, brought to life at several museums; Victorian-era grand hotels; theme park and waterpark; and tourist-pleasers such as outlet malls.
4. Catskills Family-Friendly Resorts & Hotels
Just a hundred miles from NYC, the Catskills Mountains have been a summer getaway since the early 20th century; though the heydey's gone, there are still choices for families.5. Rocking Horse Ranch Resort
Photo courtesy of Rocking Horse Ranch.
On 500 acres just 90 minutes from NYC, this place dares promise: "The most fun your family ever had!" Mind-boggling array of activities, including trail rides, mini-golf, climbing wall; winter ski area with free instruction, boots and skis; indoor pool; nursery, day camp for ages 4 to 12. And all-inclusive pricing! Shawangunk Mountains, Catskills area.
6. Mohonk Mountain House
Photo courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House.
Picture a Victorian castle perched on cliffs by a mountain lake-- a National Historic Landmark, with 2200 acres, 85 miles of hiking trails, lots of outdoors activities year-round; and only 90 miles from NYC. Kids Club runs during summer and occasional weekend throughout the year; theme programs include Haunted Happenings at Halloween. Shawangunk Mountains, Catskills area.
7. Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Waterpark
Photo courtesy of Six Flags Great Escape Lodge.
This Adirondack-themed family resort -- the first hotel with an indoor waterpark in New York state -- is part of the Great Escape theme park across the street. The Lodge is open year-round (while the theme park is seasonal.) Location 50 miles from Albany, 210 miles from NYC.
8. Otesaga Resort Hotel
Photo courtesy of Otesaga Hotel.
A member of Historic Hotels of America, this grand lakeside New York resort hotel was built in 1909 and is walking distance from historic Cooperstown, "America's most perfect village", which has a living-history Farmer's Museum, the Baseball Hall of Fame, and more. Pool and lake swimming, canoeing, tennis, bike routes; kids stay free right up to age 18.
9. More New York State Resorts
From the classic Victorian grand hotel, The Sagamore, to a family farm...
Photo courtesy of The Sagamore.
