When you want to travel on a budget, kid-friendly road trips become a go-to vacation.
Fortunately, we live in a diverse state with much to see and explore. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventuring or a relaxing weekend on Lake Placid, you have many options within a short drive from New York City.
Make sure to get a car checkup beforehand, and then hit the road to any of these family-friendly destinations.
Here are 5 of the top kid-friendly weekend getaways for you and your family.
Rocking Horse Ranch
Set on a 500-acre property with its own lake, Rocking Horse Ranch has something for everyone. If any of your clan has an affinity for the equestrian, they can spend the entire weekend on horseback. Unlimited horseback riding is one of the perks of staying at the ranch.
The kids may also enjoy mountain tubing, paddle boating, kayaking or fishing. There are even banana boats that the whole family can enjoy. Imagine the Instagram-worthy photos you’ll get on this weekend vacay.
Rocking Horse Ranch is located in the scenic Hudson Valley, just under 2 hours from NYC.
Hope Lake Lodge
In the heart of the Finger Lakes, nestled in the town of Cortlandt, you’ll find the sprawling Hope Lake Lodge. With 106 rustic suites, there’s plenty of room for everyone. By the way, each suite features two bedrooms and anywhere between one and three bathrooms. Each suite can sleep up to 10 people, so you may even want to invite the neighbors.
Now for the good stuff: Not only is the lodge on a scenic lake with access to skiing, hiking and endless beauty, but there’s also an indoor water park. It’s the perfect road trip for those dreary winter months when the entire family is in desperate need of a pick-me-up.
Hotel North Woods
If you’re looking for action in the Lake Placid area, you may consider staying at Hotel North Woods. It’s a short walk from Mirror Lake Beach and the Lake Placid Convention Center, and they have live music on the ground floor.
There’s something for everyone to do in Lake Placid, whether you visit in the winter, spring, summer or fall. Try fat tire biking, hockey, ice climbing, skiing, hiking and watersports on the lake.
Hull-O-Farms
If your idea of a weekend getaway involves relaxing, you may be in for a surprise at Hull-O-Farms. Hull-O-Farms is a real working farm in the Catskills that offers a very different type of vacation than what you may expect. You won’t exactly be forced to do chores on the farm, but you are certainly welcome to participate.
During your stay, the kids can play with puppies and kittens, and baby chicks and rabbits. They can also play on bales of hay and explore a real pumpkin patch.
This is the perfect vacation for city-dwellers who want a taste of the country life.
America’s Best Value Inn
Lake George is a very family-friendly destination, so you almost can’t go wrong in choosing your lodging. But America’s Best is consistently voted among the top places to stay in the area. Not only is it affordable, which is a bonus for any family, but it’s also located in the heart of Lake George village.
During peak times, it can be difficult to snag lodging in Lake George village, so be sure to book in advance. And although America’s best is budget-friendly, it definitely doesn’t have a cheap feel. Rooms are well-appointed and some are even outfitted with fireplaces and Jacuzzis.
If you want to save even more on your vacation, head to the local grocer and pick up dinner to grill on their available outdoor grills. Weekend getaways don’t have to be expensive to be fun.
While you’re in Lake George, you may enjoy swimming, paddle boarding or parasailing on the lake. And you can also have fun exploring this quaint little vacation town on your downtime. Whether you choose America’s Best or another lodging option, it helps to be close to the action. This way, you don’t have to worry about buckling car seats and finding street parking. It can be quite a chore on busy days.
Road trips aren’t just for summer, and weekends aren’t just for soccer practices. Get out there and enjoy everything this beautiful state has to offer. You’ll make some beautiful memories in the process.
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