Put down the books, and pack your bags! School’s out and adventure is in. If you’re looking to make memories on a fun, family-friendly getaway, New York has endless experiences for every age, holiday, and season.
Make a splash during Thanksgiving break at a Catskills resort home to the state’s largest indoor waterpark or celebrate the start of baseball season in Cooperstown during spring break. Amazing animals await at world-class zoos, fast-paced fun is found at zipline and aerial courses, and imaginations are ready to be sparked at interactive museums where learning is leveled up.
School breaks are the perfect time to reconnect, explore, and play in New York State. Find the perfect trip for your family today!
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THANKSGIVING BREAK
Explore Museums and Kick Off the Holiday Season in Capital-Saratoga
Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to slow down and reconnect, and New York’s Capital District is a prime place to harvest new memories with the family. Make homebase one of Albany’s family favorites, like the conveniently-centralized Homewood Suites by Hilton or Crowne Plaza Albany. Both feature indoor pools, and Homewood Suites offers daily complimentary hot breakfast!
If you’re one of those families that likes to run together, you’re in luck (or shall we say, cluck)! Kick off Thanksgiving morning by walking (1 mile) or running (5K or 10K) the Turkey Trot, a family-friendly tradition that welcomes all ages and abilities. These community races are hosted in Troy, Bethlehem, Schenectady, and Saratoga.
It’s no surprise Thanksgiving week is a big one for shopping, and the Capital Region has plenty of charming downtowns and streets lined with shops where you’ll find whimsical, sentimental, one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list (and a little something for yourself). Shop small in Troy, Schenectady, Saratoga, and Albany.
There’s no shortage of indoor amusement! Explore Albany’s New York State Museum showcasing exhibits like Birds of New York, the Cohoes Mastodon, Fire Engine Hall, Adirondack Wilderness, and even a historic carousel. In Schenectady, MiSci (the Museum of Innovation and Science; pictured) gives you a taste of the technological revolution alongside a state-of-the-art planetarium, while a swimmingly good time surrounded by more than 2,000 sea creatures awaits at Via Aquarium.
Cruise over to Saratoga Spa State Park where car lovers will get their need for speed at the Saratoga Automobile Museum (pictured), while the Children’s Museum of Saratoga (conveniently located in the same park) teaches young ones about science, history, community living, and the arts through hands-on exhibits. Make sure to spare a few hours for Uncle Sam Lanes in Troy for bowling and karaoke!
Get into the holiday spirit aboard the Candy Cane Express (November 28-30) at the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway. This Christmas-themed train ride includes seasonal treats and a special visit from Santa. Marvel in acrobatic amazement at Cirque Dreams Holidaze (November 30) at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, or sing along with Sesame Street Live (November 28) at Albany’s Palace Theatre.
Embark on an Indoor Waterpark Adventure at an All-Inclusive Catskills Resort
Credit: The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive family getaway, head to the Kartrite Resort in Monticello, home to New York State’s largest indoor waterpark! Take advantage of their Fall Escape Package to receive up to 30% off your stay. First responders also receive 25% off their stay (Thursdays-Mondays).
Thrills and chills are on the itinerary, from the twisting Nor’Easter tube ride to the high-speed Krakken slide, plus a gentle Puddle Ducks lagoon for the littlest swimmers. Need a break from the excitement? Slip into Affinity Springs for some peaceful relaxation. The water at the resort is kept to 84-degrees year-round, so you’ll stay warm while the weather gets cooler. The fun doesn’t end in the waterpark, Kartrite is packed with indoor entertainment including an arcade, laser tag, ropes course and climbing wall, bowling alley, arts and crafts, and so much more. And with a variety of on-site dining options, you won’t have any reason to leave.
Credit: The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark
If the fam starts craving open air, venture just 10 minutes down the road in Hurleyville for a wheely good time. Fortress Bikes is a one-stop-rental-shop for all kinds of bikes, from mountain, tandem, tricycles to E-bikes, rollerblades and more. Pedal or glide down the paved, accessible trail and see who in the family is the fastest.
If you’ve still got some time and energy after your weekend at the waterpark, LEGOLAND is only 20 minutes away, and it is the largest LEGOLAND theme park in the world! November 28 is the start of the park’s Holiday Bricktacular, a festive celebration that brings LEGO magic to life for the whole family.
WINTER BREAK
Experience the Magic of the Season in NYC
Credit: Phoebe Baker
There’s nothing quite like the holidays in New York City. For a fun-filled family stay in the heart of it all, Margaritaville Resort Times Square is a great home base. The resort’s Family & Friends Getaway package offers adjoining rooms, ideal for giving parents privacy and kids their own little retreat. It’s also one of the best spots to watch the iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop, with exclusive rooftop access just for guests!
Manhattan buzzes with holiday cheer, and with so much to see and do, it’s hard to know where to start! Rockefeller Center is the perfect place to begin your adventure. Lace up your ice skates and glide across the rink surrounded by some of the city’s most festive views. Marvel at the 75-foot, beautifully decorated tree, and explore world-class shopping, from designer brands for adults to the legendary FAO Schwarz, LEGO, and Nintendo stores for the kids (and kids at heart). Celebrate 100 years of high kicks with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, take in top-tier panoramic views from Top of The Rock, or go behind the scenes on an NBC studio tour to see where shows like SNL, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and The Kelly Clarkson Show come to life.
Credit: @nyclovesnyc on Instagram
For more seasonal splendor, wander through Central Park, 843 acres of winter wonderland and the setting for countless holiday movies and shows. Capture Insta-worthy moments at landmarks within the park, or visit furry friends at the Central Park Zoo. A mile away, Bryant Park’s Winter Village offers another holiday haven. Peruse seemingly endless food and beverage vendors, shops for all ages, interests, and occasions, and skate another idyllic ice rink surrounded by soaring skyscrapers and joyful music.
As night falls, the city transforms into a sparkling spectacle. Stroll along Fifth Avenue and stop by Macy’s for stunning window displays, then head to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to see larger-than-life Santas, sleighs, reindeer, and snowmen lighting up front lawns from 11th to 13th Avenues.
Credit: @kamier10 on Instagram
Awaken your inner wizard at the world’s only official Harry Potter Store! This immersive experience brings the Wizarding World to life, and it’s the only place where kids can sip a frothy beer (butterbeer, that is!)
It may not be the Hogwarts Express, but these train attractions are every bit as magical. The Holiday Train Show at Grand Central is a beloved tradition that captures the charm of miniature trains and sets quintessential city scenes in motion. Or, get in on the action and hop aboard the North Pole Express, a double-decker bus adventure through Manhattan’s storied sites, complete with cocoa, sweet treats, cozy souvenirs, and a cheerful elf guiding your journey!
Shred the Slopes and Take on Towns in Chautauqua-Allegheny
Ellicottville is a true winter wonderland nestled in the mountains, and a stay at The Inn at Holiday Valley puts you smack-dab at the base of the slopes at Holiday Valley Resort. Nicknamed the “Aspen of the East,” this winter holiday vacation destination offers nearly 60 trails, five terrain parks, a half-pipe, and four glades. Explore the snowy landscape by snowshoe or cross-country ski, or race down the tubing park’s 20 lanes, each stretching 900 feet and dropping 100 feet! For an extra adrenaline rush, take a ride on the Mountain Coaster!
Credit: @sambadgerr on Instagram
When it’s time to take a break from shredding, head to the village’s Main Street, where every member of the family will find something to enjoy. Warm your belly at Ellicottville Brewing Company where you chow down on nachos, loaded tots, tacos, burgers, craft brews, and the kids have their own menu of comfort classics complemented by homemade milkshakes! Warm the rest of your body at Sugartown Farm Alpacas, where you can meet the fluffy alpacas and shop cozy alpaca products to keep you toasty all week long.
Take a short day-trip to Jamestown, less than an hour from Ellicottville, to keep the fun going. See who’s the funniest in your family at the National Comedy Center, home to over 50 interactive exhibits guaranteed to keep you laughing. Then glide over to the Northwest Arena where you can enjoy ice skating, try out bumper cars, or go for goal at a drop-in hockey session.
PRESIDENTS WEEK
Stay, Play, Unwind at an All-Inclusive in the Hudson Valley
Credit: @d_mast24212718 on Instagram
Saddle up for a rocking Presidents Week getaway at Rocking Horse Ranch in Highland! Winter may still be in full swing, but this all-inclusive resort will have the whole fam feeling cozy and carefree. Blending Old West charm with modern comfort, the 500-acre property features plush-top beds, gourmet meals crafted by Culinary Institute of America–trained chefs, and eccentric entertainment every day.
Horseback riding is a must during your stay, with scenic trail rides for adults (and pony rides for the Junior Wranglers). At the winter fun park, enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snow, family skiing with lessons for little ones, ice skating, and snow tubing complete with a magic carpet lift to whisk you back up for non-stop runs.
Credit: @rockinghorseranchresort on Instagram
Don’t forget your bathing suit! The 85-degree big splash indoor waterpark will make you fully forget it’s winter. Little kids can splash around in the aqua station, while bigger kids can race down the 250-foot water slide. For a little rest and relaxation, make your way to Eldorado Hot Springs, a 98-degree indoor/outdoor aquatic experience, featuring therapy jets, built-in seating, and a cozy fire pit.
The fun never stops at the ranch. Enjoy nightly entertainment ranging from live music, dancing, and Wild West shows to fireworks, magicians, and bonfires. Between the arcade, laser tag, archery range, shooting gallery, game room, and wildlife exhibit you’ll never run out of things to do. And because it’s all-inclusive, you’ll dine like royalty from morning to night!
Absorb Adirondack Mountain and Lake Life
The mountains are calling, and the Forever Wild Adirondacks are answering. Experience a rustic mountain getaway at Garnet Hill Lodge, just minutes from Gore Mountain. This bucolic property offers homey rooms and cottages, on-site dining, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails.
Hit the trails at the largest ski area in the state, Gore Mountain. 108 trails, 14 lifts, terrain parks, and 2,537 vertical feet of adventure await! Replenish your energy with a visit to Barkeater Chocolates, a confectionary destination. Handmade chocolates with gourmet ingredients come in the form of truffles, caramels, peanut butter cups, barks and so much more. You can even partake in a chocolate-making workshop.
For an indoor escape, head to the Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark in Queensbury. This one-stop-destination features Adirondack-themed suites, an indoor arcade, arts and crafts, on-site dining options, childcare services, and the always-82-degrees White Water Bay waterpark.
Being so close to Lake George, you can’t miss exploring the vibrant village and taking in the stunning winter scenery on Canada Street and Shepard Park. You’re also in town during the winter carnival weekends, and free fishing days (February 14-15), so bundle up and head onto the lake for some seasonal fun and ice fishing!
SPRING BREAK
Swing Into Springtime in Central New York
Spring break is a time of bloom, awakening, and… the start of baseball season! What better place to welcome spring than Cooperstown, the home of America’s favorite pastime. Settle into the warm and welcoming Inn at Cooperstown, a beautiful B&B offering various package deals perfect for fans and families.
Swing into the spirit of the game with a visit to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, slide over to historic Doubleday Field, and hit a homerun with a custom-engraved bat from The Wood Bat Factory. Make it a grand slam of a day by exploring the many baseball-themed shops that line Main Street of this historic hometown.
Just down the road, the Fenimore Farm & Country Village offers an immersive working farm experience set in a 19th-century village. Take a ride on the Empire State Carousel, watch craft demonstrations, and pet fluffy farm animals.
All aboard the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad, where you can hop on the Easter Bunny Express or one of the other fun themed rides that take you through Central New York.
Descend into darkness with a day trip to Howe Caverns, where you’ll travel 156 feet below the Earth’s surface into a labyrinth of winding rock corridors, illuminated by colorful lights. Take a cave tour that includes a serene boat ride on a subterranean riverbed, attempt to break free from the Howe to Escape room, or mine for gems.
Fill Your Days With Play in the Finger Lakes
It’s all play and no work in Rochester for a spring break getaway. Stay at Staybridge Suites or Hampton Inn & Suites for a centrally located, comfortable spot close to all the action.
Let the good times roll at The Strong National Museum of Play (pictured), the only museum in the world devoted entirely to play, where you’ll enjoy 150,000 square feet of dolls, toys, and hands-on exhibits. For even more gaming, venture to Millenium Games, one of the country’s largest independent brick-and-mortar gaming stores, offering weekly events, tournaments, and more than 2,000 board games. Bites, brews, and high scores are on the menu at Swillburger and Dice Versa, family-friendly dining and entertainment venues where you can savor top-tier flavors alongside your favorite games.
Science is fun at the Rochester Museum and Science Center, a hub for invention, innovation, and exploration. And at the Seneca Park Zoo (pictured), you can hop aboard the tram to explore the zoo’s diverse habitats and meet snow leopards, penguins, red pandas, giraffes, zebras, and more. Enhance your visit with a keeper chat, safari tour, animal encounter or feeding. Both the Rochester Museum and Science Center and Seneca Park Zoo are certified Sensory Inclusive venues by KultureCity, offering quiet areas and sensory bags.
If you’re a sporty family, the Rochester Red Wings baseball season kicks off in early April, and the Rochester Americans are still hitting the ice. Be sure to check their schedules to see if you can catch a home game while you’re in town.
Enjoy Big-League Fun and Big-Time Scenery in Greater Niagara
Bring in the season of blooms in Buffalo! Get comfortable at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown, offering pet-friendly rooms and an indoor pool.
Cheer on the home teams, from the professional hockey Buffalo Sabres, to the Buffalo Bisons minor league baseball team, to the Buffalo Bandits professional lacrosse crew, all in season during your visit.
Celebrate 150 years at the Buffalo Zoo with a visit to Luna the polar bear and the adorable arctic foxes in the Arctic Edge exhibit. Stop by the gorilla house, giraffe house, and rhino yard for your large-animal fix. And step inside the zoo’s incredible M&T Bank Rainforest Falls, a massive greenhouse kept at tropical temperatures and modeled after Venezuela’s Canaima National Park. Here, you’ll encounter a remarkable collection of species, including squirrel monkeys, brown capuchins, black howler monkeys, white-faced sakis, vampire bats, giant anteaters, capybara, ocelots, piranhas, giant river turtles, armadillos, and even an anaconda.
Credit: @kryptonist on Instagram
It’s all in the name at Explore & More, the children’s museum on Buffalo’s scenic waterfront. Discover seven engaging play zones where kids can dive into the city’s history, culture, and contributions. Learn how to grow plants, conduct experiments, and get creative in the art studio.
Go with the flow, just 30 minutes away, to Niagara Falls, a natural wonder of the world and the largest waterfall in America! Unrivaled vistas, immersive exhibits, scenic hiking trails, and thrilling adventures await the whole family. Cruise to the base of the American Falls and the basin of Horseshoe Falls as you board Maid of the Mist. Then, descend 175 feet into the awe-inspiring Niagara Gorge during a Cave of the Winds tour, where you’ll experience tropical storm-like conditions on the “Hurricane Deck”.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Soar Into Summer on Long Island
It’s the unofficial start to summer, and while the water might still be chilly, beach views are calling your name! Settle into Garden City at the Homewood Suites by Hilton, where you’ll enjoy all of the modern amenities plus free hot breakfast and an indoor pool. The best part? Everything you’ll want to do is just a short drive away, so you can make the most of your holiday weekend.
Kids will love to learn what it’s like to be a firefighter at the Nassau County Firefighters Museum. Go step-by-step through a working fire, from alarm activation and emergency call to the “knocking down” of flames at the scene. Immerse yourself in the evolution of fire service equipment, gear and apparatuses. Check out horse drawn fire engines, a SIlsby steamer and even “drive” a 1934 Mack fire engine!
Just next door is the Long Island Children’s Museum, an award-winning, imagination-fueled destination housed in a former airplane hangar. With 44,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits, 12 galleries, a sensory garden, two art spaces, and a state-of-the-art theater, there’s ample room for the whole family to play and learn together.
Aerial adventure awaits at the Cradle of Aviation, where over 75 air and spacecrafts are on display across 8 galleries, chronicling 100 years of aerospace history. The museum also has an immersive full-dome planetarium with newly upgraded pure laser projectors, making it one of the largest and most powerful virtual reality experiences in the world!
For some more high-flying fun, head to WildPlay at JonesBeach, where you can soar through zip lines and traverse aerial obstacle courses, all with a spectacular shoreline and ocean vantage point. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the Jones Beach Boardwalk where you can enjoy mini golf, food and drink vendors, games, and dip your toes in the ocean for an early taste of summer.
Drift Into Island Time in the Thousand Islands
A long weekend feels longer when you’re on island time! Take your family to Alexandria Bay for a mix of scenic natural beauty and on-the-water experiences. Indulge in waterfront lodging at the Ledges Resort and Marina, a unique vacation rental offering stunning views and access to the St. Lawrence River. The Bonnie Castle Resort is another venue in the same vicinity, and offers on-site amenities like a pool, jacuzzi, and multiple restaurants.
If you’re angling for an unforgettable experience, the St. Lawrence River has been dubbed the “top bass fishing destination in the nation.” Whether you’re new to fishing, looking to teach the kids, or a fine-tuned fisherman, there are plenty of opportunities to fish in the Thousand Islands.
Both spots are just a short walk from Uncle Sam Boat Tours, a must for anyone visiting the region. Take a picturesque cruise and marvel at the houses along Millionaires Row before making a visit to Heart Island to explore the opulent Boldt Castle. Back on land, head to nearby Clayton to check out the Antique Boat Museum, home to the largest collection of antique and classic boats in North America.
Race over to Alex Bay 500 Go-Karts for some go kart and mini golf action, dip your toes in the water and practice your handstands on the beach at Wellesley Island State Park, and then set sail on a great getaway with a movie under the stars at the Bay Drive-In Theater, where you can cozy up with sweet and savory snacks and feel like a kid again– with your own kids!
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