Family Weekend Getaways around Long Island Your Kids Will Love


As great as Long Island is (and let's be real, it's truly perfect), sometimes the family truly does need a **weekend getaway**. On the upside? You don't have to venture too far to find **stress-free, kid-friendly destinations** with adventure, relaxation, and the perfect balance of thrill to keep the kids happy while parents get some R&R. Whether it's **interactive museums or stunning outdoor retreats**, these vacation spots offer something for everyone—sans the dreaded **"Are we there yet?"** every five minutes.


1. Mystic, Connecticut – Curious Minds' Seaside Retreat




Just two hours by car (or a scenic ferry ride) from Long Island, **Mystic, Connecticut** is a **family-friendly retreat** teeming with **educational fun and beach charm**. The **Mystic Aquarium** welcomes more than **750,000 visitors annually**, with anything from **beluga whales to hands-on touch tanks**. And the **Mystic Seaport Museum** enables kids to board **nautical exhibits, historic ships, and even a recreated 19th-century sailing village**—it's like having the "Pirates of the Caribbean" experience for real. Parents, you'll appreciate **dining along the waterfront at S&P Oyster Co. and boutique shopping downtown Mystic** while the kids burn off energy at **Mystic River Park**.

2. The Catskills - Where Nature and Nostalgia Meet


If your perfect weekend consists of **fresh air, mountain views, and less screen time**, the **Catskills** are the place for you. Just three hours from Long Island, this **timeless family vacation spot** has enticed city dwellers since the "Dirty Dancing" days. Families can **hike along picturesque trails, splash in waterfalls, or ride the legendary Catskill Mountain Railroad**. In the winter, **Hunter Mountain** is the destination for **kid-friendly skiing and tubing**. Seeking more adventure? **The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark** (New York's largest indoor waterpark) offers **year-round fun** for kids who love water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers—sunburn-free.


3. Philadelphia: A History Lesson like No Other Adventure


History does not have to be boring—when it's about **boarding an actual battleship, climbing the "Rocky" stairs, and eating cheesesteaks**. Less than three hours from Long Island, **Philly offers the perfect blend of learning and fun**. Children love strolling around **The Franklin Institute**, one of the country's finest science museums, with **a huge walk-through heart and space exhibits with hands-on activities**. While the **Philadelphia Zoo** (America's first zoo!) has more than **1,300 animals**, it also contains such quirky experiences as the **Zoo360 trail system, with primates and big cats roaming above people's heads**. Top off the vacation with a visit to **Reading Terminal Market**, where even picky eaters will find something to like.


4. Hershey, Pennsylvania - Where the Sweetness Never Stops




If the term **"chocolate theme park"** fails to grab your attention, do you even have kids? **Hershey, PA**, the birthplace of the mythical **Hersheypark**, is candy aficionados' and thrill-lovers' heaven. There are **over 70 rides, live shows, and an actual tour of the chocolate factory** at Hershey's Chocolate World. But Hershey is not only about the sugar high—the area also boasts **kid-friendly museums, rural tours, and the hands-on ZooAmerica**. Most importantly, Hersheypark offers **seasonal events**, so whether it's **Halloween, Christmas, or summer break**, there's always something new to explore.


5. Montauk - Long Island's Perfect "Staycation" for Families


Why fight traffic when one of the best weekend escapes is **right in our own back yard**? **Montauk** is Long Island's laid-back counterpart to the Hamptons, with **breathtaking beaches, family fun, and lots of space to unwind**. While away the day **climbing the historic Montauk Lighthouse**, taking a walk through **Camp Hero State Park**, or **whale-watching on a boat tour**. Seeking some adventure? **Deep Hollow Ranch** offers **beach-riding on horseback**, great for that family photo op. And when the hunger pangs hit? Grab a **lobster roll at The Lobster Roll** (the one from "The Affair") or enjoy a laid-back evening meal at **Gosman's Dock**, watching the fishing boats come in.


Weekend Getaways That Are Like Mini-Vacations


There is no need for Long Island families to look too far for **a wonderful weekend getaway**. Whether you're looking for **history, the great outdoors, adventure, or just some much-needed relaxation**, these destinations offer it all for **all families**. And the best part? **You'll be back home in time for the arrival of Monday's rush hour.** Thinking about making Long Island your new weekend getaway? **Dean Miller knows the best neighborhoods, hidden gems, and real estate bargains that make every day feel like vacation. Let's get you into the home of your dreams—call me today!