12 Small Town Getaways in New York Perfect for Families
Are you seeking an idyllic family getaway in New York? New York is a coin of two very different sides: the Big Apple and big cities that don't give you a breather for a minute, and the side fitting many pictures, small towns that fit a picture-perfect getaway for families. Moreover, the big and beautiful state is home to a wine country, waterfront galore, bucolic charms along the winding roads onto the rolling fields, and lush parks with waterfalls galore.
Did we mention the Finger Lakes region and the Adirondacks? Ready-made summer and winter destinations, hands down! What about the main street towns? There, you will find everything from local artisan studios to delicious bakeries and world-class restaurants amid endless boutiques, cool museums, parks, and playgrounds. Without further ado, this is the definitive list of the most family-friendly towns for a charming getaway in New York!
Catskill
The town along the Hudson River, with Catskill Creek through the heart, could not be a more charming getaway for nature-loving families. With picture-perfect outdoors from the doorstep, you don't have to wander far in the leafy-green village through summer and colors in the fall, embracing a treasure trove of old architecture within the Birthplace of American Art! The historic riverfront, a strollworthy affair with sites against the blue waters, features Thomas Cole House, once home to another famous painter, the founder of the Hudson River School of Art. Victorian storefronts dot the Main with delights for everyone in eclectic eateries and unique boutiques to prowl for days along centuries of scenic history.
The Hudson River Skywalk is a must-experience from the Thomas Cole National Historic Site to the Olana State Historic Site—Frederic Edwin Church, the painter's former home—and sweeping views across, loveliest in falltime foliage. The family-friendly village is home to local painters, photographers, and poets, once attracted to get inspired by the natural scenery around you! Moreover, renowned as a camping destination in the state, Catskills has got a few surprises for you and your family in the summer to enjoy glamping a whole new way—in a 31-foot Airstream with all the comforts like a kitchenette and private bathroom!
Cold Spring
Keen to commune with nature? One of the cutest towns in the state, Cold Spring, is a former center for the American Civil War beneath the picturesque Bear Mountain and Storm King. The quaint West Point Museum guards deep heritage, while the most lively Main Street is a blur with friendly locals to mingle among various boutiques and restaurants like the family favorite, Le Bouchon, with an inventive kid’s menu. Stop by the indie-inspired Split Rock Books in time for story readings for little ones while you browse, and recoup afterwards over a frozen dessert at Moo Moo’s Creamery!
You can soak up sunny vibes on a stroll along the Hudson River to a serene Dockside Park for a shaded mountain view. The Cold Spring Tiny Tots Park and the nearby trails at Breakneck Ridge Mountain will keep all your kids happily active in fresh-air nature! Just an hour and a half from NYC, this enchanting town is a perfect escape from the mundane city to fill each moment with memories like the dynamic Rocking Horse Ranch over horseback riding, hot springs, and exotic wildlife exhibits. Tavola Trattoria is a rustic farm-to-table restaurant that gives even Italy a run for its money!
Corinth
Less than 15 miles north of Saratoga Springs, this lively town in Saratoga County is a pretty sight along the southern edge of the infamous Adirondack Park. With a one-of-a-kind atmosphere in town and experiences in the outdoors, you can spend a weekend camping at the Alpine Lake Campground or Rustic Barn Campground, a hop from provisions and entertainment in the heart. It is also just a quick drive to the friendly Agape Farm with animals, open spaces, and cabin rentals if you prefer a comfortable stay close to nature.
Corinth is your perfect escape with family and friends to exchange the serious city for a carefree vibe with friendly locals and memorable experiences like the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway ride. The family-friendly Corinth Reservoir Recreational Area abounds with natural trails for recreation and relaxation, like the favorite way to shake off the last of the city along Spruce Mountain Trail. You can gush over your impressions over some succulently topped flatbreads at Rocco’s Pizzeria and Amore Pizza in the most eclectic downtown area.
Hudson
New Yorkers and Bostonian families love Hudson for a quick weekend escape, a day trip, or even an immersive vacation getaway into nature, history, and fun attractions. Just a stud within the beautiful Hudson Valley, the stud surprises curious and returning visitors with hotspots like the shiny-new boutique hotel, a stellar bakery for sourdough, and a slew of boutiques that appeared as if overnight. Justly named the "Brooklyn of the Hudson Valley," Hudson is ideal for an anytime visit, like the crowd-free fall season with scenic trials through the valley and strolls along Warren Street, its beating heart with antique shops, bookstores, and farm-to-table restaurants.
The funkiest Lil’ Deb's Oasis is a destination in itself, with a healthy Pan-Latin menu that excites even the little ones and a craft beer scene for the older kids in your family to share in a retro atmosphere over some delicata squash with chili. The Rivertown Lodge hotel, a traditional budget favorite, puts the steel city views from your office space to shame with its R&R and nature on the doorstep. The solar-powered reclaimed 19th-century factory, Basilica Hudson, hosts music, film screenings, and events, while the kiddos love the FASNY Museum of Firefighting. Full of historic charm, Wm. Farmer and Sons is another family-friendly stay with all the comforts you seek after a day in nature for a sound sleep.
New Paltz
A lively foodie paradise, thanks to its student population, New Paltz is only 80 miles north of New York City for an exciting family getaway in the state. Spliced through the heart by a river and anchored by a state university, the town justly claims itself as a sporty, brainy, cultured, and beautiful destination amid meadows and forested preserves. Historic tree-lined streets with architectural marvels and a village within the town lure families keen on some R&R away from the city. New Paltz packs a punch with a new-age feel, feeling ages ahead, fresh air, and green space abounding. It is no wonder that the dynamic Main Street town with open-minded locals, cultural sights, and a mountain just down the road is quickly growing!
Shawangunk Ridge, “The Gunks,” is a destination in itself for climbers from around the world, along with trails for hiking and waterways for kayaking minutes away. Even if you are not staying, the Victorian castle resort of Mohonk Mountain House with Disney vibes is a must-see and experience with its 40,000 acres of forest around! The junior naturalist program includes meals and activities as a one-stop shop for families to engage the kids and enjoy a stress-free escape themselves. The idyllic village is great to visit in the summer, with student crowds departing for their own vacations and Lake Minnewaska open for recreation. There is also the beautiful scenery at Mohonk Preserve for horseback-riding families and the castle-inspired Hasbrouck Park playground.
Nyack
Seeking the best low-key getaway near the Big Apple? Look no further than the town with a peculiar name for some R&R in the refreshing nature along the majestic Hudson River, where even the water flows leisurely! The hidden, cute town with beautifully restored Victorian houses and colorful facades along Main Street offers dreamy browsing through boutiques and some bakery delights at your own pace. Famous for a freshly baked array of cookies, the irresistible Runcible Spoon Bakery is a perfect stop on a cozy fall afternoon, just a hop away from some leaf peeping through the lush Memorial Park in the heart, equipped with a playground and a skate park!
The nearby mountains are a dream to stretch your officelegs over adventurous ventures like a scenic hike at Hook Mountain State Park or a bike rental from Rockland Bicycles in Spring Valley to ride along the picturesque riverfront trail. You will not regret saving the world-class cuisine to savor in the evening at the family-friendly restaurant Harper’s Restaurant & Bar in Dobbs Ferry. Its generous, droolworthy, and nostalgic serving of fish tacos, which even kids adore, will make you turn right in for the day! Wake up rested and refreshed after nature for a daytrip to nearby Terrytown with its grandeur and prestigious Lyndhurst Mansion, an opulent estate with magnificent rooms and picturesque gardens!
Poughkeepsie
Let's get reacquainted with this seemingly boisterous destination: Poughkeepsie, once a booming small town with industry along the Hudson River, revived in the 21st century as a family getaway. The City of Poughkeepsie features repurposed factory buildings into housing, eateries, and art galleries, many with a new-age flair! Home to Vassar College, Marist College, and SUNY Dutchess, the lively town stays quaint through the summer, but just over an hour and a half drive or a quick Metro-North trip from Midtown Manhattan, it is a breezer from the city with year-round outdoor adventures. The Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel & Conference Center boasts a rooftop garden, while Shadows on the Hudson offers a breathtaking waterfront dining experience.
There is a vibrant restaurant scene like Essie's Restaurant to share your impressions after awe-ing at the river views from the 212-foot-high Walkway Over the Hudson, once a vital railway crossing, now the world's longest elevated pedestrian bridge! The adults can hang at Brasserie 292 to relive youth, or it is the dad's favorite Mill House Brewing Company. The lively, foodie-inspired getaway for families is not complete without the remodeled Mid-Hudson Children's Museum—a well-rounded, fun experience for the young ones amid interactive exhibits on art, literacy, science, health, and community. Its outdoor Rivertown play area lets the kids choose a profession for the day, whether making "pies" in the sand, commanding a fire truck, or "a construction site."
Rhinebeck
The king of family trips, with friendly residents, feel-good pursuits, and historic attractions with a twist, Rhineback inspires a modern-day fairytale. For instance, Rhineback, where Chelsea Clinton tied the knot, is the Hudson Valley hub for culture, with fine dining restaurants, shops for home décor, and antiques. The timeless charm prevails through art galleries, independent film showings, performance venues, museums, and historic buildings that nod at retro with a vibe of elegance. Whether you are browsing a charming local bookstore or flying over the town from the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome just on the outskirts, there is also one of NY's coolest history museums! Clear your lungs in the refreshing outdoors while climbing "the tower" in Ferncliff Forest, hiking or fat biking the trails around, as well as camping, and when the fresh air induces hunger pangs, Terrapin or Cinnamon Indian Cuisine will fill you right up.
There is also Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill, a family-friendly hike to follow up with the kid-friendly Matchbox Cafe. Just two hours from NYC, there's so much to discover in this hidden Dutchess County gem, easily accessible via Amtrak, like the Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn, which can be your home abode for the time being as the US's oldest continuously operating hotel! The annual Rhinebeck Arts Festival is not just for mingling and ogling, but picking out some pretty eclectic pieces by local artists and craftsmen to outfit your own cave. There's also Greig Farm with fruit picking in the summer, and Alison Vineyard for parents right next door! Samuel’s Sweet Shoppe is legendary for a reason, and with easy daytrips like Poughkeepsie, Hudson, and Hyde Park, you will never run out of pursuits.
Sag Harbor
Arguably the top family getaway in the state, Sag Harbor is unbeatable when it comes to wholesome fun and leisurely recreation waterside in a small, charming town atmosphere. The characterful town with deep roots in whaling and a modern-day down-to-earth vibe is home to renown tony shops and buzzy bars. Headlined by the beautiful beaches, it is among the most popular summer travel destinations in the state, with more laid-back vibes than East Hampton, Southampton, and Amagansett. Nestled between coastal and countryside pleasures, the attractive streetscape in a nature wrap charms families around each corner, like the luxurious Loveshack Fancy lifestyle store.
From bucolic sights to its picturesque beating heart downtown along the Main, the waterfront marina is great for sunset strolls or setting off in a vessel. Sag Harbor is a shoppers' paradise and foodie's heaven to return for dinner, with worldly foods like Lulu Kitchen & Bar for Mediterranean and II Capuccino for Italian. Start the next day over coffee at the most popular Grindstone Coffee & Donuts, a hop from Windmill Beach, and make a point to stop at the town's famously beautiful Old Whalers Church of Sag. Sag Harbor Whale & Historical Museum is housed within an impressive historic mansion that will peak everyone's interest!
Saratoga Springs
With some of the most varied fun on the table in Saratoga Springs, your whole family will love vacationing here! Home to bubbling springs and famed summer horse racing, the accolades don't end there either. With amazing restaurants and antique shops along the walkable central thoroughfare, there's no wrong season to visit for strolls down Broadway, the main street adorned with quaint shops, while you coo over the stunning Victorian architecture. Just over three and a half hours from NYC, kids of all ages will forever remember a fun summer day at the local stable, Old Friends at Cabin Creek.
"Travers Stakes” is the most popular day in town at the Saratoga Race Course, a summer racing meet in August, while the National Museum of Racing and Hall displays the history of racing. Like a whisper of the bygone era, the air of elegance is unmistakable here, but with democratic prices at local cafes for a morning java or to cozy up over a hot delicacy in winter. Saratoga Automobile Museum delights young and old with vintage race cars, while Congress Park is full of greenspaces for strolls and picnics around a carousel. You definitely don't want to miss Mrs. London’s Bakery for sweet pastries, fire bread to bring home, and lavishly decorated cakes—perfect if you are celebrating a birthday!
Skaneateles
What not to love about Skaneateles, a cool town that will engage your whole family along the lake and a vibrant downtown area? No wonder it is a top choice for a lakeside-inspired family getaway, no matter the season, where the picturesque Main Street is lined by enchanting boutiques and local artisans’ shops. You can indulge, just like the little ones, in creating art to bring home unique treasures and endless memories. From strolls to bike rides and drives along the lake, there are many pristine lakeshores to fill every day with splashes over different views and access to shade, like Clift Park. You can hop aboard a sightseeing cruise with Mid-Lakes Navigation Co. or head straight for Scott’s Family Park with a boat launch to navigate the waterways yourself on a canoe or a kayak.
After a walk around historical landmarks like the Skaneateles Historical Society in a former creamery, Doug’s Fish Fry is a kids' favorite for fish and chips while you gorge on seafood delicacies. With shops, art galleries, entertainers, and regular annual events like an antique boat show, the most fun for families are Dickens Christmas and the Curbstone Festival, as well as the annual Easter Egg Hunt. For outdoor fans, the Charlie Major Nature Trail, Carpenter Falls, Thayer Park, and the Bahar Nature Preserve reveal breathtaking views and waterfalls, while nearby Lockwood Lavender Farm is a great place for parents to take a quiet stroll, as well as several wineries in the famous Finger Lakes wine region. Home to spas and the Last Shot Distillery, there is truly something for everyone in this town at the heart of Finger Lakes Country!
Tivoli
Who would have thought that an upstate college town would be a perfect getaway for families? The 1.5-square-mile town with a pretty name, reminiscent of the Tivoli Gardens of Paris, wraps you up in scenery along the Hudson River banks in the northwestern corner of Dutchess County. With its next-door Bard College, the quaint, close-knit community is complete with nature at Tivoli Park and the waterfront Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area with trails. With something fun for every age, Tivoli is particularly appealing for adults to dive into the youthful atmosphere without the boisterous crowds, rounds of keg parties, beer pong, tie-dyed items, and a plethora of bongs.
Home to cultured students and serious professors, the town is perfect to introduce your kids to a college scene that you won't regret. Still, don't miss the largest selection of Irish whiskies in the United States at the popular, new-age-meets-tradition bar, Traghaven, with its occasional play readings in lieu of Phish cover bands. Incorporated over a century and a half ago, the village of 1,000 friendly locals in a picturesque setting still harbors a few surprises, like the three-mile loop around the village and hip businesses with friendly service like the mobile All That Java. You can set off in kayaks with your family along the Tivoli Bay waterways or hike the trail along, as well as catch an engaging performance at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park.
These towns are what family getaway dreams are made of. It is not repeated for nothing that the Empire State has a lot to offer. And we mean a lot. Just wander just outside the Big Apple scene to its big scene of small towns.
These small charming towns, abounding with fun in the outdoors and engagements downtown, alongside the same foodie scene you came for in New York, double up in views along the Hudson Valley and along the immense Hudson River.
