Dare we say it – Summer is here? With 90 degree temps outside and plenty of lovely sunshine- the school year I fear is almost over. What to do during the summer months? How about an amazing family trip to fill the memory books! Here we list our inspiration to make it the best family summer vacation ever, with unforgettable experiences and fun for every member of your family, all within close reach of NYC!
Family Summer Vacation Inspiration
Photo courtesy of Rocking Horse Ranch Resort
Rocking Horse Ranch Resort
This four-season family resort in the Hudson Valley offers endless fun and activities! There is no better quality family time then that of the all-inclusive Rocking Horse Ranch Resort provides. The non-stop activities range from their namesake horse back riding experiences, an indoor water park, rock climbing, bungee jumping, mini golf, paddle boats, and more – all on their beautiful 500-acre property that is just waiting to be explored. Delicious all-you-can-eat meals are prepared by celebrated chefs, and top of the line entertainment with magicians, jugglers, comedians, and character breakfasts, there’s something for everyone at this mega resort of fun. This resort is on the top of our must-visit summer list!
Rocking Horse Ranch Resort. 600 State Route 44/55, Highland, NY. Apx 1 hr 45 mins from NYC. Rocking Horse Ranch is accessible by Metro North. More information on the resort HERE.
Storybook Land
Once upon a time, in a land not too far away, there was (and continues to be today) a magical place called Storybook Land. And quite a story it is – this family fun park is themed on nearly imaginable Classic Nursery Rhyme and Children’s tale. A fantasy of characters, amazing rides, animal friends, and roadside attraction-esque figures, Storybook Land has been keeping the spirit of childhood alive in an entertaining and educational atmosphere for over 60 years. The family rides and attractions are set beneath a tree covered (and remarkably clean!) right out of a story-park setting. The park is geared for younger children (our toddler son loved it) and is an absolutely magical place to visit.
Storybook Land. 6415 Black Horse Pike Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Apx 2 hrs from NYC. More information HERE.
Kalahari Resort
America’s largest water park (and possibly the most fun place on earth) is now officially open! The perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and submerge yourself into a water-full setting – Kalahari Resort and Indoor Water Park is the place to be (and only a short drive from NYC)! We love Kalahari for family trips, as the water park is brilliantly broken up into different themes and age appropriate areas for children to play in. There are plenty of toddler attractions and interactive play spaces, as well as big thrill slides and surf simulator for older kids. This famous attraction just added a massive expansion – adding more fun to the indoor and outdoor water parks, a larger arcade, new guest rooms, and dining attractions too. Dive into the Kalahari’s water park attractions in our full article HERE.
Kalahari Resort and Indoor Water Park. 250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA. Apx 2 hours from the city. More information and reservations HERE. Day Pass information HERE.
The Niagara of Pennsylvania – Bushkill Falls
Dubbed the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” Bushkill Falls is among the most scenic falls in the United States, and is less than two hours from Manhattan! The unique waterfalls are nestled in the forests of the majestic Pocono Mountains, and is a nature escape like no other. The 3 trails are comprised of wood plank bridges, steps and paths that wind their way around the eight falls and river paths, offering different skill levels for every hiking fan. Much more than just waterfalls – Bushkill offers enough fun and diversions to make for a fantastic family day trip for all! From a mini-golf course, paddle boats, mining for gemstones, a playground, picnic area and pavilion, and a maze to get lost in – this is one family day trip we make again and again.
Bushkill Falls. Bushkill Falls Road Bushkill, PA. More information HERE. See our full article on this waterful adventure on Mommy Nearest HERE.
The Crayola Experience
There’s no better way to beat the Summer boredom blues then immersing yourself in color and fun creative tools at the Crayola Experience in Easton. This mega complex is the only place in the world where the magic of Crayola comes to life, and you can color outside of the lines. There are literally 4 floors of activities to explore – from going on a 4-D adventure, seeing how crayons are made, to staring in your own coloring page, and grabbing a bite to eat at the Crayola café – the Crayola experience has endless creative fun for little ones. Be sure to check out the worlds largest crayon, straight out of a child’s imagination! See more on our colorful tour HERE.
Crayola Experience. 30 Center Square, Easton, PA. Apx 1 hr 30 Mins from Manhattan. More info HERE.
