The sun is shining and the temperatures are rising, it’s officially Summer in the City! While Summer may look a bit different this year, it doesn’t mean that you still can’t create fun summer memories and have safe adventures with the family.
Ready to make a break for it? We’ve outlined our top picks for vacations and outdoor day trips that are all within driving distance from the city. Within each listing, we have included the business’s updated practices and procedures so you know what to expect during your visit with your family.
Happy (safe) exploring!
Fun Day Trips & Experiences near NYC During COVID-19
Movie with a View – Skyline Cinema
All the rage these COVID-19 days are drive-in theaters – they are safe, socially distant, and a great way to get outside and enjoy a cool activity. Now – they have made their way to NYC! Skyline Drive-In NYC is a unique drive-in cinema experience that is situated on the East River with killer views of the Manhattan Skyline. They have implemented the following procedures to keep everyone safe:
- Snacks: Food Trucks are on site for socially distant bites. Masks required for ordering.
- Bathrooms: Bathrooms are on site, wear a mask to enter.
- Volume Control: By You! You can listen to the movie’s sound through your car’s stereo or one of Skyline Drive-In’s rentable radios.
- No car? No Problem! In the next few weeks Skyline Cinema will be offering walk-in seating! Have a bicycle? That works too! In the upcoming weeks, expect to see outdoor seating as an option, so you can sit back and enjoy a movie even if you don’t own a car.
Skyline Cinema. Showing movies daily at 9pm Oak Street, Brooklyn, NY. More information HERE.
A Berry Sweet Experience – Fruit Picking
A sweet way to beat the COVID blues is heading to a farm to connect with nature and pick fruit. Strawberry season is currently in full swing in the Catskill and Hudson Valley areas, and throughout New Jersey many farms are offering a variety of fruit for pick-your-own adventures. Many have taken a new approach this season in light of COVID-19:
- Reservations: Ticketed/Reservation system to ensure social distancing
- Masks: Every farm we visited required masks upon entering and in/around the field
- Hours: Most farms have limited/reduced hours
- Food/Snacks: Some farms are limiting their menu or food offerings – be sure to call ahead if you were planning a lunch stop
Favorites for Fruit Picking: Terhune Orchards, Princeton NJ (accessible by mass transit!) More information HERE. In the Southern Catskill region, swing by Kelder’s Farm (and be sure to get a pic with the world’s largest garden gnome!). More information HERE.
A Wild Car Ride – Six Flags Wild Safari
Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey is pulling back their once “private-tour only” gates, and opening their wild animal safari to the public. From baboons to giraffes to lions and elephants – this wild safari will bring you up close and personal to over 1200 wild animals through your car window. Just be sure to drive slow! Many of the animals do roam free on the property (predators are behind cages or fences). Not just the safety of your car – the following procedures have been implemented for COVID:
- Ticketing: Timed-entry tickets to allow for crowd control
- Check in: Though your car window by scanning your pre-purchased ticket barcode
- Social Distancing: Is easy – you must stay in your car
- Bathrooms: There are Porta Potties after you exit the park if indeed.
- Note: The Wild Safari is the only attraction open, the theme park and rides are closed
Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru. 1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson, NJ.Note: Tickets must be purchased in advance. More 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 natural escape like no other. The 3 trails are made 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. Due to COVID-19 the following practices and procedures have been implemented:
- Capacity: Operating at 50% capacity with limited retail. Parking will be limited.
- Reduced Opening Hours: Gate will open at 10:00 am and ticket sales will end at 4:00 pm unless we reach capacity.
- Masks: Masks are required to enter the entrance building to the trails and gift shops.
- Social Distancing: Guests must practice social distancing for the safety of all visitors and employees.
- Recreation: Note: all other facilities remain closed. All amenities will reopen as guidelines allow.
- Picnic: Bushkill has a (VERY large) picnic area with pavilions with ample space, our suggestion is to pack a picnic, stay socially distant, and make a day of it to enjoy Mother Nature.
Bushkill Falls. Bushkill Falls Road Bushkill, PA. More information HERE. See our full article on this waterful adventure on Mommy Nearest HERE.
Overnight Experiences near to NYC during COVID-19
Glamping on Governors Island
A quick ferry ride from downtown Manhattan can now bring you to a peaceful glamping oasis that is nestled near the hills of historic Governors Island. Yes, you read that right – glamorous camping, otherwise known as GLAMPing, has made its way to New York City. These unique accommodations offered by Collective Retreats are a bucket-list experience that everyone must witness – and the best part? It’s great for kids. We have camped at Collective Retreats twice and loved it both times, so we were ecstatic to hear that they are back for 2020 Summer with the following practices and procedures in place for COVID:
- Transportation: As Governor’s Island is still closed to the public, the camp site is offering complimentary private water taxi to reach the island (from 4-11pm daily)
- Check-In: Contactless check in and check out
- Mindful Programing: Daily morning wellness programs including mindfulness sessions, yoga and meditation
- Socially Distant Dining: Complimentary private in-tent continental breakfast, complimentary individual evening s’mores at the campfire, and gourmet dining and cocktail service with private dining hideaways
- Activities: Abundant outdoor activity space for social distancing
Collective Retreats Governor’s Island. Collective Retreats campground is on the west side of the island, south of Castle WIlliams. More information HERE. See our full article on a previous (pre-Covid) adventure HERE.
Woodloch Resort
We saved the best for last! Pack up the car and head to the pristine shores of Teedyuskung Lake for the ultimate, most value packed, fun-filled experience you can have with your family. Consistently voted as the #1 Family Resort in America – Woodloch’s warm hospitality and sprawling 1,500-acre property is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature while still having the activities, events, and experiences you would expect on a true family vacation. This Summer is the same Woodloch you know and love, along with some slight safety accommodations to ensure the safety of guests:
- Cleaning: Vigorous sanitation and cleaning – with attention to common areas with hospital-grade cleaners. Safety Inspectors that will certify and seal rooms as clean.
- Check In: Upon arrival and prior to entering, each guest’s temperature will be taken curbside. Check out can be done via phone.
- Precautions: Social Distancing measures, proper hand hygiene with sanitizer and hand washing stations, and the use of masks indoors and in public spaces.
- Dining: Indoor, outdoor, and take-out dining is available. Indoor will be spaced appropriately with additional seating times for social distancing
The Activities and Experiences that embrace the spirit of spending quality time together, still continue:
- Resort Features: Sprawling 1,500-acre property features nature trails for hiking and biking and an expansive lake for swimming, all with plenty of room for social distancing.
- Amenities Include: Indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs will be open with capacity modifications. Activities such as go-karts, archery, paintball, shuffleboard, trap shoot, mini golf, and horseshoes will be available and cleaned/properly sanitized between usage.
- Activities include: Game show contests, athletic competitions, trivia contests, scavenger hunts and hallmark guest favorites such as Cupcake Wars will be held safely outside or in-room, with entries on social media and voting broadcast across hotel TVs
- Entertainment Includes: A large screen/outdoor stage will host socially distanced events such as movie nights, variety acts, comedians, and live music. Multiple seating times will be available for indoor acts to ensure adherence to social distancing measures.
Woodloch Resort. 731 Welcome Lake Rd, Hawley, PA. Woodloch is located 95 Miles from NYC. More information HERE.
