Looking for a last minute, August road trip before school is back in session? Somewhere you have not been or have not been to for a long time? Looking to stay in the NY/NJ/CT/PA-Northeast region? Not to worry! There are plenty of options for quick getaways that will make you feel relaxed and revitalized (even with children)!
Amusement/Water Parks/Road trip ideas
Pennsylvania
1) Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos, PA is a great option for either a day, overnight or weekend trip! They sell day passes in limited quantities at this time, so visit their site early. GWL recently unveiled their newly expanded indoor waterpark and it is amazing! The lodge is unveiling 40,000 square-feet of additional indoor waterpark play!
Fireside is a brand new dining spot within GWL Poconos, perfect for both couples and families!
Visit today! https://www.greatwolf.com/poconos
*Before or after visiting Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos:
1a) Visit: Callie's Candy Kitchen for a unique candy selection and for everything chocolate. https://www.calliescandy.com
1b) At the Delaware Water Gap there is a hidden or not so hidden gem called The Village Farmer Bakery- www.villagefarmerbakery.com. Here you can get a hot dog and a slice of their famous apple pie for $2.95!!
1c) Also at "The Gap," there are easy and moderate hiking trails leading to beautiful waterfalls.
2) Lancaster, PA- Visit the famous Lancaster shops and Amish markets. Here you will find numerous local and chain restaurants. Approximately 2 1/2 hours away from Northern NJ- Bergen County, Lancaster is a good overnight/2 day family trip. https://www.discoverlancaster.com/amish
1) The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Water Park, Monticello, NY
Nestled in the pristine Catskill mountains, just over an hour from Northern NJ, you will find the fully modernized Kartrite Resort! They have the largest indoor water park in New York State. Their Serenity Pool which is amazing in any season as it is both indoor/outdoor. The Flow Rider attraction is unique to Kartrite. If you want to "catch the wave" this is the place for you!
Kartrite has many dining options and my personal favorite is still the "EAT EAT EAT" buffet. They dont have to tell me twice, or 3 times!
Perfect for a small or large family gather, the buffet has all of your kid friendly options as well as artisinal salads and endless dishes for the adult palate.
Visit: https://www.thekartrite.com/catskills-getaways/plan-your-summer-now/ for great summer getaway specials!
Day Trips
1) North West NJ
Who remembers the commercial "Space Farms- in beautifulll Sussex, NJ?" I do. They are still open! The difference now is Space Farms also offers a Drive Thru Safari Option. A safe and fun way to see all of the animals on the farm. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive through and you will be amazed by Bears, Giraffes, Cougars and much more! You can buy feed for a nominal cost and visit their expansive gift shop afterwards. Get your tickets a few days in advance( pay one price for the car-not per person) www.spacefarms.com. A great day trip option!
Mini getaways (mid week or weekend):
1) Tropicana and Showboat Hotels in Atlantic City
I am sure that a casino is the first place you think of when planning a mini family getaway right? Actually, Tropicana has a great game room for kids of all ages.
The Lucky Snake Arcade in Showboat is an amazing space for kids of all ages! Adults love it as well! You buy a card with credits and Lucky Snake has many birthday party options. Visit them: HOME | Lucky Snake (theluckysnake.com)
In terms of dining, Tropicana has a beautiful outdoor restaurant called Chelsea 5 Gastropub. Usually located indoors on the fifth floor of the Chelsea Tower, this restaurant is currently located poolside, with sweeping views of the ocean! Although geared toward an adult crowd, children and families alike will enjoy both the ambiance and the generous portions.
Chelsea 5's Turkey Burger is a great choice for children as it is familiar and close to what you may find on a children's menu. Difference here is, their Turkey Burger is homemade and uniquely seasoned. Served with fun waffle fries that adults love to pick on and with toppings such as fresh Roma tomatoes and Caramelized onions, children will leave full and happy!
If you are a fish fan, definitely order the Maple Whiskey Salmon! Hints of sweet and drink in each bite will keep you coming back for more!
The menu is full of delicious appetizers and entrees which will satisfy all palates!
Dining at Chelsea 5 Gastropub gives the feeling of being on a cruise. Looking at the ocean during the late afternoon or peering at the stars at night is a perfect way to stay and dine. Best part is, you don't have to fly to get to the port. You only have to go 2 hours south to the sea. The ChelSEA!
https://www.tropicana.net/venue/restaurants/chelsea-five-gastropub
2) Berkshires, MA
Once again, if north/north east of Bergen County is more your thing- head to the Berkshires!
Replete with parks, nature trails, restaurants (most are open for inside and outside dining), and kid friendly activities- The Berkshires is a wonderful weekend or few day/midweek getaway. Overall, the Berkshires are just under 2 hours from the Bergen/Rockland borders.
With so many lodging options, you can stay at a B&B or a larger chain hotel and have the same wonderful experience. Its personal choice as to what suits your family.
A great hotel choice just over the NY/MA border in Great Barrington, MA is The Fairfield Inn and Suites. With an accommodating staff and a buffet breakfast, Fairfield Inn and Suites in Great Barrington is clean, comfortable and peaceful. They have a large, uniquely L-shaped pool and a game room area for children. You are sure to feel both relaxed and inspired.
Visit: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/gbrfi-fairfield-inn-and-suites-great-barrington-lenox-berkshires/ to book your mini getaway before year's end.
There is so much to do in the Berkshires and nearby in New York State. You can buy teas directly from Harney and Sons in Millbrook, NY and then hop across to Massachusetts and visit treasures such as the Edith Wharton home and Outlet shopping in nearby Lenox, MA.
Head up to Jiminy Peak in nearby Hancock, MA for their amazing Tree Ropes course and trapeze attraction. Please visit: www.jiminypeak.com for all of the information and to purchase tickets. Plenty to do in summer. Jiminy is not just a winter resort anymore.
Restaurants run the gamut from quick bites, to organic farm to table, to country club style dining.
For a full list of activities, lodging and dining options, please visit: https://berkshires.org!
Safe travels!
Elisa
**Please contact the establishments/hotels above prior to your visit to confirm current openings, activities and guidelines.**
