The Northeast United States is full of wonderful family-friendly resorts, offering a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a myriad of activities tailored to all ages. From the stunning landscapes of the Adirondacks to the charming coastal retreats of New England, these resorts provide not only great accommodations, but also a wide range of activities and amenities designed to keep families entertained and engaged. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, indoor fun, or a mix of both, the top family resorts in the Northeast promise memorable experiences with activities that cater to every member of the family. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best destinations in the region where families can create lasting memories together.
Woodloch Pines Resort
PHOTO BY WOODLOCH PINES RESORT
Location: Hawley, Pennsylvania
Overview: Woodloch Pines Resort is a top-rated family destination nestled in the Pocono Mountains. This all-inclusive resort is renowned for its extensive range of activities, including an indoor waterpark with exhilarating slides and splash zones, outdoor adventures like boating and fishing, and an array of daily organized events such as scavenger hunts and crafts. Woodloch Pines offers a diverse selection of family-friendly amenities and entertainment options.
Key Activities:
Indoor waterpark and outdoor pools with slides and splash zones
Go-karts, mini golf, bumper cars, tennis, archery, golf, arcade
Outdoor adventure park, playground, climbing wall, paintball
Boating, water skiing, paddleboats, fishing
Petting zoo, organized games and competitions, hayrides, escape room
Ice skating, snow tubing, snowshoeing
Mohonk Mountain House
PHOTO BY MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE
Location: New Paltz, New York
Overview: Mohonk Mountain House, a historic resort in the Hudson Valley, offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and a wide range of activities. Families can explore hiking trails, enjoy swimming and boating on the lake, and participate in the children’s adventure camp. The resort also boasts an indoor pool, seasonal outdoor activities, and wellness programs, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful yet adventurous family retreat.
Key Activities:
Lake swimming, indoor pool
Paddle boating, pedal boating, canoeing, fishing, archery
Via ferrata, hiking, tennis, golf, horseback riding, ax throwing, rock climbing
Ice skating, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing
Performers, summer concerts, campfires, indoor game room
The Greenbrier
PHOTO BY THE GREENBRIER
Location: White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Overview: The Greenbrier is a luxurious resort celebrated for its grandeur and family-friendly amenities. The resort features a children’s club with organized activities, an indoor pool, and an adventure zone with zip-lining and a treetop course. With a variety of outdoor sports and wellness options, The Greenbrier provides an upscale yet engaging experience for families.
Key Activities:
Indoor outdoor pools, playground
Adventure zone with zip-lining and treetop course
Biking, bowling, carriage rides, escape room, arcade, paintball, tennis
Fishing, hiking, shooting, horseback riding, kayaking, movie theatre
Spa and relaxation options for adults
Smugglers’ Notch Resort
PHOTO BY SMUGGLERS' NOTCH RESORT
Location: Jeffersonville, Vermont
Overview: Smugglers’ Notch Resort offers a diverse array of year-round activities in the picturesque Green Mountains of Vermont. The resort features an indoor waterpark complete with slides, a lazy river, and a climbing wall. During winter, guests can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, while summer activities include hiking, mountain biking, and adventure camps. Smugglers’ Notch is renowned for its family-friendly programs and events.
Key Activities:
Outdoor pools with waterslides and play spaces
Indoor waterpark with slides and climbing wall
High ropes course, llama treks, biking, s'mores
Tennis, hiking, kayaking, movie theatre
Skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing
Adventure camps and themed events
Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
PHOTO BY OCEAN EDGE RESORT & GOLF CLUB
Location: Brewster, Massachusetts
Overview: Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club provides a coastal retreat with a private beach, an outdoor pool complex, and various family activities. Guests can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and biking, while children participate in a program featuring arts, crafts, and sports. The resort’s combination of beachside fun and luxurious amenities makes it a top family destination.
Key Activities:
Private beach with water sports, 3 outdoor and 2 indoor pools
Golf, tennis, biking, oyster tours, beach bonfires
Kayaking, paddleboarding, pickleball
Children’s program with arts, crafts, and sports
Themed family events and activities, live music
Nemacolin
PHOTO BY NEMACOLIN
Location: Farmington, Pennsylvania
Overview: Nemacolin is a sprawling resort offering a wealth of activities for families. The resort features a large Adventure Center with a climbing wall, zip-lining, and a ropes course. Families can also enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, a family-friendly spa, and an 18-hole golf course. Nemacolin’s diverse offerings ensure there’s something for everyone, from adventure seekers to those looking to relax.
Key Activities:
Adventure Center with climbing wall, zip-lining, laser tag and ropes course
Two outdoor pools, indoor spa pool, kids indoor pool
Indoor axe throwing, bowling, golf, paintball, high rope course, mini golf
Horseback riding, shooting, archery, art classes, arcade
Adult activities including a casino and spa, cooking classes, and wine tasting
Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snow tubing, dogsledding, snowshoeing
Tyler Place Family Resort
PHOTO BY TYLER PLACE FAMILY RESORT
Location: Highgate Springs, Vermont
Overview: Tyler Place Family Resort is an all-inclusive destination designed for families. The resort offers a variety of age-specific programs for kids, including organized adventures and creative activities. Families can partake in biking, kayaking, and hiking. With its focus on providing a fun and engaging experience for all family members, Tyler Place is ideal for a comprehensive vacation.
Key Activities:
Banana boating, sailing, water skiing, water trampolines, tubing, fishing
Pony rides, arts and crafts, biking, golf, tennis, live music
Heated indoor and outdoor pools, disc golf, mini golf, trampolines
Age-specific kids' programs and camps and organized adventures
Whiteface Lodge
PHOTO BY WHITEFACE LODGE
Location: Lake Placid, New York
Overview: Whiteface Lodge provides a luxurious family experience in the Adirondacks, featuring an indoor pool, an ice skating rink, and a variety of outdoor adventures such as hiking and skiing. The lodge also offers organized activities for kids, including crafts and games. Whiteface Lodge combines upscale accommodations with diverse amenities and activities for a memorable family getaway.
Key Activities:
Indoor and outdoor heated pools and hot tubs
Boating, Kayaking, pedal boating, canoes, waterskiing, tubing
Tennis, pickleball, basketball
Movie theater, family game room, bowling
Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, fire pits
The Wauwinet
PHOTO BY THE WAUWINET
Location: Nantucket, Massachusetts
Overview: The Wauwinet offers a unique blend of luxury and coastal charm on Nantucket Island. The resort provides a range of family activities, including access to a private beach, water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding, and nature excursions. The Kids’ Club offers supervised activities and crafts, allowing parents to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings. The Wauwinet’s combination of upscale accommodations and family-friendly amenities makes it a standout choice for a seaside retreat.
Key Activities:
Private beach and water sports including kayaking and paddleboarding
Boating, biking, tennis
Nature excursions and guided tours
Kids’ Club with supervised activities and crafts
Upscale dining and accommodations
Camelback Resort
PHOTO BY CAMELBACK RESORT
Location: Tannersville, Pennsylvania
Overview: Camelback Resort is renowned for its vast array of activities, making it a top choice for families. The resort boasts an expansive indoor waterpark with numerous slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. Additionally, Camelback features a large outdoor adventure park with zip-lining, a mountain coaster, and a treetop adventure course. During the winter months, the resort transforms into a ski haven, offering skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Camelback Resort’s variety of year-round activities ensures there’s always something for everyone.
Key Activities:
Indoor and outdoor waterparks with 45 slides, wave pool, and lazy river
Outdoor adventure park with zip-lining, mountain coaster, and treetop course
Summer tubing, UTV, hiking, and special family entertainment
Winter sports including skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing
Rocking Horse Ranch
PHOTO BY ROCKING HORSE RANCH
Location: Highland, New York
Overview: Rocking Horse Ranch offers a classic dude ranch experience with a modern twist, making it ideal for families seeking adventure and outdoor fun. The resort features horseback riding, a large indoor waterpark, and a variety of organized activities such as zip-lining and archery. With a focus on engaging activities for all ages, Rocking Horse Ranch ensures a memorable experience for both kids and adults.
Key Activities:
Large indoor waterpark and outdoor pools with water slides, hot springs
Banana boat rides, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, summer tubing
Bungee jumpers, rock climbing, mini golf, bonfires
Arcade, laser tag, archery, shooting, game room, family activities
Skiing, ice skating, snow tubing, sleigh rides
Great Wolf Lodge
PHOTO BY GREAT WOLF LODGE
Location: Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Overview: Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg is well-known for its expansive indoor waterpark, featuring a variety of water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. The lodge also provides a host of engaging activities such as interactive games, arts and crafts, and story time with Wally the Wolf. With its comprehensive amenities and engaging activities, Great Wolf Lodge is a standout choice for family fun.
Key Activities:
Extensive indoor waterpark with slides and wave pools and outdoor splash pad
Magiquest, mini golf, high ropes course, mining activity
Climbing wall, arcade, games, dance parties, arts and crafts
Story time with the resort’s mascot, Wally the Wolf
Summary
The Northeast region of the United States offers a diverse selection of family-friendly resorts, each providing unique experiences and amenities. From the expansive indoor waterparks at Great Wolf Lodge to the historic charm of Mohonk Mountain House, these resorts cater to all interests and ages. With the inclusion of Tyler Place Family Resort’s all-inclusive fun, Whiteface Lodge’s luxury and adventure, Nemacolin’s adventure-packed offerings, and The Wauwinet’s coastal elegance, families have an array of options to create lasting memories. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, interactive kids' programs, or relaxing retreats, these top family resorts in the Northeast ensure a memorable and enjoyable vacation for everyone.