Spring is in bloom, and it’s hard to believe that soon, school will be out, and long summer days are right around the corner. If you’re looking for a fun family getaway spot, here are four road trip destinations only a few hours away by car so you can get right to having fun and making memories without traveling all day.
1. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
This family-friendly vacation spot in the heart of Amish Country has so much to offer for all ages and is approximately a three-and-a-half-hour ride from Westchester County. Dutch Wonderland, a medieval-themed amusement park, has rides, a water play area, and fun shows to keep everyone entertained. Spend a day at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, where you can feed the animals, play in a barn full of corn kernels, fire some paintballs, and blast apples out of a cannon. For little ones, their Sproutsville town lets kids take their pretend play game to the next level.
Take a tour of Amish Country and stop by the farmers’ markets for delicious fresh produce and handmade goods. When it’s time for dinner, make reservations at one of Lancaster’s famous smorgasbord. These all-you-can-eat buffets average approximately $30 for adults and $15 for kids- a good way to keep the family full while getting a taste of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine!
2. Mystic, Connecticut
Explore the seaside in this charming New England town approximately two hours from Westchester. Visit the Mystic Aquarium to see Beluga whales, African penguins, and California sea Lions up close, or stroll around the Mystic Seaport Museum to learn the history of Mystic and see what life was like in the olden days. If you are in the mood to shop, head to Olde Mystic Village, an open-air collection of over 40 stores and eateries.
Explore historic Downtown Mystic, home to the famous Mystic Pizza and many award-winning restaurants. Take a walk over the drawbridge and browse the many unique stores, or rent a kayak or paddle boat for some fun on the water. If you want to catch some rays on the beach, take a short ride to Williams Beach, Esker Point Beach, or, for the Swiftie in your life, Watch Hill Beach, where visitors can catch a glimpse of Taylor’s Rhode Island home.
3. Wildwood, New Jersey
This Jersey town offers the classic shore vacation experience. With many motels and house rentals, there’s a place to stay no matter your family size or budget, and it only takes about three hours to get to. Spend the day making sand castles and catching waves on the beach, or let the kids loose at the splash pad at Sunrise Park. There are plenty of places to play a round of mini golf and grab an ice cream cone.
Enjoy a hearty Italian meal at The Ravioli House, a Wildwood institution, or The Boat House, a seafood and steak restaurant overlooking the water. Wherever you choose to dine, arrive early and be prepared to wait, as many restaurants in Wildwood do not accept reservations. Walk off dinner by taking a stroll down Morey’s Pier. Kids and adults will enjoy the games, souvenir shops, rides, and candy stores. If you need a break from the beach, take a 20-minute ride to the Cape May Zoo. Parking and admission are free (donations are encouraged), and you can see over 550 animals that call the zoo home.
4. Lake George, New York
Approximately three hours away, Lake George is dubbed the “Birthplace of the Original Vacation,” and it’s easy to see how this lakeside town, which has beautiful mountain views and tons of things to do, earned the nickname. Spend a day by the lake or cruise around it on the famous Minnie Ha-Ha steamboat, where you can see fireworks or take a superhero and princess-themed party ride. For the dinosaur lovers in your family, drive a few minutes south to Lake George Adventure Park, where you can roam Dinosaur Valley, see giant replicas of dinosaurs, and dig for fossils.
Plan a day Six Flags Great Escape with many kids’ rides, thrill rides, and a full water park. The Fun Spot offers a chance for the family to play together with mini-golf, go-carts, skating, and laser tag. For the outdoor adventurers in the family, there are many trails to hike and bike, water sports, horseback riding, and fishing in Lake George.