New York is so much more than the Big Apple. From exploring the wonder of Niagara Falls to hiking beautiful upstate New York to touring the Finger Lakes’ wine country, there are endless activities to attract your family.
Luxury Accommodations
Beautiful luxury resorts are found in every part of the state, no matter your interest or travel style. Mohonk Mountain House is an award-winning property and Historic Hotel of America, with a luxury spa and farm-to-table dining, all surrounded by 40,000 acres of forestry. The Sagamore Resort provides upscale in upstate, with a club-style atmosphere perfect for active families looking to enjoy water sports, golf and tennis. For more rustic experiences, Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid is everything you love about a log cabin, with all the amenities you crave. The property offers an on-site movie theater, spa, sauna and more.
Festive Seasons
Each season offers something different and exciting in New York state. During maple sugar season, watch demonstrations, sample syrup varieties and shop ’til you drop at the variety of local vendors serving up maple-inspired treats in every direction. Every May, the Rochester Lilac Festival offers 10 days of beautiful flowers, a parade, live music and performances, artwork and more. In July, Taste of Buffalo attracts nearly half a million visitors to taste-test more than 50 restaurants, to the tunes of local bands and DJs. Later in the month, Oswego attracts with classic summer family fun, including a midway, craft vendors and fireworks shows.
© Farek | Dreamstime.com
Outdoor Adventures
Try your hand at fishing in the Catskills during trout season. If you’re not sure you’re up to the task, maybe start with a visit to the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum. If you’d rather stay atop the water than stand in it, head to Zoar Valley for adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting. For beautiful hiking scenery, the Adirondacks provide plenty of trails for activity levels of all types.
Adults-Only Fun
For mom and dad, New York state is a sure bet. Luxury accommodations provide spas and activities, but New York’s wine country is a can’t-miss if you’ve yet to experience its wares. The Finger Lakes offers self-guided tours of the picturesque wineries and cideries in the region, but did you know another vineyard-spotted region lies even conveniently closer to New York City? North Fork on Long Island is a great spot for sipping while you explore. Make sure to make a quick stop at Lavender by the Bay while you’re in the area; one of the largest lavender producers in the country, it’s a great spot for a summer picnic.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
May 14, 20265 Hotels Where Families Should Stay for Graduation Weekend
The right hotel can help ensure a celebratory weekend like college graduation becomes a happy memory that lasts as long as the degree. These five properties offer something beyond a place to sleep, providing a distinct backdrop for families ready to celebrate in style.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Hotels
May 13, 2026Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts Announces Kids Stay Free Promotion
Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts has a new — and unbeatable — sale for family travelers. This summer, Bahia Principe Explore launched a special offer where the first child stays free at Explore brand all-inclusive properties across the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
Hotels
May 12, 20267 Hotels for Summer Travel with Kids
Plan kid-focused summer travel with a stay at one of these properties catering toward young guests.
Hotels
May 11, 2026Velas Resorts Unveils “Ultimate Playcation” for Summer Soccer Events
Soccer-loving family travelers might want to consider a stay at Velas Resorts this summer. The resort brand redefines the summer soccer experience with its new Ultimate Playcation, a collection of beachfront offerings that mix the excitement of the soccer tournament with the ease and luxury of Mexico’s top destinations.
Hotels
May 11, 2026Family-Friendly Travel Experiences for Father’s Day
With Mother’s Day over, it’s time to start thinking about Father’s Day. Here are some family-friendly getaway ideas for dad’s special day:
ShareThis