Spring break sure has changed since having kids. Forget the days of body shots and bikinis and say hello to pack and plays, diapers, cover-ups, and sunscreen, lots and lots of sunscreen. But just because you have kids doesn’t mean you can’t have some serious spring break fun. There are great hotels and resorts just a short drive from the New York area.
From beaches, to indoor waterparks, to historic towns, there is something for every family to enjoy and these vacations won’t break the bank either. Here are our picks for five affordable spring break trips for families (and one that’s totally worth the splurge!).
Riverhead, NY
My family and I traveled to Riverhead not too long ago and we had a blast. Between the outlet shopping and the Long Island Aquarium there were tons of things for us to do. The Suffolk, LI town is just about 1.5 hours away by car, but once you get there you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a magical seaside locale. We even managed to bring our kids along to some family-friendly wineries. They saw horses and there was plenty of room for them to run around while my husband and I got to sample different local wines. If you’re going in the summer you can expect to pay a bit more, but the trade off is you will get to visit the fabulous beaches or take a trip to Splish Splash Water Park. The Long Island Aqaurium and Splish Splash often run promotions, so be on the lookout for ways to save some money.
New Paltz, NY
This beautiful town nestled in the Shawangunk Mountains is great for a rustic getaway with the family. There are several affordable hotels including a Hampton Inn. You might also want to check out Airbnb for some cheaper options, as well. You can take the family for a hike or a bike ride in the Mohonk Preserve. It’s just $15 for hikers and $20 for bikers. You can also pay a visit to Historic Huguenot Street, which is a 10-acre National Historic Landmark District that includes a Visitor Center, seven historic stone houses, and a reconstructed 1717 Huguenot church. There are also great restaurants and shops on Main Street.
Mystic, CT
The Mystic Seaport is a huge draw for people who want to experience a bit of seafaring history. The village is recreated to look like it did back in the 1870’s. Visitors can hop aboard the Charles W. Morgan, the last surviving wooden whaleship in the world, as well as other ships and schooners. The Mystic Aquarium also has great interactive exhibits for kids and has the option for families to register for an overnight stay. The Galley Restaurant is great spot for families and even has an ice cream shop on the premises.
Bucks Countly, PA
If you’re a parent you probably know that this Pennsylvania town is home to none other than Sesame Place. While the park doesn’t open until May, places like the The Bucks County Children’s Museum are open year-round. At this museum kids can build their own race car or take a simulated ride in a hot-air balloon. Admission is just $8 person and children younger than 1 are free. Also not-to-be-missed is Giggleberry Fair at Peddlers Village. This indoor family fun center has everything from an obstacle course to a game room and even an antique carousel.
Cape May, NJ
Just 2.5 south of New York City you can find yourself on the beautiful beaches of Cape May, NJ. Spring break is a great time to visit as the area gets packed during the summer months. Families can take a whale-watching tour via the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center, and children younger than 6 are free. You can also check out the Cape May Zoo which offers free admission to see animals such as lions, monkeys, zebras, and a giraffe, among many others. If you’re up for it, climb the Cape May Lighthouse and take in the amazing views.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
While this might sound like a spring break destination for college kids, this Dominican Republic beach town is surprisingly kid friendly. With resorts such as Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, kids can splash and play with SpongeBob, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more of their favorite characters. The all-inclusive property has 12 dining options, an on-site water park, and a kids club. So much fun for the whole family.
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