I love New York. There’s a reason you see this saying across t-shirts, bumper stickers and Instagram posts. New York state is as diverse as the people who live here. From metropolitanites to thru-hikers to lakeside loungers, this is the place to be for all of your adventures.
Families will want to break the state up into multiple trips. It’s impossible to get through everything in one go. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the Niagara region, Adirondacks, Catskills, the Big Apple and more!
Everywhere you go in New York state is steeped in history, whether it be civil rights, colonial, cultural, sports or entertainment related. There are over 500 historic sites to visit! Head to the Vanderbilt’s summer and winter house at Camp Sagamore, the great architecture of the Capital-Saratoga region, or the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site in the Hudson Valley.
There are hundreds of museums to explore across the state. Whatever your family is interested in, there is a place to go, from the Corning Glass Museum in the Finger Lakes region to the MoMA in New York City.
There are 22 national parks and over 200 state parks to explore. Make sure to pack your running shoes no matter where your vacation. You’ll have the opportunity to hike, kayak, paddle board, canoe, bike, zip line and more.
The diversity of the people here means all cuisines are represented. Grab a hot dog from a street cart or dine at Michelin-star restaurant. Even the pickiest of kids will find something to eat!
New York state is lucky enough to experience all four seasons, and each one gives the area a whole new list of things to do. You can float down the Catskill’s Esopus Creek in the summer and ski down the Adirondack’s Gore Mountain in the winter.
Pretty much anywhere in New York. You’ll have an activity-packed schedule no matter where you choose to go. We’ve broken the state into five distinct areas with different offerings for your family.
Make a trip up to the Canadian border. This city is full of more than the crushing waters of Niagara Falls; it is also full of natural beauty and history. Many people may be surprised to find out crossing the Niagara River was the last obstacle in the Underground Railroad. Take your kids here for a mix of family fun and important history lessons.
There are over six million acres in the Adirondacks of New York. Yes, six million acres! The area is lush and full of people who appreciate all that nature has to give. Take the family here for farming, fishing, and of course, hiking. If you’re craving a city environment, the Adirondacks has that too!
The Catskills are one of the most popular weekend destinations for those travelling from New York City. The laid-back, casual environment is the perfect place for a getaway from busy city streets. Go for the growing farm to table food trend to teach your kids where their dinner comes from.
This is the city that never sleeps. Get ready to go, go, go! With over 250 museums, 2,000 restaurants and a never-ending line-up of events for kids, you’re vacation will be jammed packed. New York City’s energy will keep you going. There are five boroughs to explore in the city, and each has plenty of activities to almost require a separate trip!
The Finger Lakes region includes 11, narrow lakes nestled in the hills of upstate New York. Known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, food and wine, the Finger Lakes are perfect for a family vacation on the water. Formed by glaciers, these stone bottom lakes are filled with some of the clearest water you can find.
You’ll want a car in pretty much every area of New York state, except New York City. Driving times can be long in between major cities and attractions, so pack some car snacks. Take the I-90 throughout most of the state for breathtaking mountain views.
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