Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

Family Resorts and Hotels in Ulster County

1. Diamond Mills Hotel – Saugerties

This 30-room boutique hotel in the heart of cozy Saugerties offers Insta-worthy views of Esopus Creek from each room’s private balcony. Built on a former paper mill site, it keeps the integrity of its industrial past while offering a high level of service. There’s a restaurant on-site—with a family-style prix-fixe menu—and the town itself provides families with a Main Street shopping experience, including a must-visit candy store, Krause’s Chocolates. Also: Don’t skip a stop at Opus 40, a sculpture park just outside of town that's landed on our list of the best outdoor art destinations near NYC.

2. Minnewaska Lodge – Gardiner

Minnewaska Lodge benefits from a stunning location at the base of the Shawangunk Mountains. Surrounded by thousands of acres of state preserve, scenic vistas and peace are plentiful. The 26 rooms are decorated in a folksy style that brings elements of the natural world indoors. If your family enjoys hiking, you’ll find trails at your doorstep, as well as rock climbing and outdoor activities. We've rounded up our favorite family-friendly things to do in Minnewaska State Park Preserve to get your adventure started.

RELATED: 35 Things To Do in the Hudson Valley with Kids

The majestic Mohonk Mountain House caters to families.

3. Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz

This Victorian-style castle is an old-world resort with charming accommodations and stunning grounds. A full lineup of activities, including archery, boating on the lake, and tennis, attracts legions of families, many of whom are return guests. All meals plus a dainty afternoon tea are included in your rate. There’s entertainment, and for when you require some true relaxation, a spa. If you are on a tight budget, this may not be for you—except as a worthy splurge. Keep your eyes out for periodic deals where kids can stay and eat FREE. If you don't want to drive, take a bus from Port Authority to New Paltz, where, with a 24-hour notice, the resort will pick you up. Can't stomach the cost? Take note: Mohonk Mountain House is a worthy destination for day-trippers, too.

4. ​Saugerties Lighthouse – Saugerties

If you’re looking for an out-of-the-box experience, keep the Saugerties Lighthouse in mind for a future trip. Situated on a remote shoal, which you get to by walking a flat half-mile trail, the lighthouse rents two bedrooms, each with a double bed. Larger families renting both rooms can request cots. There is one shared bathroom. A home-cooked breakfast is also included in the rate. There is no air conditioning (but there are fans), and there’s heat in the winter. Be sure to make reservations in advance, as they fill up quickly.

5. Wildflower Farms – Gardiner

This upscale resort is the perfect escape for families, offering gorgeous landscapes, natural beauty, and activities for kids and adults. Choose from one of 64 free-standing cottages and cabins, some with two bedrooms, providing plenty of space for everyone. Parents can recharge with restorative spa treatments while kids can keep busy with arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, and tennis lessons. Just 90 minutes from New York City, you won't have to travel too far for an amazing getaway.

RELATED: 100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up

Rocking Horse Ranch offers endless all-season family activities, from kayaking to a new water park.

6. Rocking Horse Ranch – Highland

This resort is a dude ranch that doesn’t sit on its high horse. Rates are all-inclusive, so there are no surprises when it comes time to pay. Meals, activities, and entertainment don’t cost an extra dime. There's a weatherproof indoor water park, a hot springs that's open year-round, and a wildlife exhibit, to name a few of the activities. This is not the place to come if you’re seeking tranquility—but if you’re looking for rambunctious, good, clean fun, and a non-pretentious environment less than two hours from Manhattan, definitely check it out. Read our full review here.

7. AutoCamp Catskills – Saugerties

For a unique glamping experience near NYC, book yourself an Airstream RV with upscale amenities at AutoCamp. The Airstreams are equipped with luxurious linens, spa-inspired showers, kitchenettes, and sleep up to four guests. For even more space, you can lodge at the cabins, which have full kitchens. Grab yourself some food at the kitchen or general store on your way to explore the nearby beautiful hiking trails. AutoCamp offers on-site activities such as yoga, movie nights, and pottery and watercolor workshops. See a sneak peek of all the fun that awaits at AutoCamp Catskills here.

Family Resorts and Hotels in Dutchess County

8. Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn – Rhinebeck

These sister properties are located in the charming village of Rhinebeck. It’s a great walking village, loaded with shops and galleries. The food scene is thriving, with scores of family options, including the kid-favorite Gigi Skizza (flatbread pizza) served at Gigi’s Trattoria. With 80 rooms, The Beekman Arms claims to be America’s oldest operating inn, and the rooms are scattered in several historic buildings. On the other hand, the Delamater Inn offers rooms and seven spacious guest cottages around a courtyard. Several of these cottages are kid-friendly. While antiques and fireplaces won't work for every family, this atmospheric inn certainly pleases many. Sunday brunch at the Tavern at the Beekman Arms is a winner that fills you up for the rest of the day.

9. Roosevelt Inn – Hyde Park

You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to stay in the Hudson Valley. The Roosevelt Inn is a quaint motel that harkens back to a simpler time. The 25 rooms are clean and comfortable. Choose between a deluxe room or a less expensive “rustic” room. A robust continental breakfast is served at the on-premises coffee shop, which is included in the rate. Sit at one of the old-fashioned stools at the counter for a diner-esque experience. The motel is just a mile from the FDR Home and Library and within easy walking distance of the palatial Vanderbilt Estate.

RELATED: Day Trip Guide: Top 10 Things To Do at Bear Mountain State Park

Experience life on a working farm with an overnight at Kinderhook Farm. Photo by Dora Somosi via Instagram

Family Resorts and Hotels in Columbia County

10. Kinderhook Farm – Valatie

Looking for a more rustic feel? Now renting as an Airbnb, guests here have the opportunity to stay on a working farm. Time spent at Kinderhook Farm is a wonderful way to connect children with their food sources. Families stay in a cottage that sleeps up to four adults and two kids. There’s a kitchen, two sleeping areas, a large bathroom, and a fire pit, plus family-friendly essentials like a crib and high chair. Help with farm chores such as collecting eggs and gardening, or just watch the sheep and cows graze.

11. Rivertown Lodge – Hudson

Hudson is a riverfront town that attracts urbanites in droves. Anchoring the revitalization are farm-to-table eateries, independently owned shops, art galleries, and the chic 27-room Rivertown Lodge. If a design-forward hotel with public spaces and guest rooms that retain a vintage feel doesn’t exactly scream toddler-friendly, well, that's correct. While it doesn't cater to kids, it does welcome them. There are a limited number of cribs and simple camp cots with cushions, so reserve when you book or bring a pack-n-play. Ride Amtrak to Hudson to make this a car-free getaway.

RELATED: 15 Family-Friendly Catskills Resorts

The Legoland New York Hotel is as kid-friendly as they come! Photo by Jody Mercier

Family Resorts and Hotels in Orange County

12. Legoland New York Hotel – Goshen

Located a short ride from New York City in the heart of the Hudson Valley, Legoland New York is the ultimate kid-haven. The sprawling theme park is made of seven distinct lands, including Brick Street, Bricktopia, Ninjago World, Lego Castle, Lego City, Lego Pirates, and Miniland. Staying at the on-site Legoland Hotel offers easy walking access to the front gate and adds to the fun. It has 250 rooms, all with amazing themes, such as Pirates, Lego Friends, Kingdom, or Ninjago, and many have bunk beds in a separate sleeping area to accommodate large families. There's also a seasonal pool, on-site dining, an indoor play space, daily scavenger hunts, disco elevators, and nightly entertainment.

13. The Thayer Hotel – West Point

The Thayer Hotel at West Point has been a national treasure since 1926, and has hosted everyone from American presidents to international leaders and scores of West Point cadets and their families. It's situated on a hilltop at the entrance to the United States Military Academy and is a perfect jumping-off point for a visit to the historic military installation or the rest of the region. Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, the hotel is close to many charming towns, cultural institutions, historical landmarks, hiking trails, and restaurants. There are 151 luxurious guest rooms, including 22 recently renovated executive suites.

Rockland County Resorts and Hotels for Families

14. Bear Mountain Inn – Bear Mountain

Situated in Bear Mountain State Park, and overlooking the shores of Hessian Lake, the historic Bear Mountain Inn is the perfect getaway to take advantage of all the Hudson Valley has to offer. Families can add rollaway beds or pack-n-plays to rooms in the Overlook Lodge for $10 each. Kids love the merry-go-round pavilion and the Trailside Museum and Zoo. Enjoy the nearby hiking and walking trails, rent boats, or take a dip in the Bear Mountain State Park Pool in the warmer months.

15. Hotel Nyack – Nyack

This boutique hotel makes an ideal base to explore all the Hudson Valley has to offer. It's centrally located near quaint towns, restaurants, hiking trails, and cultural attractions such as the Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center. Some of the rooms have views of the Hudson River, and there's an outdoor pool.

Originally published in 2016.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the hotels/resorts