The best spots to find spooky Halloween tricks and treats in the Bay Area
It’s officially spooky season (aka: Halloween)! And if spooky is your thing, you’re in luck! The Bay Area is abuzz with spooktacular events all month long. Whether you’re looking for a slightly chilling fright night, an outdoor craft fair with fall treats or a Halloween-themed railroad ride or animal adventure, kids and families across the Bay will have plenty of ways to gather with gourds and get ghoulish. Of course if you need a nearby pumpkin patch fix, looking for an epic apple picking adventure in the Bay Area, or want to test your navigational skills in the best corn maze near you (who also host some frightfully fun events to boot)—we gotcha there too.
Six Flags Boo Fest: Enjoy this new family-friendly adventure of Trick-or-Treat Street around the park and get candy by your favorite characters. Enjoy all this season has to offer—with a few special animal shows with a twists of their own. Be sure to check out The Wildlife Halloween Experience, Drench! Halloween, and Ghoul School. For older kids, check out Fright Fest.
Pirates of Emerson Haunted Theme Park: This freaky walk-through theme park features the Dorm of Doom, Hillbilly Holler, Maze Haze and the Mystery Mansion. Online, timed-entry tickets only which means if you want to go to this event, get your tickets now.
The Greater, Bigger Boo at Gilroy Gardens: Enjoy a live musical show as you "Do the Boo'' with a charming cast of Halloween characters at Gilroy Gardens’ Lakeside Amphitheater. Meet Vinnie the Vampire, Cranium the Mad Scientist, and Wendella the Witch on a quest to save Halloween. Plus, trick-or-treat down Boo Alley, ride the Boo Train, see the pumpkin pyramid and make your way through the hay maze.
Thomas & Percy's Halloween Party:Dress up for Halloween with favorites Thomas and Percy, for a 20 minute train ride, entertainment, and fun filled activities for the entire family.
Halloween Jam at Fairyland: We’re a bit batty about Halloween Jam. This six-day event is a boo-tiful time, more kooky than spooky, and full of outdoor fall fun and festivities at Fairyland! Enjoy seasonal surprises like decked-out sets, a creepy crawly scavenger hunt, arts and crafts stations where you can make your own bat costume, and the ghost town formerly known as Old West Junction. Kids get a special Halloween goodie bag.
Bat Fest Community Event: It's our biggest and most exciting event of the year—Bat Fest! Join Saved By Nature for an evening festival celebrating local animals of the night, with live bats, owls, and other creatures. It's a fun time under the stars! With a special guest speaker, food trucks, live music, festival games, arts and crafts, mini-pumpkin patch, REI lounge and community partner organization booths.
When: Oct. 22
Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space 4289 Casa Loma Rd. Morgan Hill Online:savedbynature.org
Goblin Jamboree at the Bay Area Discovery Museum: Goblin Jamboree returns for a celebration packed with Halloween themed programs and frightful delights. Flying ghosts, steampunk robots, a hay maze, bone digs and a shadow puppet theater are just a few of the fun things this annual fundraising event has to offer.
Haunted Hanger: Visit the Hiller Aviation Museum to see the gallery decked out in Halloween adornments and take part in the Great Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt. Kids can also paint a plane in seasonal Halloween colors, try the famous Helicopter Pumpkin Drop and join a variety of other special carnival activities.
When: October 22-31
Hiller Aviation Museum 01 Skyway Rd. San Carlos Online: hiller.org
Boo at the (Oakland) Zoo: Calling all ghosts, goblins, and witches—enjoy this family-friendly Halloween event with a spooky animal-themed scavenger hunt! Grab a program as you enter the Zoo and follow the clues on our self-guided scavenger hunt to trick-or-treat for animal trading cards throughout the Zoo. Upon completing your scavenger hunt, collect a limited release trading card and a candy bar from our presenting sponsor OCHO Candy.
California Academy of Sciences SuperNatural Halloween: Shake your bones at a silent disco in Steinhart Aquarium. Satisfy your sweet tooth at trick-or-treat stations. Marvel at mystical magic shows. See what slithers and scuttles at live animal demonstrations. Meet mad scientists and ogle at unusual specimens. Create crafts to "DIY" for. Transform into living (or undead) art with face painting. Immortalize your spirit at a photo booth. And last but not least: Teens can rest in peace at an exclusive teen lounge with arcade games, snacks, and more.
When: Oct. 28
55 Music Concourse Dr. San Francisco Online: calacademy.org
Halloween Hoopla at Yerba Buena Gardens: Creep, crawl and slither your way over to the 22nd annual Halloween Hoopla for kids 10 and under along with their adults. With performances by Chelle! & Friends, Caterpillar Puppets and Coventry & Kaluza, palm reading from the mystical Madam Z, houlishly good craft-making at the activity tables, and Emceed by marvelous magician Calvin Kai Ku, Halloween Hoopla is the place to be for family-friendly frights and delights. The Hoopla grand finale is the annual Halloween Costume Parade—all kids are welcome to join in their best Halloween looks.
Learn All about Bats: Want to know the truth about bats? They’re actually fascinating mammals—not just freaky Halloween decorations! Participate in an outdoor, interactive experience with bats to learn some incredible truths about these mythical creatures. All ages are welcome and the event is free to everyone.
Jeepers Jack O'Lanterns at Paradise Beach: Join rangers to carve a spooky Jack-O-Lantern for Halloween! A limited number of pumpkins will be available (bring your own). Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Remember to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat and lunch. No pets (except service animals) are allowed at this park. Park entrance fee is waived for participants.
Halloween Sausalito: A "Howl’O’Ween" dog costume contest, spooky haunted house and a Halloween parade and trick-or-treating lane are all happening in Sausalito.
Ever wished you could spend a night at the museum, roll out your sleeping bag in an aquarium or set up your tent under the lights of the Giant Dipper? From Sausalito to Santa Cruz, we found 14 special sleepovers that are perfect for families. Pick your fave and sign up soon—they are very popular!
San Francisco
Penguins + Pajamas Sleepovers at the California Academy of Sciences
If your camper wants to experience both a rainforest and an aquarium, then head to the California Academy of Sciences for Penguins + Pajamas. The night includes live animal demonstrations, access to the Osher Rainforest until 8 p.m., planetarium showings and hot breakfast in the morning. Campers can choose to sleep in the African Hall, Aquarium or Lower Swamp area. You also get access to the Academy for the whole day after your overnight.
Cost: $95.20/member; $119/non-member Requirements: Participants must be five or older. One chaperone for every five children. Dates: Feb. 21, Mar. 20 (Boy Scouts), Apr. 3 (Girl Scouts), May 2, May 22, June 5 Online: calacademy.org
Sleep Aboard a Submarine at the USS Pampanito
Kate Loweth
Docked at Fisherman's Wharf, the USS Pampanito allows visitors to go back in time to World War II when she patrolled Japanese waters searching for enemy ships. Spend the night in the same bunks used by the submariners, enjoy a personalized tour from bow to stern including the engine room, Torpedo Room, Control Room, and Conning Tower, and take in the sights of the San Francisco waterfront.
Cost: flat fee of $1,250 for up to 25 participants Requirements: open to all organized youth groups with an adult to child ratio of 1:6, ages six and up Dates: contact to schedule Online: maritime.org
All Aboard the SS Jeremiah O'Brien
Kate Loweth
Come and spend the day or night on the historic WWII ship SS Jeremiah O'Brien located on Fisherman's Wharf. Kids will love visiting this living memorial to WWII history that was built in only 56 days! The program includes a complete tour of the ship and a playthrough of the board game Convoy, where the kids learn how WWII convoys maneuvered through packs of German submarines to bring desperately needed supplies to the troops. Pizza dinner and breakfast are included.
Gather up your friends and spend a night at the Aquarium of the Bay. Located on PIER 39, the Aquarium of the Bay offers groups of 25-45 the opportunity to sleep in the tunnels of the “Under the Bay” exhibit as thousands of fish including sharks, skates and bat rays swim overhead. Invite your friends for fun and games, and meet some creatures who aren’t afraid of the dark.
Cost: $75/person Requirements: Ages six and up with chaperones Dates: email the Aquarium with your preferred dates to schedule Online: aquariumofthebay.org
Overnight at the San Francisco Maritime National Park
Kate Loweth
Avast, me hearties! Spend a night going back in time and experiencing first-hand what it was like to work and sleep aboard a permanently moored turn-of-the-century tall ship. Try your hand at one of the traditional maritime tasks such as raising a sail, swabbing the deck, rowing a longboat or riding a bosun’s chair into the rigging.
Cost: $900 for up to 25 participants Dates: available Saturdays except the first Sturday of the month Online: maritime.org
East Bay
Slumber with the Stars at the Chabot Space and Science Center
Chabot Space and Science Center
The Chabot offers both public and scout sleepovers for kids who want to learn about science. You get exclusive access to the science center after 6 p.m., telescope viewing, new planetarium shows and even a scavenger hunt. All participants go home with a souvenir patch. Dinner and breakfast is included with dairy-free and vegetarian options available.
Cost: $95/non-members, $90/members Requirements: minimum age is 5 When: May 30-31 Online: chabotspace.com
Family Sundown Safari at the Oakland Zoo
Oakland Zoo
Families looking for a wild (animal) night should make their reservations for this popular event at the Oakland Zoo. Set up your tent and then enjoy dinner before you take a twilight tour through the Children's Zoo. Watch a wildlife show and enjoy s'mores before you settle in for the night. The morning brings breakfast and a special encounter with an animal not on exhibit at the Zoo. After you pack up your tent, you are welcome to stick around for the day as your ticket includes admission to the Zoo.
Cost: $80/member, $90/non-member with group Requirements: geared towards ages 4-10 but older siblings welcome Dates: egistration opens in March and sundown safaris happen every Saturday in July and August Online: oaklandzoo.org
Live Aboard the USS Hornet
Kate Loweth
Always wondered what it was like to live on a World War II ship? Then head to Alameda to spend the night in an authentic crew bunk aboard the USS Hornet. Surrounded by vintage and modern aircraft, participants get to experience what it was like to live aboard a floating city. Dinner and breakfast are served in the crew’s mess and all attendees get to participate in a thrilling flight simulator ride.
Cost: $100/person Requirements: Ages 5 and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Dates: Events are offered monthly throughout the year Online: uss-hornet.org
This sleepover is perfect for the youngest campers. Check in and enjoy some dinner at 6:30 p.m. The rides stay open until 9 p.m. and there is special entertainment for campers before lights out. Morning brings a continental breakfast before everyone heads home.
Cost: $45/person Requirements: no minimum age requirements Dates: July 11 and 25, Aug. 8 and 22 Online: fairyland.org
South Bay/Peninsula
Zoo Snooze at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
Happy Hollow
If your idea of a fun camp out includes nocturnal animals, then Happy Hollow is the place for you! Zoo Snooze participants get to have hand-on interactions with the many animals that make their home at Happy Hollow. The night includes a flashlight tour of the grounds, zoo-themed games and a hot breakfast in the morning.
Cost: $60/person Requirements: Participants must be five or older. Dates: July 11 sleepover and Howl-o-ween Sleepover the weekend before Halloween Online: hhpz.org
Family Camp Night at Gilroy Gardens
Gilroy Gardens
Camp overnight at this theme park with a horticulture theme. Arrive in the afternoon, set up your tent and enjoy a dinner under the stars. The next day grab some breakfast before you spend a day in the park. When the sun is out you can enjoy the expanded Water Oasis so make sure you bring your swimsuits and towels. Take a ride around the park on the train and make sure to look for all the circus trees in the park.
Cost: $60/non-members ages 3 and up, $35/members, age 2 and under are free Dates: May 25, June 15, July 6 and 27, Aug. 31 Online: gilroygardens.org
Sleepovers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Sleep next to the sea anemones at the Monterey Bay Aquarium! Set up your sleeping bag in your favorite exhibit while you enjoy some time in the aquarium without all of the crowds. And for kids 8 and up, there is even the option to take a scuba diving excursion (no experience necessary) right there in the Bay! All overnight guests get access to the aquarium for the day after the sleepover.
Cost: $125/non-member, $95/member Requirements: Ages 5 and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Dates: Feb. 22, Mar. 21, Apr. 18, July 11 and 25, Aug. 8 and 22, Oct. 17 Online: montereybayaquarium.org
Boardwalk Overnights
Kate Loweth
Cruise on down to Santa Cruz for an overnight by the beach. In addition to Boy and Girl Scout overnights, the Boardwalk hosts a fall overnight for all families that benefits the American Caner Society. Camp under the stars, enjoy a movie on the beach, dinner and breakfast and an all-day wristband for Saturday.
Cost: $89.95/person Requirements: All participants under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. One adult chaperone is required for every group of five minors. Dates: Sep. 11-12 Online: beachboardwalk.com
Marin
Family Campout at Slide Ranch
Slide Ranch
Family campouts at Slide Ranch offer the very special opportunity to pitch your tent at this campsite overlooking the ocean. On Saturday, join Slide Ranch teachers for an afternoon of farm activities, crafts and nature exploration. At night, gather for a family potluck dinner, a cozy campfire and camping under the stars. On Sunday morning, enjoy a breakfast buffet, morning farm chores and preparing homemade treats harvested from the organic garden.
Cost: $95/person, ages 36 months and under are free Dates: May 9-10, 16-17 Online: slideranch.org
“Winter vacation” means different things to different families. Some want a beach getaway, some seek out a low-key, local place to relax together. Still others look for cultural experiences, outdoor activities or maybe some extreme water slide fun. No matter what your family looks for in a winter vacation we’ve got something for everyone here—with all of them less than three hours away from NYC. (A plane may be involved in some cases.) Go for a weekend, go for a week—one of these family winter vacation ideas near NYC will keep everyone totally chill this season.
To Chill in Style in The Hamptons: Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa
For a relaxing escape closer to home, try Gurney’s Montauk Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa the only resort in the Hamptons open year round, that happens to be located on prime oceanfront property. Choose from five dining options (from fancy to casual), take a dip in the ocean-fed indoor seawater pool, and sign the kids up for cooking baking at the Kid’s Club (while you sweat it out in the sauna or grab a massage). For indoor fun, check out the Children’s Museum of the East End in Bridgehampton. Don’t miss the chance to hang out in an igloo with an ocean view. Book a two-hour slot to snack and sip in one of these transparent geodesic domes, each of which is done up in a fun and festive theme including Santa’s Workshop, cozy Log Cabin, Roaring 20's, Astrology and Après Ski. Heads up: A Harry Potter-themed igloo is coming after the New Year. (P.S. the Gurney’s Kid’s Club is running special holiday activities from December 23-28 if you’re looking for a short escape stat.)
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa 290 Old Montauk Highway Montauk, NY 631-668-2345 Online: gurneysresorts.com
For Festive Fun in the Sun: Baha Mar
Baha Mar
A tropical escape that feels farther away than it is (the flight in under three hours from NYC), Bahamian resort Baha Mar pulls out all the stops for the holiday season. It’s called “Festive" here, and happening include an original “glice-skating show” (faux ice that can take the heat), junkanoo (holiday) dancing and parades, family cooking classes and jam-packed activities at the resort’s Explorers Club for kids. (For a look at all the Festive events at Baha Mar, click here .) The holiday happenings go all the way until January 5, but Baha Mar is a great option past that, with Explorer’s Club fun year-round, cool pools for kids, complimentary beach floats, boats and equipment, and an on-site nature sanctuary with up-close-and-personal encounters with flamingos, stingrays, sea turtles and others. Read our full review here!
We recommended Quebec City as a fun, year-round family vacation spot this fall, and we’re back to remind you that this Canadian town embraces winter with style and gusto. (Case in point, the city's Winter Festival, which runs February 7 -16 this year, and is one of the biggest seasonal celebrations of iots kind in the world!) The already beautiful city is stunning in snow, and there are both indoor and outdoor activities to keep you and the kids busy. Get a thrill on the ice slide at Terrace Dufferin, or head to a nearby park for skiing. For a unique experience, check out the area’s ice hotel, where you can grab a hot cocoa or stay the night if you’re feeling adventurous. Indoor fun includes the Museum of Civilization (which includes a fun make believe dress-up exhibit); the Musée National des beaux-arts du Québec, where there’s a dedicated Family Gallery and kids under 12 get in free, and the Quebec Aquarium, located 15 minutes from downtown. For Quebec's answer to the Mall of America, head to Mega Parc, an 18-attraction amusement center inside shopping Mall Galeries de la Capitale. Quebec City is a great place to eat in the winter—enjoy fondue, hearty dishes of comfort food, and all kinds of real maple syrup treats. We recommend La Buche or “the log” where the menu includes pork ribs, shepherd’s pie, poutine with a topping of the day and more, in a cozy, wood-filled dining room meant to recall Canadian sugar shacks. There's a special kids' menu here, complete with games and puzzles. And, you can't visit Quebec City without taking in the magical Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the late-nineteenth century beauty in Old Quebec that anchors the city. (Grab a table at eatery Bistro Le Sam while you're there and take in the views of the St. Lawrence and Terrace Dufferin.)
A perennial favorite, this Poconos indoor water park recently wrapped up a major upgrade and renovation—the most extensive since its debut in 2005. Improvements include an overhaul of all guest rooms, new attractions (such as the interactive mining experience, "Oliver's Mining Company") and fresh food and drink options.
The indoor water park provides over 80,000 square-feet of fun, including both extreme slides and mellow slides, chutes, a wave pool, water fort tree house and hot springs. When everyone's worn out by all that swimming and sliding, there's a bowling alley just for toddlers plus story times, rope courses, and game centers. Other diversions: PJ parties, dance parties, and character breakfasts, as well as dry play "Paw Passes" for an extra fee, which include a MagicQuest game, a Creation Station (make-your-own-stuffie), glitter tattoos, and more. To call this place cozy and kid-friendly is an understatement—jammies in the lodge-like lobby are allowed and enouraged—for everyone!
For the ultimate in indulgence, unwind with your little one at the ice-cream-themed spa, designed especially for kids. Decked out in a tiara and candy pink robe, the princess in your life can enjoy a flavored manicure and pedicure with a sherbet scrub. Then escape to the lodge’s Element Spa Salon for some much needed R&R and time for yourself! Win, win.
Driving time from NYC: 2 hours
1 Great Wolf Drive Scotrun, PA 570-688-9899 Online: greatwolf.com
For an Immersive Ski Experience: Belleayre Mountain Ski Center, New York
Sure, there are tons of slopes in the Tristate area, but Belleayre Mountain’s Kidscamp teaches little ones ages 4 to 12 how to ski or snowboard in a no-pressure group setting (kids 4 to 6 $102, 7 to 12 $112). The camp includes four hours of lessons, rentals, a lift ticket, and a filling lunch. Need to brush up on your slope stylings? Lessons for adults—group or private—are available as well. Once everyone is up to speed, there are 50 trails to choose from, as well as a terrain park, and six miles of cross-country skiing trails. If making the trek back to the city seems like too daunting of a task after such an action-packed day, there are Ski and Stay packages available for nearby lodging.
Driving time from NYC: 2.5 hours
181 Galli Curci Rd. Highmount, Ny 845-254-5600 Online: belleayre.com
For a Swim & Snow Combo
Kartrite Waterpark & Resort
Can't decide between hitting the slopes and catching a wave? You have options, and both are about a two-hour drive away.
If you'd rather head to the Catskills, the Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark is a good place to land. The waterpark is brand new and the biggest indoor waterpark in New York State. Winter weather fun can be had at Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park in nearby Monticello, where there are seven slopes and you can ski and snowtube day and night. They also have a "magic carpet" to transport those new to skiing up the slope. While you're in the Catskills, keep an eye out for the Sullivan Catskills Dove Trail, a collection of 50 hand-painted dove sculptures that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the area's famous 1969 Woodstock Festival. Find the birds perched in villages and towns throughout the region.
The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark 555 Resort World Dr. Monticello, NY 845-397-2500 Online: thekartrite.com
Pennsylvania's Camelback Mountain just opened a new trail this year, the curvy "Basilisk", bringing its trail count to 39, the most in the state. Plus, they've upgraded their fleet of 377 snow guns, which now make more snow with less energy. The Pocono ski resort also has a serious snowtubing setup. Pair all that with Aquatopia, the giant indoor waterpark where it's always 84 degrees. Stay overnight at Camelback Lodge and the waterpark is included in your stay!
Camelback Resort Lodge and Aquatopia Indoor Water Park 301 Resort Dr. Tannersville, Pa 570-629-1661 Online: camelbackresort.com
For a Trip Back in Time: Mystic Seaport, Connecticut
If you're going to leave the city, why not go all out and leave this century, too? The Mystic Seaport Museum allows you to step back in time to a recreated 19th century seafaring village and a working shipyard in this quaint seaport town. You and your little sailors can climb aboard and explore historic wooden vessels dating all the way back to 1841. At the Children's Museum designed for kids seven and under, visitors can experience the life of a sailor. Show your little seafarers what real chores are by having them swab the decks, move cargo, cook in the galley, and sleep in sailor bunks. Additional family activities are offered seasonally.
Then head over to the Mystic Aquarium to see African penguins, beluga whales, sea lions and seals, dazzling tropical fish, and more. Then crash at the nearby Hyatt Place featuring new, regionally-inspired breakfast menus and rooms with separate living and sleeping areas so parents can have some alone time after the little ones finally fall asleep.
A true getaway awaits in the City of Brotherly Love. That’s because you’ll get everything here—culture, history, Greenwich Village-like shops, boutique hotels and a burgeoning food scene. And, yes, you could spend your entire time at tourist spots like the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, the Benjamin Franklin Museum and Independence Hall, but that’s just the one facet of this awesome city to our south.
A favorite destination for kids seven and younger is the Centennial District's Please Touch Museum, which (you guessed it) encouraged kids to explore, learn, and play with interactive exhibits. Stop by and meet the mascot Squiggles, and then check out the Cents & Sensibility Fun with Money exhibit—its first new permanent exhibit in a decade—all about spending, saving and counting cash. Don't miss the "End of the Day Parade" that closes out every day at the museum, and unlimited carousel rides for $5!
No trip to Philly is quite complete without eating a cheesesteak—the overstuffed local faves ‘wit’ onions and Cheez Whiz at Pat’s King of Steaks are a great place to start—and then you’ve got to watch as your kids run the 72 steps brought to life in the Rocky films right outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
P.S.: There's a LEGOLAND Discovery Center about 45 minutes from Philly center is that's your kid's thing.
Driving time: 2 hours
Please Touch Museum Tickets: $19/adults and kids one and older; free/kids under one year old 4231 Avenue of the Republic of Philadelphia 215-581-3181 Online: pleasetouchmuseum.org
To Go Spelunking: Howe Caverns
Howe Caverns
Stay warm exploring the underground attractions at the stunning Howe Caverns. Here, visitors go 156 feet underground for an adventure through a six-million-year-old cave. The Flashlight Tour is a favorite with families: Kids are given souvenir helmets and headlamps and get to travel through a living limestone cave, which finishes with a boat ride on an underground river. The Howe Caverns Motel on the estate has rooms and once you've graduated as a pro spelunker, there's plenty more entertainment above ground including zip wires, climbing, rope courses, and bungie fun.
Driving time from NYC: 3 hours
255 Discovery Drive Howes Cave, New York 518-296-8900 Online: www.howecaverns.com
For Amazing Art in the Berkshires: Mass MoCA
Mimi O'Connor
For cultural enrichment and cool digs, consider a trip top Mass MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. The massive contemporary art center is home to 250,000 square feet of open gallery space filled with thought-provoking and often large-scale works of art. (The center houses several works by light artist James Turrell, and its three floors of Sol Lewitt galleries are impressive. Also: don't miss the Laurie Anderson VR experiences, which you need to sign up for in advance.) Mass MoCA also has a Kidspace with rotating exhibits and programming, allowing kids to get in on the art-making action. Lots of performing arts events such as concerts, film fests, and talks happen here, too, as well as free days; check the calendar to see what's on tap.
A new arrival to the area, The Williams Inn in nearby WIlliamstown, Mass is a good choice for a relaxed yet refined stay, with the added bonus of elevated comfort food on site at the property's restaurant and bar, The Barn. More traditional art can be found right in town at the newly-reopened Clark Institute and the Williams College Museum of Art.
Another option is The Porches, a Berkshires boutique inn with retro-industrial architecture and modern comforts located right across the street from the Mass MoCA. The revamped mill workers' homes are connected by (you guessed it) porches, and have all the comforts of home as well as an all-season pool with a heated deck, hot tubs, saunas and a fire-pit for s'mores.
Further afield in the area, but perhaps worth a trip isThe Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst (about 90 minutes away). Dedicated to the author and illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, this art center has three galleries, a hands-on studio, films, lectures and live theatre running in the auditorium and a library full of favorites.
Driving time from NYC: three hours
Mass MoCA 1040 Mass MoCA Way North Adams, MA 413-662-2111 Online: massmoca.org
The Williams Inn 101 Spring St. 413-458-9371 Williamstown, MA 01267
The Porches 231 River St. North Adams, MA 413-664-0400 Online: porches.com
For a Taste of the Sweet Life: Hershey Lodge, Pennsylvania
Hershey Lodge
Oh, chocolate. This #1 favorite treat has its headquarters in Hershey and, while many families only think to visit Hershey in the warmer months (when it’s not just open on weekends), Hershey Lodge, which is part of Hersheypark, is our idea of a perfect winter getaway. Here, kids can catch a sugar rush at Hershey’s Chocolate World, where they get to see, smell, and of course taste chocolate before heading into the kitchen to create their own custom candy bar. Then at the hotel, which features an indoor water park, kids get to feel like grownups when they check in at the kids’ concierge—before enjoying a game of Chocolate Bingo, of course.
Driving time from NYC: 3 hours
325 University Drive Hershey, PA 844-330-1802 Online: hersheylodge.com
For a Breath of Fresh Air: Mohonk Mountain House, New York
While kids will get a kick out of Mohonk’s uncanny resemblance to a castle, adults will be impressed with the fact that five U.S. Presidents have stayed here since it opened its doors in 1869. Perched by a mountain lake and surrounded by acres of nature, little ones and grown-ups alike will instantly relax and sigh with relief at the beauty and openness the area has to offer. Of course, if exploring and wandering around aimlessly for hours on end isn’t your family’s thing, there’s also skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and ice skating. And making your life easier, two to three meals and most activities are included in the cost of an overnight stay.
Driving time from NYC: 2 hours
1000 Mountain Rest Rd. New Paltz, NY 855-883-3789 Online: mohonk.com
For LEGOs and Luxury: Legoland Discovery Center and The Ritz-Carlton New York, Westchester
Something for them, something for you: Head just 30 minutes from Manhattan to Westchester, where the kids can get their brick on at Legoland Discovery Center and you can relax in style at the Ritz-Carlton. The hotel—about a 20 minute drive from Legoland—offers a variety of five-star services and amenities, and most importantly, an indoor rooftop pool. Another fun feature for budding young cooks: Junior Chefs Academy, where on certain dates (as posted online) kids ages 11 to 18 can participate in a series of seasonal baking workshops with Ritz-Carlton pastry chefs. An added plus: Classes take place in the hotel’s pastry kitchen and kids will learn everything from kitchen safety to technique.
Driving time from NYC: 30 minutes
Legoland Discovery Center Tickets: Starting at $15.95/person; free/kids under 2 years old) 39 Fitzgerald St. Yonkers, Ny Online: legolanddiscoverycenter.com
3 Renaissance Square White Plains, NY 914-946-5500 Online: ritzcarlton.com
For Horsing Around: Rocking Horse Ranch Resort, New York
Giddy up to this all-inclusive dude ranch. Junior wranglers can visit the resort’s pony ride area while kids 7 and up can take part in the year-round trail-riding program. There’s so much to do on this 500-acre spread in the heart of the scenic Hudson River Valley so, if you'd rather a professional take the reins, there are horse-drawn sleigh rides, and for those who prefer two legs over four, ski lessons and ice skating—or put your feet up entirely with some tubing action. (There is also an indoor water park at Rocking Horse if you want to swim and slide.) A favorite spot at the resort is the fun barn, decked out with climbing walls, a bounce structure, and air-powered Nerf Cannons. After a full day of fun, the evenings are packed with entertainment from jugglers, magicians, Wild West shows, and circus acts. It’s ideal for cooped-up kiddos looking to get the wiggles out.
For an Active Winter Mix: Skytop Lodge, Pennsylvania
Skytop Lodge
Skytop Lodge in Pennsylvania is another spot for active families wanting to get their winter on. Activities at the luxury resort include skiing (both downhill and cross-country), snowtubing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, as well as ice skating, and even ice-fishing! (Many activities are for kids four and up.) Tackle the outdoors then unwind from it all with High Tea at 4 p.m. each day, then head to the indoor pool and spa for more chillaxing.
Driving time from NYC: 2 hours
1 Skytop Lodge Rd. Skytop, Pa 855-345-7759 Online: skytop.com
For Non-Stop Action: Woodloch Pines Resort, Pennsylvania
Woodloch Pines Resort
To say that Woodloch Pines Resort boasts an impressive roster of family-friendly activities would be an understatement. You and your little ones will be busy from morning ‘til night at this all-inclusive Poconos retreat. Anything from pony rides at the petting zoo to wiffle ball to family bake-offs to go-karting is at your disposal when you stay here. And of course, there’s an indoor pool if you’re not up for the winter sports available here. We’re talking endless trails for skiing, sledding and tubing. Sweetening the deal, Woodloch offers all-inclusive packages, and on certain days, kids even stay for free. The evening entertainment is packed with themed characters, jugglers, comedians, music and magic. Just make sure to make time for your own R&R at the spa down the road at The Lodge at Woodloch.
Driving time from NYC: 2.5 hours
731 Welcome Lake Rd. Hawley, Pennsylvania 570-685-8000 Online: woodloch.com
For a Sunny Escape to the South: Orlando, Florida
Mimi O'Connor
As we reported this fall, there's a lot happening in Orlando now: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is open and mind-blowing, there's a fantastic new Hagrid ride at Universal Studio's Florida Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Toy Story Land is also pretty fresh. A quick escape to this sunny spot for families can be just the thing to shake those winter blahs away. Click here to see all our recs for where to stay, play and eat!
If you’re lucky enough to have crossed the American Museum of National History’s “Night at the Museum” sleepover off your list, congrats. (If not, add it to the family “bucket list.”) Either way, that’s hardly the only sleepover in town. You and the kids can sleep like royalty in a cathedral, a sailor on an aircraft carrier, a scientist in not one, but two museums, and more. Just note the dates and book soon — these affairs sell out fast! Click through to find the overnight for you!
For the Classic: A Night At The Museum
It's the big one! It's the big one! Overnight visitors get a thorough flashlight tour of the heavy hitters of the museum, meeting "relatives" in the Anne and Bernard Spitzer Hall of Human Origins, standing beneath a massive T. rex dinosaur, and exploring live-animal exhibitions with knowledgeable museum explainers. It's all followed by a screening of "Wonders of the Arctic", now showing in 3-D the LeFrak Theater. Then it's time to set up camp (i.e. grab a cot and unroll the sleeping bag) beneath the 94-foot-long blue whale, next to African elephants, or at the base of a striking volcanic formation. Recommended for kids ages six to 13.
Next Overnight: Jan. 27, additional dates through June
Tickets: $145/person' $135 for members
Central Park West at 79th St,
Upper West Side
212-769-5200
Online: amnh.org
Do you have a favorite NYC family sleepover? Tell us in the comments below!