Top 13 Mid-Atlantic Resorts for Families

From the Adirondacks to the Poconos and the Atlantic Ocean to the Chesapeake Bay, the mid-Atlantic offers a full spectrum of activities, attractions, and natural beauty. Families will find all the snow skiing, water skiing, hiking, biking, beaching, and relaxing they can handle (along with perfect family-friendly resorts to go along with the adventures).

The best family resorts offer amenities like a kids club, indoor and outdoor pools, private balconies, and free Wi-Fi (that screen time is a must for both the kids and the parents). Looking for all-inclusive family resorts with spacious rooms? We’ve got that too.

Located in the northeastern United States, the mid-Atlantic is a sub-region of the larger northeast region, which includes New England. The Mid-Atlantic states include New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). Other bureaus and agencies out there may include Delaware, Maryland, and Washington D.C. as part of the Mid-Atlantic.

For the purposes of this collection of the best Mid-Atlantic resorts for families, we’re going to go mostly by what the Census Bureau says. We’re such rebels.

TL;DR

13 Mid-Atlantic Resorts for Families

1. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, New York

Address: 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, New York 12561

Mohonk Mountain is one of the best all-inclusive resorts for families who want a bit of luxury in a rugged setting. It’s about 90 miles north of NYC on 40,000 acres of secluded forests in the beautiful Huson Valley,

With towers, peaked copper-colored roofs, stone accents, and a lakefront “moat-like” setting, the Victorian castle-inspired structure initially opened in 1869. A National Historic Landmark, Mohonk Mountain House offers an indoor heated pool, tennis courts, golf, 85 miles of hiking trails, and a private lakefront beach where you can go fishing or kayaking. You can also go horseback riding or book a carriage ride.

The all-inclusive family resorts rate package includes dining, kids’ clubs, outdoor activities, wellness classes, and other fun activities. Adults can enjoy the award-winning spa or dining experiences such as wine pairings, weekend brunch, holiday meals, afternoon tea, and an old-fashioned soda fountain with milkshakes, malts, egg creams, and lattes.

Family suites are available with two or three rooms and offer extra living space and sleeper sofas, making it perfect for families and small groups traveling together. Popular attractions near this family-friendly resort include the Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary, Rainbow Falls, and the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.

2. High Peaks Resort, Lake Placid, New York

Address: 2384 Saranac Avenue, Lake Placid, New York 12946

Situated in the Adirondack Mountains, High Peaks Resort and its wide array of onsite activities put it on our radar as an excellent choice for a family trip. The resort’s stone fireplaces, natural wood accents, and arts and crafts decorating scheme provide a casual mountain ambiance.

Spacious queen rooms are great for small groups. One-bedroom king rooms offer separate living space and a queen-size sleeper sofa. Rollaway beds and pack-n-plays are available. Not only is High Peaks family-friendly, it’s also dog-friendly.

There’s an indoor pool, lakefront outdoor pools, onsite dining, a bar, and a fitness center. Families can also enjoy free yoga sessions and trail access for cross-country skiing.

You can even borrow snowshoes. In the summer, listen to live music at the lake house and participate in nature tours and bird-of-prey demonstrations (with falcons, hawks, and owls).

Mirror Lake, front and center in front of the resort, is the place to go for complimentary paddleboarding, kayaking, and paddle boating. Visit the Olympic Center, Whiteface Mountain, Lake Placid Olympic Museum, or the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex.

See Related: Best Boutique Hotels in New York City

3. The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark, Monticello, New York

Address: 555 Resorts World Drive, Monticello, New York 12701

The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark sits in the Catskills in the southwestern part of the state. Families who enjoy splashing about in water will enjoy the indoor water park and its assortment of slides, pools, a surf simulator, and more.

The Kartrite Resort offers onsite restaurants and numerous activities. There’s an arcade, a ropes course, a climbing wall, hiking trails, and more for families on vacation.

There’s also a spa, a fitness center, and a gift shop. Spend quality time participating in fun family-friendly activities like art classes, donut decorating, t-shirt tie-dying, and magic shows.

Guest rooms have a mini fridge, a microwave, a coffee machine, and a seating area. Some have sleeper sofas for even more snooze space. Family suites offer balconies, bunk beds, and extra seating areas.

Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park, the Delaware River, and Resorts World Catskills Casino are nearby, making it one of the best family resorts for groups who like easy access to a variety of activities and outdoor adventures.

4. Congress Hall, Cape May, New Jersey

Address: 200 Congress Place, Cape May, New Jersey 08204

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Congress Hall has been an East Coast retreat for more than 200 years. It’s within walking distance of Cape May Beach, making it a convenient vacation for families with young children.

Open since 1816, it’s known as one of America’s first seaside resorts. The resort sits in the Victorian district and features an elegantly casual Americana look with baby blue walls, four-poster beds, and an exterior sporting bright yellow paint, classic columns, and American flags. Suites with pullout sofas, kitchenettes, and adjoining rooms are excellent options for family vacations.

Visit the spa or rent a cabana on the beach for a relaxing day. There’s an outdoor pool on a spacious lawn, a bar, and a lovely porch with rocking chairs. The resort hosts holiday events and has an onsite market, café, and shop with a kid’s section offering clothing, toys, books, and games.

This friendly resort is near the Washington Street Mall and the West End Garage for those who like to get in a little bit of shopping on vacation. If you’re looking for other things to do, check out the Cape May Lighthouse or Cape May Point State Park.

5. Crystal Springs, Hamburg, New Jersey

Address: 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, New Jersey 0719

You’ll find Crystal Springs in the Kittatinny Mountains of northwestern New Jersey. There are two properties to choose from: Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Hotel.

Grand Cascades has one and two-bedroom suites with sleeper sofas that can accommodate six guests. Minerals Hotel has junior suites with pullout sofa beds.

Perfect for a family trip, the property offers a tropical pool complex, an outdoor pool with an infinity edge, six golf courses, two spas, and 10 onsite restaurants. Families can challenge themselves at the climbing wall or arcade, practice archery and goat yoga, take pony rides, or build a birdhouse. Nearby attractions include Mountain Creek Bike Park, the TreEscape Aerial Adventure Ropes Course, and Mountain Creek Ski Resort.

6. Woodloch Pines Resort, Hawley, Pennsylvania

Address: 731 Welcome Lake Road, Hawley, Pennsylvania 18428

Set among the lakes and forests of the Poconos, Woodloch Pines Resort is one of the best all-inclusive family resorts. Guests can enjoy onsite dining and a full schedule of activities.

Kid-friendly amenities include playgrounds, bumper cars, junior go-karts, kids’ clubs, art rooms, hayrides, a petting zoo, and an indoor splash zone. Enjoy other activities such as an adventure park, archery, disc golf, fishing docks, nature trails, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and boat tours.

Paddle about on kayaks or learn to waterski on Lake Teedyuskung, located on the resort property. Choose from two-bedroom suites with four queen-size beds and pullout sofas that can accommodate up to 12 guests.

See Related: Where to Stay in New York City with Family: Best Areas

7. The Hotel Hershey, Hershey, Pennsylvania

Address: 100 Hotel Road, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033

Families who appreciate the sweet side of life will want to make their way to the Hotel Hershey. This Historic Hotel of America offers Hersheypark theme park admission packages, making it an excellent resort for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies.

Enjoy a spa, onsite dining, indoor pools, an outdoor pool, admission to Hershey Gardens, golf courses, admission to the Hershey Store’s Museum Experience, and special pricing for Hersheypark and ZooAmerica. Kids ages five to 13 can leave the parents behind to attend kids’ night activities at the Cocoa Clubhouse. They’ll have fun playing games, roasting s’mores, and playing glow golf.

The whole family can take part in resort activities like falconry, golf, chocolate BINGO, and Hershey’s character meet-n-greets. The sports complex has pickleball, a sand volleyball court, cornhole, basketball and tennis courts, and hiking trails. Accommodation options include premium guest rooms with double-size sleeper sofas and extra living space for a wonderful family resorts experience.

8. Nemacolin Resort, Farmington, Pennsylvania

Address: 1001 Lafayette Drive, Farmington, Pennsylvania 15437

About 60 miles south of Pittsburgh, Nemacolin Resort has been open since 1987. It offers five properties: Falling Rock, The Chateau, the Grand Lodge, The Estates, and The Homes, all on 2,200 acres. The Estates and The Homes offer rooms with up to six bedrooms and full kitchens.

Partake in activities such as bowling, ax throwing, and a fun zone with laser tag, virtual reality games, cornhole, and a ninja warrior course. Other kid-friendly fun includes trail rides, art classes, crafts, fly fishing, and resort animal encounters with horses, farm critters, and lions.

The resort offers a pool, a wellness center, a ropes course, paintball, and a spa. Kids’ clubs and babysitting services (for an extra fee) are available. Nearby attractions and activities include Laurel Caverns, Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Fallingwater, Ohiopyle State Park, and whitewater rafting on the Lower Youghiogheny River.

9. Great Wolf Lodge Poconos

Address: 1 Great Wolf Drive, Scotrun, Pennsylvania

What’s not to love about a resort with an indoor water park? Great Wolf Lodge is one of the best Mid-Atlantic resorts for that very reason. Add in onsite dining for complete convenience for the whole family in the Poconos.

Choose spacious suites for the whole pack (in keeping with the forest theme). Some have bunk beds in cave and log cabin-themed sleeping areas. There are also villas with full kitchens and extra living space.

Kid-centric attractions range from story time and cute characters to an arcade, a kid-friendly spa, bowling, mini glow golf, Build A Bear Workshop, and the MagiQuest interactive adventure game.

Visit nearby sites like Dingman’s Falls and Camelbeach Ski Resort. You could also explore the forests and lakes of the Pocono Mountains, which are just a short drive away.

10. Capitol Hill Hotel, Washington, D.C.

Address: 200 C Street SE., Washington, D.C. 20003

If your crew craves the hustle and bustle of an urban destination for your next family vacation, Washington, D.C. may be one of the best family vacation ideas you’ll come across. The Capitol Hill Hotel is within walking distance of the Capitol and various other D.C. attractions.

There’s a fitness center with Peloton bikes, self-service laundry, a lobby market, and accessible rooms. It’s pet-friendly for those furry kids who may want to get into politics someday.

Spacious rooms have kitchens or kitchenettes. Guests have use of highchairs, pack-n-plays, and roll-away beds. You can borrow bikes to explore the city by wheel, or visit sites like the Natural History Museum, the Air and Space Museum, and the American History Museum.

See Related: Where to Stay in New York City for Sightseeing: Best Areas

11. Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Maryland

Address: 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, Maryland 20745

Another D.C.-area choice for a family vacation, the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center offers convenient access without being right in the middle of it all. I could spend hours (and probably have) strolling around the beautiful glass-enclosed atrium and admiring the flowers, foliage, and seasonal décor.

Overlooking the Potomac River, the Gaylord is well-known for its seasonal events, namely the holiday ICE! Experience. The entire family can enjoy a massive display of hand-carved ice sculptures depicting characters such as Shrek, Dr. Seuss, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Charlie Brown, and more.

The resort has a spa, lots of dining options, a rooftop bar, an indoor pool, and an arcade. Kids will enjoy adventure hunts and fountain and laser light shows.

Outside, you’ll find the Capital Wheel observation wheel and the National Harbor waterfront, which offers shopping, dining, live music, outdoor movies, and events like the DC Boat Show and fashion shows. You can book shuttle boat tours that sail to Alexandria, D.C., and prime cherry blossom viewing spots.

12. Inn at Perry Cabin, St. Michaels, Maryland

Address: 308 Watkins Lane, St. Michaels, Maryland

The relaxing vibes of the Chesapeake Bay and the Eastern Shore of Maryland make the Inn at Perry Cabin a favorite Mid-Atlantic resort for family fun. Dating to the early 1800s, this East Coast resort offers guest rooms and suites with pack-and-plays and roll-away beds. It’s even pet-friendly, which is a big plus in our book.

Water-based activities are the highlight here on the Bay and the Miles River. There’s a dock where you can borrow kayaks and paddleboards. Go sailing aboard the inn’s 1902 skipjack, the Stanley Norman, or take a sailing certification class.

For land-based activities, you can wander through the property’s 26-acre stretch of gardens, lawns, flower beds, and orchards or relax on an Adirondack chair along the lake.

Bike into downtown St. Michaels, play golf and tennis, or challenge the kids to a round of croquet and bocce ball. You could also head into town and visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, or the St. Michael’s Winery.

13. Bellmoor Inn and Spa, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Address: 6 Christian Street, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971

Rehoboth is one of the best beaches on the East Coast for groups seeking fun in the sun. Casually elegant, the Bellmoor Inn and Spa offers a spa, onsite dining, a lobby bar, and a pool just blocks from the beach and boardwalk.

Rooms and suites have sleeper sofas and separate living spaces. Choose a family two-bedroom suite or a junior suite for even more space. Outdoor seating areas are an excellent spot to relax after a day on the sand and surf.

The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, Midway Speedway Park, Cape Henlopen State Park, and Tanger Outlets are nearby, making this East Coast resort the perfect location for an adventurous family trip.

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