April 20, 2007
Spring Family Weekend Getaways and Day Trips
Here in New York, we have approximately 12 weekends (April through June) of potential good weather before the summer's heat and humidity hits us. Eliminate the weekends of bad weather - and that''s all we've had here so far - and eliminate Mothers Day, Fathers Day, and Memorial Day weekends when getting away may be difficult. Now you're down to just a few weekends for a road trip or weekend getaway. And let's not forget that after Memorial Day, the traffic to get out of the city becomes an issue not to mention the extra costs for going during the peak summer months.
But alas, if you're like me, you look at every weekend as a potential getaway weekend or road trip. And if you have active boys or girls, you're probably looking for anything outdoors that will keep them engaged and busy.
But if you are like me, you probably don't have time during the week to plan these activities. And with the weather such a variable these days, planning something too far in advance may be a bad idea. So I'm always looking for easy, fun, quick decision weekend getaways or day trips. Even if it's advice from a friend that's not nearby, I can often use their best ideas to find something similar to do within my area.
So here are some of my favorites:
- Head to the beach. Swimming may not be an option yet but kids love the sand and there's plenty of room to run around. In NYC, head down to Coney Island or Brighton Beach. For a weekend getaway, try Cape Cod or the Jersey Shore.
- It's never too early to try hiking. If I need to stay local, I'll head up to Bear Mountain but for a weekend getaway, my first choice would be hiking the gorges in and around Ithaca.
- If you get up early, head up to Point Judith and take the ferry to Block Island. From their, rent bikes and bike the many dirt trails on the island.
- Central Park NY - Biking, roller blading, walking, the zoo, or just visit all the cool playground on the east side of the park.
- Head to the Poconos or the Delaware Water Gap for canoeing or kayaking.
- My son is probably the right age for his first fishing trip. I'd go to Captree for a day out on the Long Island Sound, but he may be too young for that. Option B may be a long day trip to Roscoe and fishing for trout and bass.
And if you're feeling really adventurous, how about Montreal, Boston, Washington DC, or even Toronto. Make every moment with your family and kids count!
That sounds fun. I love the beach. The breeze and the sand makes me feel relax. I haven't tried hiking so that's my next trip destination.
-liz
Posted on Apr 24, 2010 5:14:46 AM by fun weekend getaways
Good article5688888
Posted on Jul 13, 2011 11:32:00 PM by nfl