Pops Top Ten Family Destinations From New York
Apr 05 '06 (Updated Apr 12 '06)
The Bottom Line Traveling as a family brings fond memories and closer ties.
I've been fortunate to have five children and over the years we have taken many vacations together. There are some to which we return every few years or so. I have now started doing Pops Top Ten Family Destinations From New York trips with my grand children.
This list covers destinations in the Mid-Atlantic to the New England States.
Maine's Acadia National Park/Bar Harbor
This is the place our family has made the drive to most often. It is also the farthest in this list. It takes about 11 hours including a couple of stops from Long Island, NY. At first we camped in the park. As the family grew and the children's parents became less adventurous we started staying in a small rustic cabin set-up with a pool, The Ocean Drive Motor Court. As our children became older we would let them stay in a room on their own and my wife and I had our own cabin. Sometimes we were in a family cabin. This area has many private campgrounds, motels, and fine upscale hotels for every family budget. The park is known as "Where the Mountains Meet the Sea". It offers some of the best Maine coast views that can be had. The Loop Road makes top attractions available to see during a quick ride through the area. Some of the stops on the loop would be The Precipice, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Point, Jordan Pond, The Bubbles and Cadillac Mountain. Better yet stay for a week and really start to discover the island. My children grew up visiting there and love it. My oldest son brought his wife there for their honeymoon. There are carriage trails and hiking trails that run through the park. The top of Cadillac Mountain gives a 360 degree view of the lands around it. It's beautiful. Thankfully for me you can drive to the top. Some hike it, some bike it.
The park and area offers bicycling, canoing, hiking, climbs and best of all are the Park Ranger guided tours that are free. We have rented a canoe and taken turns out on Jordan Pond and rented bicycles and met up with our children at designated spots. My son takes out kayaks into Frenchman's Bay. We always did things together and as they grew up and became more familiar with the area, gained more freedom. It's a freedom we don't give them in the suburban area where we live. It's a wonderful break for them and a superior change of atmosphere.
Bar Harbor is a sea-side town with all kinds of shops that kids and adults will find attractive. Even with all the tourist traps it still holds some of the charm it had over 30 years ago when we first started visiting. It has many seafood restaurants and also fine dining. There are also many restaurants that are suited for families. Sandwich shops, Pizzerias and Chinese restaurants are also good for those on a tighter budget. Jordans is a good family place for breakfast. The towns one supermarket is still another option for cheap eats. Be sure to go to Reel Pizza with the kids. It's a movie theatre that serves terrible pizza inside with couches, lounge chairs, snack tables or regular seating with a counter in front of the seats for your pies. the pies aren't great but the atmosphere is fun. There's also a relatively new Improve theater that kept our teens laughing last year. They do a more family show in the earlier sitting about 8
The town has many shops and a safe atmosphere where we let our girls go souvenir and the like shopping on their won together when they were about 12-14 years old. The amazing thing to me is that all our kids continued traveling up there with us well into their teens and twenties. My second daughter loves Maine so much that she is now going to college up there.
The three whale watches we have been on were fabulous. Many other cruises and sightseeing jaunts are available including a nature cruise where you will see eagles, ospreys, seals and more. Trips to outer islands and also to Nova Scotia go out from Bar Harbor.
Mystic Connecticut
This is the first place we ever camped with our first son who was then three months old. We were there again a year or so again with our baby, now 17. The area features Mystic Seaport, one of the best maritime settings I have ever seen that is both educational and fun. My children enjoyed trips on boats and doing hands on work on huge three masted schooners. The change of atmosphere was something they enjoyed. Going out to dinner for a lobster on the shore or having pizza at the famous "Mystic Pizza" is always an option. The area still has camping though hotels of 95 and local motels are much more popular these days.
Nearby in town is the Mystic Aquarium that is definitely worth a stop. Seeing sharks in huge glass enclosures at eye-level is quite cool.
Pennsylvania Dutch Country
After the Acadia/Bar Harbor experience this is perhaps the most visited and favorite place of ours. We have been doing family trips here even before my wife and I were first married. What makes it special is the contrasts that are available. It's important to take a tour or two of the Amish farms. These are commercial business but they do take you into a whole different world and our children always found the simple, yet hardworking lives of the Amish fascinating.
The area has many fun family attractions too. The Amazing Maize Maze has entertained us for hours every time we go. Mini-golf is aplenty but in open areas and not cramped. Plenty of ice cream opportunities are available. One of the other treats is the plethora of family style restaurants serving good stick to the ribs home cookin'.
There's also the Dutch Wonderland that is designed for children 5-14 years and just a forty five minute ride away is Hershey Park that we have visited a number of times. The Amish country area also has a number of theatres that have wholesome family shows and also stories based on the bible like the story of Moses and Noah and the Ark.
For those who like railroads this is the center point in Pa to go with rides on open "Hello Dolly" Cars through the countryside and also visit a train museum nearby. Again, this is a wonderful place for families. We have camped and stayed in local hotels over the years. For older children the "Ghost Tours" are fun too.
Because of the outlet stores and no taxes the kids have been able to pick up new school clothes and the like. Tanger's is just one of the many nearby malls.
Niagara Falls
This is another very family friendly town that straddles both the US and Canada. The Canadian side offers so much more. Because of travel restrictions be sure proper ID is brought for everyone. Birth Certificates with the raised seal are important if the child doesn't have a passport. Be sure to call both the US and Canadians for the most up to date regulations on both sides of the border.
The falls are a treat unto themselves and our children enjoyed seeing them from above and below on the Maiden Mist. We also got to see them from underneath and actually behind them when taking a tour from a place called Table Rock. You go down in an elevator don rain gear they give you and then walk through cut outs in the rock where you see the poser of the falls coming over you.
Clifton Hill, a popular tourist attraction on a wide avenue happens to be one of the most exciting places in the world for kids. There is just a ton of things to do so that the only problem you may have is deciding which to put on your agenda. Having enough money to do this can also be a bit daunting but the US dollar still does fairly well in Canada.
Places like Ripley's Believe It or Not, Wax Museums, some themed Mini-Golf sites, fun houses and so much more are fun for the whole family. This is an area where you'll find most every chain restaurant you could imagine and some cheaper local fare too. Every other store front is a souvenir stall.
Montauk Point
I list this as a destination for couples only and also for families. Staying in a motel right on the beach and yet in town offers the best options for families. You walk out your front sliding glass doors to sandy beaches and the Atlantic ocean. Going out your door on the opposite side gives you a very short walk into the heart of a low keyed town. There's nothing stuffy about it like the Hamptons.
Bakeries for a quick breakfast or restaurants are all nearby. Ice cream parlors and candy stores are perfect for kids after dinner. Novelty shops with kites and such also offer fun for kids. It's a safe area that we would let our kids walk around in together on their own once they were a bit older.
The nearby Montauk Point State Park with the lighthouse and tours to the top can be interesting to some kids. One place I recommend is Long Islands own area 51, the mysterious and very cool to investigate Camp Hero. It has old big gun bunkers, obsolete radar station, deer galore, and high sand cliffs with excellent fishing opportunities below. It's a bit off beat but its definitely a place to spend at least half a day checking out.
Montauk also has the oldest ranch in the US. Horseback riding can be done there.
Some good restaurants are perfect for kids whether eating indoors or outdoors. I highly recommend the Crabby Cowboy for family get togethers. Man are their ribs good. They cater to families, indoor and out.
Whale Watching and fishing boats go out from Montauk's harbor. In season a day trip from there to Block Island is also possible by ferry.
Jones Beach, Cap Tree and Robert Moses State Park
Though these are state parks and do not offer any nearby places to stay these are good choices for a day trip. They all are on the south shore of Long Island and just a fifteen minute ride from each other. I don't suggest all three in one day. Each has its own appeal.
Jones Beach has the most to offer with miles of beautiful white sand beaches and lots to do for families.
A great part of Long Island's south shore Beaches is that you are facing south when you look toward the Atlantic. You can sun facing the water and the sun all day. There are picnic areas on some of the beaches with grills available. Kite flying is doable on some of the beaches too.
Most of the buildings are stone in an art deco style. Very attractive. There are two bathhouses that have huge outdoor pools with showers etc. These structures must be seen. In the West bathhouse you will find an "old time" ice cream parlor.
Jones Beach offers much as far as activities. On weekends there are endless baseball, softball, and soccer games going on. They are great games and fun to watch. Also available into the night are shuffle board, mini-golf, paddle ball, basketball, kiddie playgrounds, and a host of other activities.
After the park office where you can get fishing permits and beach store you will find a small outside "shell" where they have square dance bands, line dancing, Gospel music and other types of events. This is a great place for people watching. Many children get out and dance too.
The boardwalk stretches about a mile. People will be seen walking at a fast pace or just strolling along. There are exercise stations along the walk also.
Like any tourist place it can get crowded in the summer and going very early or later in the day are good options.
Be sure to check out the events that will be happening at the Jones Beach theatre. Some musical groups are great for teens to see with their parents although my kids thought I was a bit strange standing up and dancing to the Beach boys. Check the schedule.
Robert Moses like Jones Beach offers sandy beaches and a par three golf course.
Cap Tree State Park has active Fishing piers, picnic areas and is home to one of Long Islands largest fishing fleets where you can do half day fishing or go out at night.
Southern Main Towns
At one time we used to make the trip up to Acadia/BarHarbor in one day. After years of doing so we decided to break up the ride a bit. That's when we started to discover all the smaller Maine seaside towns that were perfect for kids. Old Orchard Beach is a place they always liked to stop. It has an amusement park that has some pretty cool rides and arcades.
The beach is a good one and the nearby town pier and outdoor restaurants and fast food places, not the chain ones, offer plenty of fairly inexpensive dining options that are different than the usual.
There are plenty of places to stay nearby on the beaches but reservations are a must. We have also stayed out of town at reasonable rates at small cabin like rooms.
I should mention that just fifteen minutes or so from Old Orchard Beach is Scarborough. Be sure to map it coming in or going out of O.O.B. It's home of Len Libby Candies that offers chocolate and ice cream. It also lays claim to "the world's largest chocolate animal sculpture". It's a good refreshment stop.
Another favorite town is Boothbay Harbor. If you ever saw the film Popeye with Robin Williams you would think this place was the set for the movie. It's a nice little town with many shops and restaurants and a wonderful lobster feast. We take a boat ride to a place called Cabbage Island for about thirty-five dollars a person, yup for $35.00, you get a lobster feast. This includes the thirty minute boat ride that is sure to find harbor seals and other wildlife. My children have always loved this trip.
This town of Booth Bay also has a old "candlepin bowling" alley where the balls fit into the palm of your hand and the ten-pins are slim, thin objects that are fun to try and knock down. The family will enjoy this. One thing to look out for in this town is is a busy ice cream shop in the middle of town. you can't miss it for the lines out the door. Helpful Hint, "Never try lobster ice cream!" Book stores, taffy shops and novelty shops are all around. A cool walking bridge over a hundred yards long is a must to check out. This is a good place to have children try out their photography skills.
I can also suggest Portland, Maine as a place with Old Port down town area with shops and restaurants though I haven't found any particularly children friendly restaurants. A must though while in town is the Children's Museum and the Art Museum for older children. These are class A destinations. While in the Old Port area take a four mile drive to what is known as America's most photographed lighthouse. It's the Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth. It's well worth the fifteen-twenty minute ride. The views are awesome and they also have picnic grounds. We have stayed just out of town near the interstate. There are plenty of children friendly chain fast food and restaurants there.
Another shore town that is good in a different way is Freeport. This is the outlet capital of Maine with LL Bean as the hub store. Good quality clothes can be purchased in town for school the next September. Ice cream places and restaurants are available too. I don't recommend it as a place to stay, it could be a good stop. Be sure to spend a few hours at the Desert of Maine. It's a very interesting and I thought fascinating stop that the kids will enjoy as well as adults.
Washington DC
The nations capital is a good way to help children's studies about American government and some of Americas founding fathers in a first hand way without history books that have started to be more political than I would like to see.
This isn't for younger children. I believe there is just too much walking and little that is interesting for them. This is good for inquisitive 8-10 year olds and a good lesson for those 11-17. We have had "I'm bored" moments and yet they have also enjoyed many of the sites and best of all learned too.
A tour of the Capital Building and congress is a must. Walking the mall or using the shuttle system are ways of getting around. Reservations should be made for the Washington monument before you even get to the capital. You can do it on-line through the National Parks site(a $1.50 fee)otherwise you must be very early at the kiosks that organize the tickets.
One of the best things about Washington DC is that so much is FREE. The Smithsonian museums, the monuments and much more won't cost you a cent.
Be sure to take tours when you can. It makes a huge difference, especially if you get a ranger that has enthusiasm and know how to relate with young people. (most do) Be sure to go to the National Parks site ahead of time. It has a lot of good information to learn yourself and pass on to the kids and also can lead you to kid friendly places.
Though I often talk about the Junior ranger programs in my reviews this is direct from their site.
Junior Ranger Program
The junior ranger booklet allows children and parents to embark on a self-guided tour of the national mall area. There are also short interpretive programs by park rangers to suit our younger visitors. The rangers at the memorial provide the junior ranger booklets upon request.
Bring sandwiches, snacks and water with you but don't get too bulky because a few places require security checks.
Most of the museums have cafeteria and finer dining opportunities. There are also many food vendors on the streets. Hotels can be expensive in DC. Weekends give much better rates and a short drive from a hotel in Virginia can also help the budget.
get pamphlets and info ahead of time and have the kids plan what they would like to see with you.
One more thing. Be sure to get involved with the National Parks Passport To America. It's a program where anyone can get a booklet or paper ink stamped stating the place and time you were there. If interested I'll leave a link at the end. this is a wonderful way to encourage enthusiasm and it is also a souvenir of the tip.
Philadelphia
The city of brotherly love is also a terrific learning experience for children and young adults. To be in the building where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where the founding fathers of this country began their struggle toward independence can be inspiring. Knowledge learned can also spark interest while studying in school. I remember coming here with my kids going into the buildings and grabbing a "Philly cheese" sandwich at one of the outdoor vendors. Be sure to check out the Independence Visitor Center to get reserved times for the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Be sure to visit the relatively new National Constitution Center.
Penn Landing is full of nautical surprises that young people find interesting.
I suggest looking up information about the "Phlash" for stops to the cities highlights.
This city also has museum row that includes the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Be sure to take "Rocky" pictures of the kids as they run up the stairs. Just a few blocks away is the Rodin Museum. If you have children interested in the arts then it should be a stop otherwise...I'm not so sure it's a place they would enjoy.
They will have a good time at the Franklin Institute Science Museum. This is a terrific hands-on children's learning museum and a must visit if in the city with children.
Have your Parks Passport book for this city too!
New York City
Now how could one NOT go to NYC with children when we live on Long Island. Most recently I went into the city with my wife and grand daughter to see The Phantom of the Opera. It was excellent. Going to the TKTS booth can get some reduced prices. Disney's The Lion King is always running. Radio City Music Hall a spectacular place to see a show. A stop at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum is a good one as is The INTREPID Sea-Air-Space MUSEUM . If at the Intrepid be sure to take a thrilling and fun ride on The BEAST. Its a huge speed boat that plays loud rock music as you race down toward the Statue of Liberty and has a crew that's a lot of laughs.
Of course everyone goes to the Empire State building at one time or another but I'll also recommend going to Central Park There are children's parks throughout it. The small zoo and children's zoo are a must in good weather.
The nearby The Metropolitan Museum of ART and the Museum of Natural History are places we have always taken our children. Be sure to look for New York Pass combinations that can save money. Go like a tourist and look for bargains.
Look for things that are free. The Times Square Visitors Center is a good place to have fun and learn a bit more about the city. It's free. Be sure to go into stores like Toys R Us. It even has a ferris wheel inside.
A ride on the Staten Island Ferry is free. Walk around and enjoy the tall ships from afar at the South Street Seaport and then walk across or halfway mark of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Food can be fun. One of the deli's like Katz, Carnegie or Stage deli is an experience and have good food. We like the Stardust Diner in Times Square where the wait staff take turns singing live.
The ESPN Zone has food and an upstairs that's got a great arcade! Nearby in Times Square is a Laser tag arena. Jekyll and Hydes can be fun for kids too.
Walking downtown through Chinatown and Little Italy is always a treat for food and the sights. There are more museums downtown too.
Gosh, I can't even start to talk about what to do as a family in NYC. There's so much to do. A good book for information is Frommers Family Travel, New York City for kids.
That concludes Pops Top Ten Family Destinations From New York.
SOoooo, as a cartoon character used to say, "That's all folks."
Pops Top Ten Getaway Places From NYC for Couples
The following are links to popsrocks' reviews of the places on Pops Top Ten Family Destinations From New York.
MAINE, great coastal towns and so much more.
Bar Harbor What a great seaside town!! Links to Restaurants and things to do.
Acadia National Park My favorite place in the world!
Mystic Seaport
Pennsylvania Dutch Country
Niagara Falls
Montauk
Jones Beach State Park
Robert Moses State Park
Cap Tree State Park
Portland Maine
Freeport, Maine
Boothbay Harbor
Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Washington DC
Independence National Historic Park
New York City
1,000 Places To See Before You Die
Aside from the southern Maine towns, the New York State Parks and Montauk, every other destination in this review is listed in this book of worldwide destinations.
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