You may be surprised at how easy it is to get to the nearby regions of the Hudson Valley and Long Island from New York City, even if you don’t have access to a car. We’ve got some easy day trips (or weekend getaways) on the train to show you a whole new New York than you may be used to, from beautiful beaches to marvelous mountains. With gorgeous scenery outside the window and no worries about driving or parking, everyone in the family can enjoy the journey as well as the destination. New York Getaway packages from Long Island Railroad and Metro-North make it even easier to have two vacations in one or an escape from your daily routine in the city!

During your weekend getaway, please remember to keep six feet apart from others not in your household and bring a mask or face covering to wear when it’s not possible to maintain social distancing. Call ahead or check attraction websites and social media for the most current information on openings and amenity availability while staying as local as possible.

Splish and Splash on Long Island

Splish Splash Water Park in Long Island

One of Long Island’s best places to visit with kids, Splish Splash, has been voted a Top American Waterpark by the Travel Channel. With 96 acres of water slides, rides, and attractions, plus a tropical bird show, food courts, picnic areas, and shops, there’s something for everyone in the family.

Thrill seekers have a blast venturing through wild rides and slides at every turn, like the unique hydromagnetic water coaster and Riptide Racer. For easygoing fun, there’s a lazy river, refreshing wave pools, and playful kiddy zones like the Elephant Slide and Monsoon Lagoon. Pack a towel and sunblock and you’re good to go!

Consider taking a cab to explore the fascinating Long Island Aquarium, just five miles east in Riverhead. A host of kid-friendly places to stay include the waterfront Hyatt Place LI/East End, right next door to the Aquarium. Directly behind the Hyatt, Treasure Cove Resort Marina rents kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards for easy gliding on a gentle stretch of the Peconic River. The hotel also provides free shuttle service to many nearby attractions including beautiful Ponquogue Beach, one of the Hamptons’ most popular beaches, with a snack bar, pavilion, changing rooms, and free admission (parking fees only).

How to get there: With the MTA getaway package, take Long Island Railroad to Ronkonkoma and a shuttle bus will take you to the waterpark. The 2019 Splish Splash discount includes round-trip rail fare, the shuttle bus, and admission to Splish Splash. Package prices vary depending on which LIRR station you depart from. Weekends and holidays May 25 to September 2, weekdays June 17 to August 30.

Play Your Heart Out at Playland Amusement Park

Playland Dragon Coaster in Hudson Valley

Catch a train to Rye in the Hudson Valley, where Playland has everything you need for a perfect day trip. On the shores of the Long Island Sound, this well-maintained 1928 landmark defines one-stop fun with a beach, pool, boardwalk, fishing pier, an ice-rink open all year long, and 50 rides. Thrills for kids of all ages range from Kiddyland’s colorful carousel to the splashy Log Flume, soaring Sky Flyer, and original wooden Dragon Coaster with a 128-foot plunge.

Sit down to tasty meals in the new waterside restaurant or indulge in the concession stand classics, from burgers to funnel cakes and cotton candy. Family entertainment includes daily concerts, magicians, and Friday-night fireworks. To help you travel light, Playland rents strollers, beach chairs, umbrellas, and lockers.

How to get there: With the MTA getaway package, take Metro-North from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan to Rye Station. The No.75 bus near the train station will take you to Playland. The package includes rail, rides admission, and a round-trip MetroCard ($45.75 for adults, $27.50 for children 5–11). Through September 2 and September 7–8, 2019 (closed Mondays).

Catch Sun Rays on Long Island

American Flag on Long Beach in New York

Less than an hour from Manhattan, discover Long Beach’s white sands, ocean swimming, iconic 2.2-mile boardwalk, and fun festivals. Long Island’s first barrier island east of NYC, it’s easy to reach by train and a favorite spot for families. No need to lug your gear on the train—rentals of beach chairs and umbrellas are available. Grab lunch at the Boardwalk Cafe market hall and enjoy the East Games Area's shuffleboard, bocce ball, table tennis, and more.

This seaside resort’s simple pleasures make for a relaxed day trip. If you’re looking for more high-flying adventures, reserve family trapeze lessons with I.Fly Trapeze Long Beach, available for ages 4 and up. Imagine the pictures you’ll post!

How to get there: With the MTA getaway package, take Long Island Railroad from Penn Station in Manhattan to Freeport Station and catch the n88 NICE Bus. $21.50 from NYC and Brooklyn or $18 from Jamaica. Children ages 5–11 ride the LIRR for $2 round-trip and children under 44" tall ride the bus free. May 24–27; June 22–September 2, 2019.

Read More: Your Summer Guide to Beaching on Long Island

Climb Historic Montauk Lighthouse

Long Island Lighthouse - montauk lighthouse winter - Photo by Long Island Convention

The views go on forever at the eastern tip of Long Island, and so does the fun! Stroll through Montauk Village to browse the shops, grab a bite to eat, or relax on the beach. Next, explore the 1796 Montauk Lighthouse and keeper’s house museum. You can climb the 137-step spiral staircase to the top (children must be at least 41 inches tall), for spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Follow a path down the bluff to explore the rocky beach; this one’s not for swimming, but there are plenty of other beaches nearby. Next stop: Gosman’s Dock. Browse the unique shops and then head up to the roof deck for casual dining with fresh local seafood and panoramic views.

How to get there: Take Long Island Railroad from Manhattan’s Penn Station to Montauk (3 hours; switch at Jamaica to the Montauk train). The escorted MTA Montauk Lighthouse getaway tour visits three areas: Montauk Village, the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum, and Gosman’s Dock. The package (adults: $51.75; children age 5–11: $36.25) includes round-trip rail, bus transportation to all three locations, and admission to Montauk Point Lighthouse. Saturday, July 20, August 17, October 5, 2019.

Read More: 48 Hours in Montauk

Experience the Magic of Flight at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

Child Playing at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in Red Hook NY

Exhibits fly at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, a living aviation museum that has been entertaining, educating, and flying families for more than 50 years. This one-of-a-kind museum showcases more than 60 antique planes from the Pioneer Era to the Golden Age of Aviation (1927–47).

Kids love the historic air shows and barnstorming demonstrations. Cheer for the hero and boo the villain in recreated WWI dogfights, or put on Snoopy-style helmets and goggles for a thrilling biplane ride. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, May through October, the museum presents air shows Saturdays and Sundays, from 2 to 4 pm. Biplane rides for up to four passengers are available by reservation.

If you want to stay over, family-friendly hotels nearby include Rhinebeck’s historic Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn, a charming property with spacious rooms, suites and guest houses clustered around a courtyard. The colonial-era inn happens to be America's oldest continuously operated hotel.

How to get there: Take Amtrak from Penn Station to Rhinecliff Station (about 1 hour 45 minutes). Call ahead to arrange a ride to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in Red Hook, seven miles from Rhinecliff Station. Rhinecliff Taxi (845-532-5788) charges about $15 for a family of four.

Ride/Drive option: With the MTA getaway package, take Metro-North's Hudson Line to Poughkeepsie. Before traveling, reserve a Zipcar (located at the station) for the 23-mile drive (about 35 minutes) to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in Red Hook. Packages include admission and train tickets and vary based on station of origin. June 8–October 20, 2019; air shows Saturdays and Sundays.

Kayak and Paddleboard on Great South Bay

Sunset View & Dinghy Shop in Amityville

Long Island's idyllic beaches, bays, and salt marshes host naturally refreshing family outings. Suited to all generations and ability levels, the Dinghy Shop on beautiful Great South Bay has a sandy beach and everything you need for a great day on the water. The sports shop, set in a historic seaplane factory, offers sailing and safety lessons and rents top-notch kayaks, paddleboards, and sailboats.

Dinghy Shop knows how to make visits fun for everyone in the family, including guests with special needs. Beach umbrellas and sand toys are loaned for littles who love to dig in the sand and make spectacular castles while older kids and adults head out to explore the local waters via kayak or paddleboard. Life jackets and paddles are provided. Picnic tables shaded by canopies make waterside picnics a breeze.

For smooth sailing, call ahead for information and reservations: 631-264-0005.

How to get there: With the MTA getaways package, take Long Island Railroad from Penn Station in Manhattan to Amityville Station and ride with Lindy’s Taxi (631-473-0707) to the Dinghy Shop. The discount package includes train tickets, taxi vouchers, and two-hour kayak or paddleboard rentals. Reservations required.

Meet Art and Nature at Storm King Art Center

Sculpture in Storm King Art Center in New Windsor

A perfect mix of art and nature, Storm King Art Center is one of the world's leading sculpture parks. On 500 scenic acres, the ever-changing landscape and sky create a dramatic backdrop for a collection of more than 100 large-scale sculptures. Families enjoy time discovering art together in the great outdoors, where kids can roam, run, play, and explore the meadows, rolling hills, and woodlands. The splendid scenery is Instagram gold.

Onsite find an outdoor café, bike rentals, accessible trams, free tours, and seasonal family and music events. Bring comfy shoes, a picnic lunch, and bug repellent.

How to get there: Take NJ Transit from Penn Station to Salisbury Mills Cornwall (about 1 hour 30 minutes), just three miles from Storm King by taxi. With the MTA getaway package, take Metro-North from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan to Beacon. Before you travel, reserve a taxi, Uber or a Zipcar (located at the station) for the 12.7-mile (25-minute) drive to Storm King Art Center, in New Windsor across the Hudson River. Note: Storm King offers shuttle service to and from Beacon train station on weekends and holiday Mondays that requires a separate ticket purchase through Storm King's website.

Coach USA’s Storm King Art Center bus packages go directly from the ShortLine Terminal at Port Authority and drop you off on-property. Packages ($48 adults; $24 children ages 5–11) include round-trip bus transportation and admission to Storm King. Seating is first-come-first-served, so plan to arrive at Port Authority an hour before your departure time if you are visiting in October, peak leaf-peeping time in the Hudson Valley. Bus in service Wednesdays through Sundays through December 2, 2019 as well as Mondays in October.

Get Close to Nature at Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain Bridge from park

A natural choice for family excursions, Bear Mountain State Park has shaded picnic groves, a lake for fishing, and hiking trails to breathtaking views. Explore four trailside museums and the small zoo, a menagerie of rescued local wildlife like owls, coyotes, and of course bears. Row boats on Hessian Lake, swim in the massive pool ($2 adults; $1 kids 6–12), and play on woodsy playgrounds.

A fan favorite, the merry-go-round, features hand-carved native animals, like black bears, red foxes, and swans. It spins year-round in a pavilion beside the lovely Bear Mountain Inn, where the restaurant presents serene views and global cuisine created with locally sourced foods. Get snacks, lunch, or ice-cream at the Hiker’s Café or concession stand.

With so much to see and do, you may want to extend your getaway. Book a stay in the park’s stone-and-timber Bear Mountain Inn, Overlook Lodge, or Stone Cottages.

How to get there: Take Metro-North from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan to Peekskill (about 65 minutes). Reserve a 15-minute taxi ride to Bear Mountain. Bynum Taxi (914-737-3753) charges about $28 for a family of four. You can also travel by bus: Coach USA runs day trips from NYC to the Bear Mountain Inn (about 90 minutes).

Be Inspired in the Hudson Valley

Walkway Over The Hudson - Photo Courtesy of Beautiful Destinations

Experience the Hudson Valley’s spectacular beauty from the Walkway Over the Hudson. The longest pedestrian bridge in the world, this marvel of adaptive-use architecture stretches 1.28 miles across the river, presenting thrilling vistas every step of the way. As you stroll 212 feet above the Hudson, it feels like you’re floating on air!

From the Poughkeepsie train station, it’s about ¾ of a mile to the walkway entrance. Near the east entrance, you can explore the hands-on Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum and Poughkeepsie’s Little Italy, staying true to its roots with festivals and eateries serving authentic dishes, deli, and pastries.

To see how people who made history lived, visit nearby Hyde Park’s national historic sites: Franklin D. Roosevelt Home, Top Cottage, Eleanor Roosevelt’s Val-Kill, and the magnificent Vanderbilt Mansion. Walk the scenic grounds and stop to smell the roses in lovely gardens. Admission is free for kids through age 15.

Of course, with so much to see and do, you may want to stay longer. Local hotels include the kid-friendly Hampton Inn & Suites Poughkeepsie, offering family packages and amenities like a pool and free breakfast. Shared ride services serve the area, and taxis wait at the station for arriving trains.

How to get there: Travel to Poughkeepsie via Metro-North from Grand Central Terminal (about 1 hour 50 minutes) or Amtrak from Penn Station (about 1 hour 30 minutes). Dutchess County Transit’s hourly shuttle ($1.75) runs from Poughkeepsie station Monday–Saturday (except holidays), and National Park Service’s free Roosevelt Ride runs on Sundays and holidays, May–October. Both shuttles will bring you to the FDR Home visitor center, with connections to the other Hyde Park sites. Metro-North also offers a Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum Package that includes round-trip rail tickets and admission ($41.25 for adults, $34.50 for seniors, $11 for children 5–11, $9 for children 1–4, and free for children under 1).

You can also reserve a taxi (B&B Taxi: 845-704-7000) or Zipcar, located at the station, for the six-mile drive to FDR’s home (12 minutes) or eight-mile drive to Vanderbilt Mansion. 

Adventure in LEGOLAND

Family at Adventure in Legoland

Step into the ultimate Lego box, Legoland Discovery Center Westchester, and enter a magical world of adventures. Besides building amazing creations with an outrageous variety of Lego pieces in ten play zones, kids and parents can fly in enchanted carts on Merlin's Apprentice ride, explore a spectacular interactive city built with 1.5 million bricks, build and race Lego cars, and watch a 4-D movie in the Lego Cinema. The climbing wall and Ninjago City Adventure test kids’ ninja skills.

Get your tickets in advance as they sometimes sell out. While you could definitely spend the whole day exploring this giant indoor playground, other nearby Yonkers attractions include the Hudson River Museum, offering family programs and a state-of-the-art planetarium, and Science Barge, a unique floating farm and science museum.

How to get there: With the MTA getaway package, take Metro-North from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan to Yonkers. A taxi line awaits all trains at the station; it’s just six miles to Legoland. If you want to explore the area, reserve a Zipcar (located at Yonkers station) before traveling. The LEGOLAND getaway package includes round-trip tickets and admission ($33.25 for adults, $30.50 for seniors, $23 for children 5–11, $21 for children 3–4, and free for children under 3).

Bring the Harvest Home

Apple

Bite into a sweet crisp apple you’ve just picked, or pick a perfect pumpkin, as you take in the dazzling fall colors. Families come from near and far to celebrate the harvest and pick the rich bounty at friendly farms in the Hudson Valley, one of the nation’s major producers of fall fruit.

EscapeMaker has farm fresh bus tours on select weekends in the fall. Have lunch in Rhinebeck, pick apples at Rose Hill Farm, feed pygmy goats at Greig Farm, and pet animals and explore the corn maze at Kesicke Farm.

How to get there: For the October 5 event, after you've made online reservations (at least 48 hours in advance) with EscapeMaker, purchase your rail/bus package ticket from Metro-North. Take the train from NYC’s Grand Central Station to the Beacon station (about 1 hour 25 minutes), where a shuttle will meet the trains arriving in Beacon at 10:44 a.m. Package price from NYC: $64 for adults, $57.50 for seniors, $35 for children 5–11, $33 for children under age 5.

On October 19 or 26, catch the direct bus tour from NYC at 9 am from Bryant Park (It arrives back to NYC at 7:30 p.m. and costs $79 per person) and prepare to be transported to fragrant and colorful apple orchards and pumpkin patches.

Celebrate Autumn in Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery - Photo by Jim Logan - Courtesy of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery

Experience the magic of autumn in beautiful Sleepy Hollow, where families can delight in a season full of one-of-a-kind events at Historic Hudson Valley homes. On Labor Day weekend, Philipsburg Manor hosts CORNucopia, a unique corn festival with music, farm tours, corny games and mazes, and rare treats from sweet corn ice cream to hand-crafted root beer.

See where the Legend of Sleepy Hollow began, in author Washington Irving’s storybook home. Most October weekends (details to come), Sunnyside hosts Home of the Legend, with tours of the whimsical house and gardens, stories about Irving and his famous tales, 19-century games and Headless Horseman art activities. This daytime event is a perfect prelude to an evening at Van Cortlandt Manor’s wildly popular Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. Get tickets in advance; they sell out fast. See Historic Hudson Valley for more events.

In Tarrytown, shops and restaurants line a charming Main Street. Nearby, in Pocantico Hills, the Blue Hill Café & Grain Bar at Stone Barns Center (named one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2018!) prepares delicious farm-to-table snacks and salads (in addition to extravagant multi-course dinners). Eat in the courtyard and take a stroll around the farm.

How to get there: Take Metro-North from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan to Tarrytown Station (35–45 minutes). Call ahead for a 10-minute taxi ride to Sunnyside, Philipsburg Manor or Stone Barns Center. Knapp-McCarthy Taxi (914-631-8294) charges about $14 for a family of four. To go directly to Van Cortlandt Manor (11 miles from Sunnyside), take Metro-North to Croton-Harmon (50–70 minutes); taxis meet most trains at the station. A getaway package for Lyndhurst Mansion is offered with round trip tickets and admission ($34.50 for adults, $29.50 for seniors, $14 for children 5–11, and $12 for children under 5).

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