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. MTA Away makes it even easier to explore and save with their packages and deals!
Updated 07/29/2024
Splish and Splash on Long Island
Splish Splash, one of the Travel Channel’s favorite water parks for families, features 96 acres of water slides, rides, and attractions, plus food courts, picnic areas, and shops. 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 Pirates Cove and Octopus Pool. 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: Take Long Island Railroad to Ronkonkoma and a shuttle bus will take you to the waterpark. With MTA Away, enjoy discounted admission to Splish Splash Water Park, a discounted train ticket and a Suffolk Transportation bus ride to and from Ronkonkoma Station. This package is valid daily through September 2, 2024.
Play Your Heart Out at Playland Amusement Park
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 soaring Sky Flyer, and original wooden Dragon Coaster with a 128-foot plunge.
Sit down to tasty meals in the waterside restaurant or indulge in the concession stand classics, from burgers to funnel cakes and cotton candy. Family entertainment includes the brand new Fountain Plaza show, face painting, and fireworks.
How to get there: 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 (MetroCard or OMNY: $5.80 round-trip). With MTA Away, enjoy discounted rail tickets and general admission to the park. This package is valid daily through September 29, 2024. Purchase at any Metro-North ticket office or full-service ticket vending machine (excluding Rye station). Playland is closed Mondays, except Labor Day.
Catch Sun Rays on Long Island
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. You can also learn to ride the waves with Skudin Surf, grab lunch on the boardwalk at the surf-themed Riptides 11561 and Beach Burger, or cool off with some soft serve and milkshakes at Marvel.
Hit the town to explore Long Beach’s restaurants, bars, nightlife, shops, and events including farmer’s markets and weekly Arts in the Plaza handcrafted art market. The City of Long Beach bus makes it easy to get around and it’s free!
How to get there: Ride the LIRR to Long Beach station and take a short walk to the beach. With MTA Away, enjoy discounted train tickets to and from Long Beach station, beach admission, and a voucher for discounts at various Long Beach merchants. The package is valid daily through September 2, 2024. (Note: Admission passes are required to get on the beach.)
Climb Historic Montauk Lighthouse
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. Learn more with our blog on how to spend 48 Hours in Montauk.
How to get there: Take Long Island Railroad from Manhattan’s Penn Station or Grand Central to Montauk (3 hours). The escorted MTA Away Montauk Lighthouse getaway tour visits three areas: Montauk Village, the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum, and Gosman’s Dock. The package (adults: $83.75; children age 5–11: $65.50) includes round-trip rail and bus transportation, a visit to Montauk Village (on your own), admission to Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum, and a stop at Gosman’s Dock to eat and shop (on your own). Saturday, June 29, 2024, Saturday, August 10, 2024,and Saturday, September 28, 2024.
Meet Art and Nature at Storm King Art Center
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, or take Metro-North from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan to Beacon. Before you travel, reserve a taxi or Uber for the 12.7-mile (25-minute) drive to Storm King Art Center, in New Windsor across the Hudson River.
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 ($65.60 adults; $33.50 children ages 5–11) include round-trip bus transportation and admission to Storm King. Bus in service Wednesdays through Sundays through December 11, 2024 as well as Mondays in October.
Be Inspired in the Hudson Valley
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 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). Taxi service is available at the station and Dutchess County Public Transit operates a Poughkeepsie to Tivoli Route bus route with a limited schedule with stops that are about a 15 minute walk to the FDR site and Vanderbilt Mansion.
Celebrate Autumn in Sleepy Hollow
Experience the magic of autumn in beautiful Sleepy Hollow, where families can delight in a season full of one-of-a-kind events and tours at Historic Hudson Valley homes such as Philipsburg Manor.
See where the Legend of Sleepy Hollow began with a dramatic performance of the classic tale in author Washington Irving’s storybook home or explore dazzling displays 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 and check out our guide to a Fall Weekend in Sleepy Hollow for even more ideas.
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 or Philipsburg Manor. 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.
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