Cold weather is here and this year and there are some extra challenges to find fun things to do. Why not take a day trip? Below you will find some of our favorite winter day trips from NYC. All of these places are very family-friendly and easily accessible from NYC by car and in some cases, public transportation. Social distancing protocols are in full effect and tickets must be booked in advance. Don’t let the cold keep you away from a new family adventure!
Best for ages 3-10, there are plenty of hands-on art-making fun including melted crayon spin art, drawing, painting, customized crayons and much more. Most activities are included with the cost of admission and you can explore the charming historic town of Easton, PA as well. Social distancing protocols are in place since it has reopened to the public.
Located in Norwalk, Connecticut. This family-friendly aquarium is less than an hour drive from NYC and has something for everyone. The aquarium is focused on marine life in the Long Island Sound and the open ocean. A great place to sing #babyshark over and over at the shark tank. There are a number of touch tanks as well and plenty of space to keep a safe social distance. Some recent renovations have improved the experience as well.
The charming Hudson River town of Beacon, NY is located 1.5 hours of New York and has charming shops, restaurants, parks and plenty of open space to enjoy. It is also well known for DIA: Beacon, a former factory turned into modern art museum. If you prefer not to drive, Beacon is easily accessible via Metro North at Grand Central Station.
Located in Riverhead, NY, The Long Island Aquarium is a great spot all year round and is open in the winter. In addition to many beautiful sea life displays, including sharks and colorful creatures from around the world, there are also touch tanks with stingrays (that you can feed) and a large bird and butterfly walk-through habitat.
Located in Bear Mountain State Park, just over an hour from NYC is The Bear Mountain Ice Rink. It’s a bargain at $5 for skating and $5 for rentals and you can skate outside in the open air. The Trailside Museums & Zoo is also open, which exhibits rescued animals and highlights local geology. From the zoo you can explore some beautiful views of the Hudson and Bear Mountain Bridge. There are plenty of paths for walking as well around the zoo and Bear Mountain State Park near Hessian Lake.
Located in Garden City, Long Island, the LICM is dedicated to the art of play and has wonderful exhibits for kids and families. The museum also features a theater, an early childhood program, community events and a dedicated play space for babies and toddlers.
Located in Hamilton, New Jersey, this 42-acre sculpture park features many quirky and modern larger-than-life sculptures that will offer a fun and interesting walk for the entire family. There are about 300 sculptures spread out over 42 acres and Grounds for Sculpture is open all year round. It’s a great place to introduce modern art to your family. The trip to Grounds for Sculpture is 60 minutes by car from New York City and there are also public transportation options. Tickets must be reserved online in advance.
Located in Columbia, New Jersey, The Lakota Wolf Preserve is home to several wolf packs and some other animals including bobcats, lynx and foxes and open all year round. The Preserve can be accessed by guided educational tours only, which needs to be booked in advance. It’s about a 2 hour drive from NYC and well worth the trip for this unique experience. Tours begin at 10:30am or 3pm and photos are allowed.
