Narvon, PA (The Hollywood Times) 9/12/2026 – Choosing the right lodging is a priority when families travel together. The best family accommodations aren’t simply places to sleep: they become home bases for exploring a destination, gathering together after a busy day, recharging with a good night’s sleep, and creating memories that everyone—from young children to grandparents—can share.
From the excitement of New York City and Baltimore to the beaches of the Jersey Shore, the mountains of Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Colorado, to the white sand of Florida’s St. Pete Beach, and heading west to the relaxed charm of Santa Monica, these destinations offer something for families of all ages and interests.
City Getaways
New York City: Something for Everyone
Few cities are better suited to a family vacation than New York City. A single trip can include iconic landmarks, Broadway, museums, restaurants, shopping, and some wonderfully unusual attractions.
The key for families is choosing accommodations that make getting around manageable while providing enough space and comfort to recharge.
Staypineapple, An Artful Hotel, Midtown New York
Staypineapple brings a colorful and boutique-hotel personality to Midtown Manhattan. Its location makes it a convenient base for families who want to explore Times Square, Hudson Yards, Penn Station, and many of Manhattan’s most famous attractions.
For families who want to spend their days sightseeing rather than sitting in the hotel, the central location is a major advantage.
I took my grandson Connor, 22, his girlfriend Alyssa, 19, and granddaughter Harper, 13, and we thoroughly enjoyed the adjoining rooms of the Terrace Cosmo Connectors. Comfortable, clean, quiet, and just-big-enough for two people each, the rooms were quite lovely with European-style duvets (a comforter for each person) and cozy beds. The Terrace loungers were perfect for relaxing after a busy day in Manhattan.
Best for: Families looking for a fun boutique atmosphere and a central Manhattan location.
ROW NYC
Located in the Theater District, ROW NYC puts families close to Times Square and Broadway. It is an especially convenient choice for families planning to see a show or experience New York’s bright lights for the first time.
The location also makes it easy to build an itinerary around several attractions without spending the entire day traveling between neighborhoods. We walked to a cool independent record store called Rough Trade Above, the Nintendo store, the Hard Rock Cafe, and Famous Original Ray’s Pizza.
Best for: First-time visitors, Broadway fans and families who want to be in the middle of the action.
Placemakr Wall Street
Placemakr offers a different approach to family lodging, with apartment-style accommodations that can provide substantially more living space than a traditional hotel room.
For families traveling together—particularly multigenerational groups—the ability to have separate bedrooms along with a shared living area can make a major difference. Having kitchen facilities in many accommodations also gives families the flexibility to prepare breakfast, snacks or an occasional meal.
I took 3 kids and we had plenty of room to spread out (plus an amazing view!)
Best for: Larger families, extended-family groups and travelers who value space and flexibility.
Library Hotel
Library Hotel is one of New York’s most distinctive boutique properties. Its literary theme and location near Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal, and the New York Public Library make it especially appealing to families who enjoy books, architecture, and history.
Rather than feeling like a generic hotel, the property becomes part of the New York experience. My friend and I enjoyed Bookmarks Lounge, the rooftop bar and garden located on the 14th floor. When a huge and dangerous storm prohibited all outdoor activity, the Library kindly extended another night to us so that we’d have some time to enjoy the city.
Casablanca Hotel
A sister property to The Library, Casablanca Hotel is a wonderful little gem in the heart of New York City. Located just steps from Times Square and the Broadway Theater District, it puts you right in the middle of everything while still providing a cozy and peaceful place to escape the energy of Midtown.
What makes Casablanca special is its intimate boutique-hotel atmosphere and personal service. Rick’s Café is a favorite gathering spot, offering breakfast each morning and complimentary refreshments, coffee, tea, fruit, and snacks throughout the day. There’s also a charming courtyard where you can take a break from the busy city. Two children and I very much enjoyed staying at the Casablanca, and the fact that breakfast was included is a definite plus.
Best for: Book-loving families, grandparents and travelers looking for a memorable boutique hotel.
Waldorf Astoria New York
For families celebrating a milestone, the Waldorf Astoria New York brings historic glamour to the family vacation.
The legendary Park Avenue property provides an elegant base for exploring Midtown, Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center and Central Park. It is particularly appealing when the trip is about more than sightseeing—perhaps a birthday, anniversary, graduation or special family reunion.
My friend and his son enjoyed a night at the Waldorf soon after the reopening of the hotel after an 8-year renovation, and we refer to it as a “once in a lifetime experience.” Superior, superlative, sublime.
Best for: Luxury family vacations and milestone celebrations.
New York Family Activities
Empire State Building
A family trip to New York almost demands at least one unforgettable view of the city.
The Empire State Building offers panoramic views across Manhattan and beyond. For children, standing hundreds of feet above the city can be an adventure in itself; for adults, it is a chance to experience one of New York’s most enduring landmarks.
Sloomoo Institute
For something completely different, head downtown to Sloomoo Institute in SoHo.
This interactive slime experience lets visitors explore colorful slimescapes, experiment with textures and create their own custom slime at the DIY Bar. Every admission includes a custom slime creation, with millions of possible combinations.
It is an especially good rainy-day activity because the experience is designed to be hands-on and playful rather than simply something families walk through and observe.
Families should dress accordingly—this is an attraction where getting messy is part of the fun.
Best for: Children, creative families and anyone looking for an unconventional NYC experience.
Museum of Ice Cream
The Museum of Ice Cream provides another colorful family experience in SoHo. With immersive rooms, playful installations and ice cream tastings, it turns dessert into an attraction.
It is an easy addition to a downtown itinerary, particularly for families combining it with shopping, lunch, or a visit to Sloomoo Institute.
Best for: Young children, ice-cream lovers and families looking for highly interactive experiences.
Hard Rock Cafe New York
For a family dinner with plenty of energy, the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square combines American food with rock memorabilia and a lively atmosphere.
It is particularly appealing to families with children and teenagers who enjoy music and the excitement of Times Square. Seeing one of Kurt Cobain’s guitars was a highlight for me, and the kids with me enjoyed the vibe.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. adds a movie-themed element to the New York dining experience. Inspired by Forrest Gump, the restaurant combines seafood and American favorites with memorabilia and a casual atmosphere. We had a great view of Times Square, and the food was excellent.
Best for: Movie fans and families who enjoy themed restaurants.
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment offers yet another memorable setting. Its elaborate Victorian-inspired décor gives families the feeling that dinner is part of the evening’s entertainment.
It can be particularly fun to combine dinner with a Broadway show.
Harper, 13, and I particularly enjoyed the pink decor of the Times Square location, along with the savory food.
Baltimore: Aquarium Adventures and Waterfront Fun
Baltimore offers families an excellent short getaway, particularly around the Inner Harbor.
National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is the centerpiece of a Baltimore family vacation. With thousands of animals and immersive exhibits, it offers an experience that works for children, parents and grandparents alike.
Families can spend several hours exploring aquatic habitats and seeing animals such as sharks, rays, jellyfish and other marine life.
The Inner Harbor location also makes it possible to combine the aquarium with other nearby attractions, restaurants and waterfront activities.
Best for: Families with children of different ages, animal lovers and multigenerational groups.
Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor
For families visiting the aquarium, Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor makes a practical home base.
Its location allows families to walk to the Inner Harbor, while amenities such as breakfast and an indoor pool make the hotel convenient for families with children.
After a busy day at the aquarium, having a pool at the hotel can be a particularly welcome bonus.
Best for: Families seeking convenience, a walkable location and practical amenities.
Beach Getaways
The James Bradley — Bradley Beach, New Jersey
The James Bradley combines the relaxed feeling of a Jersey Shore vacation with boutique-hotel style.
Families can spend the day at the beach and then return to a property that feels more intimate and sophisticated than the traditional seaside motel.
Bradley Beach is also a good choice for families who prefer a quieter shore experience while remaining close to the attractions of the Jersey Shore.
Best for: Families seeking a stylish and relaxed beach getaway.
Oceana by the Sea — Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
Oceana by the Sea offers another take on the Jersey Shore, with easy access to both the beach and Point Pleasant Beach’s boardwalk attractions.
The combination of beach, pool and boardwalk entertainment gives families plenty of choices for filling a summer day. Oceana by the Sea has bicycles for use by guests, and it’s a fun jaunt in the salt air.
A great nearby seafood restaurant is Kleins Fish Market, a longtime Belmar favorite, combining a seafood market with a waterfront restaurant, sushi bar, and tiki-bar atmosphere. Located right on the Shark River, the outdoor deck is one of its biggest attractions—you can enjoy fresh seafood while watching the boats go by and taking in the beautiful waterfront setting. The restaurant has been family-owned and operated since 1929.
Best for: Families who want beach time, pool time and classic boardwalk fun.
Island Grand Resort – St. Pete Beach, Florida
TradeWinds Resort on St. Pete Beach is a wonderful place for a relaxing Florida getaway. The resort sits right on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, with immaculate white-sand beaches, spectacular sunsets, and plenty of activities for both adults and families.
What makes TradeWinds especially appealing is the huge variety of things to do without ever having to leave the property. There are multiple pools, beach loungers, water activities, restaurants and bars, paddleboats, pickleball, beach games, and even a three-story waterslide. Guests can also enjoy amenities at both of the neighboring TradeWinds properties, Island Grand and RumFish Beach.
Historic & Charming Getaways
Whispering Oak Mansion — Delaware
For families who would rather slow down than follow a packed sightseeing schedule, Whispering Oak Mansion offers a more intimate style of getaway.
The historic property provides the atmosphere of a private country retreat and can be particularly appealing for family reunions, celebrations or groups looking for a memorable place to spend time together.
The backyard at Whispering Oak is amazing: green, spacious, and quiet.
Best for: Family gatherings, celebrations and travelers who appreciate historic properties.
Kane Manor Inn — Kane, Pennsylvania
Kane, PA is full historic charm in the Allegheny National Forest, and for a family getaway that combines history, small-town charm and outdoor adventure, Kane Manor Inn is a standout.
The historic bed-and-breakfast is housed in a large 1896 mansion in Kane, Pennsylvania, and sits in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest region. The property offers private en-suite bathrooms, breakfast and numerous indoor and outdoor gathering spaces.
For active families, the location is especially appealing. The Knox & Kane Rail Trail is just a block away, and the inn offers conventional bicycle and e-bike rentals through its sister company. The trail is also being extended toward Kinzua Bridge State Park.
That makes Kane Manor Inn an excellent choice for families who want a destination where the older generation can enjoy the historic atmosphere while younger travelers head out for hiking, biking and sightseeing.
Fall may be one of the most beautiful times to visit, when the surrounding forests turn brilliant shades of red, orange and gold.
Best for: Multigenerational families, history lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and fall-foliage trips.
Table 105
A stay at Kane Manor Inn pairs naturally with dinner at Table 105 in downtown Kane.
Located at 105 N. Fraley Street, Table 105 describes itself as a farm-to-table restaurant emphasizing fresh ingredients, seafood, Certified Black Angus steaks and locally sourced greens. It also offers a full bar and outdoor patio.
The restaurant provides a nice contrast to the day’s outdoor activities, offering a more polished dining experience while remaining approachable for families.
Best of all, it is close enough to Kane Manor Inn to make an easy evening outing. The restaurant is approximately a 13-minute walk from the inn.
A perfect Kane itinerary could begin with check-in at Kane Manor Inn, followed by an evening stroll into town for dinner at Table 105.
The next day, families can explore the Allegheny National Forest, bike the rail trail, visit the Kinzua Bridge area or simply enjoy the historic inn and surrounding scenery.
It is a different kind of family vacation—less about checking attractions off a list and more about sharing time in a beautiful part of Pennsylvania.
Best for: A memorable family dinner during a Pennsylvania Wilds getaway.
The Queen — Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
The Queen, a Victorian Bed & Breakfast, brings historic charm to Bellefonte, near State College.
Its Victorian character makes it particularly appealing to families who want something more distinctive than a standard hotel. The location is also convenient for Penn State visits, sporting events, and exploring central Pennsylvania.
For families traveling together, a historic inn can provide a more intimate gathering place than a conventional hotel.
Best for: Penn State weekends, family celebrations and lovers of Victorian architecture.
Mountain & Adventure Getaways
Camelback Resort — Poconos, Pennsylvania
Camelback Resort is designed for families who want the destination itself to provide most of the entertainment.
Winter brings skiing and snow tubing, while warmer weather offers outdoor activities and waterpark fun. Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark adds a year-round option when the weather isn’t cooperating.
For families with children of different ages, this kind of resort can be especially convenient because everyone can choose an activity without needing to drive to another attraction.
Best for: Active families and four-season vacations.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort — Vermont
Smugglers’ Notch has built its reputation around family travel and offers condominium-style accommodations that can work particularly well for multigenerational groups.
The mountain setting provides activities throughout the year, from winter skiing and snow adventures to warm-weather hiking and outdoor recreation.
Having bedrooms and common living areas can make a significant difference when several generations are traveling together.
My youngest son and I visited Smugglers Notch several times during his teenage years, and we had the most sublime time. I can still smell and feel the cold and refreshing air of Vermont.
Best for: Multigenerational families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Colorado Mountain & City Getaways
Vista Verde Ranch — Steamboat Springs
Vista Verde Ranch offers one of the most distinctive family vacations on this list: a luxury all-inclusive guest-ranch experience.
Families can spend their days horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing and enjoying other outdoor activities, while the all-inclusive format takes much of the planning out of the trip.
Children and adults can participate in different activities and then come together for meals and shared experiences. For families who rarely have an opportunity to disconnect from everyday life, a ranch vacation can be particularly memorable.
Best for: Multigenerational families, outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for an all-inclusive Western adventure.
The Broadmoor — Colorado Springs
The Broadmoor offers a grand resort experience at the foot of the Rockies.
The historic property combines luxurious accommodations with an extraordinary variety of activities, dining and recreation. Families can enjoy the resort’s amenities while also exploring the natural beauty surrounding Colorado Springs.
The range of accommodation options can make it possible for larger families to stay together, while the many activities mean different generations can choose their own adventures during the day. My friend and I had the most magical time zip lining and participating in the falconry experience.
The Broadmoor Soaring Adventure delivers the most amazing views high above the South Cheyenne Canyon and above the cascading Seven Falls. Getting up close and handling majestic falcons in “The Sport of Kings” was an unforgettable highlight of The Falconry Experience.
For milestone celebrations, The Broadmoor can make the resort itself the centerpiece of the vacation.
Best for: Luxury family vacations, celebrations and multigenerational groups.
Four Seasons Hotel Denver
Families who prefer city sophistication can make Four Seasons Hotel Denver their Colorado home base.
The downtown location puts families near Denver’s restaurants, cultural attractions, entertainment and sports, while the Rocky Mountains are close enough for day trips.
The hotel also offers larger suites, making it an appealing option for families who want separate sleeping and living spaces.
The combination is ideal for families who don’t want to choose between a city vacation and a mountain adventure.
Best for: Luxury city vacations with easy access to the Rockies.
Pennsylvania Family Adventure
Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburgh New Stanton
Sometimes the best family trip is built around an attraction rather than a resort.
Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburgh New Stanton provides a practical base for exploring southwestern Pennsylvania. Families can enjoy the hotel’s comfortable accommodations and amenities while using New Stanton as a launching point for regional adventures.
My friend and I stayed at this hotel for 3 nights, two of which were dark due to severe storms creating a town-wide power outage. The staff remaining friendly and upbeat, and the hotel pool provided entertainment and cooling.
Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival
One particularly memorable fall itinerary is a stay at the hotel combined with a visit to the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival.
The faire transports visitors to a recreated Renaissance village filled with costumed characters, entertainment, food, merchants and medieval-themed activities.
For children, it feels like stepping into another world. For adults, it provides plenty of entertainment of its own.
A Renaissance Festival weekend also works especially well for extended families because different generations can enjoy different aspects of the experience.
Best for: Fall family weekends, history enthusiasts and families looking for a unique themed adventure.
Urban & Cultural Getaways
Hotel Covington — Northern Kentucky
Just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, Hotel Covington provides a boutique alternative to staying in a conventional downtown hotel.
The historic property combines architectural character with modern accommodations, while its location makes it possible to explore both Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati.
Families can spend one day discovering Cincinnati attractions and another exploring Covington’s restaurants, historic streets and local character. We had a great meal at The Gruff, which is within walking distance.
Larger accommodations can also be helpful when several family members are traveling together.
Best for: Families interested in architecture, food, culture and exploring two cities during one trip.
California Coastal Getaway
Channel Road Inn — Santa Monica
Channel Road Inn offers a quieter, more intimate alternative to Santa Monica’s larger beachfront hotels.
The historic inn’s small scale gives it a personal atmosphere, while its location provides access to Santa Monica’s beaches and the attractions of the greater Los Angeles area.
It can be particularly appealing to families who want to combine a Southern California vacation with a more peaceful place to return to at the end of the day.
My friend Jen and I had the most delicious breakfast at the Channel Road Inn, along with great conversation with the innkeeper Birdie.
Best for: Families looking for a boutique coastal experience.
Wellness & Adult Family Retreats
Lake Austin Spa Resort — Texas
Not every family vacation has to involve children.
For adult children traveling with their parents, siblings traveling together or families celebrating a milestone, Lake Austin Spa Resort offers a completely different type of getaway.
Set along Lake Austin, the resort combines wellness programming, spa experiences, lake activities, accommodations and meals.
Because it is an adults-only property, it is best suited to families traveling without young children.
For the right group, the appeal is simple: fewer schedules, fewer distractions and more time to talk, relax and enjoy one another’s company.
Best for: Adult family getaways, milestone celebrations and wellness-focused vacations.
Carter Creek Winery Resort and Spa
Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa is a wonderful place to experience the beauty and charm of Texas Wine Country. Nestled between Johnson City and Fredericksburg, this beautiful property offers the perfect combination of award-winning wines, relaxing accommodations, great food, craft beer, and genuine Texas hospitality.
The private villas are spacious and comfortable, with the vineyards, tasting room, restaurant, and spa all conveniently close by. Spending the day sampling Texas wines, enjoying a delicious meal at Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant, and then relaxing with a spa treatment makes for a perfect Hill Country getaway. I had an amazing massage at the spa, and my friend enjoyed the pool. One of the things we loved about Carter Creek is that you don’t have to spend the entire weekend driving from one winery to another. You can park your car and enjoy the winery, brewery, restaurant, live music, and spa right on the property.
Finding the Right Family Getaway
The wonderful thing about family travel is that there is no single definition of the perfect vacation.
For some families, it means standing atop the Empire State Building and watching New York stretch out below. For others, it means getting covered in slime at Sloomoo Institute, eating ice cream at the Museum of Ice Cream or watching children marvel at sharks at the National Aquarium.
It might mean walking along the Jersey Shore, staying in a Victorian mansion in Pennsylvania, exploring the Allegheny National Forest from Kane Manor Inn, or spending a week horseback riding at Vista Verde Ranch.
For families who want a resort vacation, Camelback, Smugglers’ Notch and The Broadmoor offer activities for multiple generations. For travelers who prefer cities, New York, Baltimore, Denver and Northern Kentucky provide a wealth of things to see and do.
Ad sometimes the best family trip is the quietest one—a historic inn, a good meal, a scenic trail and a few days without everyone rushing somewhere.
The most successful family vacations aren’t necessarily the ones with the longest itineraries. They’re the ones that give everyone something to enjoy, enough space to be comfortable and plenty of opportunities to spend time together.
Whether the destination is a bustling city, a sandy beach, a mountain ranch or a historic Pennsylvania town, the best hotel is ultimately the one that helps bring the family together.
