Multi-generational family trips can be a bit of a conundrum—where do you go that will please the littles and the grandparents and feel like a solid vacation for the parents too? Thankfully, less than 50 miles past the NJ border, Skytop Lodge in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania has been hosting generations of families for almost a century. Set on 5,500 acres of woodlands, Skytop keeps families coming back to its natural beauty and family-friendly experiences with everything from hiking trails and a lake beach to golf, tennis, and seasonal adventures like snow tubing or ziplining and kid-friendly touches like the adventure center, nature programs, and evening campfires. But it’s not all for the kids—parents(and grandparents) can find their groove with leisure activities like pickleball, whisky tastings, gourmet dining, and posh details to make their experience just as memorable. Read on for more of what to know about Skytop Lodge, and how the experience feels more than just a getaway, but a tradition passed down through the generations, and be sure to read our guide to family resorts around New Jersey. (featured photo credit:@skytoplodge)
Skytop Lodge in the Pocono Mountains
Stay At The Lodge, The Inn, or The Cottages
One of the reasons why Skytop Lodge is a huge hit with families is that you can choose the way you’d like to stay. The Lodge has a grand presence and puts you in the middle of the action with four on-site eateries and rooms and suites with ample space and picturesque views to accommodate families of all sizes. If you’re in the mood for something that’s all about the views, The Inn at Skytop has rooms facing the golf course and Skytop Lake, and all the renovated rooms include private balconies. Want to unplug in the woods but still have all the amenities of the resort? Opt for one of the Streamside Cottage Rooms with seating areas and a fireplace in a building steps away from the main Lodge.
The outdoor pool is a popular summertime spot at Skytop Lodge. Photo Credit: @skytoplodge
Engage in tons of seasonal activities at Skytop Lodge
Of course, a family resort means that there is a roster of activities for all ages and all seasons. In the winter, the resort transforms into a snowy wonderland with its own private skiing and snowboarding hill—perfect for beginners and kids—as well as snow tubing, snowshoeing trails, ice fishing on Skytop Lake, and both lake and indoor ice skating. In the spring and summer, there’s boating, canoeing, paddleboarding, and sunset kayak paddle sessions. And when it’s hot, you can kick back on the beach, swim in the lake, and fish for sunnies or bass. Kids and teens will have a ball on the Wibit, a floating inflatable obstacle course reminiscent of the ones you’d find on American Ninja Warrior.
Golfers can tee off at the award-winning 18-hole Skytop Golf Course, while tennis lovers have access to outdoor courts surrounded by scenic mountain views. The resort’s Adventure Center is a hub for high-energy fun, offering activities like paintball, a 33-foot rock climbing wall, axe throwing, archery tag, and the treetop zipline and challenge course. Hiking and biking trails wind through the 5,500-acre property, with trails ranging from strolls to more challenging routes, including a hike to a private waterfall. You’ll also find lawn games, guided nature walks, bird watching, and scavenger hunts designed by the on-site naturalist team. For indoor fun, there’s an arcade, board games in the Pine Room, and scheduled craft activities for younger kids. Make sure you check out the weekly schedule of events available from 9 AM to 8 PM with loads of activities like history tours, wagon rides, Flower Shop Demonstrations, crafts and classes, tea and cookies in the afternoon, and a campfire with a s’mores set up at night (yum!).
There are so many food options for all taste buds at Skytop Lodge. Photo Credit: @skytoplodge
Dining choices for all at Skytop Lodge
Whether you want a formal dining experience or a casual pub meal, Skytop Lodge has plenty of choices on property. Windsor in The Lodge serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a great spot for classic dishes like burgers, bowls, and sandwiches. For a more formal sit-down dinner, Lakeview in The Inn has patio dining offering gorgeous views of the lake and golf course, along with delicious choices like Semolina Crusted Chilean Sea Bass and 6-Hour Braised Short Rib, with options for kids like Beef Filet and Rigatoni Pomodoro. For casual nights and days, The Taproom in The Lodge is the place for a bistro-style lunch and dinner, including burgers, entrees, soup, and salads, plus a kids’ menu. There are also two casual spots—The Corner Roast in The Lodge for a quick breakfast and coffee, while The Market offers lunch and sweet treats. Callaway’s in The Inn is great for breakfast, lunch, and drinks, and The Library Lounge in The Lodge is a sweet spot to kick back with a craft cocktail by the fire.
FAQs About Skytop Lodge
When is Skytop Lodge open?
Skytop Lodge is open year-round and is family-friendly, offering a variety of activities for guests of all ages and interests.
How much do rooms cost at Skytop Lodge?
Guest rooms and suites start at $225 per night in the off-season, and vary in rates depending on the season and holidays. Throughout the year, the Lodge provides a range of packages and offers, including Couple’s Getaway Packages and Mom’s Celebration Packages.
What are the dining options at Skytop Lodge?
The Lodge’s restaurants are open to everyone, even if you’re not staying at the hotel.
Are there events at Skytop Lodge?
The Lodge hosts numerous events throughout the year, including wine weekends, Fourth of July celebrations, and fall festivities, catering to guests of all ages.
To learn more about Skytop Lodge, visit their website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Skytop Lodge
One Skytop Lodge Road
Skytop, PA 18357
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