One of the best parts about living in New Jersey is having easy access to the beach, cities, or mountains when you need a quick getaway with the fam. Whether you want to disconnect from nature, splash around at a waterpark, get pampered at the spa, or lay on the Jersey Shore, there are family resorts in New Jersey nearby for every age and adventure type. Scroll down for our favorites that don’t need a long car ride or plane ticket. And if you are lucky enough to sneak away, there are adult-only getaways you can also drive to. (featured photo credit: Crystal Springs Resort).
Here Are The Best (Close To Home) Family Resorts In New Jersey And Nearby
Family resorts in NJ
Crystal Springs Resort
If your family loves being active outdoors and spending time in nature, then Crystal Springs Resort is a must for your next getaway. Kids and their parents will have a ball taking part in the daily roster of resort activities, like goat yoga, axe throwing, spa services, hiking, golf, stargazing, and swimming in three pools, including the tropical Biosphere (thanks to the German Foiltec roofing that lets in 100% light transmission, you can soak up rays even in the dead of winter). And with lots of food options (including a world-class wine cellar), mom and dad can indulge in a gourmet meal, even with littles in tow.
1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, NJ 0741
Minerals Hotel
About a mile from Crystal Springs Resort, Minerals Hotel offers the same fresh air, mountain views, and family fun at a more moderate price point. Rooms are decorated in a comfy, modern Aspen style, and families with 2+ kids will appreciate the spacious condo-style suites with a kitchen and fireplace where you can spread out and even dine in. The indoor and outdoor pools have fun elements that kids will have a blast at, like a cliff jump, spray ground, and grotto-like waterfall screened cave. And everyone can putt along the 9-hole golf course. There are also a variety of activities for any age, from dinner and a show to workshops and crafts to even BIN-GLOW, where you can play BINGO under the glow of blacklights. When you’re ready to leave the resort, Mountain Creek Resort is also so close, and it’s an excellent spot for outdoor activities like snow tubing, skiing, and mountain biking.
2 Chamonix Dr., Vernon, NJ 07462
Asbury Hotel
At the Asbury Hotel, don’t miss a visit to the 4,300 square-foot rooftop space on the 6th floor. Use the space as a quiet sanctuary to read and relax or visit at night when the Baronet turns into an outdoor cinema showing movies projected on a 20-foot wall. Downstairs, pop by the pool deck and treat yourself to a cabana for a day-long swim session. At night, step out from the hotel to find delicious restaurants, rich culture, a retro bowling alley, mini-golf spots, and the boardwalk when the kids want to take a stroll.
210 5th Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Congress Hall
Spend sunny days and balmy nights at the chic seaside resort of Congress Hall, which has entertained vacationers in Cape May for over 200 years. This expansive Victorian-style family resort in New Jersey has plenty of family activities to keep your crew busy and hosts special events around the holidays and summer. When the weather permits, hang out in a beach tent with refreshments served on the sand or splash around in the swimming pool. Regardless of the season, you can sip tea in a rocker on the porch, bike around the charming town, or head out to the sister property, Beach Plum Farm, for a day of nature hikes and special activities.
200 Congress Place, Cape May, NJ 08204
Icona Resorts Diamond Beach
This beachside resort is an escape from reality—lay out your towel, lather on the sunscreen, and enjoy the private beach. Decorated by celebrity designer Blanche Garcia, Icona provides guests a luxurious and serene atmosphere. Families will like it for the roomy suites (many with kitchenettes), which offer a quiet spot close to Cape May and the Wildwoods.
9701 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260
Icona Avalon
Experience Nantucket-inspired architecture at a coastal hotel in South Jersey nestled in the dunes on Avalon Beach. Activities like fishing charters, mini-golf, dolphin watching, and parasailing are just steps away. The Sandbar Village Beach Bar & Lounge offers live music, firepits, and kids’ menus if you want to stay on the property for a bite. Whether you are looking for a studio, suite, or classic hotel room, Icona Avalon has plenty of options for everyone.
7849 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202
Madison Resort Wildwood Crest
If you’re looking to stay close to the action of Wildwood but want to be away from the usual boardwalk spots, head to Wildwood Crest, a quieter retreat with white sand beaches and family-style fun. The newly opened Madison Resort has two towers—Ocean and Royal—with newly renovated, spacious rooms that cater to families (and Fido). Spend the days lounging by the pool with shady cabana tents, or head to the beach with an umbrella and chair provided by the front desk. Parents (and kids) will like the proximity to bike rentals, playgrounds, and a splash pad, all within walking distance.
7201 Ocean Ave. Wildwood Crest, NJ 0826
Ocean Casino Resort
With a prime oceanfront location, you can take in gorgeous views around the resort any time of year. Take a swim in an indoor and outdoor pool that adapts to the climate, dine at the delicious Amada restaurant, or swing at the Topgolf Swing Suite at this Atlantic City resort located on the AC boardwalk. And if you venture out of the resort, you’ll find kid-friendly activities like Island Waterpark at Showboat, Absecon Lighthouse, and Lucy the Elephant in nearby Margate.
500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Ocean Place Resort & Spa
With a beachfront location, Ocean Place Resort rooms have private balconies overlooking the ocean and gorgeous views. Take advantage of the spa, a tiki bar, and a live music calendar—kids will be especially excited to see the waves and sand just steps away from their rooms. There are indoor and outdoor pools and a game room when the weather looks gloomy. Off the property, you’re in the middle of Pier Village, with restaurants, boardwalk-style games, a carousel, and seasonal events.
1 Ocean Blvd., Long Branch, NJ 07740
StarLux Boutique Hotel
This retro resort in Wildwood, New Jersey, channels the glory days with classic Americana accents, Doo Wop-inspired rooms, a pool promenade, and an all-glass lounge. The groovy interiors make for an unforgettable beach resort experience with a fun vibe that caters to families. Kids will love the outdoor pool, mini-golf, complimentary beach cruiser bicycles, beach chairs, and proximity to Morey’s Piers.
305 East Rio Grande Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260
The Impala Suites at Shorebreak Resorts
With 15 family suites that have kitchens, living spaces, and three connecting bedrooms (each room in the suite has an exterior entrance), you will have plenty of room to spread out at this family-friendly resort in New Jersey. Families like that it has a pool, complimentary beach tags for each registered adult, and it’s close to the popular Ocean City boardwalk. Shorebreak Resorts is affiliated with the Ebb Tide Suites in Ocean City, the Impala Island Inn in Ocean City, and the Ludlam Hotel in Sea Isle City.
701 10th Street, Ocean City, NJ 08226
The Seashell Resort & Beach Club
Long Beach Island is known for its pristine beaches, and if you don’t have a place (or a friend’s beach house), then the next best thing is The Seashell Resort & Beach Club. Kids can play in the sand on their slice of private beach all day and then dive in for a late afternoon dip in the pool. With dining experiences that include locally sourced ingredients, a to-go shack, an adult Martini Lounge + Wine Bar, and a sushi bar, there is no shortage of tasty options. And when the sun sets at the shore, be sure to pull up a chair at one of the firepits at the resort—all summer, a lineup of live music plays frequently.
10 South Atlantic Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Family resorts in NY
LEGOLAND® NY Resort
You don’t have to travel to Florida to get a top-level amusement park experience— drive to upstate NY for LEGO® fun for the whole family. Lego-centric kids will love the themed rooms like Pirate, Kingdom, LEGO® NINJAGO, and LEGO® Friends. There’s plenty to keep you busy when you’re not at the park—kids can work on a building with a master builder, play on a castle playscape, or pal around with characters. There is also nightly entertainment and a resort-style pool during the summer and Brick-or-Treat in the Fall.
1 LEGOLAND Blvd., Goshen, NY 10924
Mohonk Mountain House
This iconic Victorian castle resort offers many active family activities, including rock scrambling, hiking, nature walks, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and rowboats. Mohonk aims to make families feel welcome any time of year with daily activities featuring kid-centric things, like crafts, campfires with s’mores, and rousing bingo games.
1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, NY 12561
Rocking Horse Ranch
With four seasons of fun—ice skating in the winter, the new Boulder Bay Outdoor Aquatic Adventure in the summer, and the Eldorado Hot Springs—Rocking Horse Ranch has something for all ages. Try your luck at the Lucky Horseshoe Arcade or get galactic with Laser Tag—there are daily activities for teens, adults, and children. And, of course, with over 500 acres of trails and 119 horses, the whole family can enjoy horseback riding with lessons for first-timers and trails for more advanced riders.
600 State Route 44/55, Highland, NY 12528
The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark
Just over the NJ state border, Kartrite boasts the largest indoor waterpark in New York, with an attached luxury lodge offering suites and ample space for big families. And it feels like an island escape—thanks to the world’s largest Texlon transparent roof over the waterpark, you can catch rays even in the dead of winter. Slide on the Krakken, try the Flowrider, or let the littles loose in Later Gator Crossing. Once you have had enough water, check out the calendar filled with events like paint and sip, kid’s night out, and movie night.
555 Resorts World Drive, Monticello, NY 12701
Family resorts in PA
Camelback Resort
With ski mountains in the Poconos and a waterpark, you can’t go wrong with a family vacation at the Camelback Resort, where many families come to learn to ski, board, or spend time in nature. Kids will want to spend quality time at the Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, with 13 waterslides to splash around. There’s also an indoor ropes course, laser tag, arcade, and bumper cars. During the summer, the water fun moves outside to the Camelbeach Waterpark, a mountain coaster, UTV tours, and zip lines.
193 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA 18372
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge, located in the Poconos, is jam-packed with activities and attractions with family fun in mind. The Indoor Waterpark includes various sections for family members of all ages and thrill-seeking levels. Parents can also bliss out in the Hot Springs while the kids enjoy Story Time with character visits, Northern Lights Arcade, and MagiQuest. Did we mention Build-a-Bear is a part of the Lodge, too? Don’t miss the newest Great Wolf Lodge location in Perryville, Maryland.
1 Great Wolf Drive, Scotrun, PA 18355
Kalahari Waterparks & Resorts
This resort encompasses three parts of fun—an outdoor pool, an indoor waterpark, and an entertaining arcade. While the kids are partaking in the adventurous fun, Mom can unwind and enjoy one of the spa packages available. After the fun-filled day, dine at one of the 10+ eateries with cuisines as diverse as Italian, Mexican, steakhouse, and burgers.
250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA 18349
Skytop Lodge
Surrounded by the Poconos, Skytop has season-specific activities for every skill and thrill level. No matter the season, the Lodge will have a lineup of family activities like crafts and trivia games. During winter, you can learn to ski at the on-site ski mountain or whirl around the skating rink. In the summer, get active by biking, boating, fishing, and swimming in the outdoor pool. You and your littles can hike beautiful trails to a view overlooking 5,500 stunning acres.
One Skytop Lodge Road, Skytop, PA 18357
The Official Resorts of Hershey Park
What could be better than a destination centered around chocolate? Hershey Park has two exclusive family resorts to enjoy during your trip to Hershey Park—Hershey Lodge welcomes families who want entertainment beyond the parks, with an indoor pool offering lots of water play, including slides and adventures. The Hotel Hershey is known for its refined elegance, a sumptuous spa, sports and fitness complex for active families, and fun-filled things to do for kids, like chocolate bingo.
Hershey Lodge- 325 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
The Hotel Hershey- 100 Hotel Road, Hershey, PA 17033
Woodloch Pines Family Resort
Family-friendly activities are the focus of this award-winning vacation compound, surrounded by the Pocono Mountains in PA. Kids will love riding on the bumper cars, playing bocce, sliding down slides at the playground, and participating in seasonal outside activities, including a petting zoo, mini-golf, and outdoor games like archery. There are also shows to entertain everyone, including magicians, live music, and comedians.
731 Welcome Lake Road, Hawley, PA 18428
