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

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 with German Foiltec roofing overhead that lets in 100% light transmission, so you can soak up rays and feel like you headed South even in the dead of winter. Also within the same complex, The Minerals Hotel is a budget-friendly option, with an indoor pool and other amenities. Both all-season spots are close to Mountain Creek, a ski resort in winter, and an adventure and waterpark in the summer.
1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, NJ 0741

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 holidays and the season. When the weather permits, hang out in a beach tent with lunch 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

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

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

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

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. At the resort, 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

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 beautiful acres. 
One Skytop Lodge Road, Skytop, PA 18357

Mohonk Mountain House

This iconic Victorian castle resort has tons of active activities to enjoy with the fam, 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

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 is geared towards 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 playing chocolate bingo.
Hershey Lodge- 325 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
The Hotel Hershey- 100 Hotel Road, Hershey, PA 17033 

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 with a luxurious and serene atmosphere. Families will like it for a quiet spot close to Cape May and the Wildwoods.
9701 Atlantic Avenue, Diamond Beach, NJ 08260

Icona Avalon

Experience Nantucket-inspired architecture at a coastal hotel in South Jersey nestled in the sand dunes on Avalon Beach. Activities like fishing charters, mini-golf, dolphin watching, and parasailing are just steps away. If you want to stay on the property for a bite, The Sandbar Village Beach Bar & Lounge offers live music, firepits, and kids’ menus. 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

Both parents and kiddos will have a blast at Kalahari Waterparks & Resorts. Photo Credit: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

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

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. Take a step back in time by opting to stay for an unforgettable beach resort experience. 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

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

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, the hotel is surrounded by delicious restaurants, rich culture, mini-golf spots, and the boardwalk when the kids want to take a stroll.
210 5th Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark

Just over the state border, this resort boasts the largest indoor waterpark in New York, and the luxury lodge is full of suites with 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

Rocking Horse Ranch

With four seasons of fun—ice skating in the winter, banana boat rides 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

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.
One LEGOLAND Blvd., Goshen, NY 10924

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), 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 Tiki 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

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