10 Family-Friendly Places to Stay in the Hudson Valley

Last updated on: April 4, 2025 at 9:51 am

Need a getaway where the kids won’t be bored and you can (actually) relax? The Hudson Valley absolutely delivers with family-friendly stays ranging from mountain houses with kids’ clubs to farms where little ones can collect eggs each morning. We’ve hand-picked these spots based on what actually matters to families — roomy, family-friendly accommodations, activities tailored especially for kids, and locations that minimize the dreaded “are we there yet?” chorus.

A Selection of Notable Family-Friendly Hudson Valley Accommodations

ℹ️ Scroll down to see them all on a map.

1. Mohonk Mountain House (New Paltz, Ulster County)

This Victorian mountain fortress sits on a property surrounded by 40,000 acres of pristine forest with 85 miles of hiking trails, a private lake, and enough activities to make screen time irrelevant.

Parents win big here: kid-friendly programming throughout the day means you can actually finish a conversation. Three farm-to-table meals daily include kid-friendly options that go beyond chicken nuggets. Even with picky eaters, no one goes hungry. The indoor heated pool with underwater music handles rainy days, while evening entertainment keeps everyone happy after dinner. For outdoor enthusiasts, the property offers guided rock climbing experiences on the famous Shawangunk Ridge.

Location: 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, NY 12561
Website: Mohonk Mountain House
Instagram: @mohonkmountainhouse

2. Wylder Windham (Windham, Greene County)

Nestled in the Great Northern Catskills, Wylder Windham transforms a historic 160-year-old property into a modern family retreat that still honors its nostalgic roots. Set on 20 acres alongside the Batavia Kill River, this all-season resort offers endless opportunities for both relaxation and adventure. Families appreciate the range of accommodation options, including rooms with private balconies offering mountain views where Adirondack chairs invite parents to unwind.

On the grounds, you’ll find barrel saunas hidden among the trees, fire pits for evening s’mores, a heated pool, pickleball courts, and a games room. For winter adventurers, the property is just minutes from Windham Mountain’s ski slopes, while summer brings tubing, mountain biking, and hiking opportunities. With activities for every season and amenities designed to encourage genuine connection, Wylder Windham excels at helping families unplug, slow down, and rediscover the timeless pleasures of the Catskills.

Location: 19 NY-296, Windham, NY 12496
Website: Wylder Windham
Instagram: @wylderhotelwind

3. Rocking Horse Ranch Resort (Highland, Ulster County)

This ranch-style property nestled on 500 acres in the heart of the Hudson Valley means business with its Big Splash indoor water park (perfect for those inevitable rainy days) and year-round outdoor adventures.

The unlimited horseback riding alone justifies the trip – from pony rides for little ones to trail rides for older kids and adults. Winter brings snow tubing, ice skating, and skiing on their private hill. The all-inclusive pricing eliminates those constant vacation negotiations (“Can we do this? How much is that?”). You pay once, then enjoy without reaching for your wallet every five minutes.

Location: 600 Route 44/55, Highland, NY 12528
Website: Rocking Horse Ranch
Instagram: @rockinghorseranchresort

4. Minnewaska Lodge (Gardiner, Ulster County)

This lodge puts you minutes from Minnewaska State Park Preserve’s most spectacular trails, with over 24,000 acres of wild and scenic land to explore. After a day of adventure, crash in one of 26 spacious rooms. Choose from a king, two queens, or a king suite with a pull-out sofa.

The central great room becomes command central with its massive stone fireplace and plenty of space for board games or planning tomorrow’s expedition. Evenings bring fire pit s’mores and lawn games, while mornings start with complimentary breakfast. This place is all about location – you’re perfectly positioned for kid-friendly hikes, exploring New Paltz, and accessing the Mohonk Preserve without the Mohonk price tag.

Location: 3116 Route 44/55, Gardiner, NY 12525
Website: Minnewaska Lodge
Instagram: @minnewaskalodge

5. Hull-O Farms (Durham, Greene County)

Ever seen your kid’s face light up when holding a baby animal? This seventh-generation family farm, recognized as a National Bicentennial Farm with over 200 years of history, offers two private guest houses on their 300-acre working farm. Kids collect eggs for breakfast, bottle-feed baby animals, and learn where food actually comes from (hint: not the delivery app). The Hull family involves kids in age-appropriate farm activities that feel like play but secretly teach responsibility.

Breakfast is included and includes ingredients harvested steps from your table. Hayrides, campfires with s’mores, and stargazing without light pollution remind you why you left the city. Warning: children may request chickens upon returning home.

Location: 10 Cochrane Road, Durham, NY 12422
Website: Hull-O Farms
Instagram: @hullofarms

6. Bear Mountain Inn (Bear Mountain, Rockland County)

Park once, play for days. This historic stone lodge sits right inside the 5,205-acre Bear Mountain State Park in Rockland County. The accommodations include three distinct options: rooms in the main Bear Mountain Inn, the Overlook Lodge, and the Stone Cottages, which feature traditional rustic décor with modern amenities.

Step outside to find hiking trails for every ability level – including those short enough for toddlers with limited attention spans. The Trailside Museums and Zoo showcases local wildlife including bears and other native animals. Kids will love the park’s historic hand-carved merry-go-round featuring 42 seats shaped like native animals. Seasonal activities include swimming in the park’s pool during summer (open mid-June through Labor Day) and ice skating at the outdoor rink from late October through mid-March. The Restaurant 1915 in the main inn serves meals with mountain views.

Location: 98 Service Road, Bear Mountain, NY 10911
Website: Bear Mountain Inn
Instagram: @bearmtninn

7. Winter Clove Inn (Round Top, Greene County)

This all-inclusive resort on over 300 pristine acres has been family-owned since its establishment in 1838, so they understand what keeps kids entertained. The vintage vibe isn’t a design choice – it’s authentic. This place thrives on multi-generational loyalty because it gets the basics right: tons of space, zero pretension, and activities that work regardless of weather.

Rainy days? Hit the indoor heated pool, antique bowling alley, or game room. Sunny days? Choose between tennis courts, basketball courts, a nine-hole golf course, and hiking trails right on property. Three hearty meals daily (included in rates) eliminate the “where should we eat” family debate. Ski families take note: the affordable winter rates and proximity to Windham and Hunter Mountain make this a smart base for snow adventures.

Location: 557 Winter Clove Road, Round Top, NY 12473
Website: Winter Clove Inn
Instagram: @wintercloveinn

8. LEGOLAND New York Hotel (Goshen, Orange County)

Kids obsessed with LEGO? This hotel delivers maximum brick-themed excitement steps from the LEGOLAND New York theme park entrance. The rooms actually make bedtime fun with separate kids’ sleeping areas featuring bunk beds, TVs loaded with LEGO movies, LEGO building stations, and in-room scavenger hunts that lead to hidden LEGO surprises.

Choose from Pirate, Kingdom, LEGO Friends, or NINJAGO room themes—each one loaded with LEGO models and playful details that’ll make your kids lose their minds with excitement. The lobby features a castle play area, arcade, and nightly entertainment like dance parties and storytimes. The included breakfast and seasonal outdoor pool mean you’re getting value beyond just a bed. The hotel’s location right next to the park entrance lets you easily pop back for afternoon naps or pool breaks without packing up the entire day’s gear – a sanity-saver for parents of younger children.

Location: 1 Legoland Boulevard, Goshen, NY 10924
Website: LEGOLAND New York Hotel
Instagram: @legoland.newyork

9. Emerson Resort & Spa (Mt. Tremper, Ulster County)

Adults want mountain views and spa treatments. Kids want space to run wild. The Emerson delivers both. Choose between contemporary Inn rooms or more rustic Lodge accommodations. The two-floor Family Suites with separate bedrooms mean parents don’t have to whisper in the dark after putting the kids to bed.

The World’s Largest Kaleidoscope (yes, seriously) sits right on property—quirky entertainment that kids actually enjoy. Complimentary bicycle rentals, huided family nature walks, hiking trails, pickleball, and other seasonal activities keep everyone busy.

Location: 5340 Route 28, Mt. Tremper, NY 12457
Website: Emerson Resort & Spa
Instagram: @emersonresort

10. Scribner’s Catskill Lodge (Hunter, Greene County)

Picture the perfect basecamp for mountain adventures – that’s Scribner’s Catskill Lodge. This renovated 1960s motor lodge has been transformed into a stylish retreat with 38 distinctive guest rooms and 11 luxury cabins perched on 20 acres of mountainside. The dark maple floors, vintage rugs, custom furniture, and in-room fireplaces create cozy spaces perfect for family downtime after a day of exploration.

What keeps kids engaged? Seasonal offerings like the outdoor pool in summer, a winter ice rink, weekend yoga, family fire pits with complimentary s’mores, and plenty of outdoor territory to discover. The property’s proximity to Hunter Mountain means easy access to skiing and snow activities in winter, while warmer months bring hiking, mountain biking, and waterfall chasing.

Location: 13 Scribner Hollow Road, Hunter, NY 12442
Website: Scribner’s Catskill Lodge
Instagram: @scribnerslodge

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Map: Family-Friendly Hudson Valley Stays

From castle mountain houses to working farms to LEGO wonderlands, these Hudson Valley stays understand that “family-friendly” means more than just rolling in a crib. Each property offers specific features parents actually need: spacious sleeping areas, thoughtfully planned children’s programming, an array of activities, dining that works for various ages, and spaces where families can enjoy time together without disturbing others.

Whether you want all-inclusive simplicity or a comfortable home base for regional exploration, your kids will remember these adventures long after they’ve forgotten whatever they were watching on their tablets. 😉