Where should I take my 5 year old daughter on a trip?
June 3, 2024 7:32 AM Subscribe
My 5 year old daughter has earned a weekend away with me as a reward (she picked this as a reward!) Now I need to figure out where we will go. Details inside.
We live in NYC. Destination should be about 1-2 hours away by train. If there is something truly wonderful that we need to fly to, I would consider it, but we cannot drive and we are not going anywhere near the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Destination should be enjoyable for a five year old but not so exciting and enticing that her twin brother is upset about missing it. That means no theme parks, water parks, etc.
Destination should not require any driving or renting of a car once we get there. I do not drive and she gets car sick.
Destination should be within the continental United States so I don't have to go get a thing notarized saying my husband is also ok with this trip (he is).
She has already been to the following places: Philadelphia, Montauk, Cold Spring. These were all good. I'd like to take her somewhere new.
We live in NYC. Destination should be about 1-2 hours away by train. If there is something truly wonderful that we need to fly to, I would consider it, but we cannot drive and we are not going anywhere near the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Destination should be enjoyable for a five year old but not so exciting and enticing that her twin brother is upset about missing it. That means no theme parks, water parks, etc.
Destination should not require any driving or renting of a car once we get there. I do not drive and she gets car sick.
Destination should be within the continental United States so I don't have to go get a thing notarized saying my husband is also ok with this trip (he is).
She has already been to the following places: Philadelphia, Montauk, Cold Spring. These were all good. I'd like to take her somewhere new.
Mohonk if you're good to spend that kind of money. You can take the train to Poughkeepsie then taxi over.
posted by greta simone at 7:55 AM on June 3 [4 favorites]
posted by greta simone at 7:55 AM on June 3 [4 favorites]
Amish country? Rolling hills, horses, pretzels
posted by olopua at 8:07 AM on June 3 [2 favorites]
posted by olopua at 8:07 AM on June 3 [2 favorites]
Mystic Connecticut is three hours by train, but has a seaport and aquarium.
posted by soelo at 8:07 AM on June 3 [5 favorites]
posted by soelo at 8:07 AM on June 3 [5 favorites]
If you're OK taking a taxi or Uber for a short distance, I recommend taking the Main Line on MTA/NJ Transit to Milford, PA.
You'll have to stop at Port Jervis and Uber/taxi over, but it's a very short trip (10 min.-ish), and I think there's plenty for a weekend visit, especially in the summer.
Milford is charming, walkable, with lots of gorgeous Victorian houses (many of which have been well-preserved and maintained). There are a few hotels there, plus lots of AirBnB options.
Grey Towers is right on the (walkable) periphery of town, and is a wonderful place to spend a day. The house is wonderful, but the grounds are better, and are very kid-friendly. You'll also find a surprisingly good set of restaurant options, plus a candy shop and a few ice cream shops.
posted by yellowcandy at 8:13 AM on June 3 [2 favorites]
You'll have to stop at Port Jervis and Uber/taxi over, but it's a very short trip (10 min.-ish), and I think there's plenty for a weekend visit, especially in the summer.
Milford is charming, walkable, with lots of gorgeous Victorian houses (many of which have been well-preserved and maintained). There are a few hotels there, plus lots of AirBnB options.
Grey Towers is right on the (walkable) periphery of town, and is a wonderful place to spend a day. The house is wonderful, but the grounds are better, and are very kid-friendly. You'll also find a surprisingly good set of restaurant options, plus a candy shop and a few ice cream shops.
posted by yellowcandy at 8:13 AM on June 3 [2 favorites]
You can take the train to Lancaster. I think there're enough to entertain you for a weekend there, especially if you're willing to take a cab or Uber to nearby activities, like the Strasburg Railroad.
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 8:24 AM on June 3
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 8:24 AM on June 3
It's 3 hours away by train but the Tulip Festival in Albany is still ongoing, there's lots of tulips in Washington park still, and it's a great low-stress activity for a day trip. Special enough to be absolutely lovely, yet it's still just a a lot of tulips in a garden, nothing super exciting, so her twin won't mind missing it.
The park is small enough for a small child to walk all of it without getting tired and there's a nice fountain in the middle of it where you end up after seeing all the tulips and walking past arts & crafts & food stalls (which are only there on particular days).
Just beside the tulip park is the incredible NYS museum which has a huge kids' area full of different activities for kids who are around 5-6 years old. On the top floor of the museum is the oldest working carousel in the country (I think? or maybe just the state) which my kids absolutely loved when they were at that age. The museum and the carousel are free, as is entry to the tulip park.
posted by MiraK at 8:25 AM on June 3 [4 favorites]
The park is small enough for a small child to walk all of it without getting tired and there's a nice fountain in the middle of it where you end up after seeing all the tulips and walking past arts & crafts & food stalls (which are only there on particular days).
Just beside the tulip park is the incredible NYS museum which has a huge kids' area full of different activities for kids who are around 5-6 years old. On the top floor of the museum is the oldest working carousel in the country (I think? or maybe just the state) which my kids absolutely loved when they were at that age. The museum and the carousel are free, as is entry to the tulip park.
posted by MiraK at 8:25 AM on June 3 [4 favorites]
I’m half the continent away and know nothing much about NYC except to stay away from Cel-Ray soda, but what about the zoo? Five is the golden age for zoos and even I’ve heard of the zoo in New York. In any event, hope you both have a spectacular time.
posted by Gilgamesh's Chauffeur at 8:40 AM on June 3
posted by Gilgamesh's Chauffeur at 8:40 AM on June 3
Oh, I assumed that a shorter trip was acceptable—if it has to be at least an hour away, never mind.
posted by Gilgamesh's Chauffeur at 8:41 AM on June 3
posted by Gilgamesh's Chauffeur at 8:41 AM on June 3
Oh oh I've got this one. 2 hours 40 minutes acela express to Washington DC. Take the metro or walk to the natural History Museum. Go to the butterfly pavilion. Stay in a nice non brand name hotel that has a historical old time6y vibe... Obviously no shortage of other stuff to do.
Geez I had such a good time with my kids in there. The pictures make me outright giggle every year when they come up. Butterflies landed on everyone.
posted by chasles at 9:08 AM on June 3 [12 favorites]
Geez I had such a good time with my kids in there. The pictures make me outright giggle every year when they come up. Butterflies landed on everyone.
posted by chasles at 9:08 AM on June 3 [12 favorites]
Nthing Albany. The train trip along the Hudson is wonderful! I am sure you know to sit on the left going up and on the right coming back.
posted by jgirl at 9:08 AM on June 3
posted by jgirl at 9:08 AM on June 3
Response by poster: Clarification comment: Strong, strong preference for not even having to take a cab.
Over 2 hours is ok.
posted by millipede at 9:29 AM on June 3
Over 2 hours is ok.
posted by millipede at 9:29 AM on June 3
sit on the left going up and on the right coming back.
POSH
Port Outbound , Starboard Home
posted by yyz at 9:31 AM on June 3 [2 favorites]
POSH
Port Outbound , Starboard Home
posted by yyz at 9:31 AM on June 3 [2 favorites]
I'm going to second DC -- as a bonus, all those national museums are free! Plus there's easy bus transportation in the city once you get there.
posted by BlahLaLa at 9:36 AM on June 3 [2 favorites]
posted by BlahLaLa at 9:36 AM on June 3 [2 favorites]
Hi, millipede!
I grew up in Rye, NY, location of Playland, the amusement park you've likely glimpsed in Big and Fatal Attraction, etc. It's cool and corny and close by, and beloved by many a 5yo.
There's a shuttle bus from the train station to the park, which takes perhaps 10 minutes. You could even walk it without much trouble, which would take you through the charming-ish, but spendy, downtown.
posted by Dr. Wu at 9:48 AM on June 3
I grew up in Rye, NY, location of Playland, the amusement park you've likely glimpsed in Big and Fatal Attraction, etc. It's cool and corny and close by, and beloved by many a 5yo.
There's a shuttle bus from the train station to the park, which takes perhaps 10 minutes. You could even walk it without much trouble, which would take you through the charming-ish, but spendy, downtown.
posted by Dr. Wu at 9:48 AM on June 3
Travel and Leisure recommends Westerly, Rhode Island, among other places like Pittsfield, Mass, Saratoga Springs, and Wilmington , DE.
I did a similar trip with my daughter (on the other side of the country) right when she finished Kindergarten and we had a great time - took the train, stayed in a pleasant hotel with a good lobby and great people watching, we went to a low profile art museum that was nearly empty, went to a restaurant just the two of us, and also watched the 2001 film The Princess Bride in our hotel room. It's a great memory and we have done more ambitious trips and it's great fun to travel with her.
posted by vunder at 9:49 AM on June 3 [1 favorite]
I did a similar trip with my daughter (on the other side of the country) right when she finished Kindergarten and we had a great time - took the train, stayed in a pleasant hotel with a good lobby and great people watching, we went to a low profile art museum that was nearly empty, went to a restaurant just the two of us, and also watched the 2001 film The Princess Bride in our hotel room. It's a great memory and we have done more ambitious trips and it's great fun to travel with her.
posted by vunder at 9:49 AM on June 3 [1 favorite]
Mystic, CT could be good with a five-year-old.
Providence might be good - I've never been with kids but there's a children's museum, a zoo, maybe you could schedule your trip for a WaterFire lighting?
You could definitely do plenty of kid-friendly stuff in Boston without a car.
Westerly is nice but not much to do besides beach.
Pittsfield is no good if you don't want to rent a car - most of the attractions are outside the city.
posted by mskyle at 10:10 AM on June 3
Providence might be good - I've never been with kids but there's a children's museum, a zoo, maybe you could schedule your trip for a WaterFire lighting?
You could definitely do plenty of kid-friendly stuff in Boston without a car.
Westerly is nice but not much to do besides beach.
Pittsfield is no good if you don't want to rent a car - most of the attractions are outside the city.
posted by mskyle at 10:10 AM on June 3
(I have firsthand knowledge of Pittsfield and also do not recommend it without a car...and also generally do not recommend it based on your getaway goals.)
posted by BlahLaLa at 10:53 AM on June 3 [1 favorite]
posted by BlahLaLa at 10:53 AM on June 3 [1 favorite]
The Cloisters Just the grounds are gorgeous, and they have a lot of different artwork to look at. Free shuttle. Easy access by train.
posted by effluvia at 12:06 PM on June 3 [2 favorites]
posted by effluvia at 12:06 PM on June 3 [2 favorites]
A beach/charming destination serviced by the Long Island Railroad? Seems like that might be low-key enough not to make her twin too jealous. And if it does maybe he can earn a trip there, too?
posted by citygirl at 3:57 PM on June 3
posted by citygirl at 3:57 PM on June 3
I’ve had a very fun weekend taking the LIRR to Bay Shore, staying at a BnB there, and taking the ferry to Fire Island for the day. No driving necessary!
posted by rabbitbookworm at 4:36 PM on June 3 [1 favorite]
posted by rabbitbookworm at 4:36 PM on June 3 [1 favorite]
Go to the Stephen and Betsy Corman Outdoor Center in Harriman. You can take the train, I think NJ Transit, to Sloatsburg, about an hour half from Penn Station. Call ahead and the camp staff will pick you up, drive you the 15 minutes from the station to the camp.
Not sure how much $ matters, but its far more affordable than most metro NYC experiences. You can glamp up by pre-ordering food from their mess hall, and have your meals made for you (its pretty good).
Its an awesome place for a 5 year old to spend a couple days - you can get a cabin or you can tent it, but the cabins are lovely and clean. Swimming, paddling, hiking, just poking around looking at birds and snakes... sort of can't be beat.
posted by RajahKing at 6:58 AM on June 4 [1 favorite]
Not sure how much $ matters, but its far more affordable than most metro NYC experiences. You can glamp up by pre-ordering food from their mess hall, and have your meals made for you (its pretty good).
Its an awesome place for a 5 year old to spend a couple days - you can get a cabin or you can tent it, but the cabins are lovely and clean. Swimming, paddling, hiking, just poking around looking at birds and snakes... sort of can't be beat.
posted by RajahKing at 6:58 AM on June 4 [1 favorite]
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posted by madcaptenor at 7:47 AM on June 3 [1 favorite]