Most families are on a budget these days and with the cost of nearly everything on the rise, it is becoming increasingly difficult to take family vacations and getaways.
If paying adult price for a two-year-old’s plane ticket, car rentals, and hotel visits are out of your budget this year, you’re in luck! There are several great staycation venues right here in the five boroughs for your family enjoyment.
Alley Pond Park - Little Neck Bay to Springfield Boulevard, Union Turnpike, Queens
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Spread out over 657 acres, this park contains freshwater and saltwater wetlands, tidal flats, meadows, forests, and abundant bird life. For the recreation-minded among you, Alley Pond offers barbecuing areas, tennis courts, baseball fields, basketball courts, dog runs, handball courts, hiking trails, soccer fields, and a nature center.
The park is also home to New York City’s first public high ropes adventure course and an Urban Park Ranger program, which teaches participants how to canoe, use a compass, fish and enjoy a natural setting.
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New York Hall of Science - 47-01 111th Street, Flushing
If your kids are into science, they will love the hands-on science and technology exhibits at the New York Hall of Science. The center, which is located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, has an award- winning science playground, puppet shows and a rocket park mini golf course. The hall has two newly refurbished space rockets on display outside the hall.
Children of all ages can create science-related art projects, enjoy videos or take part in weekend family workshops.
New York Aquarium - Surf Avenue and West 8th Street in Brooklyn
New York City’s largest aquarium is the ultimate getaway for families. Spend the entire day at the historic Coney Island aquarium learning about the deep sea. Your kids will enjoy penguin, shark, sea otter and walrus feedings. The year-round touch pool allows visitors to socialize with sea life in an open tank.
While you're there, be sure to check out the refurbished Conservation Hall exhibit, which features marine life from coral reefs, freshwater lakes and the flooded forest. Also, enjoy the "Happy Feet" 4-D experience in the aquarium’s full scale theater.
Coney Island, Brooklyn
Coney Island's reopened historic amusement park is the perfect staycation for families with kids of all ages. The park boasts more than 30 rides and attractions, including the world famous Cyclone rollercoaster and the Wonder Wheel. The boardwalk is lined with carnival foods, from funnel cake and cotton candy to Nathan’s hot dogs and burgers. Then, take a relaxing stroll along the beach to unwind and watch the sunset.
Sleepy Hollow
With a creepy legend, light house, historic town, and other landmarks to visit, Sleepy Hollow is the perfect day trip. Located just 45 minutes away, near Tarrytown, this destination has something for everyone.