Best winter weekend getaways from NYC for families

Travel time: 2 hours and 45 minutes by car from NYC

With a 1600-foot vertical drop and 12 miles of trails, Windham Mountain is one of the biggest and best-run ski areas close to NYC. The ski school program for ages 4-9 includes lift ticket, rental and 2-hours and 30-minutes of instruction. Skiing's not your thing? Try the tubing park, or nurse a warm cup of cocoa in the lodge. A free shuttle connects the ski area to the picturesque village of Windham, where you will find comfy hotels and cozy restaurants. Who needs the Alps when you have the Catskills?

Travel time: 2 hours and 20 minutes by car

Camelback Resort is the ultimate winter wonderland twofer: you can hit the slopes and tubing park for snowy fun outdoors, or splash around in the massive indoor waterpark for some tropical fun. The water park is complete with tube slides, the adventurous Venus Slydetrap, the gnarly Bombora Flowrider—it's worth the hype, and a nice change of pace from chillier activities. Soak up the 84-degree temperature as kids choose which one of the 13 slides suits their needs. There's also a lazy river for those who want to take things slow. If you have tots in tow, not to worry—kiddie slides are at the ready. Good news for moms and dads: In the off-chance the youngsters allow for a bit of alone time, grab a cocktail at the swim-up bar.

Travel time: 1 hour and 40 minutes by car

You visit Rocking Horse Ranch in the winter for the indoor water park, horse-drawn sleigh rides and a bunny slope perfect for first-time skiers. But that's not all: The Winter Fun Park has skiing, snowboarding and tubing, while the Fun Barn is an indoor playspace complete with climbing walls, giant Nerf cannons and bouncing structures. Don’t forget the scavenger hunts and bingo. Day camp and nursery programs are also available for when you want a little grown-up time to attend wine tastings or try a spa treatment.

Travel time: 2 hours by car from NYC

Butternut has been the bunny slope of choice for generations of New Yorkers and New Englanders. One of the best family mountains in the East, it has a terrific ski school for the kids, plus adult lessons if you need them—it's never too late to learn the basics. The First Timer Package includes a beginner lift ticket, rentals and a 90-minute lesson. The package is for skiers ages 4 and up—start 'em young, and your little skier will always be a natural on the slopes.

Travel time: 1.5 hours by car from NYC

It's hard to believe you're only a short distance away from NYC when you pull up to this vast Victorian pile that opened in 1869. Mohonk is a winter wonderland for kids and parents alike, a private paradise the size of a state park. The ice rink is legendary, and older kids will love the tubing and snowshoeing—all of which are included in the price of your stay. When the weather is too cold or the crew's had enough activity, head to the fireplace for a mug of cocoa.