What to do in the Catskills depends on the season, but the pattern for a family trip is the same: one outdoor anchor a day, one slow meal, and a short drive in between. The mountains lie roughly 100 miles north-northwest of New York City, so most families can arrive in about two and a half hours and still have an afternoon. Pick one base, do not move hotels, and leave room for rain. This guide is written for children of about five to ten.
Best time to visit the Catskills
Each season suits a different kind of trip. Summer is easiest with young children; autumn is the busiest and most expensive weekend by weekend.
| Season | Weather | Crowds and prices | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | Cool, wet, muddy trails | Quiet, lower prices | Waterfalls at full flow, short walks |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Warm days, cooler nights | Busy at weekends, higher prices | Swimming holes, easy hikes, ice cream stops |
| Autumn (Sep-Oct) | Crisp, changeable | Peak foliage weekends fill early | Scenic drives, orchards, short summit walks |
| Winter (Dec-Mar) | Cold, snow likely | Ski areas busy, other places quiet | Sledding, skiing lessons, cosy cabins |
Top things to do in the Catskills
Eight ideas, each with an age and stamina note. Do one or two a day, not all of them.
1. Walk to Kaaterskill Falls
One of the best-known waterfalls in the region, reached on a short but rocky walk. Children of about six and up can manage it with sturdy shoes and patience. Go early in the day, take water, and be ready to turn back at the lower viewpoint if little legs complain. Wet rock is slippery, so skip it after heavy rain. Allow about two hours in total, including a snack break at the car, and keep a dry change of socks in the boot.
2. Take a drive through the Hudson Valley edge
The Catskill Escarpment rises suddenly from the valley floor, and the roads along it give wide views without any walking. Plan a car day with two short stops and a picnic. Good for rest days, and for the child who has done enough walking. Time it so that the quiet stretch of driving falls in the early afternoon, when younger children tend to doze, and save the stop with the view for when they wake.
3. Spend an afternoon in Woodstock
Woodstock has long been home to artists and musicians, and its main street is easy on foot. Browse, find a snack, and let children play in a park. It is not a big attraction, which is the point: an hour or two is plenty, and parking is usually manageable outside peak weekends.
4. Swim in a river or reservoir area (where permitted)
Summer swimming holes are a regular family choice. Check local rules, depth and current before anyone gets in, and keep non-swimmers within arm’s reach. Pack towels and a change of clothes, plus snacks for the drive home.
5. Ride a train or take a scenic railway outing
Several heritage railways operate in the region, mostly in the warmer months and some at weekends only. They are slow, seated and calm, which is exactly what a flat afternoon needs. Check the current timetable before you plan the day around it.
6. Try an easy summit walk
The region has many peaks, the highest being Slide Mountain at 4,180 feet, but choose a short trail with a view for school-age children. Look for walks of two to three miles round trip. Start by 10 am and bring lunch to eat at the top.
7. Pick apples or visit a farm in autumn
Orchards and farm stands appear across the valleys from September. It is an easy half day, with food built in. Check whether you need to book for peak weekends. Arrive before lunch, buy a small bag rather than a large one, and let the children carry their own. Older ones usually enjoy the picking; younger ones tire after about 30 minutes, so have cider or a snack ready for the walk back to the car.
8. Go sledding or take a skiing lesson in winter
Windham, at the north end, is the best-known ski town. A beginner lesson in the morning and hot chocolate by 1 pm is a realistic family day. Rent equipment on site and book lessons ahead.
Where to stay in the Catskills
- Kingston and the Hudson edge. The gateway, with restaurants, a historic district and the easiest drive from New York. Good for a first trip or a short weekend.
- Woodstock and the central valleys. Walkable village, galleries and trailheads nearby. Suits families who want a quiet pace.
- Windham and the north. New England feel, with skiing in winter and hiking in summer. Best for active families.
- Cabins and rentals in the wider mountains. More space, a kitchen and a garden, but more driving for groceries. Suits groups of two families or longer stays.
Getting around the Catskills
You will need a car. Public transport exists, but it does not connect the trailheads, villages and farms in a way that works with children. Roads are winding, and a 20-mile drive can take 45 minutes. Add a buffer, plan one major drive per day, and keep snacks in the front seat for the child who gets carsick. Winter driving needs proper tyres and attention to forecasts. Mountain roads can lose phone signal, so download maps before you leave and fill the tank in a larger town.
For what to do in the Catskills each day, a sensible pattern is a morning outing, lunch near the car, a rest at the lodging and a short evening walk or an early dinner.
How much does a trip to the Catskills cost?
As a rough guide for a family of four in 2026, and hedged because prices move with the season:
- Budget: around US$250 to $350 per day with a campsite or basic motel, self-catered meals and free hikes.
- Mid-range: around US$400 to $600 per day with a rental or inn, a mix of cooked and restaurant meals and one paid activity.
- High: US$700 and up with a boutique stay, ski lessons or several paid activities.
Weekends in foliage season and school holidays push these upward. Midweek is noticeably cheaper.
Is the Catskills worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a simple, green, low-stress break within reach of New York, because what to do in the Catskills never needs a big plan. The region is rural and quiet, with real landscapes rather than a list of attractions. It is a poor fit if you want theme parks, guaranteed sun or short, scheduled shows. Families who need entertainment every hour, or those relying on public transport, should look elsewhere. For wider context, read the Catskills guide on Wikivoyage and the Catskill Mountains article on Wikipedia.
Catskills FAQ
Where are the Catskills?
They are in southeastern New York, about 100 miles north-northwest of New York City and 40 miles southwest of Albany, starting west of the Hudson River. Most of the range lies in Greene and Ulster counties.
How many days do we need?
Two nights is the minimum for a relaxed weekend. Three or four nights lets you do one outing a day and leave one blank day for weather, rest or a lazy morning.
What is a good rainy-day plan?
What to do in the Catskills when it rains: choose a museum, a small-town main street, an indoor pool at your lodging, or a scenic drive. Keep one board game and a picnic in the car. Heritage railways sometimes run in light rain, but check first.
Is it good for toddlers and young children?
Yes, for short outings. Choose flat, short walks, base yourself close to shops and keep drives under an hour. Slippery rock at waterfalls and deep water at swimming spots need constant supervision.
Do I need to book ahead?
For weekends in summer, autumn foliage season and winter holidays, yes. Book lodging, lessons and any timed activity weeks ahead. Midweek and spring dates are usually easier to arrange at short notice.
