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6 Seriously Fun Hotels in New York + New Jersey

2/3/2025

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6 Seriously Fun Hotels in New York + New Jersey for Staycation Family Vacation Weekend Getaway - US Japan Fam
Looking for a quick and exciting gram-worthy getaway, drivable from NYC?
Unique staycations in New Jersey?
Kischy and fun hotels in New York and New Jersey that will have kids' and adults' dropping to the floor??
ME. TOO!!
​I hope this roundup helps inspire you to books something crazy for your next vacation, birthday, or special celebration!!

If you want to go on a Safari...
try glamping at Six Flag's Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa!
unique hotels in new jersey - six flags savannah sunset safari view- us japan fam
Savannah Sunset Safari View from Glamping Suite Veranda - copyright SixFlags

​Savannah Sunset opened in 2024 and has gorgeous and comfortable glamping options for couples and families; their largest accommodation being their 6-guest suite with veranda and safari view!

Packages include morning giraffe encounter, breakfast, nightly activities, and admission to Six Flag's attractions (varies by time of year), including the 350-acre Wild Safari Adventure (home to 1,200 animals from 6 continents), Great Adventure amusement park, and Hurricane Harbor water park.
six flags savannah sunset - deluxe family glamping suite with veranda - us japan fam
Savannah Sunset Family Glamping Suite with Veranda - copyright six flags

​It is NOT a low budget stay, more of a splurge, especially with their two-night minimum. BUT it is only a fraction of the cost (and time) required to actually fly to Africa and go on a full safari. So... if that's on your bucket list but it's not doable in the foreseeable future, Six Flag's Savannah Sunset is the next best thing! This would be such a memorable birthday surprise getaway and, hello, AMAZING proposal spot!!

LOCATION: Jackson, New Jersey
​OPEN: select dates in April + November, and daily May 1 - Nov 2, 2025.

If you love planes...
jet off to TWA Hotel at JFK Airport!
unique hotels in new york - TWA Hotel - usjapanfam

Designed to bring you back to the good ol' retro era of airplane travel, TWA Hotel transports you to the 1960's quite literally from the moment walk up to it from the airport.

What's cool is that there are several options, depending on your budget and time constraints. You can simply visit the hotel as a day trip from NY or NJ (what we did a few years ago) or if you have a decent layover at JFK airport. For day trippers, it serves as a super fun museum to explore, with curated vintage (and completely free) exhibits! Also not limited to overnight guests, anyone can book time at their year round (95*F heated) rooftop pool - for $25/adult $10/child either directly on their website or through ResortPass.

​If you want to book a room, you can book daytime use (great for those with a layover at JFK after a long red eye flight!) or spend the night. Overnights start from just over $300/night (but do not include pool access, that's still an add-on).
unique hotels in new york - TWA Hotel connie airplane- usjapanfam

Don't miss: Taking photos in front of their 1958 Lockheed Constellation "Connie" propeller jet out back (open for cocktails 4-10:30PM nightly).

​
LOCATION: One Idlewild Drive, New York (outside of Terminal 5 @ JFK Airport, NYC) - they have $80 valet parking for overnight guests, otherwise you can park at the airport and take the free AirTrain to Terminal 5 (see directions here).

If you love LEGO...
play at LEGOLAND Hotel!
Perfectly paired with a day (or more) at LEGOLAND theme park, but of course you can go just for a night in one of their 250 LEGO-themed rooms!!
unique hotels in new york - LEGOLAND Hotel - usjapanfam
copyright LEGOLAND Hotel

​Why you'll love it? LEGOLAND Hotel is steps away from LEGOLAND, with free breakfast, nightly entertainment for kids and families, seasonal outdoor pool, and LEGO build and play areas throughout the hotel and within each room. There are 4 different suite themes to choose from (LEGO® NINJAGO®, Pirate, Kingdom, or LEGO Friends), and each room includes a separate sleeping area for the kids (hello, fun bunk beds!)
LOCATION: Goshen, New York
OPEN: from April 10, 2025

If you love kitschy quirkiness and hiking...
​escape to The Roxbury!
unique hotels in new york - the roxbury rooms - usjapanfam
copyright The Roxbury

​Every room, suite, and cottage at The Roxbury's 2 locations (within 2 miles of eachother) are the epitome of over-the-top bespoke creativity, in the best way. Outside of Japan's infamous "Love Hotels" I have never seen such a unique accommodation. Just, SO fun!! For a romantic getaway, girls weekend, but also for families. From Dracula to Superhero to Wizard of Oz, there's a theme for every interest and fantasy!
unique hotels in new york - the roxbury - usjapanfam
copyright The Roxbury
What's more? They've got a seasonal outdoor heated pool, hot tub, and sauna, and are surrounded by beautiful landscape and hiking opportunities.
​
LOCATION: Roxbury, NY 


If you love tropical getaways...
lounge poolside at Crystal Springs Resort!
unique hotels in new jersey - crystal springs pools - usjapanfam
Crystal Springs' indoor and outdoor pools really set it apart, and especially in winter, spending the day in their warm and tropical Biosphere is the quickest and easiest way to feel like you had a mini Caribbean escape, without leaving New Jersey! They also have tons of activities, both free and fee based, such as kids painting, cocktail making classes, and tours of their ah-may-zing wine cellar! In winter, don't forget glice skating, and tubing at the nearby Mountain Creek!

Our family truly feels like Crystal Springs is an amazing home away from home, having been hosted by them FOUR times (check out our thorough reviews and fun youtube videos here), we absolutely cannot get enough of it (seriously, been considering purchasing a unit - it's a "condo hotel", kind of like a time share but a bit different - so you can book and visit just like a hotel, or buy your own unit and have them rent it out for you).
​
​
Whether for a weeklong summer family vacation, business golf trip, destination wedding, or weekend anniversary getaway, it's the perfect spot! They have great options for big groups too, including adjoining rooms with full kitchens, living rooms, and balconies with fire places!!

LOCATION: Hamburg, NJ

If you love beach + indoor waterparks...
check out The Showboat + Indoor Waterpark!
unique hotels in new jersey - the showboat hotel + indoor waterpark - usjapanfam

​Sitting on the boardwalk in the heart of Atlantic City, The Showboat really has it all! The Oasis Indoor Waterpark is SO fun (with numerous slides, a lazy river, a FlowRider, restaurants, and a bar - you can stay there ALL day). The hotel also has a go cart track, HUGE arcade, mini golf, roller skating, and more. The beach is right out front, and there are numerous hotels, restaurants, and activities within a few minutes walk! Because of the warm indoor waterpark, it's a great winter getaway, and for beach lovers, its a must during summer!

Book just a room, just the waterpark, or a package.
​
​LOCATION: Atlantic City, NJ

6 seriously fun hotels in new york and new jersey - usjapanfam
Other roundups and posts we think you'll love:
  • Get our FREE travel prep + packing check list here!!
  • 7 Best Family Friendly Winter Wonderland Weekend Getaways from NYC + NJ
  • ​The Ultimate Guide to Budget Airlines and Cheaper Airports in the NYC Metro Area
  • Day Trips + Weekend Getaways from NYC

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7 Best Family Friendly Winter Wonderland Weekend Getaways from NYC + NJ

1/6/2024

78 Comments

 
7 Best family friendly winter wonderland weekend getaways from NYC and New Jersey - US Japan Fam
With the first snow of the season upon us, I find myself fantasizing about leaving the shovel and brown street slush behind. But instead of hopping a flight to the Caribbean, what if we embrace the cold and actually seek it out!?

In case you're intrigued, or need some convincing, I've put together my list of the 7 best family friendly winter wonderland weekend getaways from NYC and New Jersey. My requirements include that the hotel has kid-friendly outdoor activities (ex. ice skating and snow tubing), water activities (heated indoor or outdoor pools and hot tubs), and is within a 4.5 hour drive of Newark NJ. With bonus points going to those with kids club! So... LET'S SNOW! I mean GO!!!

Get our FREE travel prep + packing check list here!!

Woodloch Resort
Type: All-Inclusive Resort (160 guest rooms and 70 privately owned vacation rental homes)

Location: Poconos (2hr drive from Newark NJ)

Winter Festivities: on-property snow tubing & lake ice skating (and synthetic skating)

Other Family Fun: Nightly entertainment and shows, indoor pool + water slide / climbing gym playground / bumper cars / toddler room / arts & crafts room, tons of outdoor activities, go carts, archery, and 30 scheduled activities a day!

Noteworthy: AH-may-zing (not buffet) food! Like, SO good, and included in your meal plan (can choose 2 or 3 meals a day). Voted #1 Family Resort in the US in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023! My family has been to Woodloch 3 times (summer, winter, and fall - read about these stays here!), I cannot recommend it highly enough! Always SO much fun!!! Watch my winter getaway video below (but do note, it's from 6 years ago, we obviously need to go back for an updated video ASAP!)

Crystal Springs Resort
Type: AAA Diamond Luxury Condo Hotel

Location: NW New Jersey (1.5 hr drive from Newark NJ)

Winter Festivities: on-site glice (synthetic ice) skating; just 2.5 miles from Moutain Creek for Skiing and Snow Tubing; hot cocoa, fire pits, and marshmallow roasting

Other Family Fun: Indoor pools (1 has a slide), swim out heated outdoor pool & hot tub, lots of organized activities for kids and adults (some free, some fee based); on site cafes and restaurants; great fitness club with fun classes guests can take for free.

Noteworthy: I've stayed at Crystal Springs 4 times, it's one of my favorite resorts of all time! I've been with my family in summer and winter, and gone on a "moms getaway" in winter as well. We always get a suite at Grand Cascade Lodge - with a full kitchen, fireplace, balcony - so much fun for adults and kids. Just paradise!! Watch our family winter getaway at Crystal Springs video below, or read through all of my Crystal Springs blog posts here!


Rocking Horse Ranch
Type: All Inclusive Resort

Location: Hudson Valley New York (1hr  40min drive from Newark NJ)

Winter Festivities: On site skiing (rentals and instructions included!), snow tubing, and ice skating - all included in your stay!

Other Family Fun: Indoor pool with water slide and swim out heated outdoor pool and hot tub, organized activities, live shows and entertainment.

Noteworthy: Meals, activities and horseback riding are all included with your stay!!! We went back in 2018 in the fall and had a blast - check out our video below or read about it here! At the time they had a free drop off kids club, but I can't find it on the site anymore so I'm not 100% sure they still have it.


Hope Lake Lodge
Type: Mountain Lodge Resort with 105 suites

Location: Cortland NY (3.5 hr drive from Newark NJ)

Winter Festivities: take a shuttle to nearby Greek Peak Mountain Resort for skiing, snow tubing, Mountain Coaster, cross country skiing, and more.

Other Family Fun: on-site Cascades Indoor Water Park is amazing with a wave pool and water slides! You can get a hotel package that includes water park admission, skiing, or whatever extras you like! Kids arts & crafts room open (not for drop off) Fri-Sun.

Noteworthy: we had a mini family reunion here in 2019 that was so much fun!! We got adjoining rooms with a full kitchen and really enjoyed the water park and mountain coaster - fun for the whole family!! Watch our highlights video below or read about it on the blog here!

White Face Lodge
Type: Mountain Resort with Luxury Suites

Location: Lake Placid / Upstate NY (5hr drive from Newark NJ)

Winter Festivities: On site ice skating, campfires and s'mores. Nearby: skiing, XC skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, dog sledding, 30' high toboggan chute that spits you 1000 feet over frozen Lake Placid.

Other Family Fun: Heated indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, movie theater, family game room, ice cream parlor, bowling alley. Free summer camp; $25/hr babysitting.
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Whiteface Lodge (@whitefacelodge)


Sky Top Lodge
Type: 5,500 Acre Mountain Resort

Location: Poconos (2.5 hr drive from Newark NJ)

Winter Festivities: On site (fee based) ice skating, snow tubing, skiing, show shoeing, treetop adventure course, ice fishing and more.

Other Family Fun: Lots of indoor and outdoor organized activities.
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Skytop Lodge (@skytoplodge)


Mohonk Mountain House
Type: All Inclusive Resort

Location: Hudson Valley New York (2hr drive from Newark NJ)

Winter Festivities: On site ice skating, snow tubing, XC skiing, and snow shoeing - all complimentary to overnight guests.

Other Family Fun: Nestled in 40,000 acres of forest with 85 miles of hiking trails. Indoor heated pool. Meals are included, as well as organized activities, live entertainment, indoor archery, yoga and fitness classes, and drop off KIDS CLUB for kids ages 4-11 (daily in summer, only weekends/holidays otherwise).

Noteworthy: Voted #1 Resort in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Region by Condé Nast Traveler in 2023 and #2 Best All-Inclusive Resort by USA Today 10Best in 2023.
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A post shared by Mohonk Mountain House (@mohonkmountainhouse)


So what do you think!?? Have you been to any of these? Ready to book one!? Did we miss an amazing one? Let us know in a comment below!!!
7 Best family friendly winter wonderland weekend getaways from NYC and New Jersey - US Japan Fam
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Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars in NJ & NY!

11/2/2023

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Disney on Ice Presents “Magic in the Stars” in NJ + NY - usjapanfam blog post cover
Attention New Jersey and New York residents who love all things Disney and/or ice skating.

Disney on Ice presents Magic in the Stars is HERE!!! Right here in NJ and NY through November 19, 2023!!! What's so fun about this one is that it will include characters and music from SO MANY of the Disney and Pixar movies we know and love, including Frozen 2, Encanto, Aladdin, Tiana, Moana, Rapunzel, Cars, Toy Story, and more! For even more fun, add on the pre-show Character Experience that includes games, storytelling, crafting and interactive time with Elsa and Mirabel, and photo ops to boot!
Disney on Ice Presents “Magic in the Stars” in NJ + NY - usjapanfam - disney princesses.png
Magic in the Stars NY / NJ  2023 Upcoming Schedule:
  • November 1 - 5 @ Prudential Center in Newark, NJ
  • November 9-12 @ Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ
  • November 15-19 @ UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY
Buy tickets and learn more here!
Disney on Ice Presents “Magic in the Stars” in NJ + NY - usjapanfam - frozen 2
We're heading to the show in Newark this weekend, and I honestly don't know who's more excited... me or the kids!! HA! It's our first Disney on Ice show, but hopefully not our last!! Be sure to follow us on Instagram for live coverage and a fun highlights reel!!
More Disney on Ice shows will be coming to the NY/NJ/NYC area early in the new year (these will make great Christmas presents)! 
  • Find Your Hero in Belmont Park, NY (Jan 4-7, 2024)
  • Find Your Hero in Newark NJ (Jan 11 - 15, 2024)
  • Find Your Hero in Brooklyn, NY (Jan 18-21, 2024)
  • Into the Magic in Trenton NJ (March 21-24, 2024)

Get tickets for any Disney on Ice Shows here!
Disney on Ice Presents “Magic in the Stars” in NJ + NY
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Where to see Musicals in Northern New Jersey

10/23/2023

2 Comments

 
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Here in Northeastern New Jersey, we live close to Manhattan but that doesn't mean we want to go all the way into the city and pay $200 a ticket for actual on-Broadway shows several times a year. But I have great news, there are some AMAZING venues with Broadway level (or near Broadway level) performances right here in our own backyard!! To make it easier for you (and myself), I've compiled a list of where to see plays and musicals in Northeastern / Northern New Jersey (Essex & Union Counties). Do yourself a favor and sign up for their electronic or snail mail newsletters so you don't miss out on some great musicals, dance performances, plays, and more!

PROFESSIONAL THEATERS:
These shows and theaters often feature performers right on the cusp of their careers exploding, you'll find these theaters listed in countless Playbill bios!) The sound and performances is top quality, but won't break the bank!
  • ​New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) (Newark NJ); Prudential Hall is HUGE with over 2800 seats, they have several more intimate theaters and performance spaces as well. Some 2023-2024 performances include Stomp, Pati Labelle, and Hip Hop Nutcracker.
  • Paper Mill Playhouse (Millburn NJ) - 1200 seat theater; tickets from $35. ​Their 2022-23-24 seasons include Rent (which I saw in June - it was SO good!!), The Great Gatsby, Fidler on the Roof, Carole King the Musical, and more. They also have childrens' shows, and seasonal subscription options that include 3, 4, or 5 shows!
  • Peak Performances (Montclair State University, Montclair NJ) - Memorial Auditorium has almost 1,000 seats.
  • Vanguard Theater Company (Montclair NJ) - 175 seat Off-Broadway sized regional theater producing Broadway quality productions. Upcoming 2023-2024 season includes “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill,” and “Pippin,” as well as productions from their robust educational programs.

Some Universities with great Performing Arts departments and student shows:
  • Kean Stage (Kean University, Union NJ) - 312 seat theater, tickets from $39; kids/family shows from $18; lots of great concerts and dance performances, some professional and some featuring students, fill the 2023-2024 season 
  • Montclair State University College of the Arts (Montclair NJ);  Tickets $25

There are TONS of performing arts centers and theaters throughout the area, I can't begin to list them all! Just head to google to find some closest to you or holding events you like best (concerts, musicals, comedy, etc). They make for a great date night with your partner, mommy and me cultural outing with a child, girls night out, you name it! And they're close enough you  could add dinner and Uber and still not pay as much as you would for a Broadway show in Manhattan!!
The best local theaters for Broadway Lovers in Northern New Jersey
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    I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins + 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, helping busy parents find the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above!

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