Mohonk Mountain House With Kids: Our Overnight Family Stay
Have you been wondering what it’s like to stay overnight at Mohonk Mountain House with kids? You are in the right place.
Tucked away in beautiful nature, less than 2 hours away from New York City, Mohonk Mountain House has become a favorite mini escape for us. Surrounded by mountains and a beautiful lake, it offers all-inclusive nature-focused adventures and relaxation for body and mind.
We are frequent Day Pass Experiences guests at Mohonk, but staying overnight has always been on my bucket list for the ultimate experience.
This winter, Mohonk Mountain House hosted our family for a weekend. We arrived with the kids full of excitement. Staying unbiased here, it was the most relaxing and rejuvenating 2 days.
In this post, I’m sharing everything from our visit. What is included in an overnight stay, what activities we did with kids, what meal times look like, plus tips for planning your own family visit.
Read More: Our Day Pass Experiences at the Mohonk Mountain House
Is Mohonk Mountain House Kid-Friendly?
Mohonk Mountain House is very kid-friendly. There were many families with kids on the property during our stay, which made us feel very comfortable visiting with kids.
What makes the resort so family-friendly is its well-balanced range of activities for every age. Mohonk Mountain House has a dedicated activities schedule on its website to help guests plan their itineraries.
While we visited in winter, there were still plenty of activities for families with kids to enjoy. We went swimming in their indoor pool, ice-skated, went snow tubing, and tried ice walking with spikes. We also had the pleasure of attending the Hillbilly Parade Band performing at the resort. It was a perfect event for every age! My older son could not stop dancing.
Mohonk Mountain House is a unique stay. You won’t find a traditional playground on the property or a TV in the guest rooms, but instead, children are encouraged to enjoy all that nature has to offer.
In addition, there is a kids’ club for ages 4-12, making it easier for parents to escape for adult-focused outdoor activities or a spa time. Which I totally took advantage of.
What surprised us most was that, despite the number of families with kids on the property, it always felt calm and relaxing.
Location and Getting Here
Mohonk Mountain House is located in New Paltz, New York, in the Hudson Valley. Only about 90 minutes away from New York City.
This gorgeous castle-style resort is set on beautiful grounds, offering breathtaking views of mountains and a lake, along with an all-inclusive stay for all ages.
The best way to get to the resort is by car. We have not tried any other way, but you can also get here by train or bus.
If you are taking public transportation from NYC, you will arrive at Amtrak and Metro-North stations in Poughkeepsie. From here, you can grab Uber and drive about 30 minutes to the hotel.
Parking
Free on-site parking is included for overnight guests and for guests with dining and spa day passes.
Note: Parking is not included for general hikers who are visiting for hiking only. For hiking day passes, you can park by the gatehouse parking lot.
From there, you can hike up to the hotel, which is roughly 2.2 miles. We have done this route many times, even with a stroller.
First Impressions
The minute I stepped out of the car, I instantly felt that crisp, fresh mountain air. It was a cold day with a frozen lake that looked so beautiful.
The staff took care of our luggage and parked our car. When we walked into the resort, we noticed people of all ages. some lounging around, and some returning from outdoor adventures.
We were pleased to find out that our room was ready earlier than check-in time, as we had requested, and we were able to get some rest before exploring the resort.
Family Rooms at Mohonk Mountain House
Mohonk Mountain House offers a variety of room options to accommodate families of all sizes. They range from standard guest rooms to larger suites and connecting rooms. These rooms are excellent for large families and older kids.
We stayed in the double-queen room overlooking the partial lake. It was spacious, extremely clean, and equipped with every essential, including luxurious robes!
Note that rooms at Mohonk Mountain House are more traditional in style, but historic charm is a big part of the experience.
You will not find a TV in the guest rooms to maximize the off-screen experience. If you need a TV in the room for any reason, you can contact the hotel before your arrival to request one.
Our room was just the right option for our family to sleep comfortably after all the outdoor and indoor activities on the property.
Check Out Mohonk Mountain House Availability & Pricing
What is included in an Overnight Stay?
Mohonk Mountain House is an all-inclusive hotel. Here is what you get when staying overnight here.
- 3 Meals a day – Buffet-style breakfast and brunch, and a 3-course dinner with non-alcoholic beverages.
- Freshly baked afternoon cookies and tea daily.
- Outdoor Activities – You have access to 85+ miles of hiking trails and seasonal activities, including snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, boating, fishing, peddling, and tennis courts! and more!
- Complimentary Kids Club – A great perk if you are visiting with older kids, 4-12.
- Indoor Swimming Pool – The pool is massive, and we had a fantastic time here! A must-visit, whether with or without kids.
- Fitness Center – Fully equipped fitness center and daily fitness classes such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. I loved my morning yoga vinyasa.
- Valet Parking
- Victorian show gardens
- Evening entertainment
- Gratuities
What is Not Included?
- Alcoholic beverages – Alcohol is not included in your overnight stay, but you may bring your own bottle, subject to an additional corkage fee.
- Specialty espresso coffee drinks.
- Spa Amenities – To access spa amenities (excluding the indoor swimming pool), including saunas and heated outdoor pools, you need to book a treatment separately, such as a massage or a facial.
- Specific guided experiences
- Meals at the Carriage House Restaurant
Check Out Mohonk Mountain House Availability & Pricing
Family-Friendly Winter Activities We Loved
One of the main reasons to visit Mohonk is to enjoy the outdoor and indoor activities it offers families year-round. No matter when you visit, there is no shortage of seasonal activities.
Visiting Mohonk in winter was magical. Mountains and trails were still covered in snow, and the air was absolutely refreshing.
Walking on the Trail With Spikes
Who said you cannot enjoy winter trails safely? In fact, kids named this their favorite activity at Mohonk Mountain House!
Walking on the icy trails seemed scary to me, but after trying the spikes, we felt very safe. We explored the trail that goes around the lake. It was just the right trail to get kids outside, give them a new experience, and connect with nature.
Note: Complimentary spikes are available. Make sure spikes fit tightly and are not loose. For our 3-year-old, they provided us with an extra strap to make his spikes fit snuggler.
Snow Tubbing
If you are staying at the Mohonk Mountain House in winter, you are in luck because they set up huge snow tube hills! A hit for kids and adults alike.
This activity is ideal for kids 36″ and taller, with single riders only. My 3-year-old hesitated at first, but he did a great job sliding down all by himself.
Note: Snow tubbing is weather-permitting only. If it’s raining or conditions become unsafe, it may be postponed.
Ice Skating
I am going to be honest – I have not been on skates for more than a decade! But I am so glad we did it. The ice skating rink is tucked away in a scenic corner of the property, with a Christmas tree and a fireplace. Making experience truly magical.
Note: Skates are complimentary for overnight guests. You can pick them up at the skate shop. They also provide skating chairs for little ones who are just starting to skate. We definitely took advantage of this and made me feel a lot more comfortable on the ice.
Indoor Swimming Pool
The indoor swimming pool was another highlight for our family. The pool is very spacious and beautiful, and it is a lifesaver if you want to stay out of the cold in the winter months. The pool is heated with lounge chairs around it.
Making Smores
No winter getaway is complete without making s’mores! The complimentary marshmallows and chocolates were available by the skating rink’s fireplace. Perfect way to end the day!
Note that there is a schedule for making s’mores on the Mohonk Mountain House activities page.
Check Out Mohonk Mountain House Availability & Pricing
Spa Break (For Parents)
Spa at the Mohonk is something I have been looking forward to experiencing for a long time. While my youngest napped and the older one enjoyed his time at the kids’ club, I treated myself to some self-care. Let me tell you, there was something so unique about the spa at Mohonk Mountain House.
I loved lounging chairs overlooking nature, a well-organized treatment session, a relaxing ambiance, an outdoor thermal pool, and the warm sauna afterward.
Tip: Spa amenities and treatments are not included in your stay. To access full spa amenities for a day, you will need to book either a massage or a facial.
The great news is that you do not need to stay overnight to visit the spa at Mohonk! It is one of their day-pass experiences, and I think this one tops all others if you are traveling without kids.
You not only get spa access but also access to the entire property, restaurants, and hiking trails. Learn more about our day pass experiences at Mohonk Mountain House.
Fitness & Exercises
Fitness classes such as yoga, meditation, strength training, and Pilates are included in overnight stays and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis by certified instructors.
These are types of activities that Mohonk Mountain House is about—rejuvenating, strengthening, and reconnecting with your mind and body.
Kids Club
Since you are planning to stay at Mohonk with the kids, you will absolutely appreciate the resort’s complimentary kids’ club.
The program is offered only for kids aged 4-12. They have a very safe environment and focus on learning about natural wonders.
Our 6-year-old very much enjoyed the kids’ club and asked me to go back again sometime.
Other Seasonal Activities When Visiting Mohonk Mountain House With Kids
Spring and Summer
Spring and summer are excellent seasons for enjoying outdoor activities at Mohonk. Some of the activities include:
- Swimming in the lake
- paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating
- hiking
- Mountain biking
- Golfing
- Exploring resort grounds
Fall
Fall is my personal favorite season to visit the Mohonk. The foliage here is breathtaking, and hiking truly is at its best when the weather cools. Here are some of the must-try activities in the fall
- Folliage hike
- Nature programs
- Seasonal harvest-themed activities for kids
- Photography outings
- boating and canoeing
Check Out Mohonk Mountain House Availability & Pricing
Gift Shop
The gift shop at the Mohonk Mountain House stocks books, toys, souvenirs, skincare products, and some essentials.
Please note that the purchases are optional and are not included in the stay.
Dining at Mohonk Mountain House With Kids
Mohonk Mountain House offers all-inclusive buffet-style breakfast and brunch in its main dining room, as well as a 3-course dinner.
You will find kid-friendly meals throughout the day, including pancakes, eggs, waffles, sausages, fruits, pasta, meatballs, and more. Honestly, there was no shortage, and if you have picky eaters, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
For a 3-course dinner for adults, the menu offered several appetizers, main entrees, and dessert options. My absolute favorites were their vegetable soup, steak, and chicken dish.
The desserts were delicious, but I have to give a shout-out to their pistachio crème brûlée, which was divine.
Carrige Lounge
In addition to the main dining room, we had the pleasure of enjoying one of the afternoon meals at the Carriage Lounge. The Carriage Lounge is a small, cozy indoor bar-restaurant offering light fare and special cocktails.
Note: Carriage Lounge meals and drinks are not included in your stay; they are a la carte for overnight guests and guests with a dining pass.
Afternoon Tea and Cookies
If you are staying at the Mohonk Mountain House with kids, don’t miss their freshly baked cookies, offered daily from 4-5 PM! In addition to cookies, you will be offered tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. Our kids were very excited for their mid-afternoon treat, and so were we.
Is Staying at Mohonk Mountain House Worth It for Families?
This is the question we are getting a lot, and I would like to be very transparent. If your goal is to visit an all-inclusive spa resort where you can focus on ultimate relaxation, practice mindfulness, enjoy beautiful outdoor hikes, and deeply connect with nature not very far away, Mohonk Mountain House is well worth it!
This said, while it is also very family-friendly and kids are welcome here, depending on what you are trying to get out of the resort, it may be a bit challenging to make the most of Mohonk’s offerings or plan your activities as you would like, which could affect the overall value of your stay.
Check Out Mohonk Mountain House Availability & Pricing
Packing Tips & Clothing
You are going to the mountains with the kids. Pack layers! The weather can be unpredictable, so being a bit overpacked seems better to me than underpacking. Bring comfortable shoes, hiking gear, and something you feel absolutely relaxed and cozy in.
Also pack a bit more dressier outfits for the evening. Overdressing is not necessary, but we noticed that people looked well-dressed at dinner.
Here are some essentials to bring with you:
- Winter gloves and snowproof clothes for kids
- Small backpack for hiking
- Snacks for kids
- Swim goggles
- Swim suits
- camera
Final Thoughts: Mohonk Mountain House With Kids
Mohonk Mountain House is truly a very special place to us, and we will continue to visit it as often as possible.
When staying overnight, you have access to a wide range of included amenities, such as hiking trails, indoor and outdoor activities, meals, events, and more, so you can feel truly relaxed, rejuvenated, and connected to nature. This is the place to escape to if you want to slow down and care for your body and mind, which is well worth it.
That said, families with small kids may be limited to shorter hikes, shorter spa visits, and adult-focused wellness programs.
Remember that Mohonk Mountain House also offers a variety of day-pass experiences to accommodate guests with different needs, making it an incredible opportunity to visit and enjoy this beautiful retreat resort.
