The Catskills patchwork of mountains, forests, and lakes have provided a rural respite for generations of East Coast residents, including my own family. This summer, my husband and I vacationed at an adults-only hotel and spa, Hemlock Neversink. We were surrounded by serenity at the swimming pools and enjoyed calming activities such as yoga classes and forest bathing. At night, the sky filled with stars, the perfect chance to gaze up in peaceful wonder.
Each member of the staff was genuine and welcoming. Conversation with other guests flowed freely as we bonded during shared activities. However, I couldn’t stop thinking that it would be the perfect resort for families. I’m a parent and early childhood educator, so kids are always on my mind, but Hemlock Neversink really did seem tailor-made for kids. A giant art studio was filled with supplies made for little hands, from yarn to clay to paint. Guests were free to independently create arts and crafts or join one of the multiple hands-on workshops scheduled each day.
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Miles of private nature trails were stunning and easy enough for a preschooler to tackle. The large indoor swimming pool seemed like a weather-proof spot for kids to splash. And did I mention a herd of adorable goats live at Hemlock? Animal-loving guests can spend time getting acquainted with them in the barn and meadow.
Families are welcome over the holidays
Families are in luck as the resort is opening its doors to families with children during Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks. In 2025, Thanksgiving Family Week takes place from November 23-30. Christmas Family Week will be held from December 21-28. And the news gets better, with kids age 15 and younger staying free of charge. Plus, activities and workshops won’t cost an extra dime.
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Nonstop family-friendly activities
Hemlock is scheduling special indoor and outdoor activities around the clock, assuring even tough-to-please teenagers won’t be bored. Family yoga, comic book creating classes, candle-making, cookie decorating, and goat hikes are some of the many options on tap. In the evening, dive-in movies at the pool and bonfires with s’mores are pre-bedtime possibilities.
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If your family enjoys bonding over unstructured activities, hike miles of forest trails (there are snowshoes if the property is blanketed with fluffy white stuff), swim in the indoor pool, or stargaze on the dedicated deck.
Spacious rooms
Each of the spacious 33 rooms are designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. There’s a sense of privacy as guest rooms are spread across five buildings.
Farm-to-table cuisine
Hemlock Neversink’s restaurant, Bittersweet, is committed to showcasing the region’s agricultural bounty with a plant-forward menu served three times each day. The talented chef is planning special menus to whet young appetites during kid’s week.
If you want to check out Sullivan County’s dynamic and diverse culinary scene, head to Threshold. The Korean menu has numerous kid-friendly options (think chicken noodle soup and luscious veggie fritters) with fair prices. Hemlock Neversink is located in Neversink, New York, under two hours from New York City and just a bit farther from Boston and Philadelphia.
