Tired of the City? Check Out These Amazing Day Trips from NYC

New York City is one of the USA's must-see destinations. From the Empire State Building to Times Square, there's so much to see and do. But there must be life beyond NYC too. Sometimes, especially when you're with the family, you don't want to spend all day sightseeing. Escaping from the city to relax on a beach, at a park or along a hiking trail gives you the chance to breathe. After you've had a day trip away from the chaos, you'll be ready to jump back into the hustle and bustle of the city. If you want to visit, but your family sometimes needs a change of scenery, check out these day trips for a perfect family outing.

Henry Hemming

Freeport, Long Island

There are plenty of sleepy fishing villages you can discover if you need to slow down the pace of your vacation. In Freeport, you can have fishing lessons and go out on an excursion on a cruiser. Or you can go to Hempstead Marina and while away a few hours just sitting by the shore and waiting for a bite. If you find it hard to get your family to sit so still and quiet, try exploring the area and look for somewhere to have the catch of the day for dinner.

Sleepy Hollow, NY

Although there's plenty of history in New York City, it can all seem very modern when you're exploring. If you want some historic charm, take the Metro-North to Tarrytown to reach Sleepy Hollow, about 30-45 minutes away. If your family loves history and culture, then this little place is perfect for you. You can visit the Philipsburg Manor Upper Mills living history museum, where you'll find a farm and mill from the mid-eighteenth century. There's lots to do, and guides dressed in period costume will perform demonstrations with traditional instruments from the mill. 

Philadelphia, PA

If your vacation is based in NYC, it won't stop you from exploring other major cities. If you want to see Philadelphia but you're not sure about a whole vacation there, choose accommodation in New York instead. Use HouseTrip.com or a similar site for vacation rentals, or look for a suitable family-friendly hotel. Wherever you want to stay, Philadelphia will be only an hour and a half away by train. If you're looking for activities to entertain the kids, try the tigers at the zoo. Or you could play mini-golf in Franklin Square or visit the Please Touch Museum for a whole host of interactive exhibits.

Bear Mountain State Park, NY

Nature lovers should take a bus or perhaps a cruise out to Bear Mountain State Park. You can take the family for a hike or bike ride, go out on a boat or go swimming. For a more leisurely activity, have a quiet family picnic and take in the scenery. You can also visit the Trailside Museum and Zoo, stop in at the Bear Mountain Inn or let the kids have a go on the merry-go-round.

There's no reason to feel stuck in the city, when there are so many great places to visit. You can explore parks, coastlines, and even go out of state. Next time you're in New York, make sure you see the city's surroundings too.