This adults-only Catskills resort invites families to vacation

The Catskills’ mosaic of mountains, forests, and lakes has provided 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 by the pools and enjoyed calming activities such as yoga classes and forest bathing. At night, the sky fills with stars, the perfect opportunity to gaze up at the sky in peaceful wonder.

Every staff member was genuine and welcoming. Conversation with other guests flowed freely as we bonded over shared activities.

However, I couldn’t help but think that this would be the perfect resort for families. I’m a parent and an early childhood educator, so children are always on my mind, but Hemlock Neversink really seemed tailor-made for children. A giant art studio was filled with supplies designed for little hands, from yarn to clay to paint. Guests were free to independently create arts and crafts or participate in one of the many hands-on workshops scheduled each day.

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Miles of private nature trails were stunning and easy enough for a preschooler to navigate. The large indoor pool seemed like a sheltered place for the kids to have fun. And did I mention that a herd of adorable goats lives in Hemlock? Guests who love animals can spend time getting to know them in the barn and in the meadow.

Families are welcome during the holidays

Families are in luck as the resort opens its doors to families with children during the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas. In 2025, Thanksgiving Family Week will take place November 23-30. Family Christmas Week will take place from December 21 to 28.

Children stay free

The news is getting better, with children 15 and under staying free. Plus, the activities and workshops won’t cost an extra cent.

Non-stop family activities

Hemlock schedules special indoor and outdoor activities 24 hours a day, ensuring that even hard-to-please teens won’t be bored.

Family yoga, comic book making classes, candle making, cookie decorating, and goat hikes are just a few of the many options available. In the evening, dive-in movies by the pool and bonfires with s’mores are possibilities before bed.

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If your family enjoys bonding over unstructured activities, hike miles of forest trails (there are snowshoes if the property is covered in the fluffy white stuff), swim in the indoor pool, or stargaze on the dedicated deck.

Spacious rooms

Each of the 33 spacious rooms is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. There is a feeling of privacy since the 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-based menu served three times daily. The talented chef prepares special menus to whet little appetites during kid’s week.

If you want to experience Sullivan County’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene, head to Threshold. The Korean menu has plenty of kid-friendly options (think chicken noodle soup and scrumptious vegetarian donuts) at reasonable prices.

Hemlock Neversink is located in Neversink, New York, less than two hours from New York City and just a little further from Boston and Philadelphia.

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