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Hiking is a year-round draw on the manicured trails at Mohonk Mountain House. 

Top Things To Do at Mohonk Mountain House

Every aspect of Mohonk Mountain House is designed to make families feel welcome and well cared for. The staff is consistently warm, attentive, and knowledgeable, helping guests navigate a full daily schedule of activities, dining times, and seasonal programming. It’s the kind of place where questions are met with thoughtful answers—and often an extra tip or two you didn’t know you needed.

Explore the Grounds and Hiking Trails

Hiking is at the heart of the Mohonk experience, and it’s one of the biggest reasons families return year after year. Most hiking trails are open year-round, with access dependent on weather and trail conditions, making Mohonk a destination that truly shines in every season.

The resort maintains 85 miles of private hiking trails, ranging from wide, scenic carriage roads that are manageable for beginners to challenging rock scrambles that reward experienced hikers with dramatic views. Trails wind through quiet forests, along cliff edges, and across ridgelines with sweeping Hudson Valley vistas. Clear trail markers and detailed maps make it easy for families to choose routes that suit their comfort level and timing.

For overnight guests, hiking is included as part of the stay, and can be enjoyed throughout the day—either independently or as part of a guided outing led by knowledgeable staff who share insights about the landscape, geology, and local history.

Rock Scrambles (Mid-April through Mid-November)

Mohonk is especially well-known for its rock scrambles, which feel like a natural playground for older kids and teens. The most famous is the Lemon Squeeze, part of its Labyrinth trail system, where hikers climb and squeeze through massive, naturally formed boulders. The payoff is a series of iconic lookout points with expansive mountain views. These routes are best suited for confident hikers who enjoy a bit of adventure underfoot.

Winter Hiking, Snowshoeing, and Cross-Country Skiing

Cold weather doesn’t slow things down at Mohonk. During the winter months, families can enjoy winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, all with access to scenic trails and fresh mountain air. Snowshoes allow guests to explore more than 30 miles of trails, reaching quiet corners of the property that feel especially peaceful after snowfall.

For those who prefer gliding over walking, Mohonk offers 30 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, with routes ranging from gentle to more challenging. Equipment rentals and trail access make it easy for beginners and experienced skiers alike to get out and explore.

Hiking was a family favorite on my multigenerational trip, including family members from 3 years old to 80+ years old. On my first morning at Mohonk, I went on the 7:30am guided hike. None of my family members were as intrepid, and they missed out! The guide shared knowledge of the grounds and the secrets of the forest.

In the winter, all hikers need to wear either microspikes on their shoes or snowshoes, both of which are provided by the resort at no extra charge. On my second and third days at Mohonk, I was able to get my 15-year-old and 7-year-old out on the trails. Both enjoyed the novelty of the microspikes. It was the first time wearing them for all of us.

Both kids were able to maintain the pace, and though they grumbled a little at the idea of going on a hike in the cold, both really enjoyed it. The guides kept my 7-year-old entertained with information about the surrounding area's animals—porcupines, deer, and fischer cats. The quiet of the walk gave my 15-year-old the time and space to chit-chat with me and open up in a way that the regular schedule of the day-to-day sometimes doesn’t provide. We even took a hike with the 3-year-old in our party. Yes, she was carried for a significant portion, but she still enjoyed it, and we enjoyed being with her.

Trail maps are readily available, and guided nature walks are offered throughout the day, making it easy for families to choose an outing that fits their group’s energy level.

Cozy bonfires are great for low-energy days or to warm up after other winter activities. 

More Winter Activities

Winter at Mohonk offers ways to embrace the season, whether families are looking for active outdoor fun or a cozy place to linger between adventures.

Outdoor Ice Skating

One of Mohonk’s most memorable winter experiences is its outdoor ice skating rink, set high above the lake in an open-air pavilion. The award-winning rink feels especially magical after fresh snowfall, with mountain views in every direction. Skating sessions are easy to fit into the day, and the nearby pavilion makes a perfect spot to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate in front of the 39-foot-tall stone fireplace.

The Skate Shop provides complimentary ice skates for overnight guests. Skating is weather-dependent, and the pavilion is open November-early April, so it’s a good idea to check conditions during your stay.

My 7-year-old loved the ice skating and was at every session! We opted for two 30-minute private lessons with a kind and engaging instructor, who helped my daughter go from no ice-skating skills to skating on her own during our stay.

Getting up to the ice skating rink to watch the grandchildren was a bit difficult for my mother, but Mohonk thinks of everything, and we could easily take a hotel shuttle up to the ice skating pavilion.

Snow Tubing

For pure winter fun, snow tubing is a hit with kids and adults alike. Guests head to a nearby hill for fast, exciting rides down the slope—no experience required. Riders can tube solo or race friends, making this an easy win for multigenerational groups looking to share a laugh outdoors.

Snow tubes and helmets are provided at no additional cost for guests with a Stay Experience, and Mohonk’s recreation team is on hand to keep things running smoothly. This experience is open mid-January-March and is weather-dependent.

Year-Round Activities for All Ages

One of Mohonk’s biggest strengths is its full slate of daily activities, many of which are included with an overnight stay. The resort offers everything from crafts and nature talks to archery, boat rides, lawn games, and afternoon tea. Kids can bounce between structured programs and free play, while adults enjoy lectures, wellness classes, or simply a quiet moment on a rocking chair overlooking the lake.

This breadth of programming makes Mohonk especially well-suited for multigenerational groups. Grandparents can join morning walks or relax indoors, parents can mix adventure with downtime, and kids are never short on things to do.

On my family trip, the resort helped us organize a family scavenger hunt. This was a great activity where teams needed to find locations on the property and take selfies of the whole team in funny scenarios. It was a great bonding activity with light competition.

The activities are endless. My 7-year-old bounced between the ice skating, the pool, and crafts. Cousins of all ages joined, too, and the grandparents looked on.

Kids’ Club at Mohonk Mountain House

Mohonk Mountain House offers a thoughtful, low-key kids’ program that fits seamlessly into the resort’s multigenerational vibe. The Kids’ Club gives children a chance to explore, create, and connect—while parents enjoy a little well-earned downtime.

Programming changes by season, but activities often include nature walks, scavenger hunts, crafts, and age-appropriate outdoor adventures that take advantage of Mohonk’s beautiful surroundings. Kids spend plenty of time outside, learning about the environment and the mountain in a way that feels fun rather than instructional.

The Kids’ Club is especially helpful for families traveling with grandparents or mixed-age groups. While younger kids are happily engaged, older siblings might be hiking, swimming, or participating in other scheduled activities, and adults can head to the spa, take a quiet walk, or simply relax by the fire.

Important details for parents: activities are supervised by trained staff, advance sign-up is often required, and availability varies by age and season. Checking the daily activities schedule upon arrival helps families plan their time and coordinate drop-offs around meals and other plans.

For families looking to balance together time with a bit of independence for kids, Mohonk’s Kids’ Club offers a welcome option that feels consistent with the resort’s calm, nature-focused atmosphere.

It's hard to resist the allure of a dip in Lake Mohonk during the warmer months. Photo courtesy of the resort

Lake Activities at Mohonk Mountain House

Lake Mohonk is the heart of the property, and spending time on the water is one of the most peaceful (and popular) ways for families to enjoy it. Seasonal lake activities run from spring through early fall and are well-suited to a wide range of ages and energy levels.

Row boating is a classic Mohonk experience, available from mid-April through late October. Families can take a leisurely lap around the half-mile lake in Mohonk’s charming, custom wooden rowboats. Children under 13 need to be accompanied by an adult, making this an easy multigenerational activity.

For something a little more playful, two-person pedal boats are also available during the same season. Kids love taking turns pedaling while adults steer, and the gentle pace makes it a relaxed way to soak in the scenery. As with other boats, children under 13 must ride with an adult.

Kayaking and paddleboarding offer a more active way to experience the lake during the warmer months. Kayaks are available from late May through early September and bring paddlers closer to the water and surrounding cliffs. Stand-up paddleboards run during the same period and are a fun challenge for teens and adults looking to test their balance. Both activities are limited to guests ages 16 and older.

Canoeing, offered from early May through late October, strikes a nice middle ground. Canoes are stable and roomy, ideal for slow paddles while spotting fish, plants, and wildlife along the shoreline. Guests under 13 must be accompanied by an adult, making this another good option for families.

Fishing is available from mid-April through late October and is reserved for overnight guests. The lake is stocked each spring with rainbow trout, and rods and equipment are available for rent at the Boat Dock, with bait available for purchase. It’s a calm, low-pressure activity that works well for kids who are happy to cast a line and see what happens.

Swimming options vary by season. Beach swimming is available from late May through early September for guests with a Stay Experience and offers a sandy spot to cool off or relax lakeside. From mid-June through early September, Mohonk also hosts supervised lake swims at select times of day, allowing confident swimmers to cross the glacial mountain lake in a safe, structured setting.

As with many activities at Mohonk, weather conditions and seasonal schedules apply, so checking the daily activity board helps families plan the best times to get out on the water.

A Magical Place During the Holidays

During the holiday season, Mohonk Mountain House leans fully into its storybook setting. The resort’s historic interiors are decorated with care and restraint—think towering Christmas trees, garlands, and glowing fireplaces rather than over-the-top displays. The result feels festive without being overwhelming.

Seasonal programming often includes holiday-themed crafts, music, and family activities that make a winter visit feel special and memorable. It’s an especially appealing option for families looking to create traditions that span generations.

My family appreciated the Hanukkah events each night we were guests.

Relaxation and Wellness at the Mohonk Spa

For adults seeking a break, the Mohonk Spa is a true highlight. Set apart from the main building, the spa offers stunning views, indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces, and a full menu of treatments. While kids don’t have access to spa facilities, the availability of family programming makes it easy for parents or grandparents to sneak away for some quiet time.

Even those skipping treatments can enjoy peaceful lounges and a slower pace that feels worlds away from everyday life.

Parents in our group took turns giving the other parents time off to enjoy the spa or the many fitness and meditation classes.

Dining at Mohonk Mountain House

Dining at Mohonk is a standout, especially for families with varied tastes and dietary needs. Meals are served in elegant dining rooms, but the atmosphere remains welcoming rather than formal. Menus are thoughtfully designed, with options that appeal to adventurous eaters and picky kids alike.

Dietary accommodations—including vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-aware options—are handled smoothly, and staff are proactive about helping families navigate choices. There’s a balance here that many parents appreciate: food that feels special without being intimidating.

We truly appreciated the kids’ buffet at every meal—even formal dinners. The kids can get what they want, when they want it, and that kept them happy while the adults dined in a more formal fashion.

Accommodations and Pricing

Mohonk Mountain House offers a range of room types to suit families of different sizes, including rooms that comfortably accommodate parents traveling with kids or grandparents. The decor is classic and in keeping with the building’s history, with modern comforts thoughtfully integrated.

Overnight stays typically include meals and access to most activities, making it easier for families to budget in advance. A stay here, however, is a splurge, with rooms starting at $700 per night and increasing from there. Keep an eye on its specials, which frequently offer kids stay-and-eat free packages. 

Day Tripping

A day pass at Mohonk Mountain House opens the door to a full day of fresh air, movement, and classic mountaintop charm—no overnight stay required. Visitors can explore more than 85 miles of private hiking trails, most of which are open year-round, weather and trail conditions permitting. Routes range from gentle carriage roads suitable for all ages to more challenging paths over boulders and cliffs, making it easy for families and mixed-ability groups to find a hike that fits. Day passes are valid for the entire day and are available online only, giving guests time to wander the grounds, stroll through the Victorian Show Garden and Greenhouse, browse the gift shop, or simply take in the views. Many visitors pair their hike with a spa treatment, a memorable meal in the main dining room, or seasonal activities like ice skating or special holiday events, turning a simple hike into a well-rounded day on the mountain.

Know Before You Go

• Mohonk Mountain House is great for multigenerational trips, milestone celebrations, and families who enjoy nature.
• It's stroller-friendly: Many common areas and paths are accessible, though some trails are uneven.
• Changing tables are widely available in public restrooms throughout the resort.
• There are plenty of quiet spaces and nooks for kids (or adults) who need a sensory break.
• What to pack: Comfortable walking shoes and layers—the weather can change quickly on the mountain.
• The Kids Club starts at 4 years old, spa services are offered for those 16 and older, and massages are 18 and older.
• Mohonk Mountain House is reachable by car via the NYS Thruway (I-87 north) to Exit 18, New Paltz. Car-free families can take a busfrom Port Authority.

READ NEXT: 27 Things To Do in New Paltz with Kids 

Unless noted, all photos by author

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