Renting for Next Summer: Why a Month-Long (or Full Summer!) Catskills Rental with Kids is Pure Magic

Here's the thing about extended stays: you stop rushing. You don't have to cram every activity into a frantic five-day itinerary. Instead, you wake up, see what the weather's like, and decide if today is a waterpark day, a lake day, or maybe a movie-under-the-stars night. It's the ultimate antidote to over-scheduled life back home.

Adventures That Keep Kids (and Parents) Happy

Zoom Flume Water Park

Let's start with the obvious crowd-pleaser. Zoom Flume is the kind of place where kids beg to go back again and again—and when you're here for a month, you actually can. Located in East Durham, this water park has been a Catskills staple for decades, with slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool that keeps everyone entertained for hours. With an extended rental, you can visit on a Tuesday morning when the crowds are lighter, or make it your Friday tradition. No pressure, just fun.

Mine Kill State Park

This gem often flies under the radar, but it shouldn't. Mine Kill offers the perfect combo: a refreshing pool for hot summer days and a gorgeous waterfall hike that even younger kids can handle. The waterfall trail is an easy adventure that feels like a real expedition, and the pool area is ideal for afternoons when everyone just wants to splash around and relax. It's the kind of place you'll find yourself returning to weekly.

Colgate Lake

Sometimes you just want a peaceful day by the water, and Colgate Lake delivers exactly that. Nestled in the mountains, this pristine lake is perfect for swimming, picnicking, and simply soaking in the natural beauty of the Catskills. Pack a lunch, bring some floaties, and let the kids explore while you actually finish a conversation or read a chapter of your book. These are the low-key days that end up meaning the most.

CD Lane Park

Here's where your extended stay really pays off. CD Lane Park in Windham is like your own private summer camp—except you don't have to send the kids away. The park offers free kayaks and paddle boats (yes, FREE!), so you can get out on the water whenever the mood strikes. The eagle nest hike is a highlight for budding naturalists, and there's something incredibly special about watching your kids scan the trees, hoping to spot one of these magnificent birds. This is the kind of place that becomes "your spot" over the course of a summer.

Greenville Drive-In

As the sun sets and the fireflies come out, there's one more adventure waiting: the drive-in movie theater in Greenville. There's something timeless about watching a movie under the stars, and kids absolutely love the novelty of it. Load up the car with blankets and snacks, tune the radio to the right station, and settle in for a double feature. It's nostalgic for parents and brand-new for kids—the perfect combination.

The Real Magic: Time to Just Be

Here's what nobody tells you about week-long vacations: you spend half of it getting there and settling in, and the other half thinking about packing up and leaving. A month or a full summer? That's different. That's when you discover the best farmers market, figure out which hiking trails your family actually enjoys, and become a regular at the local ice cream shop.

Your kids will make friends at the lake. You'll have time for rainy day board games and sunny day adventures. You'll actually use that hammock. And when someone asks, "What should we do today?" the answer can genuinely be "Whatever we feel like."

The Catskills are close enough to the city to be convenient, but far enough away to feel like a true escape. With a month or a summer rental, you get the best of both worlds: the comfort of a home base and the excitement of endless exploration.

So this year, don't just vacation in the Catskills. Live here for a while. Your kids—and your well-rested, adventured-out self—will thank you.

Ready to find your perfect Catskills summer rental? Start browsing available properties and get ready for a summer your family will never forget.