Quick answer
For an easy Catskills family vacation, choose an all-inclusive resort so meals and activities are covered, travel Sunday–Thursday in July or August for the best rates, and look for a kids' week with nightly programming. Gavin's Kids Week 2027 runs August 8–13 with standard rooms from $129 per adult per night.
Why all-inclusive works for families
With kids, the hardest part of a vacation is the logistics: where are we eating, what are we doing next, and who has snacks? An all-inclusive stay — lodging, three meals a day and daily activities in one price — removes the planning so parents can actually relax.
When to go
- Summer midweek (Sun–Thu) — the best value; many group offers let kids stay and eat free on these nights.
- Kids Week in August — a full week of programming built around the kids.
- Early fall weekends — cooler, quieter, and great for foliage hikes and farm visits.
What a kids' evening program looks like
During Kids Rule Week at Gavin's, every night has something planned. In 2026 that meant an outdoor movie, cornhole and wiffleball tournaments, karaoke, a magic show and the rock-climbing wall — with live music for the grown-ups each night.
Daytime ideas
- Heated pool and pool bar
- Playground, basketball, volleyball
- Bocce, horseshoes, cornhole, shuffleboard
- Nature trail to the on-site waterfall
- Zoom Flume water park (less than a mile away)
- K&K Ranch horseback riding
- Farm visits and pick-your-own berries
Family packing checklist
- Swimsuits (two each)
- Water shoes
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- A sweatshirt for every person
- Glow sticks for outdoor movie night
- A card or board game
- Pool floats and goggles
- A small first-aid kit
Picking the right room
Families of four or more should look at connecting rooms or two-bedroom suites with a shared living space. Ask for cribs or rollaway beds when you book — at Gavin's, cribs are $20 per stay and rollaways are available on request.
Frequently asked questions
When is Kids Week 2027 at Gavin's?
Sunday, August 8 through Friday, August 13, 2027. Standard rooms start at $129 per adult per night, double occupancy, and staying 3+ nights earns a free upgrade.
What is the best time for a Catskills family vacation?
Summer midweek stays (Sunday–Thursday) offer the best value, and August Kids Week adds a full program of children's activities.
What is there for kids to do near East Durham?
Zoom Flume water park, horseback riding at K&K Ranch, farm visits, hiking and, on site at Gavin's, a heated pool, playground and lawn games.
Do kids eat free on all-inclusive stays?
It depends on the dates. Many group and midweek offers include kids staying and eating free on certain nights — ask when you book.
By the Gavin family · Gavin’s Irish Country Inn, East Durham, NY · Updated
