In the Pocono Mountains, about two hours from New York City and Philadelphia, sits the majestic stone Skytop Lodge, an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort located on an astounding 5,500 sprawling acres. Skytop is a four-season resort located on the quiet Skytop Lake, which has been hosting families for generations since 1928. This is a good option for families who love the outdoors and are looking for a refined setting with excellent food and service. Guests can enjoy every sport imaginable, from skiing and ice skating in winter, to golfing, hiking, fishing and swimming in warmer months. Skytop is also a great choice for family reunions and groups of families traveling together.

Main Lodge

Skytop offers a wide range of rooms in the main lodge, including several suites and pairs of connecting rooms. Keep in mind, the main lodge is an older building where the room size and layout can vary widely, so you may want to ask the reservationist to make a recommendation and describe your room options. Many of the rooms have either double or queen sleeper sofas, plus cots and cribs are readily available if you request them when you make your reservation. Rooms on the top floors have lower ceilings and some of the rooms on the second floor can be noisy when music is playing in the main Pine Room off the lobby.

Cottages

Skytop also has several cottages that offer flexibility for larger families or families traveling together. Each cottage has two queen rooms and two king or twin rooms, all of which have sleeper sofas, plus the king/twin rooms are large enough to easily accommodate cots. There's also washers and dryers in cottages. While we prefer the lodge in the winter time, the cottages also offer seating on small patios, which are nice during warmer weather.

Summer

In the summer months the resort offers countless family-friendly activities, which include biking, swimming, hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, lawn bowling, kayaking, skeet shooting, running, fly fishing, golf, geocaching, paintball, archery and tennis. The resort's championship golf course is a big draw, and there is also a PGA-recognized golf school on premises to sharpen your skills. During July and August kids can participate in the Junior Golf School, which teaches kids the fundamentals. From late June through August, Skytop also offers a children's program called Camp in the Clouds. This morning and afternoon camp is designed for kids ages 4 to 10. Daily camp activities include nature walks, swimming, arts and crafts, face painting, golf and tennis lessons, fishing, scavenger hunts, soccer, hayrides and other activities.

Recreation and Pool

The game room in the lodge is popular with the kids for playing Ping-Pong, pool, miniature golf and arcade games while mom and dad finish dinner. There is a heated indoor pool, open year-round.

Winter

In the winter, the resort has downhill and cross-country skiing and snowboarding on private slopes, at no additional charge for guests, sledding and tobogganing, an ice-skating rink, and snowshoeing. Skytop has its own small ski slope on the property, with two two ropes, and good ski instructors, which make it a great option for those kids who want to learn to ski or snowboard. Skytop also has an exciting luge-like tobogganing run and offers dog sledding for those who want more adventurous winter activities.

Adventure

Teens will enjoy the paintball target practice and Old Western Town course, and adventurous families will love the new treetop obstacle course with seven zip lines and suspension bridges. Completing the entire course takes 2.5 to three hours, or you can opt for a couple of rides on the longest zip line (500 feet) to get a taste of high adventure. To participate on the course, you'll need to be able to reach overhead to 5'11" while standing on flat feet.

Three meals a day are included in your room rate at Skytop, and the food is delicious and service is excellent! Dinner at either restaurant is included in the price of your stay, while purchases made at the bar and tea room will be added to your bill.

Windsor

The Windsor Room is the main formal dining room and is located in the resort's main Lodge. The menu is American cuisine with items like jumbo lump crab salad, red snapper, and pan seared duck breast, beef tenderloin and prime rib. The menu changes every evening and generally features several entree selections, including a fish, chicken, beef and vegetarian option. Don't miss the molten "Chocolate Obsession" cake for dessert. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style and offer a variety of sandwich and salad options, as well as hot entrees in the buffet line. You can also order off the standard breakfast and lunch menus, if you'd like. The Windsor dining room can also accommodate large family groups traveling together at large round tables.

Lakeview

The Lakeview restaurant is a little more casual and has a great view of the lake and golf course. Menu items include Parmesan-encrusted chicken, ricotta ravioli and seafood posillido. Men must wear jackets for the evening meal and women and children generally dress for dinner, as well.

There are also two casual restaurants on premises, a bar and a tea room, which are not included in your room rate. The Tap Room has an impressive selection of wine and beer, and is a great place for mom and dad to grab a few moments alone, while the kids will love the ice cream sundaes and milkshakes at the Tea Room.

Room service is available, but only during meal hours.

All About the Extras

For a small annual fee, you can become a member of the Skytop Club, which gives you members' discounted rates on rooms and a welcome gift in your room. Ask about family fun packages, which can be a good deal if you plan to take advantage of activities that charge extra fees. Several times a year, Skytop offers different theme weekends. The resort also hosts family reunions and weddings and can arrange for a professional photographer to take formal pictures of your gathering.

Concierge
Sytop offers a concierge service to make your activity and spa reservations before you arrive, which is recommended during busy holiday weekends.

Babysitting
Babysitters are available if you request them ahead of time.

The Art of Smart Timing

This resort is a year-round resort with varying activities in the winter and summer months.

Getting There

Located less than three hours from both Philadelphia and New York City. Philadelphia International Airport and Harrisburg International Airport are about two hours and 45 minutes away.

Getting Around

A vehicle is needed when staying here.

For Mom and Dad

The full-service Skyview Spa is a great escape, and offers a wide array of treatments, as well as spectacular views.