Doesn’t the home stretch towards summer make you want to be nowhere but drifting down a lazy river?
NYC’s close proximity to endless adventures makes summer a prime time for wanderlust. From learning to surf right in the boroughs at Rockaway Beach to hopping on a train to explore hikes, campsites, and hidden waterfalls for a trip that won’t break the bank or the clock, there’s never a dull moment during a New York summer.
But if you want your adventures combined with pure relaxation, an indoor waterpark serves up all the answers. Imagine sipping cocktails in a heated pool, drifting along a lazy river, barreling down massive waterslides, and testing your agility on a surf simulator, all under one roof.
Located just a couple of hours north of the city in the scenic Catskill Mountains, The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark stands as New York’s largest glass-domed waterpark oasis, maintaining a perfect 82°C tropical climate all year round.
☀️ What to Know
Before you pack your swimsuit, here are the essential details to help plan your getaway:
- The Vibe: The waterpark is covered entirely by a massive, transparent Texlon roof. This conservatory-style design lets in natural sunlight, meaning you can actually catch a tan indoors (don’t forget the sunscreen!).
- Admission: If you stay at the 324-room all-suite resort, passes to the indoor waterpark are completely included with your stay from your check-in day to your check-out day. Day passes are also available for those just driving up for a quick escape.
- Cashless Resort: The Kartrite operates entirely on a cashless system. You’ll use your resort wristband or credit cards for all food, drinks, and activities.
- Beyond the Water: It’s a full-scale play-and-stay destination. When you want to dry off, the resort features a massive indoor entertainment center with an arcade, a ropes course, rock climbing, mini-bowling, and laser tag.
🛝 Features
Spanning a massive 80,000 square feet, the waterpark packs high-thrill rides and chill lounges into a single tropical footprint:
- The Thrill Slides: Brave the Nor’Easter, a heart-pounding slide made for shared rafts, or race your friends down multi-lane speed slides.
- The Endless Summer FlowRider: A state-of-the-art surf simulator where you can practice bodyboarding or stand-up surfing on a continuous, perfect wave.
- Empire Bay Lazy River: The ultimate relaxation zone. Grab a tube and let the gentle current float your worries away under the glass ceiling.
- Affinity Springs: A massive, upscale indoor/outdoor hot tub area perfect for unwinding with a drink.
- Kartrite Island & Puddle Ducks: Dedicated, safe splash zones and pint-sized geographic playgrounds featuring a massive tipping bucket for younger kids and toddlers.
- Private Cabanas: Available for daily rental, these poolside retreats come stocked with fresh towels, a mini-fridge, and dedicated server service for cocktails and snacks.
🚗 How to Get There From NYC
Getting out of the city and into the Catskills is incredibly straightforward, whether you want to drive or hand over the navigation to someone else:
By Car (Approx. 90 Minutes to 2 Hours)
Driving is the fastest option. Simply take the New York State Thruway (I-87 North) to Route 17 West, heading toward the Catskills. Take Exit 105B in Monticello, NY, and follow the signs directly past Resorts World Catskills. The drive is all major highway miles, meaning no winding, two-lane backroads to worry about. Electric vehicle charging stations are available on-site.
By Bus (Approx. 2 Hours)
If you don’t have a car, Coach USA (ShortLine) operates a direct daily commuter route from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd St. & 8th Ave.) straight to The Kartrite Resort. Buses typically depart from the 4th floor in the morning, making it incredibly easy to pack a bag and head up for a weekend without dealing with city traffic.
