A day trip from The Kartrite: Bethel Woods & local highlights
Yes — you can do a comfortable day trip from The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (the original 1969 Woodstock site) in roughly a 20–25 minute drive depending on traffic. Combine a morning or afternoon at Bethel Woods (museum, grounds, or a concert depending on the schedule) with on-site Kartrite highlights like the indoor waterpark, a hike on the resort trails, and a casual meal back at the resort.
In this guide
Getting to Bethel Woods from The Kartrite
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts sits about 15–17 miles from The Kartrite and typically takes roughly 20–25 minutes to drive, depending on traffic and exact route. Driving is the most practical option; the resort does not publish an airport or public shuttle to Bethel Woods.
Before you go, confirm Bethel Woods hours and event schedules (museum and concert dates vary by season) and allow extra time for parking and walking the grounds.
- Typical drive time: about 20–25 minutes
- Best transport: personal car or rideshare (no regular resort shuttle)
- Check Bethel Woods' calendar for museum hours or concert start times
| From | To | Approx. drive time |
|---|---|---|
| The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark | Bethel Woods Center for the Arts | 20–25 minutes |
| The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark | Resorts World Catskills | 4–5 minute drive |
| The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark | Concord Monster Golf Course | 15 minute walk |
What to see at Bethel Woods (museum & grounds)
Bethel Woods combines a museum that documents the 1969 Woodstock festival and the broader cultural history of the late 1960s with outdoor performance space and rolling grounds. The museum galleries typically require a timed entry or ticket; check Bethel Woods' official site for current ticketing and hours.
If a concert or festival is scheduled, plan around show times and parking instructions. On non-event days you can still visit the museum and walk the site to see interpretive exhibits and the landscape associated with the original festival.
- Museum exhibits covering 1960s culture and Woodstock history
- Outdoor performance venue hosting seasonal concerts and events
- Walking paths and interpretive signage across the festival site
| Activity | Notes |
|---|---|
| Museum visit | Check hours and ticketing in advance |
| Concerts/events | Allow extra time for parking and entry procedures |
| Self-guided walk | Good for photos and history-minded visitors |
Timing your day trip: sample itineraries
Keep the trip flexible: if you plan a museum visit, allow at least 1.5–2 hours; concerts will require more time. Combine Bethel Woods with late-afternoon or evening activities back at The Kartrite for an easy, low-stress day.
Here are two simple options depending on whether you want a short or full-day outing.
- Half-day: Morning waterpark session at The Kartrite, lunch onsite, 1.5–2 hour museum visit at Bethel Woods, return to the resort for dinner.
- Full-day: Drive to Bethel Woods for a mid-day museum visit and grounds walk, attend an afternoon concert or program (if scheduled), and return to The Kartrite for evening arcade or bowling.
| Plan | When to go | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Quick visit | Morning or early afternoon | Short museum tour + grounds walk |
| Concert day | Arrive early; expect full day | Shows and festival experience |
| Mix with resort | Any time (seasonal hours vary) | Combine cultural visit with waterpark/arcade |
Back at The Kartrite: waterpark and on-site activities
After Bethel Woods, enjoy The Kartrite’s indoor facilities including New York’s largest indoor waterpark (approximately 80,000 sq ft) with pools, slides, a children’s area and a climate-controlled environment. Waterpark operating hours and days can vary seasonally, so check with the front desk before planning your return visit.
Beyond the waterpark, the resort offers Playopolis arcade games, laser tag, a ropes course and a climbing wall, plus bowling and virtual reality experiences — useful options if you arrive back while kids still have energy to burn.
- Indoor waterpark — pools, slides, kiddie play area (year-round indoor, temperature-controlled)
- Playopolis arcade (100+ games), laser tag, mini bowling, Scrapeskyer climbing wall
- Nearly six miles of on-property hiking trails and outdoor fire pits when weather permits
| Activity | Notes | When to check |
|---|---|---|
| Waterpark | Hours vary seasonally; included waterpark passes may come with some room rates | Confirm on arrival |
| Arcade/laser tag | Open on select days; good energy-burner for kids | Ask Playopolis for daily schedule |
| Hiking trails | Nearly six miles of trails of varying difficulty | Trail map available at front desk |
Dining and a relaxed evening
The Kartrite offers multiple on-site dining options so you can eat without leaving the property: casual poolside fare at Surfside Grille, a buffet breakfast/dinner at Eat.Eat.Eat., coffee and pastries at The Highline, evening desserts at Pop's Sweet Shoppe, and Bixby's Derby for sit-down dinners. Hours vary by venue and season; reservations are advised for Bixby's Derby and recommended for larger parties.
If you return from Bethel Woods late, check Pop's Sweet Shoppe hours for evening treats or choose bar-style seating at Harvey's Wallbanger (menu and hours vary). Remember the resort is cashless and outside food and drink are not permitted in dining or waterpark areas.
- Surfside Grille — casual, poolside (typical hours Thu–Sun 12 PM–7 PM)
- Eat.Eat.Eat. — buffet breakfast/dinner (sample breakfast 8 AM–11 AM; dinner 5 PM–10 PM on select days)
- The Highline — coffee and grab-and-go breakfast (hours vary)
- Pop's Sweet Shoppe — candy and ice cream (evening hours; weekends later)
| Venue | Typical offering | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Surfside Grille | Burgers & poolside favorites | Good for families between slides |
| Bixby's Derby | Sit-down dinner, steaks/seafood | Reservations recommended |
| Pop's Sweet Shoppe | Ice cream & candy | Open evenings; check days |
Where to sleep: suites for families and groups
The Kartrite has 324 all-suite rooms across multiple suite types designed for families and groups. Many select room rates include four waterpark passes; confirm inclusions at booking or check-in. The nightly resort fee covers amenities such as Wi‑Fi, waterpark towels, in-room Keurig coffee and parking.
Popular room choices for families include Family Suite, 4 Bunk Beds, Sofa Bed and various Suite, Multiple Beds options. If you prefer balcony space, look for Suite, Multiple Beds, Balcony or Junior Suite with Balcony when booking.
- Family Suite, 4 Bunk Beds, Sofa Bed — sleeps families with bunk beds plus king and sofa bed
- Junior Suite with Balcony — 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed with outdoor balcony
- Suite, Multiple Beds (4 Waterpark passes) — 1 King Bed, 1 Double Sofa Bed and 2 Queen Beds (some rates include 4 passes)
| Room type | Typical bedding |
|---|---|
| Family Suite, 4 Bunk Beds, Sofa Bed | 4 Twin Beds, 1 King Bed, 1 Double Sofa Bed |
| Junior Suite with Balcony | 2 Queen Beds, 1 Double Sofa Bed |
| Suite, Multiple Beds (4 Waterpark passes) | 1 King Bed, 1 Double Sofa Bed, 2 Queen Beds |
Practical tips for your day trip
Confirm waterpark and restaurant hours before you leave for Bethel Woods — many outlets and the waterpark have seasonal schedules. Also check whether your room rate includes waterpark passes and what time complimentary access is allowed on check-out day.
Remember the resort’s policies: The Kartrite is a cashless property (bring a card), minimum check-in age is 21 with photo ID and credit card, and children under 16 must be supervised in the waterpark. Pack swimsuit cover-ups and shoes for dining areas and water shoes for the park if you prefer them.
- Bring a credit/debit card — the resort is cashless
- Minimum check-in age is 21; bring photo ID and card
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian in the waterpark
- Check Bethel Woods event calendar and plan parking time for concerts
| Before you go | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Confirm operating hours | Waterpark and dining hours change seasonally |
| Check waterpark pass inclusion | Some room rates include 4 passes; extras may be available |
| Bring ID and card | Required at check-in (21+ minimum) and resort is cashless |
