Are you looking for a family-friendly weekend getaway not far from Philadelphia? We’ve got you covered!
The Philadelphia area is amazing. Between the city itself and everything it has to offer and its proximity to so many incredible places, it really is the BEST city on the east coast.
One of the best things about Philadelphia is its location and proximity to many different places within a short drive. From major cities to the mountains to the beach, nothing is far from Philly.
There are several places to go for a weekend getaway near Philadelphia, but the below guide shares some of our favorites. Some of the options below are perfect for a quick overnight. Other are great for long-weekend.
Of course, nothing is better than a family road trip to bring you all together. Remember this inspiring travel quote; “The greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories.”
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Preparing For Your Weekend Getaway From Philadelphia
Get Road Ready
Before you head out on your adventure, it’s always good to be prepared. Anytime you take a road trip, you should make sure the car is in good condition and the kids will be entertained. These road trip tips will make your drive a little easier. And don’t forget about games to play in the car! They can help pass the time.
Pick Your Lodging
Where you choose to lay your head on your weekend getaway can make or break your time there.
If prefer a home-like atmosphere, a site like VRBO will have what you are looking for.
If you would rather stay in a hotel, sites like Booking.com can help narrow down the list by showing you properties with features you are looking for.
Awesome Weekend Getaways Near Philadelphia for Families
1. Lancaster County, PA
Approximately 80 miles and less than 2 hours from Philadelphia
When people think of Lancaster County, images of a horse and buddy may come to mind. While Lancaster is home to many Amish families, the area offers much more!
Train lovers should stop in Strasburg, PA. Strasburg is home to the National Toy Train Museum, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, and, of course, the wonderful Strasburg Railroad. Even the Choo Choo Barn down the street from the railroad is worth a stop to see their enormous train display.
Your hotel can also maintain the train theme! The Red Caboose Motel allows guests to stay overnight in one of 38 cabooses! If you’re celebrating a birthday, keep the theme going with these unique gifts for the train lover in your family.
The Lancaster area has other family-friendly fun. If your kids love amusement parks, take them to Dutch Wonderland! Built for young kids, this park has tons of age-appropriate rides.
🤩 Try this fun electric bicycle tour in Lancaster!
And, for a sweet treat, take them to the Turkey Hill Experience! This interactive facility allows kids to see how dairy farms operate and how milk becomes one of their most favorite treats. In addition to the museum, kids can have to opportunity to make their own ice cream or sample various iced teas.
Lastly, you can’t visit Lancaster without visiting an Amish farm. The Amish Village offers various tours of the farm and house or a more extended tour that encompasses more of the area. The Amish Farm and House offers similar tours. Or you can take a horse and buggy ride around the city!
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Eden Resort & Suites is a popular option due to its heated outdoor pools and kids’ water zones. And most kids will love staying the night at the official Cartoon Network Hotel.
2. Cape May, NJ
Approximately 90 miles and about 1.5 hours from Philadelphia
Cape May is the southernmost town in New Jersey. As one of New Jersey’s gems, many families flock there over the summer months. But Cape May offers plenty of family-friendly fun year-round!
When you aren’t dipping your toes in the Atlantic Ocean or the Delaware Bay, take the time to explore everything that Cape May has to offer.
One of the best things about Cape May is the FREE zoo! The Cape May County Park and Zoo is open year-round, except for Christmas. This FREE zoo is a family favorite activity, featuring more than 250 different species! Visit their website for their hours and events.
Another way to spend a day in Cape May is on the water! The Cape May-Lewes Ferry offers a beautiful and scenic ride across the Delaware Bay to Lewes, DE. If you get lucky, you may even see home whales or dolphins!
Lewes and Cape Henlopen State Park offer plenty of attractions and activities for families before you head back to Cape May.
🤩 Try a whale and dolphin watching boat tour!
Before you plan a visit to Cape May, visit the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities website.
They offer tours to many historic Cape May structures, including the Cape May Lighthouse (one of tallest lighthouses in New Jersey) and a World War II Lookout Tower. Times and prices vary for each attraction, but many are open throughout the year!
During the summer months, consider a visit to the Historic Cold Springs Village, New Jersey’s largest living history museum.
Although the buildings are closed during the other seasons, there are special events through the fall and Christmas seasons that may coincide with your visit. Make sure to check their website for more information.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
La Mer and Congress Hall are both beachfront properties with incredible amenities that offer family-sized rooms.
3. Hershey, PA
Approximately 95 miles and less than 2 hours from Philadelphia
Hershey, PA, is known as the Sweetest Place on Earth, and for a good reason. There are tons of chocolate-themed activities to participate in over your weekend getaway.
First, you’ll want to stay at one of Hershey’s properties. We loved our stay at the Hershey Lodge. The Hershey’s Waterworks pool can keep you entertained for hours alone.
As a bonus, if you stay at a Hershey property, you’ll receive FREE admission to the Hershey Story Museum and the Hershey Gardens and an extra hour at Hersheypark during their “preview plan.”
If you need more than those activities to fill your weekend in Hershey, there are many other fun things to do in and near town. First, at Hershey’s Chocolate World, you can take a FREE “tour” of Hershey’s chocolate factory. Or you can build your own chocolate bar. It’s also the world’s largest Hershey store, so take your time shopping around.
Outside of town, the Indian Echo Caverns allow you to get underground and learn about how caves are formed.
The biggest draw to Hersey is Hersheypark, a 110-acre amusement park filled with rides for all ages, including over a dozen roller coasters. Hersheypark is open from spring through Christmastime, making Hershey a perfect destination for fun throughout the year.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge both offer perks like FREE admission to the Hershey Story Museum and the Hershey Gardens and an extra hour at Hersheypark during their “preview plan.”
4. New York City
Approximately 95 miles and less than 2 hours from Philadelphia
When thinking about a weekend getaway from Philadelphia with kids, New York City is an obvious choice! There are so many things to do there, many of which are FREE, that you can spend a few days and not see everything.
Getting to New York City from Philadelphia is super easy by train. Amtrak gets you to the city quickly from 30th Street Station or the Trenton Transit Center. Or you can take NJ Transit from Trenton for a slower ride, yet cheaper, ride.
For a weekend getaway to New York City, we recommend mixing in some of the more notable attractions with some fun ones for kids.
🤩 See New York from the water with a sightseeing cruise!
There are many parks and playgrounds for kids to enjoy (Central Park has over 20 of them!) and there are also several carousels throughout the city.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
The Embassy Suites at 37th Street and 6th Avenue and the Hampton Inn on 8th Avenue between 51st and 52nd Streets are within walking distance to many popular attractions, and both of them have breakfast included!
5. Baltimore, MD
Approximately 100 miles and less than 2 hours from Philadelphia
Baltimore, Maryland, is the perfect town for a weekend getaway from Philly! The Inner Harbor offers tons of family-friendly attractions, including the National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Center. Other family-friendly attractions along the harbor include the Historic Ships and the Top of the World Observation Deck. You can see Fort McHenry on a clear day!
Speaking of Fort McHenry, this is another location in Baltimore that is perfect for families. You can learn about the battle that inspired our National Anthem, and the person who wrote the lyrics; Francis Scott Key. After you visit Fort McHenry, stop by the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House to learn more about the woman who made the flag that inspired the song!
🤩 Try a ghost tour in Baltimore!
Depending on when you visit Baltimore, you may want to take the kids to historic Camden Yards to catch an Orioles baseball game. The ballpark is right in the heart of the city, near the inner harbor, making it easy to get to!
TOP HOTEL PICKS
The Hilton Garden Inn and the Homewood Suites on President Street, (they share a lobby) offer free breakfast and are within walking distance to the Inner Harbor.
6. Poconos Indoor Waterpark
Approximately 100 miles and less than 2 hours from Philadelphia
The Pocono Mountains have so many excellent, family-friendly resorts in the area. And three of them have massive indoor waterparks! Kalahari, Camelback, and Great Wolf Lodge all offer waterpark admission with your overnight stay.
It’s easy to plan a weekend getaway to an indoor waterpark in the Poconos because you don’t have to worry about the weather outside. Just pack your bags for the night based on the activities you’ll want to participate in at the resort.
These resorts offer more than just waterparks. They have many fun things to do, like ropes courses, arcades, mountain coasters, and snow tubing. They are the perfect weekend getaway any time of year!
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Kalahari, Camelback, and Great Wolf Lodge are all great choices. Our advice? Pick the one that’s running the best deal!
7. Tarrytown, NY
Approximately 125 miles and about 2 hours from Philadelphia
A quiet river town along the Hudson doesn’t sound like a great family getaway. But I promise you it is. Especially during the fall months! Tarrytown and its neighbors, like Sleepy Hollow, truly embrace their legacy and are fun towns to visit with kids.
Start with a tour of Washington Irving’s home, the man who put the area on the map with his stories. Have you read your kids The Legend of Sleepy Hollow? At least show them the Disney movie version! After that, you can tour some of the other historic estates, including Lyndhurst and Kykuit (owned by the Rockefeller family).
From May through November, you can shop and eat at the Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow Farmer’s Market. While you indulge in a tasty treat, your kids can play on the adjacent playground. Want to spend more time outside? Take a walk along the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail.
During the fall months, Tarrytown and its neighbors go all out for Halloween. The Historic Hudson Valley puts on the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, a nighttime event featuring over 7000 carved pumpkins.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
The Hampton Inn White Plains/Tarrytown has an outdoor pool open during the summer months and a delicious complimentary hot breakfast. However, for a more luxorious stay, check out the Castle Hotel and Spa.
8. Annapolis, MD
Approximately 125 miles and about 2 hours from Philadelphia
Maryland’s capital might be known for boating and the Naval Academy, but it offers many fun things to do for families!
At 2-2.5 hours from Philadelphia, it’s the perfect distance to get away, but not to travel too far. And the getting there is part of the fun! We recommend driving through Delaware so that you can cross the magnificent Chesapeake Bay Bridge into the city.
Before you cross, stop in Kent Narrows for a delicious bite to eat at the Jetty. Or climb to the top of the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Center near Ferry Point Park Beach.
Once you are in Annapolis, there are plenty of things to do to fill your weekend! History lovers will want to visit the Maryland State House, the oldest state house in the nation.
🤩 Learn more about Annapolis with this scavenger hunt tour!
Visitors can tour the building and step foot into the room where George Washington resigned as commander of the Continental Army. While you’re in the area, walk around the historic district or enjoy the William Paca House’s garden.
Of course, while in Annapolis with kids, you’ll want to spend some time on the water! Bring your sense of humor and adventure for the Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake.
Kids will get geared up in pirate-themed clothing and then board the Sea Gypsy to search for sunken treasure. This unique experience is fun for the whole family.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
For an upscale stay within walking distance to the Naval Academy, you’ll love the Graduate Annapolis. The Springhill Suites is great option for a traditional family-friendly hotel with free breakfast and a pool.
9. Washington, DC
Approximately 140 miles and 2.5 hours from Philadelphia
We love visiting Washington, DC with kids! Thanks to all of the many FREE things to do in Washington, DC, it is a great place to spend a family weekend.
We recommend starting at the National Mall to enjoy the monuments and memorials, like the Washington Monument. Take a ride to the top for the best views in the city. Before you head to the National Mall, read our five tips for visiting with kids.
After perusing the monuments, you can visit a few Smithsonian Museums. They have so many to choose from, but one of our favorites is the Museum of the American Indian.
Other popular museums for visiting with kids is the Air & Space Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the American History Museum. All of these museums have dedicated kids’ areas, which make them even better!
🤩 It’s easy to get around Washington, DC with this hop-on hop-off trolley tour!
In addition to the Mall, we also recommend visiting the District Wharf, where there are many restaurants, shops, and kids’ activities along the waterfront.
Right outside of the city, across the Potomac from the Lincoln Memorial, is the Arlington National Cemetery. It is a must-do for any visit to DC!
If you have time, take the short drive to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s historic estate. It is about a 30-minute drive from the city through beautiful Alexandria. There are many fun things for kids to do on the plantation, including a scavenger hunt.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Hampton Inn Washington, D.C./White House and the Hyatt Place Washington Dc/White House both offer FREE breakfast and are a 15-minutes walk to the National Mall.
10. Alexandria, VA
Approximately 150 miles and about 2.5 hours from Philadelphia
As one of the oldest towns in the nation, Alexandria, VA, is full of history and charm. Visitors will sometimes combine a day in Alexandria when visiting Washington, DC, but this town can hold its own with plenty to do over a weekend get away.
Due to its history, Alexandria has no shortage of colonial museums and buildings to tour. You can visit them individually, or take a historical walking or ghost tour.
One of the main attractions in Alexandria is the George Washington Masonic Memorial. This massive structure was built to honor Washington as Freemason and serve as a local lodge.
Guests can tour the beautiful memorial and even get fantastic views of Alexandria from the top of the building.
Getting around Alexandria is easy using the King Street Trolley. The FREE trolley runs along King Street, bringing visitors from the Metro station to Market Square.
You can stop anywhere along the way to enjoy some of the unique shops and restaurants in town. Or grab a bite to eat along the water.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Our favorite hotel is the Embassy Suites. It is right next to the Metro stop and the FREE King Street Trolley and includes FREE breakfast and nightly manager’s reception.
11. Norwalk, CT
Approximately 140 miles and about 2.5 hours from Philadelphia
Norwalk may be small, but it offers plenty of things to do for families! Start with the Maritime Aquarium, located along the Norfolk River, to see and learn about marine life. Then head over to the FREE Sono Switch Tower Museum, perfect for the train fans in your family!
Norwalk also has a great children’s museum in town. Stepping Stones Museum for Children is located in Mathews Park. This museum is the perfect place for children to learn and play. Don’t forget to check out their garden!
Also found in Mathews Park is the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum. The museum offers 45-90 minute tours of the historic estate built by LeGrand Lockwood, principal owner of the Danbury and Norwalk Railroad.
A little note: On a beautiful day, you can walk from the Maritime Aquarium to Mathews Park via Oyster Shell Park. It is about a 15-minute walk and less than one mile.
You can’t visit Norwalk without dipping your toes into the Long Island Sound! The best place to do that is Shady Beach Park and Calf Pasture Beach.
This beach and park have playgrounds and splash pad. There are also many tables to sit at and enjoy a bite to eat. Please note, the city charges for parking and access to the beach. You learn more about those fees here.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Hotel Zero Degrees offers luxurious rooms and roof-top terrace. The Residence Inn by Marriott has large rooms and FREE breakfast.
12. Gettysburg, PA
Approximately 140 miles and about 2.5 hours from Philadelphia
For a small town, Gettysburg still offers plenty to do to fill your weekend getaway.
Start with exploring the town and all of the history it has to offer. Places like the Jennie Wade House and the Shriver House Museum will give you an idea of what it was like for the civilians of Gettysburg to live through the famous Civil War battle.
While in town, check out some fun shops, like the Union Drummer Boy and the Christmas Haus.
You can’t visit Gettysburg without taking a tour of the battlefield. There are several options to tour, including a self-driving tour. You can purchase an audio guide in the museum shop or download one onto your phone.
And if you don’t want to drive, you can always book a bus tour through the battlefield.
If you want to get a hike during your weekend getaway from Philadelphia, the Michaux State Forest is less than 30 minutes away, offering several beautiful trails.
We recommend the Pole Steeple Trail, a .75-mile (1.5 total) out-and-back trail, to some fantastic views of Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
There are several bed & breakfasts in town. For a more traditional hotel stay, the Hampton Inn is a short drive into town and has large suites and FREE breakfast.
13. Harpers Ferry, WV
Approximately 170 miles and about 2.5 hours from Philadelphia
Harpers Ferry in West Virginia is the perfect weekend getaway for families who love history and hiking.
Harpers Ferry is a unique location, as the National Park Service runs a large chunk of the town. Visitors can learn about the town’s importance while exploring the historical buildings. You’ll have to ride the shuttle from the visitor’s center to get to the historical area.
There are also several shops and eateries in town. You can fuel up after you take one of the beautiful but challenging hikes in town.
Harpers Ferry is one of the best east coast hiking destinations because of the awesome trails near town. Both the Maryland Heights and the Loudon Heights trails have a steep incline but offer gorgeous views of Harpers Ferry. The Maryland Heights trail also connects to the Appalachian Trail.
Other fun things to do near Harpers Ferry include river rafting down the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, and visiting the nearby Antietam National Battlefield, known for the bloodiest day in American history.
You have several hotel and bed & breakfast options near Harpers Ferry. We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Charles Town, about a 10-minute drive from the historic town. It was a great stay with a FREE breakfast and an indoor pool.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
You have several hotel and bed & breakfast options near Harpers Ferry. For a more traditional hotel, the Hampton Inn in Charles Town is about a 10-minute drive from the historic area and offers FREE breakfast and an indoor pool.
14. Mystic, CT
Approximately 230 miles and about 4 hours from Philadelphia
Contributed by Savannah from Tickets for Four
Mystic, CT is a shoreline community filled with New England charm that receives over 700,000 visitors a year. It also offers many fun things to do for families! At about 4 hours from Philadelphia, it is a well worth road trip!
Grab a pizza at Mystic Pizza. Mystic, CT was put on the map as the home behind the hit movie “Mystic Pizza” when it was released in 1988. Since then, tourists have been flocking to this destination to try “A Slice of Heaven.”
The movie was filmed on location, including the world-famous Mystic Pizza located in downtown Mystic. It is a lot more than just being overhyped because their pizzas are really that good!
The location is filled with movie memorabilia. Getting a seat can be a wait, so we recommend calling ahead.
Spend some time visiting Mystic Aquarium. With both indoor and outdoor exhibits, have fun exploring and discovering thousands of animals, including beluga whales, African penguins, frogs, fish, and more.
Kids will love the hands-on exhibits! Get your hands wet in the touch tank, touching sharks, stingrays, and crabs.
Olde Mystic Village is located right next door to the Mystic Aquarium. It has a unique collection of specialty shops and restaurants that are a favorite shopping center for locals and tourists in Southeastern CT.
It is filled with locally-owned shops and small businesses. Kids love visiting the Toy Soldier toy store and the Cloak and Wand wizarding shop and potion bar. Try some free fudge samples at Franklin’s General Store.
Take a stroll through Downtown Mystic. Stop in and visit some of the quaint and colorful mom-and-pop shops and eateries that line Main Street.
You can find the historic and unique landmark, the Mystic Drawbridge, here. It frequently opens about every 40 minutes or so. Grab an ice cream cone, find a bench on the waterfront, and watch as boats cross this busy section.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
Stay within walking distance of Mystic River and many attractions at The Whaler’s Inn. The Hampton Inn & Suites os closer to the aquarium and Olde Mystick Village, and offers FREE breakfast.
15. Ithaca, NY and the Finger Lakes Region
Approximately 230 miles and about 4 hours from Philadelphia
Ithaca, Watkins Glen, and the rest of the Finger Lakes region is popular getaway near Philadelphia.
The area’s geography allows for many fantastic waterfall hikes through the many gorges. And the large lakes are perfect for water activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking.
Outdoor lovers will love all the hikes available in the area, especially the famous Watkin Glen Gorge Trail and the beautiful Buttermilk Falls Trail in Ithaca. It’s one of the best places to go hiking on the east coast!
Even if you don’t want to hike, you can still easily see several waterfalls, like the massive Taughannock Falls.
Kids will also enjoy the Cayuga Nature Center with its 6-story tree house and animal exhibits.
There are several museums in the region, including the Corning Museum of Glass, which is a combination of science, art, and history museum. You can easily spend an entire day at the museum and explore Corning itself.
TOP HOTEL PICKS
The Ithaca Marriott is downtown right on the commons and walking distance to many shops and restaurants. For a more natural setting, the Inn at Taughannock Falls overlooks Cayuga Lake and is located within Taughannock Falls State Park.
Weekend Getaways From Philadelphia for Families Wrap Up
Whether you’re exploring the historic charm of Gettysburg or Alexandria, soaking up the sun in Cape May, or embarking on a wild adventure in the Poconos or Finger Lakes, Philadelphia-area families have so many options when it comes to a weekend getaway.
Some of these destinations even make great fall or spring break getaways. So start planning your next adventure, and prepare for a weekend of family fun that’ll be remembered for years.
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