Are you looking for winter getaways near Philadelphia for the day or a weekend?
How will you keep the kids entertained when the holiday festivities are over and the temperatures drop? That is every parent’s question come January.
Thankfully, there are many fun things to do in winter, especially in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. There are also several fun places to visit for a winter day trip from Philadelphia or even a fun winter weekend getaway.
Some of our favorite activities are the indoor waterparks in the Poconos, like Camelback’s Aquatopia, the Lost River Caverns near Allentown, and enjoying a weekend away in Washington, DC.
The list below shares some of the best places to visit for a day or weekend, and they aren’t far from Philadelphia. This whole list might even get you through the entire winter!
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Awesome Day Trips & Weekend Getaways From Philadelphia in the Winter
1. Camelback Resort
Camelback Resort in the Poconos is a one-stop-shop for winter fun and is a top thing to do in the area.
Whether you want to stay warm inside and enjoy the fantastic Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark or get outside in the snow and go tubing or skiing, it is the perfect winter getaway from Philadelphia.
We recommend staying over the weekend to enjoy everything the resort offers. However, you can also spend a day at Aquatopia and have just as much fun.
2. Island Waterpark at Showboat
One of the newest indoor waterparks near Philadelphia is Island Waterpark at Showboat in Atlantic City.
The park has several water slides, a lazy river for relaxation, and fun splash zones for the little kid to entertain visitors of all ages. You can play all day and have a quick drive back to the city.
Buy your tickets online to get the best price and FREE parking.
3. Great Wolf Lodge in Maryland
One of the newest Great Wolf Lodge resorts is in Perryville, MD, which is closer to Philadelphia than the Poconos location (another great winter getaway option!).
Its indoor water park has a variety of slides, pools, and water attractions, providing endless aquatic fun for guests.
Beyond the water park, the lodge features themed suites, interactive games, dining options, and seasonal activities, ensuring tons of fun and excitement for your getaway.
🧳 Check out our Great Wolf Lodge packing guide
4. American Dream Mall
Another fantastic place to visit for indoor fun during a winter weekend is the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, NJ.
The American Dream Mall offers something for everyone, including indoor skiing and snowboarding at Big SNOW, thrill rides at Nickelodeon Universe theme park, the Dreamworks indoor waterpark, and more!
There are so many other things to do at American Dream, like ice skating, a mirror maze, a Ferris Wheel, a mini-golf course, an aquarium, and more. Are you tired yet?
🛌 Stay overnight to enjoy everything American Dream has to offer!
5. Woodloch Resort
Woodloch Resort is an excellent, family-friendly resort in the Poconos that is perfect to visit any time of year. Of course, they have tons of things to do that are included with your stay during the winter.
Some of the winter activities at Woodloch include snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing on their beautiful trails.
And if you want to stay warm inside, the resort also has indoor fun, like an arcade, swimming pools, and various themed events. It’s the perfect getaway for families during the winter months.
6. Hershey, PA
We love Hershey, PA! It’s one of our favorite places in Pennsylvania to visit in winter.
Even if Hersheypark is closed, the town has plenty of fun activities. The activities at Chocolate World alone can fill your day. But the Hershey Story Museum and the Hershey Gardens are also fun winter activities.
If you’re heading to Hershey for a winter getaway, you’ll want to stay the night at the Hershey Lodge. You’ll receive FREE admission to the Hershey Story Museum and Hershey Gardens. And you’ll also get to enjoy their excellent pool, the Hershey Water Works, which is practically a mini indoor waterpark.
7. Gettysburg, PA
Gettysburg is a cute small town with a lot of history and fun. The town offers many things to do in the winter, with shops, eateries, and museums, like the Shriver House, which offers insight into the battle’s impact on the townsfolk.
Many visitors head to the historic battlefield and the visitor center, where you can enjoy the film, cyclorama, and museum before taking a self-guided driving tour around the battlefield.
There is even more cold weather enjoyment nearby with Liberty Mountain Resort, where you can ski, snowboard, and snow tube, a fun winter activity in Pennsylvania. And if you enjoy winter hiking, Michaux State Forest is 30 minutes away, with several fun trails, including Pole Steeple Trail and the trail to Chimney Rocks.
đźš—Take this self-guided driving tour through the Gettysburg battlefield
8. Alexandria, VA
Outside Washington, DC, Old Town Alexandria could be a fun overnight or weekend away in the winter. With several fascinating museums, the incredible George Washington Masonic Memorial, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon down the road, plenty of indoor activities keep you warm.
Even if it’s a chilly day, you won’t want to skip walking around Old Town Alexandria. The FREE King Street Trolley will give you a warm ride up and down the street while you visit the many shops and restaurants.
🛌 This hotel has FREE made-to-order breakfast and is across from the King Street Trolley Station
9. Milford, PA
Milford, PA, is a perfect winter day trip from Philadelphia!
This charming small town on the Delaware River is close to some of the best winter hiking in the Delaware Water Gap. You can visit Raymondskill Falls and Hackers Falls from the same parking area. They are both beautiful in the winter.
Take the time to visit two historic homes: Grey Towers and the Columns Museum. James Pinchot, the founder and first Chief of the US Forest Service, owned Grey Towers. You can tour the grounds of the home in the winter for free or take one of the self-guided tours of the property.
The Columns Museum was the home of businessman and politician Dennis McLaughlin. One of the highlights of the museum is the flag that Abraham Lincoln rested his head on after he was shot.
10. Harpers Ferry, WV
Harpers Ferry in West Virginia is the perfect winter getaway from Philadelphia. It combines a small town with history and hiking and is fun for everyone.
You’ll want to start at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, where you can explore several buildings in town. The town has been preserved so well that it feels like you are stepping back in time!
Warm up by doing one of the many hikes available. We love the Maryland Heights trail, which gives you incredible town views. It’s one of our favorite places to hike on the east coast. However, the Loudon Height Trail and the Weverton Cliffs are also fun.
🛌 This hotel is 15 minutes from town and has complimentary breakfast
11. Ithaca, NY
Ithaca is gorgeous, especially in the snow! This beautiful town in the Finger Lakes area of New York State is the perfect destination for a winter weekend getaway from Philadelphia.
There are plenty of things to do in town, like visiting museums or exploring Cornell’s campus. Outside, you can explore the Cayuga Nature Center and its six-story tree house!
However, if you’re visiting the Finger Lakes, you’ll want to enjoy some of the many waterfalls. Thankfully, two in Ithaca are easy to see and get to, including Triphammer Falls at Cornell.
Our favorite is the Taughannock Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in New York. You can enjoy its frozen beauty from the overlook or take the easy 1-mile trail to the bottom of the falls (though it occasionally closes if there is too much ice).
🛌 The Inn at Taughannock Falls is right next to Cayuga Lake
12. Easton, PA
Easton is perfect for a day trip from Philadelphia. One of the city’s biggest draws, especially for parents with young children, is the Crayola Experience. This colorful interactive museum allows kids to design their crayons, make art, and play.
If it’s a warmer day, take the time to stroll through the Karl Stiner Art Trail or the Delaware Canal Towpath.
13. Lancaster County
Lancaster County has so many things to do over a winter day trip or weekend getaway.
First, you want to take advantage of the Turkey Hill Experience in Columbia. Even when cold outside, you’ll still enjoy an ice cream treat! You can even make your own flavor.
A winter landscape makes the perfect scene as you roll by on the Strasburg Railroad. Even though the train is famous for its Christmas-themed rides, the railroad operates year-round.
🛌 Stay the night at Eden Resort & Suites with their large indoor pool
14. Catskills
When you think about the Catskills, I’m sure one word comes to mind: skiing! The Catskill Mountains are known for their winter sports, including downhill and cross-country skiing.
Several hikes in the Catskills are perfect for the winter weather, including the easy walk to the top of Kaaterskill Falls and the gorgeous Sunset Rock.
If you want warmer fun, try the Kartrite Resort in Monticello, which has an indoor waterpark and other fun activities.
15. New York City
New York City is a fun winter weekend destination. Popular attractions, like the Empire State Building, tend to be less crowded (in New York). You can enjoy some breathing room at the fun stores. And restaurants are easier to get into.
Spending a winter day or two in New York has many ways. From the fantastic museums and tall buildings to the winter activities like ice skating at Bryant Park, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Some of them are FREE!
🛌 Make the most of your New York weekend and stay overnight!
16. Baltimore, MD
Baltimore isn’t always at the top of a list of winter weekend getaway locations, but it should be! There are plenty of ways to enjoy a weekend in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, even in winter.
Of course, the National Aquarium is a top attraction in Baltimore year-round. However, other fun things exist, like the Maryland Science Center, the Historic Ships, and the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House. You can even tour the M&T Bank Stadium, where the Ravens play.
🛌 We loved our stay at the Homewood Suites in Baltimore.
17. Washington, DC
Washington, DC, is a perfect place for a winter weekend getaway from Philadelphia in the winter! With several museums, many of which are FREE, there is no shortage of things to do inside where it’s warm.
Winter is a great time to visit Washington, DC, since it’s less crowded than it can be in the spring and summer. You might find getting tickets to the Washington Monument and reservations at the Air & Space Museum easier.
🛌 This hotel is close to the White House and offers FREE breakfast
18. Pittsburgh
Visiting Pittsburgh in winter gives you plenty of options to enjoy both indoor and outdoor attractions. Its distance from Philadelphia makes it perfect for a two-night stay.
You can stay warm while visiting the Phipps Conservatory and enjoying the botanical displays and vibrant plant life. Or the Heinz History Center, which offers exciting history about Pittsburgh and the surrounding regions with interactive exhibits and artifacts. We love the Mr. Rogers Neighborhood set.
You can always spend a sunny winter day outside at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Frick Park. And you can never go wrong with a ride on one of the inclines.
🛌 We loved this hotel with FREE breakfast in Downtown Pittsburgh
19. Valley Forge NHP
Winter is the perfect time to visit Valley Forge National Historical Park!
The park was the encampment site of the Continental Army from December 1777 until June 1778. This means kids will understand what it was like for a soldier at that time. Don’t forget to check out the museum at the Visitor Center. Kids can even participate in the Junior Ranger Program.
If you’re up for a winter hike, the Mount Misery and Valley Creek trails are the perfect way to get warm! They are some of the best trails near Philadelphia, so you’ll want to take advantage of them.
20. French Creek State Park & Hopewell Furnace
Another great historical site for a day trip from Philadelphia is the Hopewell Furnace in Elverson, PA.
Hopewell showcases what life was like on these “iron plantations” from the early industrialized era between the late 1700s and 1800s. There are several buildings on the property, plus a small museum in the Visitor Center. Don’t forget to earn a Junior Ranger Badge!
Hopewell Furnace is adjacent to French Creek State Park, one of the best state parks near Philadelphia. There are several hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate, which are fun to do on a sunny winter day. Don’t forget to wear bright colors, as hunting is allowed in some areas of the park.
21. The Lost River Caverns
Caves are such a fun way to get “outside” in nature without actually having to be outside! And with a constant 52° year-round, it might be warmer in the cave than the weather outside.
Many of the caves in Pennsylvania stop tours during the winter. However, Lost River Caverns in Hellertown, PA is open daily throughout the year, though they are closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
The tour is about 35-40 minutes long and will take you underground to explore the various formations, Although the path is paved, their are steep ramps and stairs, so it’s not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
You can combine this tour with a visit to Easton to make the most out of your day trip from Philly.
Wrapping Up Winter Day Trips and Weekend Getaways From Philadelphia
Even though there are many fun things to do in Philly during the winter, there are even more options outside of the city.
Whether you want to be inside somewhere warm or want to spend a sunny day outside, there are tons of fun winter day trips or weekend getaways not far from Philadelphia.
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