Best Weekend Getaways from Philadelphia for Families

Tim Ponisciak said:  There is more than enough in DC to keep you and your family busy for a long weekend. The best part about visiting DC is that there is a lot you can do without spending a dime. The National Museum of Natural History, American History Museum and Air & Space Museum are all free museums that are part of the Smithsonian Institution. The National Archives and Library of Congress can also be visited free of charge!

DC is about 3 hours from Philadelphia.

Vanessa M. said:  Lancaster's Dutch Country offers a hotbed of family fun activities in a lovely country setting, offering everything from Amish buggy rides to children's petting zoos. Spring brings traditional Amish "Mud Sales," which are auctions benefiting local volunteer fire depts, named for the muddy weather conditions of the spring and summer sales. Lancaster is close enough for a day trip, but with so much to see and do, you may opt for a long weekend trip. Visit a farm, experience an Amish "smorgasbord" (buffet), and don't forget to bring home a "shoo-fly pie!"

Erin P. said:  Busch Gardens and Water Country USA both offer tons of fun for even their youngest guests. Their parks were designed with kids in mind. They can meet everyone’s favorite furry friends at Sesame Street Forest of Fun, or go big on kid-friendly (or KIDsiderate, as they like to say) rides in Land of the Dragons. Their KIDsiderate attractions are geared toward families with children ages nine and younger.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Reading is a great place to unwind for a lazy weekend. Go shopping at the outlets, see a minor league baseball game or check out the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum. There are plenty of great hotels and bed and breakfasts to stay at around the Reading area.

Reading is a 1 hr 30 min drive from Philadelphia.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Visiting Cape May is like taking a step back in time. There are beautiful Victorian homes, carriages and historic tours. Check out the iconic lighthouse and of course you have to see Lucy the Elephant!

Vanessa M. said:  Experience the Chesapeake Bay for a relaxing weekend away from the city. With beautiful scenery, fresh seafood, boating, fishing, hiking, beaches, and more, there is something for everyone.

Vanessa M. said:  Wildwood offers sunny beaches, shops, carnival games, Morey's Piers water parks and roller coasters, and a boardwalk experience that is a must see for every local family. Wildwood is close enough from Philly for a day trip, or choose to stay at one of the many vintage hotels or motels to make it a weekend getaway. Unlike many of the other Jersey shore beaches, all of the beaches in Wildwood are free! Kids will enjoy taking a ride on the famous tram cars that traverse up and down the 2 miles of boardwalk. Just be sure to "Watch the tram car, please!"

Tim Ponisciak said:  Stone Harbor is a quieter beach town in southern New Jersey. Stroll the beach, browse the shops downtown, and check out some of the great restaurants! Make sure to go to Springer's for some amazing ice cream!

Tim Ponisciak said:  Avalon offers a more relaxed beach setting than some of the other southern New Jersey towns. Check out the miles of beaches, go fishing, learn how to stand-up paddleboard or go mini-golfing!

Tim Ponisciak said:  Sea Isle City is a great little town for your family to visit. It is not quite as big as some of the more well-known beach towns along the south Jersey shore, but there will be more for mom and dad to do as there are some great restaurants and bars along Ocean Drive!

Tim Ponisciak said:  Ocean City New Jersey (not to be confused with the MD version) lives up to its nickname of America's greatest family resort. The boardwalk is filled with shops, restaurants, amusement parks, candy stores and ice cream shops for over a mile. If you like miniature golf, this is the place for you with numerous golf courses right on the boardwalk. If your kids are into pirates, check out Playland's Castaway Cove. If you have little ones who love donuts, take them to Brown's!

Also of note, Ocean City is a dry town, no alcohol is served once you come over the bridge!

Tim Ponisciak said:  The Pocono Mountains offer tons of outdoor activities for the family who loves adventure. Check out zip lining & mountain coaster slides at Camelback Mountain Adventures.

Play mini golf, go skiing or snowboarding, try out rafting or see beautiful Bushkill Falls (known as "The Niagara of Pennsylvania").

The Poconos are about 1 hr 50 min from Philly.

Vanessa M. said:  With the world class city of New York less than 100 miles away, what are you waiting for? NYC has so much to offer - museums, theater, fine dining - if you can name it, New York has it! There are trains, buses, and flights to bring you to NYC if you want to skip the hassle of driving.