
Best Weekend Getaways from Washington, DC for Families
Here are the best weekend getaways from Washington, DC for families! Our nation's capital is an electrifying place for kids, but if your family feels like venturing off for a weekend, here are some incredible places just a short drive away. Get your bags packed and take the family on a quick weekend road trip to one (or more) of the many kid-friendly destinations on this list.
Lansdowne Resort - Leesburg, VA
christadiserio said: Not far from D.C. is Lansdowne resort nestled in Virginia wine country, along the Potomac River. This is a great getaway for families that need rejuvenate, as you'll connect with nature, history, impressive dining, and activities. The kids will especially enjoy heated pools, roasting s'mores, tennis, hiking, kayaking, a playground and much more. For extra fun, a Kids Club is also available on certain days of the week, which is the perfect option for parents who want a little time for themselves.
Leesburg, VA
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort - Williamsport, MD
christadiserio said: Just like the title says, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park is a luxurious camp resort that's located on Maryland's western scenic foothills. Families have the option of staying in one of their beautiful cabins or RV site, which are a few steps from a plethora of entertainment options. These include an impressive water park, mini golf, boot camp, laser tag and more. Trust me - your family will never be bored! But just in case you do want a change of scenery at some point, one other thing to note is that this resort is only a few miles from Antietam National Battlefield and the Appalachian Trail.
Williamsport, MDChesapeake Bay Hyatt Regency - Cambridge, MD
christadiserio said: Appreciate the gorgeous Chesapeake Bay at this stunning golf resort and spa. In addition unwinding options for Mom & Dad, the kids will enjoy fishing, Frisbee golf, tennis, as well as watching nightly movies on a raft in the indoor pool. This resort even has it's own Wildlife Refuge - an area full of beautiful vegetation and animals indigenous to this area of the country, like the Great Blue Heron and the American Bald Eagle. A trip to this resort is the perfect weekend vacation for a family who's looking to unwind while still keeping everyone entertained.
Cambridge, MD
Rocky Gap Casino Resort - Flintstone, MD
christadiserio said: While it has the word "casino" in the title, don't be turned off - Rocky Gap Casino Resort is totally family-friendly. This stunning resort sits on mountains and a lake within Rocky Gap State Park. The entire family will be wow-ed by the golf course, spa, indoor/outdoor pool, and all the outdoor activities. Think: hiking, boating, fishing, biking, kayaking, paddle-boarding, pedal boating and more. This is a weekend you'll really enjoy spending outdoors. In addition to all of the fabulous activities, Rocky Gap has great restaurants and a casino for older family members.
Flintstone, MDWintergreen Resort - Roseland, VA
christadiserio said: Wintergreen Resort has been recognized as one of Virginia's top ski resorts. It's a luxurious resort sitting on 11,000 acres on the east side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Snow or no snow, this place is absolutely stunning. On-site activities at Wintergreen include skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, golf, tennis, fly fishing, hiking, swimming, a spa, wonderful dining options, etc. Also, there are a handful of children's programs available for back-to-back entertainment daily.
Roseland, VAWisp Resort - McHenry, MD
christadiserio said: If you're an outdoorsy family that loves snow sports, you'll thoroughly enjoy a getaway to the Wisp Resort. This ski-in/ski-out resort sits on slightly over 170 acres and is so cozy! Winter activities include skiing, snowboard, snowmobiling, snow tubing and more. Should you choose to visit during the warmer seasons, there are still many activities that the whole family will love, such as archery, chairlift rides, mountain biking, golf, swimming and kayaking. While this resort stays extra busy during the winter, you can go wrong visiting during any season.
McHenry, MDSesame Place - Langhorne, PA
christadiserio said: If you're going to visit Sesame Place, you should carve out a whole weekend for this adventure and make it separate from a trip to Philly itself. Sesame Place is home to all our friends from Sesame Street and the whole family will get to meet them. There are rides, shows, a water playground and meals with the characters. Think about the kids visiting Elmo's World and Cookie Monster's Monster land - this will be a dream come true for them. Hotel partners are available near the park, if you need accommodations.
Langhorne, PANew York, NY
christadiserio said: You and the family will make memories for a lifetime in New York City. Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty, catch a show on Broadway, visit the Empire State Building, take a stroll through Central Park, take in the views from the High Line, and make your way to Chinatown and Little Italy. And where do I even begin about the food - you'll find any cuisine you've ever dreamed of here.
Manhattan, NY
Gettysburg, PA
christadiserio said: Gettysburg is an area rich with history. You have the option of watching history come to life in first person, walking soldier camps, visiting museums, and learning about U.S. presidents. Other activities include taking a hayride at Land of Little Horses Farm Park, where you can play with miniature horses, & going on a kid-friendly Ghosts of Gettysburg tour, on which ghosts sightings have occurred. Not only is this region historic but it's also home to a number of vineyards, farms & orchards. Start planning your vacation now & check out these places to stay.
Ocean City, Maryland
christadiserio said: Ocean City is the perfect beach destination for family fun on AND off the water. Ocean City boasts 10 miles of free beach, an awesome three-mile boardwalk and many great restaurants. The Ocean City boardwalk has been named on of the top boardwalks in the country because one that doesn't sleep. Whether you just cruise along the boardwalk on a bike, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, play arcade games or devour some Maryland crab cakes, you'll have nothing short of a good time. If you're into the beach, as well as fun & games, this is the place to go.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
christadiserio said: Welcome to the "City of Brotherly Love!" There are numerous activities in Philadelphia for the entire family - from impressive museums to historic sites and really scrumptious food. Kids will enjoy the Please Touch Museum, which is one of the nation's best interactive museums, the kid-friendly Franklin Institute science museum, Sesame Space theme park, and Spruce Street Harbor Park. There's loads of fun awaiting you all in this special city - here are some fabulous places to eat and stay while you're there.
Bethany Beach, Delaware
christadiserio said: Right on the Atlantic Ocean in Delaware is Bethany Beach - a white sand beach town perfect for a low-key family beach weekend. Families will have the best time taking a dip in the ocean, playing beach games & building sand castles. Off the beach is a wooden plank boardwalk right under half a mile, lined with different food stalls. This boardwalk is ideal for a stroll or even a bike ride. Another option for fun is Captain Jack's Pirate Golf, where the kids can mini golf on a pirate-themed course. Also, keep an eye out for activities, like Monday Movies and bonfires at certain times of the year.
Richmond, Virginia
christadiserio said: Richmond is a city that boasts the perfect mix of 400 years of history and modern-day culture that the whole family will enjoy. There are numerous activities in this capital city but the most notable include the Virginia State Capitol, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Kings Dominion particularly for the kids, the Children's Museum of Richmond, and the James River if you like to be outdoors. Also, Richmond has become quite the foodie city - so don't miss out on some of their fabulous restaurants and craft breweries!
Roanoke, Virginia
christadiserio said: Roanoke is a charming city for a family weekend getaway. Start the day out at the beautiful Mill Mountain Park, then make your way to the Science Museum of Western Virginia & Hopkins Planetarium, where the kids will love the unique hands-on experiments. The Mill Mountain Zoo is also a must-visit location - this is home to almost 200 mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates. Other sites to visit include ArtVenture Interactive Center at the Taubman Museum of Art and the Museum of Transportation. There are also several great lodging and restaurant options.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
christadiserio said: Think of Rehoboth Beach as a beach good for the entire family with a boardwalk that older kids will love. In addition to miles on top of miles of a great beach, the Funland Amusement Park and Midway Speedway Park (go-carting, bumper carts and mini golf) will also be a hit. Also, not too far away is Cape Henlopen State Park where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards. Rehoboth Beach is perfect for a quick family weekend away.
Primary photo: Bonnie Kittle on Unsplash
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