The big state of Pennsylvania offers many possible weekend getaways, but there’s also big city life, sand beaches and coasters near Philadelphia families.
As one of America’s oldest cities and a magnet for any family interested in American history, Philadelphia is one of our favorite all-time destinations for weekend getaways, short school breaks, or even a month-long vacation — there’s that much to see and do. But sometimes the weight of hosting Betsy Ross and the noise of the Liberty Bell can be too much, and that’s why area families and their suburban neighbors look for a change.
Whether your family is looking for a short break holiday, a cheap vacation package, a fun last-minute excursion to break up a road trip, or a weekend getaway from everyday routines, there are lots of options within a 200-mile radius of Philadelphia, and many are much closer than that.
The following weekend getaway roundup includes some of our family’s favorite kids’ destinations. There are, of course, many other choices for spending your time and money on a short break, so we’ll just highlight some of the top local attractions, kid-friendly festivals and events that suit all ages. We welcome you to submit your own favorite mid-Atlantic weekend getaways.
Big City Weekend Getaways from Philadelphia
New York City Family Attractions
Easily accessed by trains, planes and automobiles — not to forget cheap buses — the city of New York needs this comprehensive sightseeing guide instead of an introduction.
Baltimore, Maryland Family Attractions
A family guide to historical, educational and fun places to visit, from the aquarium to Camden Yards, in this seafaring, mid-Atlantic port city.
Washington DC wtih Teens
There are many reasons to visit the nation’s capital, but you can always use fresh ideas if you have tweens and teens visiting (or re-visiting) with their folks.
Fine Arts & Fun in Pittsburgh
Explore galleries, theatres, museums, local cuisine and more with a family guide to fine arts and fun attractions in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Weekend in Wilmington Delaware
Quiet Wilmington, Delaware is a bargain place to explore with the school kids, because of the gardens, museums, and American history this area has to offer.
Explore Richmond
Named a “Best City for Families” by Parenting magazine, Richmond has developed many fun tourist attractions since the Civil War.
Short Breaks & Family Beach Weekends Beyond Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Apple Farms
Families will find many u-pick apple farms and pumpkin patches that are easily accessible to Philadelphia, Wilmington and New Jersey families.
Hershey Pennsylania’s Family Adventures
What to do when you’ve had enough candy in the surprisingly entertaining chocolate capital of the world: Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Cape May, New Jersey
What we don’t know about the Jersey Shore: an insider’s guide to a peaceful family beach getaway vacation in the peninsula’s historic Cape May.
A Weekend at the Jersey Shore
Check out two different scenes (and we don’t mean the TV show), minutes from each other on the Jersey shore, for a beach weekend, mini-vacation or daytrip.
Rehoboth Beach Promises Family Fun
Along the east coast Atlantic shoreline, the pristine sands of Delaware, especially Rehoboth, provide ingredients for the ultimate family beach getaway.
Pennsylvania: Poconos Family Hotels & Resorts
The friendly mountain region that has welcomed outdoorsmen and honeymooners for generations is setting its sights on the family market.
Pennsylvania Dutch Country Resorts & Hotels
It’s your choice between country inns, farm stays, resorts and motels as you tour the classic Amish country surrounding pretty Lancaster.
American History Road Trip: Philadelphia, The Amish, Gettysburg
Leave Philly on your American history road trip and explore the regions of Lancaster and Gettysburg together.
Free Travel Fun in Gettysburg
While some may think battlefield, others look forward to dropping by Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum, one of the many free attractions around Gettysburg.
Connecticut Family Attractions
There’s so much to see and do in nearby Connecticut, which boasts Lake Compounce, the nation’s oldest themepark, and Mystic Seaport, an extensive maritime museum with a learning center and aquarium full of whales.
Ocean City Attractions
From adventures on the sea, to rides, games and explorations on the land, there’s “shore” to be something fun for everyone in Maryland’s beach town of Ocean City.
Favorite Family Resorts for Pennsylvania Weekends
Skytop Lodge Family Weekend
Visit a surprisingly fun resort in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains whose restraint and dignity make time and tradition stand still.
Woodloch Pines for Family Reunions
FTF’s annual Top 10 survey of award-winners highlights Woodloch Pines as one of our best places to host your family’s next reunion.
Spa Stop at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa
Offering a great Kids Club and entertaining nearby attractions, this Farmington, Pennsylvania resort pampers families with an amazing spa getaway.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
You are so right Banfos, thanks for the heads up. Mystic CT is quite remarkable and has much to see besides the aquarium. We have made the change.
Mystic Seaport is a world-renowned maritime history museum. It is not an aquarium as stated in your article.