Philadelphia families know the big state of Pennsylvania offers many possible weekend getaways. But have you considered the big city life, sand beaches and roller coasters nearby in New York, Maryland and Virginia?
It’s truly one of America’s oldest cities and a magnet for any family interested in American history. So yes, Philadelphia itself is one of our favorite all-time destinations. Catch our New York-based team driving or training often to Philly for weekend getaways. We spend short school breaks sharing all the educational attractions — there’s so much to see and do.
But sometimes the weight of hosting the Betsy Ross legend and the noise of the Liberty Bell can be too much.
The Top Family Weekend Getaways from the Philadelphia Metro Region
That’s when local Philadelphia area families and their suburban neighbors look for a change.
Whether your family is looking for a short break holiday, a cheap vacation package, or a fun last-minute excursion to break up a road trip, there are lots of options within a 200-mile radius of Philadelphia. In fact, 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. In this roundup, 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 — you’ll need our comprehensive by-the-age sightseeing guide to appreciate the great city of New York.
Baltimore, Maryland Family Attractions
Baltimore families love the mid-Atlantic port city’s historic, educational and fun places, from the aquarium to Camden Yards.
Washington DC Top Family Attractions
There are several reasons to visit the nation’s capital, but you can always use fresh ideas if you are visiting with kids of different ages.
Sustainably Fun Family Attractions In Pittsburgh
Explore galleries, theatres, museums, local cuisine and more with a family guide to fine arts and fun attractions in the newly eco-friendly city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Why Joe Biden and Families Love Wilmington Delaware
Quiet Wilmington, Delaware is more than a bargain — it’s a friendly town with stunning gardens, museums, and monuments to American history.
Explore Richmond
Named a “Best City for Families” by Parenting magazine, historic Richmond, Virginia has developed many fun tourist attractions since the Civil War.
Short Breaks & Weekend Getaways from Philadelphia
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.
Pennsylvania Apple Farms
Families will find many u-pick apple farms and pumpkin patches easily accessible to Philadelphia, Wilmington and New Jersey families.
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 do in Connecticut, from the oldest themepark to Mystic Seaport and an aquarium full of whales.
Family Beach Weekends Beyond Philadelphia
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 historic Cape May.
A Weekend at the Jersey Shore
Check out two different family beach scenes, minutes from each other on the Jersey shore, for a weekend, mini-vacation or daytrip.
Rehoboth Beach Promises Family Fun
Explore the east coast Atlantic shoreline, where the pristine sands of Rehoboth, Delaware provide ingredients for the ultimate family beach getaway.
Ocean City Attractions
From adventures on the sea and land, to rides and games, there’s “shore” to be something fun for everyone in Maryland’s beach town of Ocean City.
Favorite Family Resorts for Philadelphia Weekend Getaways
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
Choose between country inns, farm stays, resorts and motels as you tour the classic Amish country surrounding pretty Lancaster.
Skytop Lodge Family Weekend
Visit a surprisingly fun resort in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains where 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.
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2 Replies to “Short Breaks And Weekend Getaways From Philadelphia”
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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.