20 Family Weekend Getaways from DC

This cozy ski-in/ski-out resort sits on slightly over 170 acres and offers skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and snow tubing in the winter. In the warmer seasons, there are still many activities that the whole family will love, such as archery, chairlift rides, a mountain coaster, golf, swimming and kayaking.

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.

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.

Charlottesville is a picturesque city surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Here you'll find so many different types of adventures awaiting you. As a city rich with history, your family will be wow-ed by Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and James Monroe's Highland. Additionally, families love the historic Downtown Mall full with restaurants and shops, as well as the Virginia Discovery Museum that children ages 2-6 love. Other notable ideas include a visit to the University of Virginia campus founded by Thomas Jefferson and trips to the Shenandoah Valley or nearby orchards.

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 an 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. The resort is only a few miles from Antietam National Battlefield and the Appalachian Trail.

Middleburg is horse country, so make sure to leave some time for a ride if your family is game! Other activities include the National Sporting Library & Museum, exploring the boutiques in the Middleburg historic district, and of course having some great meals at the local restaurants.

Lansdowne Resort is nestled in Virginia wine country along the Potomac River. This is a great weekend getaway for families that need to 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.

Families can watch history come to life in first person, walk soldier camps, visit museums, and learn 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.

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!

There is much to do in this chocolate-loving town! At Hersheypark amusement park, kids get a thrill out of the coasters, water park and games, while they adults especially enjoy everything from dark chocolate spa treatments to golf. Hershey is also home to the Hershey Story Museum, with sweet activities like their hands-on Chocolate Lab. Kids can create and take home delicious hand-poured chocolate creations.

Take a weekend getaway to Baltimore! Enjoy the magnificent Inner Harbor with shopping, restaurants, historic ships and outdoor water activities. Visit the National Aquarium (make sure to catch the dolphin shows!), Port Discovery Children's Museum and even take in an Orioles Game at historic Camden Yards.

Home to the Naval Academy, Annapolis is a beautiful destination for a weekend getaway on the water. The kids will enjoy checking out the big boats and the entire family will enjoy seafood. Before touring the Naval Academy, stop at McGarvey's and indulge in some seafood at this gem known for their oysters. On day two, check out the Maritime Museum to learn about Annapolis' rich maritime heritage. There's no shortage of things to do in this picturesque town!

If you have kids that are into history, there is a lot to see here, with loads of experiential learning opportunities. Colonial Williamsburg has many authentic 1700s experiences. The College of William and Mary is right next door, and the Busch Gardens amusement and water park is a short drive away! 

Appreciate the gorgeous Chesapeake Bay at this stunning golf resort and spa, where kids can enjoy fishing, frisbee golf, tennis, and watching nightly movies on a raft in the indoor pool. This resort even has its 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.

Undoubtedly one of the best family vacation spots for kids studying American history, you won't want to miss Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, and many more historically significant sites. Kids will love the Please Touch Museum, one of the nation's best interactive museums. Just make sure to leave room in your itinerary for sampling all...the...cheesesteaks.