15 Family Weekend Getaways from Philadelphia

Sarah Calamita:  This is one of the best weekend trips you can make! The museums are all free, amazing farmer's markets, take a stroll down the Mall, see the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, the White House, National Harbor and the restaurants. Don't forget to check out Old Town in Alexandria (cute shops, restaurants, harbor) and Georgetown (Georgetown cupcakes!)

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.

Pennsylvania Dutch Country offers a host of family fun activities in a lovely country setting, with 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. There's plenty to fill a long weekend trip. Visit a farm, experience an Amish "smorgasbord" (buffet), and don't forget to bring home a "shoo-fly pie!"

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! 

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.

Experience the Chesapeake Bay's beautiful scenery, fresh seafood, boating, fishing, hiking, beaches, and more!

The Poconos have something to offer no matter what season it is. Winter skiing and snowboarding, summer hiking and swimming, and plenty more indoor and outdoor options. The Poconos are also home to a variety of family friendly attractions like animal parks, family fun parks and water parks. Consider lodging atop a mountain peak or an inn with vintage charm. You can even bunk your family up in a dude ranch for the weekend!

Rehoboth Beach is 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. Not too far away is Cape Henlopen State Park, where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards.

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.:  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!"

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!

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!

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!

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

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 the food - you'll find any cuisine you've ever dreamed of here.