Nature and history make beautiful Litchfield a day-trip heaven.

Summer travel is on the horizon, and with a slew of kid-friendly escapes just a few hours from New York City, the hardest part of planning a weekend getaway from NYC could be deciding whether you want a woodsy outdoor adventure, a quiet beach town, an island escape, or a historical expedition. No matter what you decide, we've rounded up 10 summer weekend getaway destinations full of fun, and all are less than three hours from NYC by car or train.

You can find more travel inspiration in our Local Day Trips Guide and on our East Coast Family Travel Guide.

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 11, 2025. Mom deserves something special, and what is more special than a fantastic, memory-making experience? This list is full of fun outings that the whole family will enjoy, but they're especially focused on the woman of the hour. 

Start with brunch, of course, whether at a spectacular spot serving one of the best Mother's Day brunches in Los Angeles or one of these easy Mother's Day recipes that kids can make. Then, bellies full and happy, move on to one—or more—of these Mother's Day ideas in Los Angeles that will delight and surprise the mothers in your life. 

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Mommy Poppins! 

Late spring/early summer is strawberry picking season in the DC area, and our taste buds are more than ready. From pick-your-own berry farms to full-on strawberry festivals, there are so many opportunities to pick and celebrate this delicious fruit.

Here are 11 places to go strawberry picking in Northern Virginia and Maryland that are not too far from DC, plus four fun strawberry festivals. While kids will love strawberry picking alone, several of the farms on this list also offer other fun activities like petting zoos, slides, playgrounds, and more.

For more fun on the farm, check out our Pick-Your-Own Guide to Farms in Washington, DC, which includes our roundup of even more places to go berry picking near DC.

Part of Georgia’s "Golden Isles," Jekyll Island offers 10 miles of pristine natural shoreline and a variety of family-oriented activities and attractions, including horseback riding, biking, historic tours, a seasonal water park, and more. Development on the island is limited in order to preserve the ecosystem, so guests can enjoy a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Read on for the best activities, restaurants, and Jekyll Island hotels and campgrounds for families!

Orlando is an out-of-this-world destination for space-loving kids! Tiny astronauts-in-training will be over the moon after you use our guide to enjoy hours of space-related fun right here on Earth (more specifically, Orlando). From obvious outer space attractions, like the Kennedy Space Center, to those off the beaten path, including an alien-themed cafe with delicious cosmic creations, we've got the most fun under the sun!

The Hamptons and North Fork of Long Island offer families a fantastic vacation getaway filled with endless activities and family-friendly excitement. There are family-friendly hotels near the ocean, country inns near golf courses, and bed-and-breakfasts within walking distance of the charming Long Island villages and some of North Fork’s celebrated wineries.

From chain hotels near kid-friendly attractions to decadent resorts with private beaches and pools to seaside motels, the East End lodging options are plentiful. Hamptons hotels are at a premium during the peak months of July and August. The North Fork hotels are usually at peak during the summer months as well, so book early for the best prices and monitor hotel websites for last-minute specials.

Read on for all the details of our favorite family-friendly hotels in the Hamptons and North Fork. Once you've booked your stay, check out our Guide to Family Fun in the Hamptons and North Fork for all our top picks for things to do, see, and places to eat. For more vacation getaway ideas for the summer, don't miss our Guide to Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.