Santa lets the reindeer rest for the upcoming big day and instead arrives via helicopter! Photo courtesy of the American Helicopter Museum

SantaFest, Deck the Alley, Lucia Fest, Frost Fair and More Fun Things To Do in Philly this Weekend

Rose Tree Park glimmers at night, welcoming visitors to enjoy a wintery walk at Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the park

21 Free Holiday and Christmas Events for Philly Kids

The amazing Smedley Street Christmas Light Spectacular.display is back! Photo courtesy of the venue

24 Best Things to Do in Philly December 2024 with Kids

Santa roams Philadelphia's Christmas Village all season long. Photo courtesy of Kory Aversa for Christmas Village.

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Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Philadelphia

Take a sparkling selfie at the Miracle on South 13th Street. Photo by K. Kelly for Visit Philadelphia

Spectacular Neighborhood Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights in Philly

The zoo lights are aglow at LumiNature. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo

30 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Philly for Kids

Curiosity meets discovery in Body Odyssey, where the walkthrough Giant Heart is just the beginning.

The Giant Heart is Back and Better Than Ever at the Franklin Institute

Photo courtesy of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

Best Philly Tours for Kids: Art Hunts, Food Tours, Ghost Tours, and More

Kids under 18 are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill

100 Free Fun Things To Do in Philly with Kids

Fishtown families flock to Penn Treaty Park for the waterfront views, special events, and open space. Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Fishtown with Kids: 9 Things To Do in the Fishtown Neighborhood of Philly

School Calendars 2024-2025: Important Dates for Philadelphia School District

Grand Slam U.S.A. challenges you to a game of laser tag! Photo courtesy of the center

Best Laser Tag Zones and Paintball for Philly Kids

Build birthday memories brick by brick at LEGOLAND. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND

31 Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids in Philly

Ricketts Glen State Park is a family-friendly destination with awesome activities for all ages. Photo of Ricketts Glen by the author

Amazing Budget Weekend Getaways for Philly Families

Put your skills to the test on the obstacle course at Urban Air. Photo courtesy of Urban Air

Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities for Kids in Philly: Go Karts, Axe Throwing, and More!

Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), located in the heart of Old City.

Visiting Historic Philadelphia: Top Things To Do in the Historic District with Kids

Take in 300 years of history on Elfreth's Alley. Photo courtesy of the museum

3 Days in Philadelphia with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

In addition to Pay-What-You-Wish First Sundays, kids 18 and under are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of the museum

Free Museums and Free Museum Days in Philly

Turn your eye of the tiger into the eye of an artist at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art with Kids: Creative Family Time at the Art Museum

GUIDE

Guide to Classes for Kids in Philadelphia

Learn all about fire safety and the history of firefighters in Philly at the Fireman's Hall Museum.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

14 Free Things To Do Indoors in Philly: Indoor Places To Play On Cold and Rainy Days

Take a bikde ride through Doylestown. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

9 Walkable Neighborhoods near Philly for Family Outings

Six Flag Great Adventure brings big-time thrills and is one of our favorite amusement parks in New Jersey.

Great Theme Parks and Amusement Parks Near New Jersey

Both babies and dogs love stroller walks for some fresh air. Photo courtesy of Gina Massaro for Mommy Poppins

Great Stroller Walks and Stroller Hikes near Philly

Parents eat while kids climb and slide at Craft Hall.

13 Philly Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat

Pony rides always bring out smiles at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard

Animal Farms and Petting Zoos near Philadelphia that are Perfect for Preschoolers

Try a whiz-wit at Tony Luke's, a reliable Philly cheesesteak spot with multiple locations. Photo courtesy of J. Varney for GPTMC

11 Kid-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Spots

Challenge the rope bridge and zip line at Elmwood Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo

100 Things To Do in Philly with Kids Before They Grow Up

Blue Cross RiverRink is open for Summerfest in the warmer months and Winterfest in the colder months. Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Top Attractions in Philadelphia: Best Things to See and Do with Kids

Kids can zoom down the slide and, of course, launch scarves at Kith + Kin. Photo courtesy of Kith + Kin

38 Best Indoor Play Spaces and Indoor Playgrounds in Philadelphia

No one walks the plank, but everyone has fun with with Scallywag’s Pirate Adventures in Erie. Photo courtesy of Scallywag's Pirate Adventures.

10 PA Weekend Getaways for Families

Take a hike: Family getaways are a great opportunity to reconnect with nature.

GUIDE

Philly Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways

Best Beaches Near Philly Besides the Jersey Shore

Rehoboth Beach. Photo courtesy of Rehoboth Beach

7/2/23 - By Hillary Moses Mohaupt

A family beach trip is on everybody's summer bucket list! It's time to for sunshine, water ice, swimsuits, and beaches. Philadelphia may be landlocked, but that doesn’t mean it’s not easy to find plenty of places to soak up the sun, catch the waves, or walk the boardwalk. And you don’t even have to head to the Jersey Shore! This summer, try something new and check out some of the other beaches our area has to offer.

If you do want to head down the shore, don't miss our round-up of the Best Beaches in New Jersey for Families. For more summer fun, be sure to head over to our Summer Activity Guide.

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Best Beaches Near Philly Besides the Jersey Shore: Cape Henlopen.
Cape Henlopen. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Delaware Beaches

Rehoboth Beach– Delaware

When people talk about Delaware’s beaches, they usually mean Rehoboth Beach, which features not only miles of sandy beaches but also a boardwalk, dolphin watching, and plenty of kid-friendly activities like mini golf and Funland, an amusement park on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk that has provided old-school family fun since 1962. Need a break from the beach? Check out Jungle Jim's River Safari Park, Delaware's largest water park.

Cape Henlopen– Lewes, Delaware

Cape Henlopen was recently voted best hiking in the state by Delaware Today Magazine, but that's not all that's great about this state park. The beaches look out on the Atlantic Ocean, and the park is the perfect place to spend a full day outside at the beach, complete with spacious bathrooms, a concession stand, and umbrella rentals. Cape Henlopen has dedicated spaces for fishing, boating, and kayaking, as well as scenic hikes through the woods and along marshes. Be sure to check out the Fort Miles Museum to learn more about the history of the site, and the nature center, where the whole family can borrow bikes for free.

Bethany Beach– Delaware

If your family craves calmer beaches, Bethany Beach is calling! Bethany Beach is a relaxing oasis. You’ll still get to enjoy quality beach time, but with less of the stress of the bigger, more popular beaches. Plus, there’s a free trolley service through the town of Bethany Beach, which makes it easier to explore and get to the beach without breaking a sweat.

RELATED: Can't decide which Delaware beach to visit? Check out the best Delaware beaches for families.

Best Beaches Near Philly Besides the Jersey Shore: Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach, Virginia. Photo courtesy of Virginia Beach

Maryland and Virginia Beaches

Ocean City– Maryland

Ocean City features a whopping ten miles of sandy beaches! And if you want to head off the beach, this town has something for everyone in your family–wildlife, surfing, fishing, ice cream, the boardwalk, and lots of kid-friendly local restaurants, plus festivals throughout the year.

Assateague Island– Berlin, Maryland

Technically Assateague Island spans both Maryland and Virginia. The barrier island is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Sinepuxent Bay on the west. The two miles of ocean beaches are perfect for swimming, beachcombing, sunbathing, surfing and fishing. Got a horse lover in your family? You won’t want to miss the island’s famous wild horses.

Virginia Beach– Virginia

Wide sandy beaches are just the beginning in Virginia Beach. Be sure to check out the three-mile boardwalk and famous Atlantic Avenue, including the vibrant Live on Atlantic summer program featuring music and other family-friendly activities in Virginia Beach.

Best Beaches Near Philly Besides the Jersey Shore: Jones Beach
Jones Beach. Photo courtesy of Jones Beach

More Nearby Beaches

Cape Hatteras National Seashore– North Carolina

Hatteras has 70+ miles of beachfront, all of it protected by the National Park Service. Its beautiful shoreline is matched by sea turtles, shore birds, and lots of options for fishing close to shore. Because the park is so big we recommend deciding on your family’s favorite beach activities and plan your visit using the NPS website.

Jones Beach State Park– Long Island

Jones Beach State Park features more than six miles of shoreline, plus a boardwalk and Nature Center. Long Island is a bit of a drive from Philadelphia, but the new splash pad, playground and other recent improvements to the park make the hike worth it.