With all of its world-class museums, great parks and playgrounds, historic sites, and other kid-friendly tourist attractions, Washington, DC is a travel destination unto itself. Still, there are times—especially during the sweltering summer—when families want to get out and explore something other than the nation’s capital. Fortunately, there are so many great summer day trips from DC that will help families escape the heat and make memories together.

We've rounded up 12 great summer day trips from DC that are less than a three-hour drive. Pack up your bags, get those car games and podcasts ready, and get ready for a fun road trip with the family.

When Atlanta parents need a solution for summertime boredom but aren't quite ready for a Disney-level extravaganza, why not plan a summer day trip? Yes, just one full day that is sure to entertain and wear out the kids. Luckily, Atlanta is centrally located between lots of fun, easy-to-visit destinations. Our criteria for this summer day trip list? They are located about two hours by car from Atlanta; the destinations include summertime activities (preferably water-based ones); and they don't require overnight stays. All distances and times are from downtown Atlanta. 

New York City kids are lucky to live in the shadow of some of the world-class museums and cultural institutions, and summer's arrival brings with it a spate of new (or nearly new) museum exhibits and exciting pop-ups that are perfect outings on days when you need to mix up your usual summer routine of hitting the swimming pool or splash pad.

We've found 10 museum exhibits, interactive pop-ups, and immersive installations worth your time this summer, ranging from Disney-inspired magic at CAMP to an activist-inspired look at Title IX at the New-York Historical Society. No matter your children's ages, here's where to find some cool culture this summer. Be sure to bookmark our Museums, Galleries, and Exhibit Guide to NYC for more picks and tips like when you can visit these top institutions for FREE.

If you're looking for a family-friendly getaway near NYC, it's hard to beat a trip to the brick-built wonderland that is Legoland New York, and if you really want to up the ante on family fun, consider pairing your theme park visit with an overnight at the kid-centered Legoland NY Hotel.

From the moment you step in the door of the Legoland NY Hotel, it's clear kids are in for a treat, and there are enough grown-up touches to ensure adults are happy, too. Read on for our review of our overnight at the property and find more family-friendly escapes in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Can't remember the lyrics to your favorite campfire songs? We've got you covered.

There's no better way to end a day in the woods filled with hiking games and camping games than sitting around a fire and singing some campfire songs. We've rounded up the most fun, catchy songs to sing along to during your next camping trip, from classic campfire songs to funny ones to campfire songs for preschoolers. Some of the videos even have the campfire song lyrics in them. So grab the marshmallows, stoke the campfire, warm up your singing voice, and get ready to sing these 21 campfire songs with kids.

Be sure to check out our Camping Travel Guide for Families for more camping tips and fun.

You probably heard that Super Nintendo World is opening in 2023 at Universal Studios Hollywood. But you might not know exactly what that means. Well, here's a sneak peek: If your kids love Mario Kart, get ready to blow their minds. When Universal Studios opens its Super Nintendo World in early 2023, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge will be one of the first and hottest rides to open, featuring cutting-edge augmented reality that sets a new standard for interactive theme park rides.

Read on to get the scoop on how and when you can join Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach on an interactive ride in the park's new immersive land.

Visiting the Storm King Art Center in the Hudson Valley is a world-class experience that's worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as many of the more famous New York-area museums. The sprawling outdoor museum in New Windsor is home to large-scale sculptures and site-specific pieces that dot its wide-open green space.

Read on for more about what makes this destination great for families—and what you can’t miss while there.

For other open-air cultural offerings, check out our rundown of outdoor art day trips in the area, and bookmark our comprensive Guide to Summer Activities.

Roller fever is taking the city by storm this summer and nowhere is that more evident than at the newly opened DiscOasis in Central Park. Located at the revitalized Wollman Rink, The DiscOasis offers plenty of old-school fun with an interactive, immersive experience that marries roller skating with a funky soundtrack, a garden of disco balls, shimmering lights, and plenty of epic people-watching.

Want to share this roller disco fever with your kids? Read on for our review of visiting The DiscOasis with kids, and learn how to score deeply discounted tickets to this family-friendly event that's lighting up Central Park through Saturday, October 1.