For families looking for a nice getaway, there are so many fantastic day trips near Boston. A visit to a cool locale in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Maine can often be the perfect diversion to break up a long week, with minimal time (and financial) commitment. Here are 25 of the best summer day trips from Boston; families can get away in under two hours from city limits—and return home in the evening to their own beds. 

Need more ideas for fun in the sun? Check out 50 Free Things to Do with Kids in Boston this Summer. And we've got you covered with the Best Beaches Near Boston that are Great for Family Day Trips. And don't forget to look through our Boston Summer Fun Guide for all kinds of family-friendly activities.

One of the best things about living in Connecticut is that great beaches, state parks, and amusement park rides, are all within a short drive. We've rounded up the best summer day trips from Connecticut that kids will love. We grouped these getaways by area so families can easily double up on attractions and create their own itinerary.

Whether you're looking to explore natural beauty, expand knowledge, or scream with delight on a water slide or roller coaster, these day trips in Connecticut are just the ticket. Find even more summer activities in our Connecticut Summer Fun Guide.

A trip to Jones Beach with kids means experiencing the jewel of Long Island state parks. And with a whopping 6 million visitors each year, it’s the second most-visited state park in New York State after Niagara Falls.

Many New Yorkers have fond memories of spending time at Jones Beach with family and friends, walking the boardwalk, taking in a concert, or simply enjoying the surf and sand. A visit to this beach feels like being on vacation. It’s so much more than a beach, and we’ve got the rundown on what to do, see, play, and eat at Jones Beach so that you get the most out of your visit.

For other open-air cultural offerings, check out our rundown of the best beaches, pools, and lakes in the area, and bookmark our comprehensive Guide to Summer Activities.

There are loads of swimming pools in Los Angeles, from backyards to free public pools to private clubs. With so many to choose from, which are the ones where you can drop in (no memberships or lessons required) and they are so cool that kids want to spend the whole day there? Think Los Angeles swimming pools with water slides, water play features, extended shallow areas for the little ones to splash in, or even just a beautiful, peaceful setting with cocktails and Wi-Fi. From inexpensive public pools to hotels with day passes, here are our favorite destination swimming pools worth packing up the car, sitting on the freeway, and spending a splendid, splash-filled day.

For more wet summer fun, from the Best Water Parks in Los Angeles to the Coolest Splash Pads in Los Angeles, check out our Guide to Pools, Splash Pads, and More for Los Angeles Families.

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.