Note: Travel times are based on average traffic patterns, and can vary depending on the day, time, or season you travel. 

 
Take a hike along the Appalachian Trail when you visit Harpers Ferry. Photo by Kelly Verdeck via Flickr 

Fun Family Road Trips From DC: 2 Hours or Less

1. Shenandoah Valley, VA

There is so much for families to do in the gorgeous Shenandoah Valley. Shenandoah National Park is the perfect place to go hiking, explore the mountains, and take a drive along the scenic Skyline Drive (especially beautiful in fall). Explore underground caverns like Luray Caverns and Shenandoah Caverns. See animals at the Virginia Safari Park, go back in time at Dinosaur Land, visit fun museums, and so much more.

Where to stay: Massanutten Resort and Water Park is loaded with family activities, the highlight of which is its massive indoor water park. Check out our editor's review of Massanutten Resort.

2. Harpers Ferry, WV

For an outdoorsy road trip full of history and natural beauty, head to Harpers Ferry, a National Historical Park. Visit the site of John Brown's Raid, a failed attempt to end slavery that sparked the Civil War. Take a hike on the Appalachian Trail, stroll through the historic town, and visit The Point, the spot where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet. Visit in January or February to try Harpers Ferry Snow Tubing.

Where to stay: The Quality Inn is a bit outside the main historic area, but a good budget option for families.

3. Cambridge, MD

Combine learning and outdoor fun with a visit to this boatable and walkable town—one of Maryland's oldest—on the banks of the Choptank River. A visit to the Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center is a must, and the nearby Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to hike and see wildlife.

Where to stay: The luxurious Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa, and Marina has several pools, a kids' club, a game room, and so much more.

4. Frederick County, MD

This Maryland county is full of fun activities for kids of all ages. Check out my review of South Mountain Creamery, where my family enjoyed feeding baby cows and touring a working dairy farm. Take a ride aboard the Walkersville Southern Railroad. Meet bears, monkeys, panthers, and more at the 50-acre Catocton Wildlife Preserve. Ride roller coasters and catch more thrills at Adventure Park USA. And go hiking, boating, swimming, and more at the gorgeous Cunningham Falls State Park.

Where to stay: If you're visiting from April through October, try camping at Cunningham Falls State Park.

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Philly is full of history. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation

Fun Family Road Trips From DC: 3 Hours or Less

5. Richmond, VA

Richmond is one of the oldest US cities, and its deep history is evident in its monuments, battlefield sites, and architecture. But today Virginia's capital also boasts plenty of modern attractions for families, including a great children's museum and science museum, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, and Maymont Farm, which has a nature center, an interactive farm, and rescued-animal habitats. Richmond is also home to an expansive parks system and 550 aces of river shoreline.

Where to stay: The pet-friendly Graduate Richmond has a rooftop pool with great views, complimentary bike rentals, and spacious family suites.

6. Philadelphia, PA

The City of Brotherly Love has endless ways to spend a long weekend. The Franklin Institute is an amazing place to bring science- and tech-minded kids. Younger children will love the Please Touch Museum. Don't miss the Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse. And head to the Historic District to see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and more. Be sure to indulge in some famous Philly cheesesteaks!

Where to stay: The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia offers loads of kid-friendly amenities like board games to borrow, free use of Micro Kickboard scooters, special programming for children (and dogs!), and lots more.

7. Williamsburg, VA

The biggest draw to Williamsburg is Colonial Williamsburg, an open-air living history museum. There's also the Jamestown Settlement, where costumed historical interpreters demonstrate life in the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and Historic Jamestowne, the actual site of the original Jamestown fort and town. And there's Yorktown, site of the last battle of the Revolutionary War in 1781. When you need a history break, catch some thrills at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA.

Where to stay: Enjoy an indoor water park, an arcade, bowling, and loads more family activities at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg.

Dutch Wonderland is the perfect amusement park for young kids. Photo courtesy of the park

Fun Family Road Trips From DC: 4 Hours or Less

8. Delaware Beaches

The Delaware beach towns of Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Lewes, and Dewey Beach are big draws for families over the summer, when all the boardwalk rides and games, mini golf courses, and ice cream shops are open. But spring and fall are also great times to visit, because families can relax on the wide, sandy beaches; browse unique shops; and enjoy delicious food without the huge crowds and high prices.

Where to stay: Sea Colony in Bethany Beach offers a variety of vacation rentals, from beachfront condos to larger homes. The resort boasts several pools, world-class racquet sports, summer activities like movies on the beach and Bingo, and more.

9. Chincoteague and Assateague Islands

Assateague Island National Seashore, a barrier island off the coast of Maryland and Virginia, is famous for the wild horses that roam the island and the beach. Outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and biking abound. Next to Assateague Island, on the Virginia side of the border, is Chincoteague Island. There you'll find Chincoteaque National Wildlife Refuge, which has lots of animals, an awesome beach, and 15 miles of hiking.

Where to stay: Marina Bay Hotel and Suites is a great waterfront hotel on Chincoteague. It's located steps from downtown and has an outdoor heated pool.

10. Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach boasts wide, sweeping beaches; a three-mile boardwalk full of entertainment; and plenty of family activities such as mini golf, an aquarium, and a water park. But it's not only fun in the summer. There's still plenty to do the rest of the year, like hiking in the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, exploring the Military Aviation Museum, enjoying the view from the Cape Henry Lighthouse, and more.

Where to stay: Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach - North Beach features ocean-view rooms equipped with fridges and microwaves, an outdoor pool with a water slide and lazy river, supervised activities for kids in the summer, and more.

11. Lancaster County, PA

Lancaster County is better known as Amish Country, and you can soak up the Amish culture by taking a horse and buggy ride, touring the Amish Village, and more. But the county also offers lots more for families. Take a ride on the Strasburg Rail Road and visit the Railroad Museum. Learn how ice cream is made at the Turkey Hill Experience. Enjoy a lavish buffet at Miller's Smorgasbord. And if you have young children, Dutch Wonderland is the perfect amusement park.

Where to stay: If you've got a train lover, stay in a real train car at the Red Caboose Motel. Its just down the road from the Strasburg Rail Road and Railroad Museum, and there's a kid-friendly restaurant on site.

 
Hit the Jersey Shore for some boardwalk action. Photo by Anthony Quintano via Flickr

Fun Family Road Trips From DC: 5 Hours or Less

12. Jersey Shore, NJ

With over 130 miles of shoreline and loads of great family beaches, the Jersey Shore makes for the perfect summer family road trip. Whether you're looking for a bustling boardwalk full of rides and games, a beachside water park, thrilling animal encounters, or great restaurants, the Jersey Shore has it all. If you want to dodge the crowds and spend less money, visit in the spring or fall, when many places are still open and the weather can be quite pleasant.

Where to stay: A stay at the Blue Palms in Wildwood includes admission to Morey's Piers and Beachfront Water Parks. There's also an outdoor pool, fire pits, barbecue grills, bike rentals, and complimentary beach chairs on site.

13. Poconos, PA

Whether it's swimming and boating in the summer, hiking and horseback riding in the spring and fall, or skiing and other snow sports in the winter, the Pocono Mountains are full of outdoor activities that make them a great road trip destination in any season. Check out our whopping list of 70 things to do in the Poconos with kids.

Where to stay: There are so many awesome Poconos resorts for families, many with indoor water parks. Two of our favorites, as you'll see from our reviews, are Camelback Resort and Great Wolf Lodge Poconos.

14. Hudson Valley, NY

Famous for its farm-to-table lifestyle, slower pace, and magnificent landscapes, the Hudson Valley is the perfect destination for a road trip in any season. Hike the famous Appalachian Trail in Bear Mountain State Park. Go skiing or snowboarding in the winter. Catch trills at Legoland New York. The possibilities are endless!

Where to stay: The are tons of great family resorts in the Hudson Valley; two of our favorites are the all-inclusive Rocking Horse Ranch and the meals-included Mohonk Mountain House. Both have loads of family activities.

15. Outer Banks, NC

The Outer Banks (or OBX) is a series of beautiful barrier islands, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Pamlico Sound on the other. It's the perfect summer road trip for DC-area families because of its gorgeous beaches, fresh seafood, historic lighthouses, and fun activities like mini golf and water sports. While many activities are closed in the off season, there's still plenty to do, like visiting the Wright Brothers National Memorial and seeing marine life at the North Carolina Aquarium Roanoke Island.

Where to stay: Rent a beach house from Sun Realty, Village Realty OBX, or one of many other area rental companies.

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