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Weekend Getaways for Families (No Flight Required)
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items Looking for a change of scenery without booking plane tickets? These family-friendly weekend getaways are within driving distance and packed with easy fun, local gems, and kid-approved stops. Grouped by state so you can skip the research and start pa...
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New York
Pennsylvania
Maine
New York
From waterfalls to farm towns to lakeside escapes—this section is packed with family-friendly weekend getaways right here in New York State (and no, not the city). These spots are all drivable from Western NY, easy to plan, and loaded with the kind o...
They call it the Grand Canyon of the East, and honestly—it earns it. Gorgeous waterfalls, picnic spots, cabins you can actually book, and trails that don’t require a Sherpa. Good for toddlers or teens, and there’s even a sensory garden.
Letchworth State Park
Great year-round: ropes courses and chairlift rides in the summer, plus a brewery and some of the best pizza around. Stay in a lodge or rent a cabin—everything’s walkable, and there’s always something going on without it being overwhelming.
Ellicottville, NY: Homepage
It’s like stepping into another world—quiet streets, front porch concerts, and a whole schedule of classes, speakers, and kid-friendly programs. You don’t have to be fancy to enjoy it, but it definitely feels like a breath of fresh air. Pro tip: get ...
Chautauqua Institution
Gorgeous gorge trails, scenic views, and a walk that feels like an adventure without turning into a complaint-fest. Add in a stay at a lakeside motel or Airbnb, and you’ve got a full weekend without the crowds.
Watkins Glen State Park
Cabins, kayaking, wildlife, and zero cell service (in the best way). This is the place to unplug, eat grilled cheese on a fire pit, and let the kids run until they collapse. The Red House side is our favorite.
Allegany State Park
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has way more to offer than just Philly and Pittsburgh. These spots are perfect for low-key family weekends—theme parks without the chaos, quiet towns with actual charm, and outdoor adventures that don’t require a tent (unless you want on...
Scotrun’s basically where you go when you need a break but still want to keep the kids entertained from morning to meltdown. It’s home to Great Wolf Lodge—aka indoor waterpark central—and it’s surrounded by just enough Pocono charm to stretch it into...
Scotrun | #PAGetaway
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s worth it. The whole town smells like chocolate and there’s way more to do than just Hersheypark (though the park’s a solid win if your kids are tall enough to ride more than two things). We’ve done the factory tour, let ...
Hershey, PA
Just a few minutes from Hershey, but way calmer. Think small-town main street, ice cream, and actual nature. We came for Indian Echo Caverns (which are cool—literally and vibe-wise) and stayed because it gave us a break from the theme park noise. It’...
Hummelstown, PA
Knoebels is one of those places that feels like it shouldn’t still exist—and that’s what makes it magic. Free entry, pay-per-ride tickets, old-school coasters, a pool, a haunted house, and picnic tables you’re actually allowed to bring your own food ...
Elysburg, PA Map & Directions
If your family leans more history-and-hiking than rollercoasters-and-cotton-candy, Boalsburg is a gem. It’s quiet, has a military museum, walkable streets, and just enough cafes and shops to keep everyone from losing it. We used it as a home base to ...
Boalsburg
Maine
Maine feels like summer in slow motion—and that’s exactly why families love it. These spots are perfect for unplugging and making memories without the crowds. Think coastal charm, lakeside cabins, mountain hikes, and honest-to-goodness lobster rolls....
Not just the beach town next door to Kennebunkport—this one’s quieter, with easy ocean swimming, blueberry farms in summer, and a surprisingly charming Main Street. We loved packing park lunches and just wandering, with no rush or big crowds.
Town of Kennebunk, Maine
One of those towns with more water than land. We rented a canoe and spent most of the time floating or watching the kids make forts out of sticks. It’s low-key, super friendly, and gives you those “maybe we should move here” feelings.
Winthrop ME |
Yes, it’s popular—but it’s popular for a reason. The hikes are doable, the views are ridiculous, and there’s tide pooling that kept our kids busier than the iPad ever has. Bar Harbor itself has enough shops and food to keep everyone happy without bei...
Acadia National Park
Lakeside heaven. Big beach, clean cabins, no overplanning. We brought yard games, grilled hot dogs, and watched the kids live their best lives between the pond and the pool. If you want a reset without the chaos, this is it.
Papoose Pond Campground and Cabins
Called “the prettiest village in Maine” by just about everyone who writes about it. It’s got a harbor, historical charm, and one of the most famous lobster roll spots in the state. Great if you want something scenic, relaxing, and not too commercial.
Wiscasset, ME