Best Last-Minute Weekend Getaways Near DC for Families

A weekend getaway is the perfect way to wrap up the summer fun before school starts. DC’s prime Mid-Atlantic location gives you and your family easy access to the best options for a last-minute weekend getaway before school is back in session. Top destinations around the DC area, including Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, offer the best weekend getaways for any last-minute plans.

From interactive museum exhibits to outdoor adventures at national parks, there’s no shortage of great options for last-minute trips that are family-friendly. Before school starts, plan a family trip to one of these exciting places located around the DC area.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up five family-friendly places that are perfect for a last-minute trip before school starts, featuring exciting attractions, interesting sights to see and delicious dining options that will provide the whole family with an unforgettable experience — all not too far from DC.

Explore the charming city of Baltimore

About an hour or less outside DC is the affectionately nicknamed “Charm City” of Baltimore, Maryland, offering a wide variety of top attractions to visit, sights to see and bites to eat. Whether you’re looking for a chill weekend exploring the Baltimore Museum of Art or visiting one of the country’s best aquariums at the National Aquarium, Baltimore has something for every family member. If you have time, the iconic Oriole Park is nearby where you can sit back and enjoy a baseball game and go visit Babe Ruth’s birthplace and museum.

Family-friendly recommendations

National Aquarium: Iconic landmark offering marine-life exhibits, a dolphin show, shark tank and walk-through rainforest. Learn about animals from all over our blue planet — from the depths of the ocean to the canopy of the rainforest — and discover the connection they all share with water.

Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily

Location: 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD

Phone: (410) 576-3800

Oriole Park: Located just a few blocks from the Inner Harbor, the stadium is one of the most famous in the league. Built in a retro style in the early 1990s, Oriole Park offers an authentic baseball game experience. The park features a well-kept field, abundant restaurants, pretzel and hot dog stands and beautiful views overlooking the city from the stands.

Location: 333 W. Camden St., Baltimore, MD

Phone: (410) 685-9800

Mindpub Cafe: Cozy cafe with vegetarian and gluten-free options offering breakfast, sandwiches and coffee.

Hours: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; closed Monday; 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday

Location: 554 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD

Phone: (667) 354-1508

Review Highlight: “The inner harbor was very nice. Lots of security to help you feel safe. Such a great atmosphere, lots of great restaurants and so much to do,” shares Matt Kunsman, Google Reviews.

Visit Shenandoah National Park

If your family loves the outdoors, this is the place to be. Offering scenic views and great options for hiking, horseback trail rides and rock climbing, a family adventure awaits. Located about 75 miles in Virginia and away from the bustle of DC, you can take in over 200,000 acres of protected lands filled with cascading waterfalls, fields of wildflowers and a variety of wildlife.

Hours: Shenandoah National Park is always open, however, portions of Skyline Drive, the only public road through the Park, are periodically closed during inclement weather. Visitors may still enter the Park on foot to hike even when Skyline Drive is closed. Most facilities in Shenandoah begin opening in March and close by late November. More information on specific facilities hours can be found on their website.

Location: Shenandoah National Park is located 75 miles west of Washington, DC. The park is accessible via four main entrances:

Front Royal Entrance Station – Most northern entrance (Mile 0.6), accessible via U.S. 340 (5 minutes from the town of Front Royal)
Thornton Gap Entrance Station – (Mile 31.5), accessible via U.S. 211 (15 minutes from downtown Luray)
Swift Run Gap Entrance Station – (Mile 65.7), accessible via U.S. 33
Rockfish Gap Entrance Station – Most southern entrance (Mile 105.4), accessible via I-64 and U.S. 250

Phone: (540) 999-3500

Family-friendly recommendations

Skyland Pollock Dining Room: Serves wonderful regional specialties with farm-to-fork flavors and sumptuous views of the Shenandoah Valley. And considering the elevation of Skyland, it’s only natural that Mile-High Blackberry Ice Cream Pie is a house specialty!

Hours: 7:30-10 a.m.; noon-2:30 p.m.; 5-9 p.m.

Location: 400 Skyland Upper Loop Mile 42, Luray, VA

Phone: (877) 847-1919

Skyland Stables: There is no more genuine way to experience Shenandoah National Park than on horseback.Weather permitting, horseback and pony rides are available throughout the day, offering a chance to experience the park’s beauty on a guided, one-hour ride. Departing from the stables, your journey takes you across Skyline Drive and into the heart of Shenandoah’s natural wonders.

Hours: Open May-Oct. 26; weather permitting, horseback and pony rides are available throughout the day.

Location: Skyland Upper Loop, Luray, VA

Phone: (877) 847-1919

Review Highlight: “Absolutely breathtaking! The scenic drive is filled with stunning views, plenty of picture-perfect stops, and chances to spot wildlife — deer crossings were a bonus! There are great hikes along the way, including many short beginner friendly hikes and it’s very pet friendly. A peaceful, beautiful escape into nature,” shares Martha Rodriguez, Google Reviews.

Explore the playful city of Philadelphia

Pennsylvania is the perfect place to explore for families with younger kids. Offering a great variety of playgrounds, kid-friendly museums and attractions for the whole family to explore and experience. From interactive museums where you can climb through a giant heart to Linvilla Orchards where you can take a hayride and pet some animals, there are plenty of options to choose from in the City of Brotherly Love. Located a few hours outside DC, a trip to Philadelphia is the perfect weekend getaway.

Family-friendly recommendations

Franklin Institute: A Science museum and a center of science education and research that includes access to three floors of hands-on science exhibits and experiences.

Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily

Location: 222 N 20th St., Philadelphia, PA

Phone: (215) 448-1200

Please Touch Museum: With two full floors of fun, engaging exhibits, children are empowered to pursue their curiosity and explore the wonder within their own imaginations. This museum is mostly aimed at children 7 years old and younger.

Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday-Monday

Location: 4231 Ave of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA

Phone: (215) 581-3181

Linvilla Orchards: Fun for the whole family with exciting attractions, events and festivals all year-round. Including barnyard animals, playland playground and indoor minigolf. They do not have a general admission ticket. Timed tickets are available for hayrides and other activities.

Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily

Location: 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, PA

Phone: (610) 876-7116

Sabrina’s Cafe: A beloved, family-owned bruncherie, serving New American breakfast, brunch and lunch all day in the Philadelphia, Wynnewood and Collingswood areas.

Hours: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily

Location: 227 N 34th St., Philadelphia, PA

Phone: (215) 222-1022

Review Highlight: “Took a spontaneous trip to Philly with my kid and went to see The Franklin Institute at the recommendation of a friend. My child had a wonderful time exploring and engaging the different exhibits,” shares Jay P, Google Reviews.

Road trip to Colonial Beach

A year-round, family-friendly destination only 65-70 miles from DC or Richmond offering a lovely day trip away on the Potomac River. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities, including fishing, swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking. Special events are held all-year-round and on weekends, live music fills the air. Visitors can connect with nature and wildlife, learn regional history, shop for treasures or enjoy a thriving art scene

Hours: Open 24/7. However, specific activities like fishing from the beach are restricted to certain hours, and some attractions or businesses within Colonial Beach may have their own unique operating hours

Location: Town of Colonial Beach, 315 Douglas Ave., Colonial Beach, VA

Phone: (804) 224-7181

Family-friendly recommendations

Colonial Beach Farmers Market: Find flowers, produce, eggs, chocolate treats and more.

Hours: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Thursdays

Location: 234 Colonial Ave., Colonial Beach, VA

Kayak at Colonial Beach Yacht Center: Colonial Beach Yacht Center is located on the Potomac River at the mouth of Monroe Bay, which is renowned for its protected harbor, deep water, easy access and beautiful sunsets. Come visit Colonial Beach and have the full experience by kayak. See the marine wildlife, birds and natural beaches. More information can be found on their website.

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday

Location: 1787 Castlewood Dr., Colonial Beach, VA

Phone: (804) 224-7230

Raven’s Point: Food is their purpose — and so is creating a space where people can slow down, connect and enjoy something real. They’re a fast-casual eatery located near Town Hill and just a short walk from the Colonial Beach boardwalk. You’ll find favorites like pulled pork BBQ, mac and cheese, tacos, soups, paninis, chili dogs, nachos, salads and bowls.

Hours: Noon- 7 p.m. Monday; closed Tuesday-Thursday; noon-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday

Location: 322 Washington Ave., Colonial Beach, VA

Phone: (804) 214-0411

Review Highlight: “First time going to Colonial Beach. Nice Beach, small crowds. Nice selection of boardwalk restaurants,” shares James M, Yelp Reviews.

Family adventure in Annapolis, Maryland

About an hour drive from DC is one of America’s prettiest cities that also offers a great variety of kid-friendly activities and sights to see. America’s sailing capital offers the best of summer before you head back to school with everything from vibrant outdoor festivals to waterfront activities and live performances. Explore local events, discover new attractions and make lasting memories while you soak up the last of the summer sun.

Family-friendly recommendations

Pirate adventures on the Chesapeake: Children’s pirate-themed cruises on the Annapolis Harbor featuring dress-up, water cannons, face-painting and more. Their pirate cruise promises real-life excitement and imaginative fun for kids, making it the perfect destination for family fun, unique birthday parties, and unforgettable field trips.

Hours: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday

Location: 311 Third St., Annapolis, MD

Phone: (410) 263-0002

Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park: Unleash your inner explorer at the Annapolis Maritime Museum, where the Chesapeake Bay’s rich tapestry comes alive! Climb aboard our historic skipjack, Wilma Lee, feel the Bay breeze and witness history come to life through immersive VR experiences.

Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; closed Monday

Location: 723 Second Ave., Annapolis, MD

Phone: (410) 295-0104

Chick and Ruth’s Delly: Lively landmark diner for over 50 years in the heart of Annapolis, featuring greasy-spoon breakfasts, piled-high sandwiches and award winning crab cakes.

Hours: 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday

Location: 165 Main St., Annapolis, MD 21401

Phone: (410) 269-6737

Review Highlight: “Cute quaint little town with big offerings. A lot of history and things to do for all ages,” shares Jada C, Yelp Reviews.