Schools out for summer & while we all think there will be so much time in summer to squeeze in all our plans, here we are mid-July and I'm baffled that we're halfway through. Many of us love a lazy summer day lounging by the pool or swinging in a hammock. But, if you'd like to get going & see a few things, here are a few day trip ideas to spice up your routine!
Amusement Parks
- Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark- Tannersville, PA
- Enjoy all the thrills and spills of a waterpark. With 37 attractions, there's something for everyone (including a lazy river for mom!)
- Diggerland USA, West Berlin, NJ
A fun, construction themed amusement park for those who can't get enough of trucks! Ride, dig, play, and splash the day away! *Note* Best for kids 36" and taller. There are very few rides for those under 3 ft. - Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom- Allentown, PA
Two parks for one admission. Enjoy all the thrill and spills then cool off on the lazy river. - Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster, PA
Enjoy thrills and spills. Great park for younger kids as well. - Funplex- Mt Laurel, NJ
Fun plex has it all- a waterpark, bumper cars, go carts, rides, bumper boats, laser tag, mini golf and bowling. Daily passes are $45 and include it all!
- Hersheypark- Hershey, PA
Enjoy the amusement park and then be sure to take a tour of the chocolate factory!
- Knoebels- Elysburg, PA
I love Knoebles. it's free admission which means parents don't have to pay to spend the day in kiddieland and grandparents can tag along too. Go on a weekday to take advantage of wristbands (grab discount tickets before you leave!). There's shade, pavilions if you want to pack a lunch, interactive shows, a waterpark area & high quality rides.
- Land of Make Believe- Hope, NJ
Amusement and water park for all ages! Open May-September
- Sesame Place- Langhorne, PA
Amusement park filled with rides and a water park. There's shows, parades and more to explore featuring your favorite Sesame Street characters.
Attractions
- America on Wheels Museum- Allentown, PA
Learn about the history and science behind transportation technology. Hours vary by season, see website. - Bucks County Children's Museum- New Hope, PA
Explore and play through the hands on museum perfect for littles! When you're done, enjoy the quaint town of New Hope for shopping & dining! - Cherry Crest Adventure Farm- Ronks, PA
Fall fun at it's finest! Corn mazes, apple shooting, paintball, animals, giant slides, and So. Much. MORE! - Da Vinci Science Center- Allentown, PA
Discover, learn, and have fun with science. Enjoy a wide variety of exhibits and play spaces as well as seasonal attractions you won't want to miss. - Delaware Art Museum- Wilmington, DE
Enjoy a day of art and culture. There are children's programs as well as an interactive area. Best yet- kids 6 and under are FREE! - Grounds for Sculpture- Hamilton, NJ
The perfect day for those who can't decide if they love art or a beautiful garden more. Art & Nature meet here for a day full of beauty! Visit on the 1st Saturday of each month for specil drop in family open studios.
Perfect for littles who want to explore and play! Recommended ages (2-10)
- Crayola Experience- Easton, PA
Let your imaginations soar for an afternoon at the Crayola Experience where color and magic meet! - Lake Tobias Adventure Park- Halifax, PA
See exotic animals, explore the petting zoo, take a safari and more! - Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway- Jim Thorpe, PA
Take a step back in time and travel in a 1917 railcar! Perfect for train lovers, history buffs, and those who love a beautiful view. - Mercer Museum- Doylestown, PA
"A castle filled with pre-industrial tools and artifacts" There are interactive exhibits for kids, shoe and hat making, and plenty of history to explore. - National Aquarium- Baltimore, MD
Take in a day of aquatic life at this impressive aquarium. Don't forget to catch a peek at the dolphins! - National Museum of Industrial History- Bethlehem, PA
Learn how steel, iron, textiles and manufacturing shaped the world we live in. - PA Capitol Building Tour- Harrisburg, PA
Book a guided tour of our beautiful state capitol building or download the app and take a self guided tour with fun information along the way! - Penn's Landing and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, Philadelphia, PA
Take a stroll along the riverfront and take in the site, vendors, and more. During warm months slap on your roller skates, in the winter it will transform into a ice skating rink! - Port Discovery Children's Museum- Baltimore, MD
Explore four floors of wonder! Be sure to make a trip down the giant slide. - Reading Public Museum
Enjoy a museum, planetarium, and arboretum all in one! - Turkey Hill Experience- Lancaster, PA
Ice cream lovers will jump for joy and be stuffed on this fun tour. Make your own ice cream, see how the pros do it, play and taste your way through the Turkey Hill Experience!
Cities/Towns to Explore
- Cape May, NJ
Best suited for a weekday, load up the car and head to the beach! Once you've soaked up the sun, head over the zoo- it's free admission and will give you a cool off you need.
Soak in a little history on the Battlefield or even take a ghost tour in the city.
- Independence National Park- Philadelphia, PA
Sometimes we forget there is so much history right in our backyards! Philadelphia may seem like "home" but it's a major city- spend the day as a tourist and visit the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Ben Franklin Museum. - Jim Thorpe, PA
Enjoy a small town bursting with tourist-y things to do. Train rides, hiking, tours, and great dining await!
- New York City
The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Broadway, Times Square, Central Park, American Girl Store, the list goes on and on. Take your kids to experience the history, art, culture- you want it you can find it in NYC!
Nature- Hikes & Exploring
- Big Brook Nature Preserve- Colts Neck, NJ
Calling all budding paleontologists! Come hunt for fossils from the Cretaceous and Pleistocene ages! - Brandywine Creek State Park- Wilmington, DE
Family friendly hikes and activities your family will enjoy. - Bushkill Falls- Bushkill, PA
Enjoy 8 waterfalls along a scenic tour in the "Niagara of PA" - Crystal Caves- Kutztown, PA
Dive deep into the earth and explore the hidden wonders. Mine for gems and grab some ice cream after!
- Canoe or Kayak the Delaware River! Delaware Water Gap, PA (variety of launch points in Eastern PA/Western NJ)
Explore the Delaware! For a list of licensed companies offering tours, click here.
- Elk Neck State Park- North East, MD
Enjoy the beach area and the calm waters of the bay, check out the lighthouse, and if you want to make a weekend of it camp! - Enchanted Woods @ Winterthur Museum- Winterthur, DE
Step inside the world of fairies and let your children's (and your) imaginations run wild. The outdoor children's area at this museum is really a show piece all in itself. Don't forget to take a look inside at the beautiful museum and "grown up" gardens as well. - Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton, PA
Into hiking and nature? This is for you. Enjoy miles of trails to hike in a raptor conservatory where you'll see eagles, falcons, hawks, and more. Visit the education center, kid mountain, or just enjoy the trail!
- Nockamixon State Park- Quakertown, PA
Enjoy hiking, biking or boating on SEPA's largest lake! There are boats, paddle boats, and canoes available for rent as well.
- Pennsbury Manor- Morrisville, PA
The country home of William Penn himself. Come see real life demonstrations of life in the 17th century. - Ricketts Glen State Park- Benton, PA
Perfect for nature lovers! Hikes, waterfalls, and beautiful nature makes for a wonderful day. - Worlds End State Park- Forksville, PA
Enjoy hiking, a swimming area, playground and some of the most beautiful scenery the Keystone State has to offer!
