101 Family Day Trips and Staycations Around Philadelphia
Remember, it's always best to follow each link to get details about your visit directly from your destination, since some places operate seasonally or by reservation, as well as to check each venue's COVID requirements (masks, limits, social distancing).
Free activities and splurges that are worth it. The coolest stuff for a staycation in town and road trips for less than a tank of gas from Philadelphia. Kids Out And About has tons of ideas for family travel, with places to explore, learn, and have fun!
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Explore Gardens & Sculpture Gardens
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Morris Arboretum |
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Awbury Arboretum |
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Bartram's Garden |
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Tyler Arboretum |
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Grounds for Sculpture |
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Peace Valley Lavender Farm |
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Mt. Airy Lavender Farm |
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Hope Hill Lavender Farm |
Get Wild on a Hike
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Wissahickon Valley Park |
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Ridley Creek State Park |
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Hickory Run State Park |
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Clarence Schock Memorial Park |
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Kelly's Run |
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Ricketts Glen State Park |
Time Travel Today
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Battleship New Jersey |
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Betsy Ross House |
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Historic St. George's UMC and Museum |
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Woodford Mansion |
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The Rosenbach |
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Philadelphia History Museum |
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Penssbury Manor |
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Elfreth's Alley |
Make Life a Beach
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Asbury Park Boardwalk |
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Long Beach Island |
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Brigantine Beach |
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Stone Harbor Beach |
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Ocean City New Jersey |
Splash into Some Water Fun
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Clementon Park and Splash World |
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Deleware River Waterfront |
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The Funplex |
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Sister Cities Park |
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Big Kahuna's |
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Ernie's Waterworks |
Spend the Day at a Museum
Explore These Cities
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Tom's River, Pennsylvania |
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Allentown, Pennsylvania |
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Atlantic City, New Jersey |
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New York City, New York |
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Baltimore, Maryland |
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Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |
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Washington, District of Columbia |
All Aboard Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (and Boats!)
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Patriot Harbor Lines |
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Spirit of Philadelphia |
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Ben Franklin Yacht |
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The Cannibal Queen BiPlane Ride |
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Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway |
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Stratsburg Railroad |
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Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania |
Grow Some Fun at the Farm
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Linvilla Orchards |
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Shady Brook Farm |
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Solebury Orchard |
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Solly Farm |
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Sugartown Strawberries |
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Frecon Farms |
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Hellerick's Family Farm |
Play Ball!
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Philadelphia 76ers |
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Philadelphia Eagles |
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Philadelphia Flyers |
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Philadelphia Phillies |
Treat Yo' Self
Connect with Nature
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John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge |
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Awbury Arboretum |
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Morris Arboretum |
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Riverbend Environmental Education Center |
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Longwood Gardens |
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Hawk Mountain |
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Green Lane Park |
Amuse Yourself at These Amusement Parks
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Sesame Place |
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Diggerland |
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Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari |
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Storybook Land |
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Dorney Park |
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Dutch Wonderland |
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Hersheypark |
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The Land of Make Believe |
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Knoebels Amusement Park |
Talk to the Animals
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Philadelphia Zoo |
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Elmwood Park Zoo |
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Adventure Aquarium |
Explore the Globe Close to Home
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African American Museum |
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American Swedish Historical Museum |
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National Museum of American Jewish History |
Let's Go Chasing Waterfalls
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Hawk Falls |
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Ringing Rocks County Park |
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The Devil's Hole |
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Slateford Creek Falls |
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Nockamixon State Park |
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Hawk Falls, Hickory Run State Park |
Get Active Indoors
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Altitude Feasterville |
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Kids at Play |
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Legoland Discovery Center |
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The Little Pod |
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The Little Gym |
Challenge Yourself
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Neighborhood Potters |
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Penelope Fox Art Studio |
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Engage Art Studio |
Shop Your Heart Out
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The Shops at Liberty Plaza |
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Progress Plaza Shopping Center |
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The Market and Shops at Comcast Center |
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Roosevelt Mall |
Limiting our list to 101 ideas meant some great destinations may have been left off the list - if there is something you’d like to see added, share it with us on Facebook!
Most of these destinations are within an hour from downtown Philly. For those that are a bit farther away:
= Less than 1 hour away
= 1 to 2 hours away
= 2 to 3 hours away
= Just over 3 hours away