For us, fall is the perfect time for my family to take a quick getaway. While we typically take one big family trip each year in the summer, living in the DC metro area means that we’re within driving distance from many family-friendly attractions on the East Coast. Some are close enough for a day trip, while others are worth the longer traveling hours. Best of all, fall travel means less crowds, cooler weather, and better deals on hotels.
I’ve consulted many friends on their favorite destinations along this side of the States, in addition to our family’s personal getaways, to present our top ten family-friendly weekend destinations on the East Coast.
What East Coast destination would you add to this list?
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Family-Friendly Weekend Destinations on the East Coast
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Salem, MA
Best known for its witch trials, Salem has fully embraced its reputation with a variety of haunted events during October. If you’re not a fan of spooky things, there’s still plenty to do.
Best time of year to go: Fall; October for the full haunted experience. Some attractions are not open in the winter.
Why kids love it: Pirates! Learn all the history of New England’s pirates at the Pirate Museum and then stop at Ye Old Pepper Candie Company for old fashioned candies.
Why parents love it: History buffs can tour the Salem Witch Museum; visit the House of the Seven Gables, the setting of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s book of the same name; and watch a live reenactment of the 1692 witch trials at the Witch Dungeon Museum.
Don't miss: Salem Willows Amusement Park is right by the ocean and offers modern arcade games, vintage pinball machines, salt water taffy, ice cream, and more.
Insider's tip: Take a free tour on The Friendship of Salem, a replica East Indies trade ship from the eighteenth century. Tours are free, but you’ll need to reserve tickets at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site Visitor center.
Image: Getty/John Burke
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Chincoteague Island & Assateague Island, VA
Come to Chincoteague Island for its beaches and trails, but stay for the pony swim. That’s right, I said ponies.
Best time of year to go: Summer (late July for the pony swim).
Why kids love it: The pony swim is a sight to behold. Every summer, the island’s famous ponies are herded from the Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. The adorable ponies are paraded through town to the carnival grounds for a fundraising auction.
Why parents love it: Relax on the beach as your kids frolic in the ocean or bike through the fifteen miles of trails on Assateague Island.
Don't miss: Drive or bike to Assateague Lighthouse and climb the stairs to the top. Make sure to bring a camera to capture the breathtaking view from 142 feet above.
Insider's tip: Bring plenty of bug spray, says Leticia of Tech Savvy Mama. The islands’ natural beauty begs to be explored, but don’t be a mosquito magnet!
Image: Getty/Ji-fang Zhang
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Washington, DC
As a resident of the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) for almost twelve years, I’ve yet to see all the attractions our nation’s capital has to offer. I have no problem putting on my tourist hat to explore the city.
Best time of year to go: Spring and fall are less crowded with tourists, and the weather is usually mild.
Why kids love it: Many museums offer kid-friendly attractions. The Newseum has an interactive newsroom so kids can become a TV reporter for a day. The National Building Museum has a playroom with giant blocks and LEGOs for aspiring architects.
Why parents love it: With so many free attractions like the Smithsonian museums, national monuments, and the National Zoo, parents can spend their money on delicious eats around town.
Don't miss: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is breathtaking and inspiring. Don’t be afraid to visit in the evening as the memorial is beautifully lit.
Insider's tip: Save money by walking or taking the Metro, the area’s public transportation system. Just remember to stand on the right and walk on the left on the Metro escalators!
Image: Getty/Jerry Driendl
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Philadelphia, PA
Only a two-and-a-half hour drive away from DC, Philly is one of our favorite cities for a quick weekend getaway. We’ve visited several times and still haven’t done everything we’ve wanted.
Best time of year to go: spring through fall.
Why kids love it: Putt your way through miniature golf versions of historic Philly sites or ride the carousel located in Franklin Square.
Why parents love it: Hit up the Reading Terminal Market to fill your hungry bellies in the oldest continuously operating farmer's market. Eat around the world by sampling food from Asia and the Middle East, and of course authentic Philly cheesesteaks.
Don't miss: The Franklin Institute is jam packed with interactive science exhibits the entire family will love. Make sure you take a walk through the giant heart replica or get shocked in the electricity room.
Insider's tip: Kelli Whalen of The Centsible Life recommends seeing the city through the eyes of a founding father with a walking tour beginning at Benjamin Franklin Museum.
Image: Getty/ML Harris
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New York City
New York City is fun to visit any time of the year, but I especially adore how beautiful it is during the holidays.
Best time of year to go: Sure it’s cold in the winter, but the holidays are when New York City dresses up with lights, and crowds gather around artistic window displays on Fifth Avenue.
Why kids love it: Introduce your kids to the magic of theater with tickets to Broadway shows like The Lion King, Matilda, or Stomp. Head to the TKTS booth in Times Square for discounted tickets.
Why parents love it: Shopping, shopping, and more shopping. Head to Times Square for giant versions of your favorite stores.
Don't miss: Take a family selfie in front of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. It’s such a touristy thing to do, but the tree is iconic.
Insider's tip: Instead of waiting in the long line to ice skate at Rockefeller Center, head over to the Winter Village at Bryant Park. While admission is free, be prepared to rent skates or bring your own. If you’re uncoordinated like me, stroll around the shops while your family is on the ice.
Image: Getty/Franz Marc Frei/Look-foto
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Williamsburg, VA
Full of history, theme parks, and vineyards, Williamsburg, Virginia has something for everyone.
Best time of year to go: Spring and fall, as summers can be hot and humid.
Why kids love it: Besides roller coasters and a water park, Busch Gardens features a kid-friendly area that includes a dragon-themed playground and pint-sized rides.
Why parents love it: After visiting historic sites like Yorktown or Jamestown, relax by visiting local breweries and vineyards for tours and tastings.
Don't miss: Visit Colonial Williamsburg for interactive activities and tours as its citizens gear up for the Revolutionary War.
Insider's tip: Erin Cosenza at Read-at-Home Mama recommends the Cheese Shop in Merchant Square for the best grilled cheese you’ll eat.
Image: Getty/Bob Stefko
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Niagara Falls, NY and Ontario, Canada
Be prepared to get wet as you take in the six million feet of water that is Niagara Falls.
Best time of year to go: spring through early fall.
Why kids love it: What’s more fun than getting soaked while exploring a majestic waterfall? Maybe taking a boat ride through the falls with the Maid of the Mist!
Why parents love it: Once you’re ready to dry off, there’s shopping, hiking, and museums to keep everyone entertained.
Don't miss: Accessible only from the United States side of Niagara Falls, Goat Island offers a spectacular view of both the Canadian and U.S. sides of the falls.
Insider's tip: If you’re planning on visiting several attractions, save money by purchasing a Discovery Pass from New York State Parks, which also gives you a one-day unlimited pass to the Niagara Scenic Trolley. Children five and under are free.
Image: Getty/Toyohiro Yamada
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Disney World in Orlando, FL
I never thought Disney World was for me until we made our first family trek there last spring. Epcot is my favorite of all the parks.
Best time of year to go: Fall, winter, and spring.
Why kids love it: From Mickey Mouse to Star Wars, Disney World has everyone’s favorite pop culture characters. There’s never a dull moment.
Why parents love it: Many parents channel their inner child at the theme park, but there are adults only hangouts such as Trader Vic’s.
Don't miss: Eat your way around the world in Epcot’s World Showcase, where you can sample small plates of dishes from Japan, Germany, Canada, and more.
Insider's tip: Become an apprentice in Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, an interactive game that’s part adventure, part scavenger hunt. Not only is the game free, but also each player receives a pack of collectible cards to help you defeat Disney villains. You can stop by the Firehouse in Magic Kingdom every day for another pack.
Image: Getty/Education Images
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Asheville, NC
The small town of Asheville, North Carolina is anything but quaint. The creative community loves food and art, which means tourists will eat well and can buy artisan-made goods.
Why kids love it: Keep kids moving with a plethora of outdoor adventures. Take a ride down Sliding Rock, a sixty-foot natural water slide, go blueberry picking, or give fly fishing a try.
Why parents love it: With Asheville’s thriving entertainment scene, there are music festivals all summer long. Or join the downtown drum circles on Friday nights during the summer.
Don't miss: Visit one of the three locations of the Hop Ice Cream for coffee, milkshakes, and plenty of homemade ice cream complete with homemade waffle cones.
Insider's tip: The North Carolina Botanical Gardens make a beautiful backdrop for photos, recommends Asheville resident Kelby Carr of Type-A Parent. Admission is free.
Image: Getty/Jilllang
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Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach was by far the most named destination in my informal poll, and it’s easy to see why.
Best time of year to go: Late summer and early fall, when it’s less crowded.
Why kids love it: Splashing in the waves on the beach never grows old. But if it does, head to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center or the Military Aviation Museum.
Why parents love it: With so many options, parents can lounge on the beach, surf, or even visit museums.
Don't miss: Head to Neptune’s Park for picturesque ocean photos in front of the twenty-six-foot-tall statue of King Neptune. You might even be rewarded with a free outdoor concert.
Insider's tip: Grommet Island Beach Park & Playground is a wheelchair accessible playspace that’s created for all children, even those with special needs. Located at the south end of the beach, the park is free and open to the public.
One final tip: Call attractions or check their websites for updated information before visiting. Exhibits and ticket prices can change without notice.
Image: Getty/Dennis K Johnson
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