Day trips with kids are a great way to have family fun without committing to a week-long vacation. If you can steal away for a day, these day trip ideas are perfect for families.
The Lone Star State has tons of family fun, and there are so many great day trip destinations around Austin!
>>> Find tons of activities for the whole family in Austin, Texas, here.
Take an Outdoor Adventure to Enchanted Rock State Park
Enchanted Rock State Park is home to eleven miles of kid-friendly hiking trails and a giant pink rock dome.
Key Information: $8 per adult – Kids under 12 are FREE – 1 hour and 37 minutes from Austin
Good To Know: Every morning there’s an easy, guided 1.5-mile round trip hike to the dome’s summit.
Fredericksburg has many fun activities for kids of all ages. Snack on pecans and peaches from a roadside stand and experience Texas ranching culture at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm.
Key Information: FREE to visit – 1 hour and 22 minutes from Austin – Lots of kid-friendly restaurants
Good To Know: Street parking is free.
Enjoy a fun cultural experience at the Hill Country Arts Foundation. You can watch a theatrical performance and visit Stonehenge II, a perfect replica of England’s Stonehenge.
Key Information: FREE – 2 hours and 3 minutes from Austin – Indoor arts center is closed Sunday and Monday
Good To Know: Stonehenge II is free except during the Texas Arts and Crafts Fair, held during the last weekend of September.
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Chicagoland, as the city and its suburbs, are known, is home to lots of fun things to do with kids. If you’re up for an adventure, these three day-trips for kids are sure to please the whole family.
Have a blast at one of the Midwest’s top amusement parks, located less than an hour outside of Chicago! Kids love the roller coasters, rides, and attractions at Six Flags Great America.
Key Information: Tickets start at $34.99 – Mix of thrill and kiddie rides – 47 minutes from Chicago
Good To Know: Six Flags closes for the season around the second week of November and opens in mid-March.
Believe in magic when you see a show at the Tristan Crist Magic Theater in Lake Geneva!
Key Information: Tickets are $40 – Shows are 90 minutes – 1 hour and 23 minutes from Chicago
Good To Know: Strollers and baby seats are not allowed in the theater.
Starved Rock State Park is home to gorgeous, easy hiking trails and some incredible panoramic vistas.
Key Information: FREE – Food onsite – 1 hour and 31 minutes from Chicago
Good To Know: The park has lots of picnic facilities and is a great place to host special events.
If you’re in Nashville and want to have a fun family day, there are lots of unique activities in the area.
Day trips in Kentucky are closer than you think! For a fun adventure, check out the world’s only underground zip lines at the Louisville Mega Cavern.
Key Information: Zip line tours are $94.99 – Tours last 2 ½ hours – 2 hours and 49 minutes from Nashville
Good To Know: If your kids are too small to zip, there’s a fun tram tour suitable for everyone.
Learn all about the U.S. space program at the Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama!
Key Information: Adult admission is $30 – Kids 5-12 are $30 – 2 hours and 8 minutes from Nashville
Good To Know: The astronaut training simulators are included in admission!
>>> Find more local recommendations from parents, here
Come face-to-face with marine life at the Tennessee State Aquarium!
Key Information: Adult admission is $34.95 – Youth admission is $21.95 – 2 hours and 26 minutes from Nashville
Good To Know: Both aquarium buildings are included in admission.
Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of NYC but still treat the kids to an amazing experience? Kids will love these family favorites!
>>>Discover tons of fun places for the whole family in NYC, recommended by local parents, here.
Visit Turtle Back Zoo in New Jersey
Family day trips in NJ aren’t complete without a visit with the incredible wildlife at Turtle Back Zoo.
Key Information: Adult admission is $17 – Youth admission is $14 – 32 minutes from Manhattan
Good To Know: Kids can burn off energy at the zoo’s huge Prehistoric Playground.
Taking day trips in PA is easy from NYC! Kids love the Crayola Experience in Easton and Dorney Park in Allentown.
Key Information: Crayola Experience tickets are $23.99 online – Dorney Park 1-Day Tickets start at $39.99 – Both destinations are about a 2-hour drive from Manhattan
Good To Know: If a day trip to Pennsylvania sounds fun we have a list of 21 fun things to do with kids in PA and a list of the best theme parks in PA for families!
Get in touch with nature at the Harbes Family Farm on Long Island. Your family can slide down giant slides, play with cute farm animals, and end the day with some delicious ice cream!
Key Information: $28.95 for admission + musical hayride – $14.95 on weekdays – About 2 hours from Manhattan, depending on traffic
Good To Know: You cannot miss the pig race shows– they’re a farm favorite.
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If you live in the Bay Area, there’s no need to make long trips in southern California to have fun with your family– there’s tons of fun around San Francisco.
Santa Rosa is home to some awesome activities for kids! Visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum to learn about the creator of Peanuts or Safari West to meet African wildlife.
Key Information: FREE to visit – Lots of kid-friendly restaurants – 1 hour and 5 minutes from San Francisco
Good To Know: Santa Rosa has lots of good restaurants for kids, and a local favorite is the Flamingo Lazeaway Club at the cool, retro Flamingo Resort.
It’s never too cold for an indoor water park! Great Wolf Lodge is a family favorite with slides and rides for the whole pack.
Key Information: Full day pass is $75 per person – Allergy-friendly dining options available – 1 hour and 15 minutes from San Francisco
Good To Know: Great Wolf Lodge has great birthday party packages if you want to celebrate your child’s special day here!
Marvel at the volcanic landscape of Pinnacles National Park! This park is teeming with natural beauty and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Key Information: Vehicle entrance fee is $30 – Pets are allowed in picnic areas but are prohibited on park trails – 2 hours and 51 minutes from San Francisco
Good To Know: The park is most popular in cooler weather.
>>> Find tons of kid-friendly hikes and outdoor adventures, here.
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The areas surrounding the U.S. capital city are full of great activities for the entire family.
A fun, interactive children’s museum is a perfect part of day trips in Virginia.
Key Information: Admission is $9 – Very accessible for kids with disabilities – 1 hour and 49 minutes from DC
Good To Know: Don’t miss the antique carousel!
Williamsburg might be best known for Colonial Williamsburg, but it’s also home to a very fun pirate-themed mini golf course!
Key Information: Adults $16.50 (36 holes) – Children $15.95 – 2 hours and 26 minutes from DC
Good To Know: Pirate’s Cove closes for the season between late November and early March.
Learn about Civil War history and fall in love with natural beauty at Harper’s Ferry National Historic Site.
Key Information: $20 per vehicle – Leashed pets allowed – 1 hour and 33 minutes from DC
Good To Know: Harper’s Ferry offers daily free ranger programs.
Share the best family-friendly day trips from your area with us in the comments! We’d love to know where you like to bring your kids on a day off. And don’t forget to download the app for more day trip ideas!
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