What Makes the Best Family Weekend Getaways?
The best family weekend getaways combine kid-friendly activities, comfortable accommodations, and experiences that engage every family member. Our travel experts have personally visited and tested these destinations to ensure they offer the perfect balance of fun, safety, and convenience for families with children of all ages.
From theme parks and outdoor adventures to educational attractions and beach destinations, our family weekend getaways are designed to create lasting memories while keeping travel stress to a minimum.
Top Family Weekend Getaway Destinations
Theme Park Family Weekend Trips
Theme parks offer excitement and entertainment for the whole family, with accommodations and dining designed specifically for families with children.
- Orlando, Florida: Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld with family-friendly resorts
- Anaheim, California: Disneyland Resort with nearby family accommodations and attractions
- Cedar Point, Ohio: Roller coaster capital with beach access and family activities
- Hershey, Pennsylvania: Chocolate-themed attractions and family-friendly accommodations
Outdoor Adventure Family Getaways
National parks and outdoor destinations provide active family fun with educational opportunities and breathtaking scenery.
- Yellowstone National Park: Geysers, wildlife viewing, and family-friendly hiking trails
- Great Smoky Mountains: Family hiking, wildlife spotting, and historic attractions
- Yosemite National Park: Waterfalls, rock formations, and family camping experiences
- Acadia National Park: Coastal hiking, tide pooling, and scenic drives perfect for families
Beach Family Weekend Getaways
Beach destinations offer relaxation for parents and endless entertainment for children with water activities and sand play.
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Family-friendly beaches, mini-golf, and kid-friendly attractions
- Virginia Beach, Virginia: Wide beaches, boardwalk activities, and family accommodations
- Gulf Shores, Alabama: Pristine beaches, dolphin cruises, and family-friendly dining
- Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Charming beaches, whale watching, and family-friendly activities
Educational Family Weekend Trips
Destinations that combine fun with learning, featuring museums, historical sites, and interactive attractions.
- Washington, D.C.: Free museums, monuments, and family-friendly attractions
- Boston, Massachusetts: Freedom Trail, science museums, and historic sites
- San Diego, California: Zoo, museums, and family-friendly beaches
- Chicago, Illinois: Museums, Navy Pier, and family-friendly attractions
Planning Your Perfect Family Weekend Getaway
Choosing Family-Friendly Accommodations
Look for accommodations with family amenities like pools, playgrounds, kitchenettes, and connecting rooms. Many family weekend getaways offer special packages with kid-friendly perks and dining options.
Budgeting for Family Weekend Trips
Family weekend getaways typically cost $200-600 per night for accommodations, plus meals and activities. Look for destinations offering family packages, free kids' activities, and accommodations with kitchen facilities to save on dining costs.
Packing for Family Weekend Getaways
Pack essentials for all family members including comfort items, weather-appropriate clothing, and entertainment for travel. Bring snacks, first aid supplies, and any special items your children need for comfort and security.
Family-Friendly Activities for Weekend Getaways
Outdoor Family Activities
- Family hiking trails and nature walks
- Beach activities and water sports
- Mini-golf and family games
- Zoo and aquarium visits
- Picnics and outdoor dining
Educational and Cultural Activities
- Children's museums and science centers
- Historical sites and living history museums
- Art workshops and craft activities
- Farm visits and agricultural experiences
- Cultural festivals and events
Indoor Family Entertainment
- Indoor water parks and pools
- Family-friendly shows and performances
- Arcades and family entertainment centers
- Movie theaters with family-friendly films
- Library visits and story times
Family Weekend Getaways by Age Group
Weekend Getaways for Families with Toddlers
Choose destinations with safe play areas, short travel times, and accommodations with kitchen facilities. Look for places with baby gear rentals and family-friendly dining options.
- Beach destinations with calm waters
- Zoos and aquariums with interactive exhibits
- Small towns with playgrounds and parks
Family Weekend Trips for School-Age Children
Destinations with educational attractions, outdoor activities, and opportunities for independence work best for school-age children.
- Theme parks and amusement parks
- National parks with junior ranger programs
- Museums and science centers
Weekend Getaways for Families with Teens
Choose destinations with adventure activities, social opportunities, and attractions that appeal to teenagers' interests.
- Adventure parks and outdoor activities
- Urban destinations with shopping and entertainment
- Beach destinations with water sports
Best Times for Family Weekend Getaways
Spring Family Weekend Trips
Spring offers mild weather, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds. Perfect for outdoor activities, zoo visits, and theme park trips before summer crowds arrive.
Summer Family Weekend Getaways
Summer provides warm weather for beach destinations, water parks, and outdoor activities. Book early and expect larger crowds at popular family destinations.
Fall Family Weekend Trips
Fall offers beautiful foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather for outdoor activities. Great for apple picking, pumpkin patches, and nature exploration.
Winter Family Weekend Getaways
Winter destinations include indoor water parks, museums, and holiday-themed attractions. Perfect for destinations with winter activities like skiing or indoor entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Weekend Getaways
What are the best family weekend getaways for young children?
The best family weekend getaways for young children feature safe play areas, short travel times, and accommodations with kitchen facilities. Beach destinations with calm waters, zoos with interactive exhibits, and small towns with playgrounds work well for families with toddlers and preschoolers.
How can I make family weekend trips more affordable?
Save money on family weekend getaways by choosing destinations with free activities, accommodations with kitchen facilities, and off-season travel. Look for family packages, group discounts, and destinations that offer free admission for children.
What should I look for in family-friendly accommodations?
Family-friendly accommodations should offer connecting rooms, pools, playgrounds, and dining options suitable for children. Look for places with kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and amenities like cribs or rollaway beds.
How far in advance should I book family weekend getaways?
Book family weekend getaways 4-8 weeks in advance, especially for popular destinations during school breaks and summer months. Theme parks and beach destinations during peak season may require even earlier booking.
Start Planning Your Family Weekend Getaway Today
Ready to create unforgettable memories with your family? Browse our expertly curated family weekend getaway destinations and start planning your perfect family escape. Our detailed itineraries, family-friendly accommodation recommendations, and activity guides ensure your family weekend trip is both fun and stress-free.