Small Town Weekend Getaways with Kids

By VacationIdea Staff | Affiliate Disclosure

Family Weekend Getaway

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Are small American towns and cities fun for kids?
- Whatever you like to do, kids will not be bored on their trip to small American towns and cities.
What unique attractions do small towns in the U.S. offer for kids?
- Small towns in New Jersey have fantastic boardwalks perfect for fishing and whale watching.
- Fayetteville, Georgia, has huge old mansions.
- Moab, Utah, features dinosaur traces and fossils.
- Bozeman, Montana, is home to a grizzly bear sanctuary.
Will kids enjoy visiting small American towns?
- Whatever activities you prefer, kids will have a great time on their trip to small American towns and cities.

⮕ Virginia Beach, VA

Walk along the boardwalk and relax on sandy shores during a fun family trip.

Virginia Beach, VA

What makes Virginia Beach a great destination?
- With three lovely sandy beaches and a three-mile-long boardwalk, there is plenty to do in Virginia Beach.
What historical significance does Virginia Beach have?
- This coastal town is famous as the spot where the Jamestown colonists first arrived from England. Visit First Landing State Park to learn more about this important 1607 event.
What is the best way to see dolphins in Virginia Beach?
- For those who love animals, the best way to see dolphins frolicking is from a kayak—they will swim right next to you!
Where can visitors learn about marine life?
- Meet sharks, rays, turtles, and other marine creatures at the fascinating Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center.
Are there amusement parks in Virginia Beach?
- Yes! Take the kids on one of the adrenaline-pumping rides at the 15th Street amusement park, just off the boardwalk.
Where can visitors find classic arcade games?
- Visit Flipper McCoys arcade, which features some classic tech games younger visitors might not have seen before.
What historical sites can visitors explore?
- For a bit of history, visit the Adam Thoroughgood House, the oldest colonial home in town and a National Historic Landmark.

⮕ Amarillo, TX

Explore Cadillac Ranch and visit Old West landmarks on a cheap adventure.

Amarillo, TX

Why is Amarillo a great destination for families?
- Amarillo is a great place to experience the real Texas, offering a mix of cowboy culture, history, and outdoor adventures for families to enjoy.
Where can visitors experience cowboy life in Amarillo?
- Take the kids to visit River Breaks Ranch to see how real cowboys live and work.
Where can visitors learn about Native American history?
- Visit the Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian to learn about Native American lifestyles in a building designed like an old Indian pueblo.
What is the best way to explore Palo Duro Canyon?
- With Elkins Ranch Jeep Tours, visitors can enjoy the magnificent views of Palo Duro Canyon.
Can visitors go horseback riding in Palo Duro Canyon?
- Yes! While exploring Palo Duro Canyon State Park, check out the Old West Stables and let the kids ride on horseback where cowboys and Indians once roamed.
Where can kids explore and learn in Amarillo?
- Let kids tinker and explore at the Don Harrington Discovery Center, which offers hands-on exhibits and activities.
Where can families see wild animals in Amarillo?
- Visit the large 15-acre Amarillo Zoo to see a variety of wild animals up close.

⮕ Asbury Park, NJ

See vibrant murals and walk the boardwalk on a classic summer getaway.

Asbury Park, NJ

What makes Asbury Park a great destination?
- Asbury Park is a historic Jersey Shore town with the best beaches in the area, offering miles of fine sand, blue sea, great surf, and never-ending fun.
What is the main attraction in Asbury Park?
- Nearly everything in Asbury Park revolves around the oceanfront, making it a prime destination for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.
What can visitors do at the Silverball Museum Arcade?
- The Silverball Museum Arcade features almost 200 games, ranging from 1950s classics to today's latest, including pinball games, Skee Ball, and air hockey.
What historic lighthouse can visitors see in New Jersey?
- Don't miss the 171-foot-high Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey's tallest lighthouse, built in 1857.
What famous battleship is now a museum?
- The Battleship New Jersey, one of the most famous U.S. Navy battleships in history, is now a floating museum on the Camden Waterfront.

⮕ Hood River, OR

Admire river views and go windsurfing during a scenic spring escape.

Hood River, OR

What makes Hood River a great destination?
- A small town at the crossroads of the Cascade Range and the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River is surrounded by magnificent nature, making it perfect for scenic hiking and mountain biking.
Why is Hood River famous?
- Hood River has become famous for its windsurfing, attracting adventure seekers from all over.
What activities can kids enjoy at Hood River Waterfront Park?
- Hood River Waterfront Park is heaven for kids, featuring a playground, amphitheater, and a lovely sandy beach.
What can visitors see at the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum?
- Kids love the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum, which has one of the largest collections of antique and still-flying vehicles in the country—and they all work!
What is the Fruit Loop, and why should visitors try it?
- During the fruit-picking season, visitors can drive the 35-mile scenic Fruit Loop through orchards, farmlands, and forests and pick fresh fruits in season.
Where can kids interact with farm animals?
- At Draper Girls Family Farms, kids can pet goats and pigs, while at Kiyokawa Family Orchards, they can have fun in a play fort.
What is a great family-friendly hike in Hood River?
- Take a family hike to Tamanawas Falls, a 3.6-mile trip that is well worth the journey once you see the awesome waterfall.

⮕ Asheville, NC

Discover mountain trails and visit craft breweries on a lively weekend trip.

Asheville, NC

What makes Asheville a great destination?
- Overshadowed by the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a North Carolina city known for its long history, beautiful nature scenes, and a vibrant art scene.
What historic site should visitors explore in Asheville?
- Take the kids on a tour of the majestic Biltmore Estate to learn about the fairytale story of America’s rich and powerful family.
Where can visitors hike or ski in Asheville?
- Go for a hike or ski on one of the many trails in the Blue Ridge Mountain Park, offering scenic views and outdoor adventure.
Where can kids enjoy an exciting zipline experience?
- Let the kids have the thrill of their lives at Navitat, where they can soar through the trees on a sky-high zipline.
What unique water activity is available in Pisgah Mountain?
- Go sliding down a 60-foot high smooth natural rock and splash into an eight-foot deep pool in Pisgah Mountain.
What river activity can visitors try?
- Learn how to stand-up paddleboard while gliding down the French Broad River, a great way to experience the water.
What indoor attractions are available beyond nature activities?
- If you’re looking for activities beyond nature, enjoy mini-golf with black light holes, a climbing wall, multi-level laser tag, bumper cars, mini-bowling, an arcade gallery, an inflatable area, and soft play zones.

⮕ Fayetteville, GA

Explore film locations and stroll historic streets on a quiet retirement visit.

Fayetteville, GA

What makes Fayetteville a great destination?
- Located less than 20 miles from Atlanta, Fayetteville is a quiet, pretty Southern town with tree-lined streets, beautiful mansions, and a rich history.
What outdoor activities can kids enjoy in Fayetteville?
- Kids will love a slow, leisurely kayak trip on the lovely Horton Lake or a stroll through the Prime Community Park, known locally as the Secret Garden.
Where is a good spot for a family picnic?
- Have a picnic lunch by Starr’s Mill, where you can relax by its cool, refreshing waterfall.
Where can kids find thrilling rides and attractions?
- If the kids need more action, take them to Fun Junction USA, where they can enjoy more than a dozen family attractions, including thrill rides, three mini golf courses, go-kart tracks, and more.
Where can families enjoy a fun indoor activity?
- The whole family will enjoy a friendly competition at the Fayetteville Bowling Center.

⮕ Allentown, PA

Visit museums and look at local art during a creative trip.

Allentown, PA

What makes Allentown a great destination?
- Immortalized in the popular Billy Joel song, Allentown is a lovely city in the Lehigh Valley with plenty of activities for visitors of all ages.
What interactive attractions are available for kids?
- For curious and nerdy kids, the interactive and educational Imagi Nation offers endless fun—it’s a pretend world of business where they can try different careers.
Where can kids find thrilling rides?
- The seasonal Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom features over 100 rides and attractions, including eight roller coasters.
What attractions are available for car enthusiasts?
- Car fans will love seeing beautiful antique cars at the America on Wheels Museum or exploring trucks at the Mack Trucks Historical Museum.
What historical sites can visitors explore in Allentown?
- Visit the Liberty Bell Museum to learn how the famous bell was hidden from British soldiers underneath a local church during the Revolutionary War.
Where can visitors enjoy nature in Allentown?
- To cool off, take a relaxing stroll through the verdant paths of Cedar Beach Park or the scenic Allentown Rose Gardens.

⮕ Wildwoods, NJ

Ride boardwalk coasters and enjoy beach fun on a kids friendly vacation.

Wildwoods, NJ

What makes Wildwoods a great destination?
- With five miles of magnificent, wide, sandy beaches, life in Wildwoods on the New Jersey Shore revolves around the sea.
What water activities can visitors enjoy in Wildwoods?
- Besides swimming, relaxing on the beach, and building sandcastles, visitors can enjoy surfing, power boating, boogie boarding, jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, and parasailing.
What attractions can be found along the Wildwoods boardwalk?
- One of the most fun boardwalks in the country, it features more than 100 rides and attractions, including:
- Giant roller coasters at Morey's Piers & Beachfront Waterparks
- Ocean Oasis Waterpark & Beach Club
- Splash Zone Water Park for kids
- Flashing arcades and much more
Where can kids learn about Wildwoods’ history?
- When the kids get tired of playing games, take them to the Wildwood Historical Society’s George F. Boyer Museum to learn about the history of Wildwoods through various exhibits.
What unique boating experience is available in Wildwoods?
- Spend a few hours on the water aboard a Silver Bullet speedboat, which doubles as a whale-watching boat, offering an exciting and scenic experience.

⮕ Bozeman, MT

Explore mountain trails and visit local shops during a fall escape.

Bozeman, MT

What makes Bozeman a great destination?
- A lively, modern Rocky Mountains city, Bozeman is located in southern Montana, surrounded by the Bridger Range on one side and the Spanish Peaks on the other.
What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Bozeman?
- Bozeman is the perfect place for winter sports and serves as a great starting point for:
- Hiking
- Rafting down Gallatin River
- Backpacking at Gallatin Divide
How close is Bozeman to Yellowstone National Park?
- With Yellowstone National Park nearby, kids and families have access to an incredible variety of outdoor activities.
What is the most popular indoor attraction in Bozeman?
- The Museum of the Rockies is a must-visit, featuring a collection of real T. Rex specimens, which are sure to thrill any youngster.
Does the Museum of the Rockies have other attractions?
- Yes! The museum also features a planetarium, offering an engaging educational experience for visitors.
Where can visitors see grizzly bears up close?
- The whole family can get up close and personal with grizzly bears at the Montana Grizzly Encounter, a sanctuary for rescued grizzlies and an educational facility.
What unique museum can tech enthusiasts visit?
- The American Computer Museum is a fascinating place to see the incredible evolution of computers and some rare computing relics.

⮕ Charlottesville, VA

See Jefferson’s Monticello and explore wineries on a scenic romantic trip.

Charlottesville, VA

What makes Charlottesville a great destination?
- A charming, lively Virginia university town, Charlottesville is a fascinating place to learn about American history and explore its rich cultural heritage.
What historical tours are available in Charlottesville?
- Visitors can take a guided tour of the city’s stately historic homes and learn about American founding fathers Jefferson, Monroe, and Madison, as well as the way of life during their time.
What famous landmarks can visitors see?
- See a building designed by Jefferson and visit the University of Virginia dorm room where poet Edgar Allan Poe once lived.
What interactive museum is great for kids?
- Take the kids to the Virginia Discovery Museum, where they can tinker, explore, and learn with new exhibits always available.
Where can visitors enjoy outdoor activities?
- Stretch your legs and enjoy fresh air on the scenic Saunders-Monticello Trail, a beautiful spot for walking and exploring.
Where can kids play indoors in Charlottesville?
- If they still have energy, take the kids to Bounce-n-Play, an indoor playground where they can climb, slide, bounce, and paint.

Map:

Plan Your Trip

Table of Contents:

1. Virginia Beach, VA
2. Amarillo, TX
3. Asbury Park, NJ
4. Hood River, OR
5. Asheville, NC
6. Fayetteville, GA
7. Allentown, PA
8. Wildwoods, NJ
9. Bozeman, MT
10. Charlottesville, VA