There’s something magical about a small-town weekend—especially when you’re traveling with kids. The pace slows down, the locals wave hello, and every street feels like it’s just waiting to be explored. From beach boardwalks to riverside trails and funky downtowns filled with unexpected gems, these towns gave us that perfect mix of family fun and time to breathe.
Each of these getaways packed big memories into small spaces—and reminded us that sometimes, the best adventures don’t require a long flight or weeks of planning. Just a weekend, a tank of gas, and a sense of curiosity.
Best Small Town Weekend Getaways with Kids:
Sandcastles and Sea Creatures in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach surprised me—in the best way. It had all the buzz of a beach town but still felt approachable and kid-ready. We spent the morning on the wide sandy beach building sandcastles and watching dolphins play just beyond the waves. I remember thinking, "This is the kind of simple joy I didn’t know we needed."
In the afternoon, we visited the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. The kids were mesmerized by the sea turtles, sharks, and interactive touch pools. The otters were a favorite, darting and tumbling in their habitat like they were performing just for us. A short nature trail out back took us over marshy boardwalks—easy for strollers and full of curious birds.
We had dinner at Waterman’s Surfside Grille, where I ordered the crab cakes and the kids happily munched on grilled cheese and sweet potato fries while watching the sunset over the ocean. The sea breeze, the boardwalk lights twinkling on—it felt like summer, no matter the season.
Where We Stayed: We stayed at the Cavalier Resort, which felt fancy enough for parents but still completely welcoming to little travelers. The indoor pool was a huge hit when the ocean breeze got too chilly.
Virginia Beach At a Glance
- Location: Southeastern Virginia
- Vibe: Coastal, casual, family-friendly
- Top Picks: Virginia Aquarium, oceanfront boardwalk, Neptune’s Park
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through early fall for beach weather
- Tip: Rent bikes or a surrey cart to ride the boardwalk without tiring little legs
Big Skies and Bigger Surprises in Amarillo
We rolled into Amarillo expecting cowboys and wide open spaces—and we got that. But we also found quirky art, hands-on history, and more family-friendly fun than we imagined. Driving up to Cadillac Ranch, where ten graffiti-covered cars rise nose-first from a Texas field, the kids yelled, “We get to paint?!” I handed them spray cans and thought, "This might be the coolest art experience ever."
After we added our masterpieces to the ever-changing installation, we headed to the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum. The exhibits brought the story of the West to life with saddles, racing legends, and a kid zone where they could groom a (fake but realistic) horse and sit in a real rodeo chute.
For dinner, we ate at The Big Texan Steak Ranch—not for the 72-ounce steak challenge, but for the wild western decor and kid-friendly menu. I had the ribeye and grilled veggies, and the kids devoured corn dogs and mashed potatoes under the glow of neon longhorns.
Where We Stayed: We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Amarillo, which was clean, convenient, and had a pool where the kids could splash off their cowboy energy before bedtime.
Amarillo At a Glance
- Location: Texas Panhandle
- Vibe: Western, offbeat, energetic
- Top Picks: Cadillac Ranch, Quarter Horse Museum, Route 66 Historic District
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for milder weather
- Tip: Bring your own spray paint for Cadillac Ranch—it’s encouraged and unforgettable
Boardwalk Play and Beach Vibes in Asbury Park, NJ
Asbury Park had retro charm with a modern twist. We started our morning on the Asbury Park Boardwalk, where vintage arcades and quirky murals gave everything a playful feel. The kids raced down the wooden planks toward Silverball Retro Arcade, where I realized halfway through, "They love pinball just as much as I did growing up."
We played for hours on vintage machines—Pac-Man, Skeeball, and dozens of pinball tables—then grabbed soft serve at a beachside stand before strolling past colorful shops and live street music. Even off-season, the town had energy and charm. The beach was quiet that day, but we still dug our toes in the sand and listened to the waves roll in.
Lunch was at Talula’s, a hip pizza spot with playful vibes and great food. I had the kale Caesar and a slice of white pie with lemon zest, and the kids shared a pepperoni pizza and chocolate chip cookies. It felt relaxed and just a little fancy—perfect for a weekend treat.
Where We Stayed: We stayed at the Asbury Hotel, a trendy space that still managed to be cozy, with bunk beds in the family suite and rooftop views that made the whole town glow at sunset.
Asbury Park At a Glance
- Location: Jersey Shore, about 1.5 hours from NYC
- Vibe: Retro, artsy, walkable
- Top Picks: Silverball Arcade, boardwalk, Asbury Splash Park
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for beach fun
- Tip: Visit during a weekend market or festival—there’s always something going on
Windswept Play and Mountain Views in Hood River, OR
Hood River felt like a postcard come to life. The Columbia River Gorge opened up beside us as we arrived, with windsurfers flying across the waves and snowy Mount Hood hovering in the distance. We started our weekend at the Hood River Waterfront Park, where the kids climbed on boulders and playgrounds right beside the water. I stood with my coffee and thought, "Why aren’t more people talking about this place?"
We spent the afternoon aboard the Mount Hood Railroad, taking a scenic ride through orchards and past dramatic cliffs. The kids loved the old-fashioned train cars and even spotted deer in the distance. Downtown Hood River had just enough shops and ice cream stops to keep little legs moving happily.
Dinner was at Solstice Wood Fire Pizza, where I had a pear and blue cheese pizza that was way better than it sounds. The kids got cheese and apple juice, and we all shared a berry crisp for dessert while watching windsurfers out the window.
Where We Stayed: We stayed at the Hood River Hotel, a historic spot with cozy rooms, a great bakery downstairs, and a location that let us walk everywhere we needed to go.
Hood River At a Glance
- Location: Along the Columbia River Gorge, about an hour from Portland
- Vibe: Laid-back, outdoorsy, gorge-ous (pun intended)
- Top Picks: Waterfront Park, Mount Hood Railroad, Full Sail Brewing patio (family-friendly!)
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall for mild weather and fruit stands
- Tip: Don’t skip the Hood River Fruit Loop—a fun drive with u-pick farms and cider stops
Art, Nature, and Ice Cream in Asheville
As soon as we arrived in Asheville, it felt like we could breathe a little deeper. Maybe it was the mountain air or the easygoing pace, but even the kids settled in quickly. We started at the Western North Carolina Nature Center, where they met red wolves, black bears, and otters with wide-eyed wonder. I remember watching them peek into the bobcat enclosure and thinking, "This is the kind of quiet, curious fun we needed."
Later, we wandered through the River Arts District. The kids painted magnets at an art studio while I browsed ceramics and prints. Everyone left with a handmade souvenir. Downtown Asheville was lively but not overwhelming—just the right mix of music, murals, and frozen treats at The Hop Ice Cream Café, where the kids got sprinkles and I had a scoop of honey lavender.
For dinner, we hit White Duck Taco Shop by the river. I had the Bangkok shrimp taco and a watermelon side, and the kids devoured their chicken tacos and chips under string lights and trees.
Where We Stayed: We stayed at Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, where the kids got to roast marshmallows over a fire pit and we had coffee with a view of the French Broad River.
Asheville At a Glance
- Location: Western North Carolina, near the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Vibe: Creative, calm, mountain-hugged
- Top Picks: Nature Center, River Arts District, Grove Arcade
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for hiking and color
- Tip: Take a short hike to Craggy Gardens for panoramic family photos
Quiet Escapes and Storybook Vibes in Fayetteville, GA
Fayetteville gave us the kind of weekend that felt like stepping into a storybook town. Just outside Atlanta, it had all the charm of a slower pace without feeling sleepy. We started at Fun Spot America Atlanta, where the kids rode go-karts, climbed ropes, and grinned their way through arcade games. I stood back and thought, "This is simple, high-energy fun—and we didn’t have to fight city crowds to get it."
Afterward, we explored Trilith Town Centre, a mixed-use community where the streets are lined with colorful homes, unique shops, and cafes. We stumbled into The Citizen for lunch—I ordered the trout BLT with house chips, and the kids had grilled cheese and a side of fresh fruit. The town felt playful and walkable, with open lawns where the kids could run while we sipped coffee from a nearby roaster.
We capped off our evening with a movie under the stars at Trilith’s Town Green, where bean bags and picnic blankets turned the lawn into the coziest cinema I’ve ever visited.
Where We Stayed: We stayed at the Trilith Guesthouse, a boutique spot with family suites and walkable access to the whole town center. It felt like a modern village designed with families in mind.
Fayetteville At a Glance
- Location: Just south of Atlanta, Georgia
- Vibe: Wholesome, whimsical, tucked-away
- Top Picks: Fun Spot America, Trilith Town Centre, local parks
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or early fall when it’s not too hot
- Tip: Check the schedule for outdoor events or family movie nights at Trilith
Conclusion
These small-town getaways reminded us that family adventures don’t have to be far-flung or over-planned. Each one offered its own rhythm—whether it was playing arcade games by the shore, painting train cars in a field, or watching birds in a quiet urban preserve. And the best part? We came home feeling more connected, not just to the places we visited, but to each other.
If you're looking for an easy, memorable weekend trip that lets kids explore and lets grownups exhale, these towns are proof that big fun can come from small places.