Small Town Weekend Getaways with Kids

Location:

Virginia Beach, VA

Highlights:

If you're craving sunshine, history, and family-friendly fun all in one spot, Virginia Beach totally delivers. It’s got a little bit of everything—from dolphins to colonial homes and classic beach boardwalk charm.

We Recommend This For:

Families, couples, beach lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking for a well-rounded coastal getaway.

What We Love:

The mix of fun and learning—from kayaking alongside dolphins to exploring historic landmarks, plus boardwalk rides and old-school arcades for all ages.

• Relax on three beautiful sandy beaches or take a stroll along the iconic three-mile boardwalk packed with sights, shops, and ocean views.
• Discover America’s early colonial history at First Landing State Park, where the Jamestown colonists first came ashore in 1607.
• Paddle out in a kayak and watch dolphins swim right beside you—a magical and close-up way to experience marine life.
• Explore the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, home to sharks, rays, sea turtles, and more.
• Play at the 15th Street amusement park, featuring thrill rides just steps from the sand.
• Step Back in Time at the Adam Thoroughgood House, a National Historic Landmark and the oldest colonial home in the area.
• Have Fun at Flipper McCoys arcade, where retro games and classic machines bring out the kid in everyone.

Address:

Virginia Beach, VA

Location:

Amarillo, TX

Highlights:

Looking for a wild west adventure that’s actually perfect for the whole family? Amarillo brings cowboy life, Native American history, and outdoor thrills together in one unforgettable Texas stop.

We Recommend This For:

Families, adventure seekers, animal lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a real Texas experience.

What We Love:

Hands-on cultural learning, scenic canyon tours, horseback riding trails, and spots where kids can run wild—Amarillo is full of fun and heart.

• Experience authentic cowboy culture at River Breaks Ranch, where you can see how real cowboys live and work.
• Explore Native American heritage at the Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian, housed in a striking pueblo-style building.
• Ride through breathtaking scenery with Elkins Ranch Jeep Tours, the best way to see the vast Palo Duro Canyon.
• Saddle Up at Old West Stables in Palo Duro Canyon State Park—where you and the kids can ride where cowboys once roamed.
• Discover hands-on science and fun at the Don Harrington Discovery Center, a kid-friendly spot filled with engaging exhibits.
• Visit the 15-acre Amarillo Zoo, where wild animals and family fun await around every corner.

Address:

Amarillo, TX

Location:

Asbury Park, NJ

Highlights:

If you're after a classic beach town with quirky charm and rich history, Asbury Park should be on your list. It’s all about ocean vibes, arcade nostalgia, and a serious dose of fun.

We Recommend This For:

Beach lovers, families, history buffs, arcade fans, and travelers seeking a laid-back coastal getaway with a cool retro twist.

What We Love:

The beachy boardwalk energy, vintage pinball machines, and unique landmarks like lighthouses and battleships turned museums.

• Unwind on some of the best beaches on the Jersey Shore, with soft sand, clear blue water, and great surf for all skill levels.
• Explore Asbury Park’s vibrant oceanfront, the heart of the town and a hub for beach fun and outdoor activities.
• Play at the Silverball Museum Arcade, packed with nearly 200 games from retro pinball to modern classics.
• Climb the 171-foot-high Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey’s tallest, for epic views and a taste of maritime history.
• Tour the legendary Battleship New Jersey, now a floating museum docked on the Camden Waterfront—great for kids and history lovers alike.

Address:

Asbury Park, NJ

Location:

Hood River, OR

Highlights:

If you're dreaming of epic outdoor adventures mixed with small-town charm, Hood River is the perfect pick. From waterfalls and fruit orchards to windsurfing and playgrounds, it’s a family-friendly gem with wow-worthy scenery.

We Recommend This For:

Families, nature lovers, hikers, adventure seekers, and anyone craving a scenic escape with fun for all ages.

What We Love:

The perfect mix of rugged nature and kid-approved fun—from hands-on museums to farm animals and unforgettable trails.

• Explore Hood River’s stunning setting at the meeting point of the Cascade Range and Columbia River Gorge, ideal for hiking and mountain biking.
• Experience world-renowned windsurfing conditions that draw thrill-seekers from around the globe.
• Play at Hood River Waterfront Park, with a beach, amphitheater, and playground that make it a kid's paradise.
• Visit the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum to see antique cars and planes—all restored and still running.
• Pick your own fruit along the 35-mile scenic Fruit Loop, which winds through orchards, forests, and farmlands.
• Pet goats and pigs at Draper Girls Family Farms, or let kids climb and play at Kiyokawa Family Orchards.
• Hike to the breathtaking Tamanawas Falls—a manageable 3.6-mile journey perfect for families who love the outdoors.

Address:

Hood River, OR

Location:

Asheville, NC

Highlights:

Want a mountain escape that’s equal parts adventure and charm? Asheville is where nature, history, and quirky family fun collide—with scenic trails, fairy-tale mansions, and zip lines through the treetops.

We Recommend This For:

Families, outdoor enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone looking to mix fresh air with cool culture and epic kid-friendly experiences.

What We Love:

Breathtaking Blue Ridge views, sliding down natural waterfalls, touring the stunning Biltmore Estate, and finding indoor fun for rainy days too.

• Take In the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which surround Asheville and offer endless trails, views, and inspiration.
• Tour the incredible Biltmore Estate to discover the fascinating legacy of one of America’s wealthiest families.
• Hike or Ski the rugged trails in Blue Ridge Mountain Park, where each season brings its own adventure.
• Zip through the forest canopy at Navitat, a high-flying thrill that kids (and adults) will never forget.
• Slide down a 60-foot natural rock into a refreshing plunge pool in Pisgah Mountain—a must-try water adventure.
• Paddle your way down the French Broad River while trying out stand-up paddleboarding—a fun way to cool off and stay active.
• Play Indoors with options like black light mini-golf, bumper cars, a climbing wall, laser tag, mini-bowling, and inflatable play zones—perfect when you need a break from the trails.

Address:

Asheville, NC

Adventurous Small Town Weekend Getaways with Kids:

Location:

Fayetteville, GA

Highlights:

Need a peaceful getaway just outside the bustle of Atlanta? Fayetteville is a charming Southern gem with historic streets, relaxing nature spots, and plenty of family-friendly activities.

We Recommend This For:

Families, history lovers, Atlanta day-trippers, and anyone looking for a quiet small-town escape with big charm.

What We Love:

The combination of historic beauty and outdoor fun—from secret gardens to thrill rides and kayaking calm waters.

• Explore the lovely town of Fayetteville, just 20 miles from Atlanta, with its tree-lined streets, Southern mansions, and rich history.
• Relax with a slow kayak trip across scenic Horton Lake or a walk through the local favorite Prime Community Park, also called the Secret Garden.
• Unwind with a picnic by the waterfall at Starr’s Mill—a peaceful, photo-worthy spot perfect for a family lunch.
• Play at Fun Junction USA, where over a dozen attractions include thrill rides, go-kart tracks, and three mini-golf courses.
• Compete with the whole crew at the Fayetteville Bowling Center, a great way to end the day with some indoor fun.

Address:

Fayetteville, GA

Location:

Allentown, PA

Highlights:

Allentown isn’t just a Billy Joel song—it’s a real gem in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, packed with cool museums, thrill rides, and green spaces perfect for families. It’s got something for every age and interest!

We Recommend This For:

Families, history lovers, car buffs, curious kids, and anyone looking for a fun, varied city break.

What We Love:

The balance of action and learning—from roller coasters and career play zones to historic treasures and peaceful gardens.

• Visit the city made famous by the Billy Joel song. Allentown is a vibrant Lehigh Valley hub with fun for all ages.
• Play at Imagi Nation, an interactive mini-city where kids roleplay careers in a fun, educational way.
• Ride the coasters at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, with more than 100 attractions including eight roller coasters.
• Explore antique autos at the America on Wheels Museum and big rigs at the Mack Trucks Historical Museum.
• Learn about Revolutionary War history at the Liberty Bell Museum, where the iconic bell was once hidden from the British.
• Stroll through nature at Cedar Beach Park or admire the blooms at the peaceful Allentown Rose Gardens.

Address:

Allentown, PA

Location:

Wildwoods, NJ

Highlights:

If you’re looking for beach days that never end, Wildwoods has you covered with five miles of sandy shoreline and non-stop boardwalk fun. It’s a Jersey Shore favorite that knows how to entertain all ages.

We Recommend This For:

Families, beach lovers, thrill-seekers, water sports fans, and anyone looking for a lively coastal vacation packed with attractions.

What We Love:

The energy of the boardwalk, endless water adventures, and a perfect mix of old-school seaside charm and high-octane fun.

• Relax on Wildwoods' expansive, beautiful beaches, where the ocean is the center of everything from sandcastles to sunbathing.
• Play in the water with activities like surfing, power boating, boogie boarding, jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, and parasailing.
• Explore the iconic boardwalk, home to more than 100 rides and attractions, including:
• Morey's Piers & Beachfront Waterparks with giant roller coasters
• Ocean Oasis Waterpark & Beach Club
• Splash Zone Water Park—perfect for kids
• Arcades full of lights, games, and prizes
• Learn about the area’s roots at the George F. Boyer Museum, run by the Wildwood Historical Society, for a glimpse into local history.
• Ride the Silver Bullet speedboat for a thrilling combo of sightseeing and whale watching—it’s fast, fun, and unforgettable.

Address:

Wildwoods, NJ

Relaxing Small Town Weekend Getaways with Kids:

Location:

Bozeman, MT

Highlights:

Want a mountain town that blends big adventure with big discoveries? Bozeman gives you snowy slopes, rivers to raft, trails to hike—and even real dinosaur fossils to wow the kids.

We Recommend This For:

Families, outdoor adventurers, science lovers, national park explorers, and anyone craving both fresh air and fascinating museums.

What We Love:

Bozeman’s unbeatable access to outdoor fun, plus family-friendly indoor attractions like dino exhibits, bear sanctuaries, and computer history gems.

• Discover Bozeman, a vibrant Rocky Mountain city in southern Montana, nestled between the Bridger Range and the Spanish Peaks.
• Play Outside with winter sports or enjoy warmer months hiking, rafting the Gallatin River, and backpacking at Gallatin Divide.
• Explore Yellowstone National Park—just a short drive away—for geysers, wildlife, and endless outdoor family fun.
• Visit the Museum of the Rockies, home to actual T. Rex skeletons and a fascinating planetarium.
• See rescued grizzly bears in a safe, educational setting at Montana Grizzly Encounter.
• Geek Out at the American Computer Museum, where tech lovers can explore the evolution of computing and view rare artifacts.

Address:

Bozeman, MT

Location:

Charlottesville, VA

Highlights:

If you’re into history, culture, and a bit of nature, Charlottesville is your kind of place. It blends colonial charm with kid-friendly fun, all in a beautiful university town setting.

We Recommend This For:

Families, history buffs, architecture lovers, culture seekers, and anyone wanting a fun and educational Virginia getaway.

What We Love:

Touring presidential homes, walking scenic trails, exploring hands-on museums, and even spotting Edgar Allan Poe’s old dorm room.

• Experience the energy of a classic Virginia university town with deep roots in American history and a vibrant cultural vibe.
• Tour historic homes with stories of founding fathers Jefferson, Monroe, and Madison, learning how they lived and led.
• See iconic landmarks like a Jefferson-designed building and the University of Virginia dorm where Edgar Allan Poe once studied.
• Play and learn at the Virginia Discovery Museum, full of rotating interactive exhibits for curious kids.
• Stroll the Saunders-Monticello Trail, a scenic outdoor path perfect for walking, nature spotting, and stretching little legs.
• Burn Energy at Bounce-n-Play, an indoor playground where kids can climb, slide, bounce, and even paint indoors.

Address:

Charlottesville, VA