Philadelphia is full of history and energy, but sometimes the best family moments happen just outside the city. From waterfall hikes to underground caves, mountaintop tubing runs to crayon-covered creativity, these day trips offer more than a change of scenery ... they offer connection. With every drive, we found something new to marvel at and laugh over. These escapes reminded us that joy doesn’t need plane tickets ... just snacks, good shoes, and a sense of play.
Best Day Trips from Philadelphia with Kids:
Letting go in the fresh air of the Pocono Mountains - 2 hours from Philadelphia
The Pocono Mountains gave us all room to breathe — wide-open spaces, pine-scented trails, and enough room to run without bumping into anything but joy. We spent the day hiking a beginner trail near Lake Wallenpaupack, skipping stones and spotting chipmunks darting between tree roots. The kids were pink-cheeked and mud-splashed by noon, and I remember thinking, "They don’t even know this is the best kind of tired."
What We Loved Most: Renting paddleboats and letting the kids steer across calm waters under a sky so big it felt like it might tip over.
Our highlights? A hearty family lunch at The Dock on Wallenpaupack — burgers, fries, and grilled cheese with milkshakes for the kids. We sat outside, wind in our hair, and nobody wanted to check a screen.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Philadelphia: ~2 hours north
- Vibe: Outdoorsy, refreshing, playful
- Highlights: Hiking, boating, zip lines, wildlife, lakeside picnics
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for water play; fall for foliage hikes
- Cost: Many trails and parks are free; activities vary by season
- Hours: Trails and lakes open dawn to dusk; check rec centers for seasonal hours
Whimsy and window-shopping at Peddler's Village in Lahaska - 1 hour from Philadelphia
Peddler’s Village felt like walking into a storybook — cobblestone paths, fountains, and shops painted like candy. The kids darted from the toy store to the gingerbread house display, laughing the whole way. There was just enough magic in the air to make even grown-ups believe in a little wonder. I remember thinking, "This is what childhood should feel like — simple, sweet, and full of possibility."
What We Loved Most: Riding the old-fashioned carousel and watching their faces light up with every slow spin.
Our highlights? An early lunch at Buttonwood Grill — wood-fired pizzas for the grown-ups and chicken fingers for the little ones, followed by warm apple dumplings from the bakery next door. We ate on a bench surrounded by mums and giggles.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Philadelphia: ~1.25 hours north
- Vibe: Quaint, whimsical, family-friendly
- Highlights: Toy stores, seasonal festivals, food markets, mini rides
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for festivals; winter for lights and gingerbread houses
- Cost: Free to walk; shopping and food vary
- Hours: Shops 10am–6pm; restaurants and events vary
Snowy thrills and giggles at Blue Mountain Resort - 2 hours from Philadelphia
Blue Mountain wasn’t just for skiers — it was for families finding joy at every turn. The kids weren’t interested in graceful turns; they were there for tubing. And as we raced down those snowy lanes, laughter echoing off the mountainside, I remember thinking, "This is the kind of memory they’ll carry long after the snow melts."
What We Loved Most: The lift ride back up the hill, cheeks red from wind and fun, waving at strangers like old friends.
Our highlights? Hot chocolate and chicken tenders at Slopeside Pub & Grill, with a mountain view that made even waiting for food feel like a moment. We sat in our snow gear, helmets still on the floor, reliving each run like it was a championship win.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Philadelphia: ~1.75 hours north
- Vibe: Energetic, playful, snow-filled (or mountain-active in summer)
- Highlights: Tubing, beginner ski slopes, summer ziplining, mountain coaster
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for snow fun; summer for adventure sports
- Cost: Tubing ~$40 per person; lift tickets and rentals vary
- Hours: Seasonal hours; tubing usually 9am–9pm
Chasing waterfalls (and butterflies) at Bushkill Falls - 2 hours by car
They call it the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” but Bushkill Falls felt like its own kind of wonder. We took the easiest trail, wooden walkways winding past streams, ferns, and the sound of falling water. The kids played trail games — spotting mushrooms, counting bridges — while I soaked in the shade and stillness. I remember thinking, "This is how we learn to love nature — by stepping into it together."
What We Loved Most: The main falls overlook — misty and loud and magical — where the kids stood still for once, eyes wide, completely present.
Our highlights? A picnic packed from home — turkey sandwiches, juice boxes, trail mix, and a blanket by the pond. Ducks paddled past as we ate, and it felt like the perfect pause.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Philadelphia: ~2 hours north
- Vibe: Natural, adventurous, accessible
- Highlights: Eight waterfalls, wooden trails, fishing pond, butterfly house (in season)
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for trail access
- Cost: ~$15 adults, ~$9 kids (ages 4–10)
- Hours: 9am–6pm; seasonal opening April–November
Going underground to explore time at Crystal Cave - 1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Philadelphia
Crystal Cave in Kutztown, PA was like stepping into the belly of the Earth. Cool, damp air hit our faces the moment we entered, and the kids were instantly captivated — wide-eyed and whispering in that half-awed way only caves can bring out. Stalactites hung like chandeliers above our heads, and the guide’s flashlight made shadows dance across ancient stone. I remember thinking, "They’ll remember this long after they forget the gift shop."
What We Loved Most: Watching their faces when the guide turned off all the lights — total darkness and total wonder all at once.
Our highlights? Ice cream and hot pretzels from the on-site café — simple, sweet, and perfect after a walk through 50-degree stone corridors. We ate at a picnic table outside, warming back up in the sun.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Philadelphia: ~1.5 hours northwest
- Vibe: Cool, educational, underground adventure
- Highlights: Guided cave tours, gemstone mining, museum, nature trail
- Best Time to Visit: Summer or fall for cooler hiking and cave temps
- Cost: ~$20 adults, ~$14 kids; ages 3 and under free
- Hours: 9am–5pm daily; seasonal (March–November)
Curiosity and cupcakes in Easton - 1 hour and 20 minutes by car
Easton was part riverside charm, part hands-on discovery, and all smiles from the moment we arrived. We started at the Crayola Experience, where the kids melted crayons into art and named their own colors. Then we wandered down to the farmers market, snacking on samples and watching street musicians play. I remember thinking, "This is what a perfect Saturday looks like with kids — colorful, curious, and completely unscripted."
What We Loved Most: Watching the kids dip crayons into wax and create their own swirled masterpieces — equal parts art and excitement.
Our highlights? Cupcakes from Sweet Girlz Bakery — chocolate peanut butter for the adults, rainbow sprinkle vanilla for the kids. We sat by the river to eat them, icing on noses and crumbs in every direction.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Philadelphia: ~1.5 hours north
- Vibe: Lively, colorful, hands-on
- Highlights: Crayola Experience, riverside strolls, Easton Public Market, historic downtown
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for festivals and outdoor activities
- Cost: Crayola ~$27 per person; outdoor attractions free
- Hours: Crayola 10am–4pm; markets and bakeries vary
Conclusion: Because the Best Days Don’t Always Need a Plan
Each trip gave us something we didn’t expect — a shared laugh, a splash in a stream, a question we didn’t know our kids would ask. And that’s the beauty of these family day trips. They aren’t about checking boxes. They’re about chasing butterflies, naming crayon colors, skipping stones, and turning small detours into big memories. From Philly’s front steps to waterfall trails and cozy bakeries, the road out of the city has never felt more rewarding — or more fun.
More Resources for Family Travel in Pennsylvania
- Day Trips from Philadelphia – A wider look at scenic and cultural destinations across the region.
- Things to Do in Pennsylvania with Kids – Find museums, attractions, and outdoor activities across the state.
- Pittsburgh Day Trips – Heading west? Explore day trips from Pennsylvania’s other great city.
- Pennsylvania Train Trips – Scenic railway adventures perfect for families who love a relaxing ride.