Day Trips from DC for Family Fun
Is the weather forecast looking good this weekend? Want to take your family on a day trip from DC and escape the daily routines? At Pirate Adventures we meet families who are experiencing Annapolis for the first time and they often comment “we can’t believe it’s taken us this long to get here.” Plan a day trip from DC and experience all our awesome region has to offer. We have put together list of day trips from DC for family fun that your family will want to come back to often once discovered. Find out what to see, where to eat, and where to play with our top pics for day trips from DC.
History and Adventure in Annapolis, MD
Join us with the family in Annapolis, MD and soak up some history, grab some lunch, hit one of our many ice cream shops and of course take a Pirate Adventure! Mom and Dad can enjoy views of the Naval Academy, City Dock, and the expensive yachts from the water while the kids haul up sunken treasure and fire our famous water cannons. Pirate Adventures is listed as the #1 Attraction in Annapolis on Tripadvisor so make your reservations early.
Drive Time from DC: 45 minutes
What to see: City Dock is the heart of historical Annapolis. Visit the Alex Haley Statue and feed the ducks. Walk up and down Main Street to get your shopping fix.
Where to Eat: Dive into a Crab Pretzel at Davis’ Pub or Pirate Pasta at the Family Friendly Boatyard Bar and Grill. Our post Family Friendly Restaurants in Annapolis lists plenty of options for dining out with the kids in Annapolis.
Family Friendly Attractions: Plan your Pirate Adventure and a trip nearby beaches and playgrounds with this post What to Do with Kids in Annapolis.
Find out More: A Treasure Chest of Fun on the Chesapeake Bay – NY Times
Bayside Views in Chesapeake Beach and North Beach
The towns of Chesapeake Beach and North Beach are situated directly on the Chesapeake Bay and provide plenty of options for family fun on the water. Bring your bikes and ride along the North Beach boardwalk, hit the old time candy store, and spend time at Bayfront Park on the beach.
Drive time from DC: 1 hour
What to see: Take in the expansive cheap valtrex online views of the Bay from the pier in North Beach. Walk along the fishing dock in Chesapeake Beach and check out the days catch.
Where to Eat: Get your hands dirty and order up some steamed crabs at Abner’s Crab House on the water. Order up some Margaritas and quesadillas for the kids on the outside patio at Plaza Mexico in North Beach.
Family Friendly Attractions: Visit the Bayside History Museum for hands-on exhibits about local history and maritime life—great for curious kids. Let the little ones burn off some energy at the pirate-themed playground in North Beach, a favorite stop for families right by the boardwalk. For a nature-filled beach day, head just 15 minutes south to Flag Ponds Nature Park, where you can hike easy trails and hunt for fossils along the shoreline.
Find out More: Maryland’s BaySide Jewels – Maryland Road Trips
Solomon’s Island Escape
Bring the family to Solomon’s Island where things slow down, it is an “island” after all. Take in the boardwalk and the Calvert Marine Museum in this former fishing village and take the time to eat some fresh seafood. Don’t miss the enchanting AnnMarie Sculpture Garden on the way to Solomon’s, a great place to take the kids.
Drive time from DC: 1.5 hours
What to See: Stroll along the Patuxent River Walk and watch the recreational and fishing boats come and go. Check out the original Drum Point Light, one for the few remaining screwpile lighthouses on exhibit.
Where to Eat: The Pier Restaurant and River Bar offers a Sunday Brunch buffet on the with dockside views or you can carry out eat at the picnic tables next to the River Walk. Grab dessert at Kim’s Key Lime Pies.
Family Friendly Attractions: AnnMarie Sculpture Garden is a special place for kids complete with fairy houses hidden in the woods. Bring the family here and you will feel you have discovered on off the beaten path treat. Read more about AnnMarie Sculpture Garden in the post 5 Daytrips the Celebrate Imagination.
Find out More: America’s Happiest Seaside Towns – Coastal Living
Shenandoah Hikes and Scenic Drive
Take in the breathtaking views from Skyline Drive and nearby attractions in Front Royal Virginia at the entrance of Shenandoah Park closest to Washington DC. There are underground caverns to explore, roadside attractions and hiking trails along with the views from the overlooks on Skyline Drive.
Drive time from DC: 1.5 hours
What to See: Dark forests and waterfalls with one of these great hikes for families. Stop at Stony Man Overlook for a view of the profile of Stony Man embedded in the mountain.
Where to Eat: Huge burgers and old school milkshakes can be found at Spelunkers Frozen Custard and Cavern Burgers in Front Royal. Visit the impressive Big Meadows Lodge in the park for a hearty meal and incredible views from the rocking chairs in this lodge where time seems to have stood still.
Family Friendly Attractions: Dinosaur Land is an offbeat family attraction that the kids on your family will wholly appreciate. See over 50 plaster models of life-size dinosaurs at this classic American roadside attraction. The cost of admission is very reasonable at $7 for kids and $9 for adults. Take a tour underground at Skyline Caverns and check out the miniature train ride and mirror maze for more family fun.
Find Out More: Shenandoah National Park, Virgina: Discover this Scenic Appalachian Region – Travel Channel
Get out there!
We hope we’ve inspired you to visit someplace different with the family this weekend and we hope to see you on the water at Pirate Adventures this spring, summer or fall! Follow along as we find more fun places for kids with us on our blog, the Scuttlebutt.