Best Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways from Major Airports

Quick Adventures for the Whole Family

Sometimes the hardest part of a family trip is the travel itself, long drives with restless kids or multi-connection flights with toddlers can be daunting. The solution? Weekend getaways with kids that start near a major airport. Fly in (or drive a short distance if you’re local) and you’re already close to fun. We’ve rounded up 10 fantastic family-friendly spots across the U.S., each easily accessible from a big airport city. Less time in transit, more time making memories!

For each, we’ll highlight things to do in [city] for kids and why it’s a win for parents too. Let’s pack those snacks and go!

1. Orlando, FL, Theme Park Capital and More (MCO Airport)

Why: It’s a no-brainer but deserves mention. Orlando is one of the best weekend getaways with kids in the USA because of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld, all minutes from Orlando International Airport. But beyond the parks, there’s Kennedy Space Center (an hour away) for inspiring budding astronauts, and Gatorland for a kitschy yet fun taste of Florida wildlife.

Kid Fun: Obviously, Magic Kingdom and the Disney parks, where they’ll meet characters and enjoy age-appropriate rides. At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, older kids can explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. For a break from crowds: hit the Orlando Science Center or the Crayola Experience for hands-on play. Things to do in Orlando for kids also include mini-golf on International Drive, riding the 400-ft Orlando Eye ferris wheel, and cooling off at water parks (Typhoon Lagoon, Volcano Bay).

Parent Perks: Orlando’s got family logistics down to a science, easy car rentals, family suites in hotels, lots of dining options (from affordable to fine). If you’re not into theme parks, surprisingly Orlando offers great outlet shopping and golf. And watching a rocket launch on the Space Coast? That thrills all ages.

2. San Diego, CA, Beaches and Big Attractions (SAN Airport)

Why: Fly into San Diego and within 20 minutes you can be building sandcastles. San Diego combines city convenience with laid-back beach vibes, making it ideal for families. The airport is basically downtown, a huge plus for quick trips.

Kid Fun: Start with the world-famous San Diego Zoo, it’s huge, gorgeous, and fun for all ages. There’s also SeaWorld San Diego for marine animal shows and rides. But beyond those, hit La Jolla Shores Beach which is excellent for kids (gentle waves, lifeguards, nearby playground). Don’t miss Balboa Park’s many museums; the Fleet Science Center and San Diego Model Railroad Museum are hits with kids. If yours are into thrills, Belmont Park in Mission Beach has a historic wooden roller coaster and carnival games.

Parent Perks: Amazing food (tacos, anyone?), craft breweries, and sunsets over the Pacific to melt any stress away. San Diego is compact enough to explore several neighborhoods in a weekend, e.g., Little Italy for dinner, Coronado for a bike ride. Plus the weather’s usually so nice that planning is easy, just pack swimsuits and go.

3. Washington, D.C., Museums and Monuments (DCA or IAD Airports)

Why: Our nation’s capital is a fantastic weekend destination because so many attractions are free and educational. Fly into Reagan National (only 10 minutes from the National Mall) or Dulles (more like 40 minutes out). D.C. offers that perfect mix: fun disguised as learning.

Kid Fun: The Smithsonian museums are a treasure trove. The National Air and Space Museum will wow with rockets and planes (plus, kids can touch a moon rock!). The Natural History Museum delights with dinosaur fossils and a towering elephant in the lobby. And at the National Zoo (also Smithsonian, so free entry), say hello to giant pandas. Take a ride on the D.C. Circulator bus (just $1) around the Mall to view the Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial, great sights for kids to later brag about at school. For hands-on activities, the International Spy Museum (one of the few pay museums) lets kids play secret agent, and there’s a very cool Children’s Museum at Wharf now too.

Parent Perks: Seeing your kids’ faces light up at iconic American sites, priceless. D.C. is also very walkable and stroller-friendly around the Mall. The food scene is diverse: you can find every cuisine (and plenty of healthy or diet-conscious options if that’s a concern). One of the best things to do in D.C. with kids that adults love too is taking a paddle boat out on the Tidal Basin (if in spring, cherry blossoms are a bonus!). Also, many hotels cater to families on weekends (since business travel quiets down), meaning good deals.

4. Denver & Rocky Mountain Foothills, CO, Nature Escape (DEN Airport)

Why: For families who love the outdoors, Denver is a gateway to adventure. Fly into Denver International, and in about 30-60 minutes you can reach mountain towns like Golden, Boulder, or Estes Park (gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park). It’s a quick way to go from city to fresh alpine air.

Kid Fun: In Denver itself, check out the Denver Museum of Nature & Science with its dyno-mite dinosaur exhibits and planetarium. There’s also the Denver Zoo adjacent to a huge playground in City Park. But the real treat is heading west: maybe drive to Estes Park (1.5h from airport) for a taste of the Rockies, think spotting elk, paddle-boating on Lake Estes, and easy family hikes with splendid mountain views. Or go to Boulder (45m drive) to stroll along Pearl Street where street performers often entertain kids, and take a short hike at Chautauqua Park (the flatirons are giant, cool rock formations). Even just a picnic and kite-flying session with the Rockies as a backdrop can make the weekend special.

Parent Perks: Colorado is all about that healthy, active lifestyle, a weekend here might involve craft beer on a sunny brewery patio while kids play corn-hole, or soaking in hot springs (Idaho Springs is an easy drive). It’s also restful; trade city noise for crickets at night. The dry, sunny climate means even winter days can be pleasant. If the family is into sports, catch a Denver Broncos game or Nuggets basketball, the arena and stadium are right in town.

5. New York City, NY, Big City, Big Fun (LGA/JFK/EWR Airports)

Why: Some might think NYC with kids is overwhelming, but for a weekend, it’s like stepping into a living postcard. With three major airports (LaGuardia being closest to Manhattan), you can often find good flight options. And the city has things to do with kids at every turn.

Kid Fun: Start with Central Park, it’s the backyard of NYC families. Within it, visit the Central Park Zoo (small but charming), ride the carousel, or sail model boats at the Conservatory Water. The American Museum of Natural History amazes with giant dinos and the blue whale model. Broadway matinees of Lion King or Aladdin, anyone? (Pro tip: many shows have lotteries or TKTS discounts). Times Square’s flashy billboards alone can dazzle the young ones (just mind it can be crowded). Also, consider unique experiences: the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum on a retired aircraft carrier, kids can see a space shuttle and a submarine. And if you have a little “Elsa” fan, the seasonal Rockefeller Center ice rink or Frozen pop-ups will win big.

Parent Perks: It’s New York, you get to enjoy world-class restaurants (many surprisingly kid-welcoming), sightseeing for yourself (the view from Top of the Rock is equally cool for all ages), and perhaps a little shopping. The key is to pace yourselves; pick a couple of neighborhoods to explore rather than rushing everywhere. For instance, spend one day around Midtown (Times Square, Bryant Park, maybe a quick look at Grand Central’s ceiling), another in Downtown (Statue of Liberty via the free Staten Island Ferry, the Fearless Girl statue near Wall Street, and the fantastic playgrounds at Battery Park). You’ll probably walk more than usual, but New York is stroller-friendly and you can always hop in a yellow cab if little feet get tired.

6. Chicago, IL, Museums and Lakeside Play (ORD or MDW Airports)

Why: Chicago offers big-city attractions with Midwest friendliness, and both O’Hare and Midway airports are within easy transit to downtown (the “L” trains or a quick Uber). It’s a great weekend city because many highlights are in a compact area along Lake Michigan.

Kid Fun: Navy Pier is a must, ride the Centennial Ferris wheel for skyline views and let the kids check out the Chicago Children’s Museum there (climb a firetruck, dig for dino bones, etc.). Millennium Park’s “Bean” sculpture (Cloud Gate) is pure photo op and kids love the funhouse-like reflections. In summer, Crown Fountain (interactive video fountains) = instant splash pad. The Field Museum (skeletons galore and Sue the T. rex) and Shedd Aquarium (beluga whales, dolphins) are side by side, making for an awesome “museum campus” day. And don’t forget Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the nation’s last free zoos, with lions and monkeys just minutes from skyscrapers.

Parent Perks: Deep dish pizza, need we say more? Dining in Chicago can be both indulgent and kid-accommodating (many places like Lou Malnati’s or Portillo’s are noisy and casual enough that kids fit right in). The architecture boat tour is surprisingly a hit with older kids and adults alike, you relax on a boat learning fun facts about the buildings. Also, Chicago’s lakefront has beaches! Yes, in summer, you can actually have a beach day at Oak Street or North Avenue Beach, a cool contrast after museum-hopping.

7. Seattle, WA, City Meets Nature (SEA Airport)

Why: Sea-Tac airport is about 20 minutes from downtown Seattle, where family adventures await amid a stunning Pacific Northwest backdrop. Seattle is an awesome weekend because you can experience urban attractions and quick escapes to nature all in two days.

Kid Fun: The Seattle Center is a playground: go up the iconic Space Needle for a thrill (they even have a rotating glass floor now). Right below, explore the Museum of Pop Culture, its hands-on exhibits on music, sci-fi, and video games are kid magnets. The Pacific Science Center (with IMAX and butterfly house) and Seattle Children’s Museum are also on those grounds. For quirky fun, there’s the famous Pike Place Market, kids get a kick out of watching fishmongers toss salmon through the air. Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island (ferries are basically boat rides, exciting for little ones!) and you’ll get city skyline views and a fun day trip strolling Bainbridge’s main street and children’s museum. Don’t forget Woodland Park Zoo or the Seattle Aquarium on the waterfront for animal encounters.

Parent Perks: Coffee, yes, but beyond that: Seattle has fantastic craft beer, wine from nearby Woodinville wineries, and a vibrant food scene (fresh salmon, anyone?). It’s a city where it’s easy to tote the kiddos, the light rail goes straight from the airport to downtown, and the city’s relatively compact. Plus, if your family loves outdoors, extend the weekend a bit, Mount Rainier or Olympic National Park are within a few hours’ drive for unforgettable hikes or just jaw-dropping scenic drives. Even in the city, the many parks (Gas Works Park, Discovery Park) give a dose of greenery.

8. Atlanta, GA, Southern Hospitality & Fun (ATL Airport)

Why: Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson is famously one of the busiest airports, and it’s super accessible to downtown via a 20-min MARTA train. Atlanta makes a great weekend base, especially if you’re connecting through anyway, plan a layover-longer-stay and see what ATL has to offer.

Kid Fun: A trio of world-class attractions sit together in Pemberton Place: Georgia Aquarium (the largest in the U.S., with whale sharks and a mesmerizing tunnel), World of Coca-Cola (soda tasting from around the world, kids find it so cool), and the interactive Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Across the park, visit the Center for Civil and Human Rights, an important and engaging experience for older kids especially to learn about history in the city of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speaking of whom, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site (with his birth home and legacy exhibits) can be quite meaningful for families. For something light: head to Stone Mountain Park (about 30 min outside downtown), a theme park/nature combo with skyride to a mountain top, minigolf, a scenic railroad, and in summer, laser light shows at night.

Parent Perks: Delicious southern cuisine (don’t leave without trying chicken and waffles or BBQ). Atlanta has family-friendly breweries like Monday Night Brewing where kids can play board games while parents chill. Shopping at Atlantic Station or Lenox Mall if that’s your thing. Plus, the warm Southern hospitality means people will likely chat with you, offer help if you look lost, and generally make traveling with kids feel welcomed.

9. Boston, MA, History and Play (BOS Airport)

Why: Boston Logan is just across the harbor from downtown; a quick water taxi or subway ride and you’re in the heart of a city that blends historical sites with modern family fun. Boston’s manageable size and wealth of attractions make it a perfect long-weekend choice.

Kid Fun: Walk the Freedom Trail, it’s a bit of history wrapped in a treasure hunt (just follow the red brick line!). Key stops like Paul Revere’s House or the Old North Church bring Revolutionary tales to life and can captivate kids imagining midnight rides and tea parties (the rebellious kind). Speaking of tea, the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is super engaging, with costumed actors and a chance for kids to toss “tea” overboard a replica ship. Then lighten up at the Boston Children’s Museum (look for the giant milk bottle out front), three floors of interactive fun, including a famously huge climbing structure in the lobby. Across town, the New England Aquarium offers an awesome penguin exhibit and a giant ocean tank spiraling upward.

For some outdoor play, Boston Common’s Frog Pond has a spray pool in summer and ice skating in winter. And don’t miss a ride on the Swan Boats in the Public Garden, a classic, gentle activity since 1877, where you pedal-boat around with actual swans sometimes swimming nearby.

Parent Perks: Boston is a foodie city with plenty of places that accommodate families. The Italian restaurants in the North End will dote on your kids (and fill you with cannoli and pasta). It’s also a sports town: if it’s baseball season, catching a Red Sox game at Fenway with the family is legendary (grab a Fenway Frank and sing “Sweet Caroline”). Lastly, Boston’s proximity to other spots is a bonus, you could conceivably add a quick ferry to the Boston Harbor Islands for a picnic or a short drive to Plimoth Plantation (living history) if you extended your weekend.

10. Phoenix & Sedona, AZ, Desert Wonders (PHX Airport)

Why: For a family weekend mixing city comforts with nature’s splendor, Phoenix is a great starting point. Fly into Sky Harbor (PHX is very central) and enjoy kid-friendly Phoenix, then drive 2 hours north to Sedona’s red rock paradise, or even just stay around the Valley of the Sun for easy hikes and resort pool time.

Kid Fun in Phoenix: The Phoenix Zoo in Papago Park is excellent, one of the nation’s largest non-profit zoos, with a cool Safari Train and a petting zoo. Next door, the Desert Botanical Garden surprisingly engages kids with its trails showcasing cactus of all shapes (grab the kids’ bingo card activity at the entrance so they can hunt specific plants). The Arizona Science Center downtown has hands-on exhibits (they can try laying on a bed of nails or piloting a fighter jet simulator). If it’s hot, which it often is, resort pool days or a trip to a water park (Six Flags Hurricane Harbor) might be in order.

Sedona side trip: The drive to Sedona is totally worth it for a day, kids will be amazed by the red rocks (give them simple cameras and watch them turn photographer). Stop at Slide Rock State Park, where natural rock slides in the creek create a water playground (best in late spring/summer). In Sedona, short family hikes like Red Rock Crossing (with Cathedral Rock views) or a jeep tour can be a thrill. Even a picnic with those views can be memorable for all.

Parent Perks: Phoenix has top-notch golf and spas if you want some grown-up relaxation. Also, Southwestern and Mexican cuisine rules here, your kids might try new things like fry bread or street tacos, while you sip a prickly pear margarita. In Sedona, the whole family might enjoy the mystical vibe, don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a shop buying a crystal or just doing yoga together on a red rock at sunset. It’s a bonding experience!

Each of these getaways proves you don’t need a full week or far-flung locale to have an amazing family trip. Weekend getaways with kids can be easy on the schedule but rich in experience, especially when big airports put you right near the action. Pack a small bag, grab the kiddos, and in a few hours you could be exploring a new place together, whether it’s gazing at giant fish, digging in the sand, riding roller coasters, or roaming historic streets. The memories will last far longer than the weekend!

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