Family Vacations: Mid-Atlantic
Family vacations in the Mid-Atlantic states can be busy, exciting trips through cities via planes, trains and automobiles. The links below will help you plan a trip to New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
 ©2007 GBCVB Cyclists exploring the shores of the East Coast. |
Visit some of the region's most sought-after destinations such as New York City, the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., Annapolis, Maryland, or even the Crayola Factory in Pennsylvania, or plan ahead to make sure you've got just the right hotel room for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, or the Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, D.C.
Continue reading to find links almost forty destinations kids will love, along with recommendations for family-friendly hotels and restaurants rated by Mobil Travel Guides.
Delaware
Winterthur Gardens and Enchanted Woods
Fairies occupy the grounds of Delaware's Winterthur Gardens, an imaginative place to take your children.
Lewes
Delaware's village of Lewes offers a well-rounded set of seaside activities for the littlest toddlers to the choosiest teens.
Maryland
Annapolis
The nautical converge on Annapolis to try Maryland's waters or to visit the Naval Academy.
Assateague Island
Wild ponies roam this sleepy island. Well worth the drive for the many opportunities to explore scenic and natural beauty, Assateague Island is a quiet destination.
The B&O Railroad Museum
The final destination of the B&O line is now a museum that celebrates all things rail.
Baltimore's Inner Harbor
Plan a full day to explore the variety of attractions available by land or sea at Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
Chesapeake Bay
America's largest estuary. Spanned by a 23-mile bridge/tunnel as well as the Chesapeake Bridge, this shallow bay is an important and beautiful natural resource.
New Jersey
Atlantic City Boardwalk
From the late 1800s, this boardwalk has been welcoming visitors who arrive to play the casinos and troll the beaches.
Cape May
The nation's oldest seaside resort, Cape May reflects the architectural sensibilities of the Victorian era, and activities of days gone by.
Six Flags Great Adventure
Coasters, exotic animals, and a gigantic waterpark define Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey.
New York
Adirondack Park
Upstate New York's Adirondack Park attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round with stunning views and activities.
The American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History in New York features eye-popping exhibits for kids of all ages.
The Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo fascinates children and adults with exhibits that are realistic, educational and fun.
Central Park
New York's Central Park features a zoo and special playgrounds for kids, along with entertainment throughout the year.
Chrysler Building
With its stainless-steel crown, Art Deco spikes, triangular windows and gargoyles, the sheer romance of the Chrysler building's facade is worth lugging a pair of binoculars around New York.
Circle Line Tours
View New York City from its waters on a Circle Line Tour, a relaxing, informative way to sightsee.
Cooperstown
Americana down to the baseball and apple pie, Cooperstown, New York, is a must-see for fans of the game - and history.
The Empire State Building
The Empire State Building's view of New York and beyond can stretch for 80 miles on a clear day.
Ground Zero
Guides walk visitors through this solemn site, remembering the events of September 11th, 2001 and looking to the future.
Lake Placid
Host to the Olympics twice, Lake Placid, New York lets you experience sports that Olympiads pursue.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Usher the holiday season in at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Visit New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art with a kid's eye and you'll be delighted with what you see.
Rockefeller Center
The most action-packed city blocks in New York wow out-of-towners with the constant buzz of commerce.
Saint Patrick's Cathedral
Its spires and intricate architectural details make St. Patrick's Cathedral one of New York City's most admired landmarks.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
When some of the world's greatest architects collaborate to house the works of many of the world's greatest artists, an iconoclast is born.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Symbolizing freedom and hope, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island continue to inspire.
Times Square
New York's Times Square absolutely buzzes with excitement with shops to please little tikes and teens alike.
United Nations
Massive in size and scope, the United Nations complex is host to a complexity of nations and politics.
Pennsylvania
Binney & Smith Crayola Factory
Take a colorful tour of the Binney & Smith Crayola Factory in Easton, Pennsylvania.
Carnegie Science Center
Pittsburgh's massive Carnegie Science Center entices visitors of all ages with fascinating exhibits.
Fallingwater
Frank Lloyd Wright's most-admired work is Fallingwater, the home that seemingly floats over a stream in Pennsylvania.
Franklin Institute of Science
The gigantic human heart at the Franklin Institute of Science is an oversized science lesson.
Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania documents the bloodiest battle of the Civil War.
Groundhog Day
Punxsutawney Phil makes an appearance in Punxsutawney to mark the end - or the near-end of - winter.
Hersheypark
Sweet rides at Hersheypark amusement park round out this dream trip to the chocolate factory.
Independence Hall
Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are two of Philadelphia's most-visited destinations.
Kennywood Amusement Park
Classic wooden roller coasters, a vintage Kiddieland, and lush grounds make Pennsylvania's Kennywood a beloved destination.
Mummers Parade
A New Year's Day tradition in Philadelphia, the Mummers Parade (and museum) delivers a long tradition of humor.
Pennsylvania Dutch Country
Show your children a different world in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, a peaceful tour through Amish communities.
Philadelphia's Old City
Planned by William Penn in 1682, and its now an artsy neighborhood - as well as the proud home of Elfreth's Alley, the oldest residential street in America.
Pittsburgh's Three Rivers
To get a good view of Pittsburgh's three rivers, take the Duquesne Incline.
Please Touch Museum
Let your kids roam the Pennsylvania's Please Touch Museum, where they get hands-on time with everything.
Sesame Place
Langhorne, Pennsylvania's Sesame Place theme park features sets, characters and themes from Sesame Street.
Washington, D.C.
Arlington National Cemetery
Solders from every war the United States has fought are buried at Arlington. It is also the site of President John F. Kennedy's grave.
Fourth of July Festivities
Plan ahead to make your Fourth of July Festivities in Washington, D.C. memorable.
The National Mall
And entire vacation can be planned around the museums, events, and attractions on our National Mall in Washington, D.C.
National Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. explores the thrill of flight.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
All things monetary are scrutinized at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C.
International Spy Museum
Cool and sleek, Washington, D.C.'s International Spy Museum is an undercover look at sleuthing.
Lincoln Memorial
Gazing out at the Reflecting Pool and to the Washington Monument and the National Mall, Abraham Lincoln's massive figure is an imposing reminder of what he accomplished for our nation.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival
For a few fleeing weeks in March and April the National Cherry Blossom Festival takes over Washington, D.C.
National Museum of the American Indian
In Washington, D.C., the National Museum of the American Indian is a new addition.
National Zoo
Early birds arrive at 6 a.m. at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., to see the animals as they start their day.
Supreme Court of the United States
The highest court in the nation is fronted by eight rows of pillars that hold up the motto, "Equal Justice Under Law."
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
Devoted to documenting, studying and interpreting the Holocaust, the museum is also a memorial to the Holocaust's six million victims.
U.S. Capitol
An icon of 19th-century neoclassical architecture, the U.S. Capitol houses the country's legislative branches.
White House
Pennsylvania Avenue's best-known residence once maintained an open-door policy. These days, it's a bit more difficult to get in, but don't' pass an opportunity to see what you can when you're in town.
From the Mid-Atlantic, it's easy to sweet through New England as well. Continue reading to find more family vacation destinations in New England states including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Visit the following links to learn about scenic drives or to get recommendations on Mobil Travel Guide's ratings on hotels, resorts, and restaurants.
