Who is ready for a road trip? With national parks, monuments, seashores, and more within driving distance of Washington, DC, you won’t have trouble finding the perfect family getaway destination
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Check out these Airbnb finds, and book your next vacation in one of the most beautiful destinations around.
photo: Angelica Kajiwara via Toddlin' Across America Shenandoah National Park
Just 75 miles from DC, your crew will fall in love with our local National Park. It is bursting with epic waterfalls, spectacular views, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded areas for a family picnic. With over 200,000 acres to explore, you'll likely see deer, songbirds, and black bears; oh my.
Airbnb nearby: You won't mind the half-hour drive to the park from this family vacation home when you start to enjoy the hot tub, outdoor movie theater and fun seasonal decor. And, you don't have to leave your fur baby at home! They're welcome to join; no pet fee required.
photo: Assateague Explorer Assateague Island National Seashore
Explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays. Oh, and you might even see some wild horses too. Your little ones can earn their Junior Ranger badge while you soak up some sun on the pristine beaches of this national seashore. Don't forget to try your hand at crabbing. It's one Assateague experience your kids won't soon forget.
Airbnb Nearby: Scope out some panoramic views of Assateague Island, wild ponies and the lighthouse. Enjoy sunsets, crab, fish, swim, and kayak from the shared dock. Etta's Restaurant is next door, and kayak rentals are up the street.
photo: Justin B. via Yelp Great Falls Park
This park offers many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation's Capital. Another Junior Ranger spot, your little ones can learn about the Potawmack Canal and Matildaville's Ghost Town. You'll all love the spectacular waterfall views and local family-friendly hikes.
Airbnb nearby: Your kids will love this rental, not only because it is 20 minutes from Great falls, but because it has a basement playroom full of toys! And if you need to sneak away to check an email or two, you're all set with the beautiful office space and free WiFi.
photo: Melissa G. via Yelp Raystown Lake
Here you will find boating, fishing, camping, hiking, swimming, and scenic beauty. This twisting lake, the largest entirely within Pennsylvania, extends 27 miles and covers 8,300 acres. If you want a unique lake experience, book a scuba tour with one of the local companies.
Airbnb nearby: Head north to this retreat with a windy slide exit. Your little ones will love it! The family-friendly glamping site has everything your gang needs to get away and unplug. This family-owned spot provides unique luxury camping accommodations that combine traditional camping elements with some of the creature comforts we all want.
photo: Song Z. via Yelp Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
National Park Week is the perfect time to visit Delaware Bay, just two hours away. Every spring, thousands of migrating shorebirds make their critical trip north. You can see them feeding by the thousands on the salt marsh mudflats along the wildlife drive at low tide.
Airbnb Nearby: Add a farm stay to your adventure, and unwind at the Chalet on Blue Heron Farm. This rustic waterfront retreat on the Chester River's upper reaches is a peaceful and private getaway situated just 15 minutes from historic Chestertown. Enjoy epic views from the giant wrap-around deck overlooking the river and floor-to-ceiling windows.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe Prince William Forest Park
Hikers, bikers and nature lovers rejoice! We've found the perfect place for your crew to explore. With over 900 plant species, your future botanist will have tons to identify and see throughout the lush forest. Plan to hike shorter trails with little legs in tow, including Piedmont Forest Trail and Laurel Loop Trail.
Airbnb Nearby: Are you ready to try glamping life with your family? This beautifully renovated travel trailer sleeps 6-8 people, and the hosts are happy to set it up for you at several local camping spots. You'll have everything you need for a great family camping trip without sleeping on the ground.
National Parks Near Washington DC
If you're willing to make a longer trip out of it, there are plenty of national parks near Washington, DC that the kids will love.
Bursting with epic waterfalls, spectacular views, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded areas for a family picnic, Shenandoah National Park is a great option for families.
Assateague Island National Seashore has sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays. Oh, and you might even see some wild horses too.
Great Falls Park offers many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation's Capital.
Read about these spots and more.
photo: cape cod csr_ch via pixabay National Parks Near Boston
Head north to check out all that Boston and its surrounding states have to offer in terms of national parks.
The Cape Cod National Seashore is an amazing spot to vacation, especially when the summer breezes are rolling in.
You can take a ferry from Boston to check out the Boston Harbor Islands State and National Parks. You can even go camping there!
Acadia National Park is just north of Boston in the gorgeous state of Maine. Acadia offers families dozens of activities beyond hiking (though the hiking is both excellent and most often very family-friendly), which everyone will love. Pack your bikes for rides along the network of Carriage Roads, and blow their minds at Thunder Hole, a partially submerged cave that booms about an hour before high tide.
Check out all of our Boston and vicinity recommendations.
—Angelica Kajiwara
RELATED STORIES:
The Best National Parks to Visit with Kids (& the Airbnbs to Book When You Do)
The Best Under-the-Radar National Parks in Every State (& D.C.)
This National Parks Road Trip Is Scientifically Proven to Be the Greatest Family Vacation of All Time
The post 6 National Parks DC Kids Will Love (& Cozy Cabins Nearby) appeared first on Red Tricycle.
#FamilyVacationIdeas #CampingWithKids #RoadTrips #FamilyTravel #TravelingWithKids
photo: Angelica Kajiwara via Toddlin' Across America Shenandoah National Park
Just 75 miles from DC, your crew will fall in love with our local National Park. It is bursting with epic waterfalls, spectacular views, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded areas for a family picnic. With over 200,000 acres to explore, you'll likely see deer, songbirds, and black bears; oh my.
Airbnb nearby: You won't mind the half-hour drive to the park from this family vacation home when you start to enjoy the hot tub, outdoor movie theater and fun seasonal decor. And, you don't have to leave your fur baby at home! They're welcome to join; no pet fee required.
photo: Assateague Explorer Assateague Island National Seashore
Explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays. Oh, and you might even see some wild horses too. Your little ones can earn their Junior Ranger badge while you soak up some sun on the pristine beaches of this national seashore. Don't forget to try your hand at crabbing. It's one Assateague experience your kids won't soon forget.
Airbnb Nearby: Scope out some panoramic views of Assateague Island, wild ponies and the lighthouse. Enjoy sunsets, crab, fish, swim, and kayak from the shared dock. Etta's Restaurant is next door, and kayak rentals are up the street.
photo: Justin B. via Yelp Great Falls Park
This park offers many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation's Capital. Another Junior Ranger spot, your little ones can learn about the Potawmack Canal and Matildaville's Ghost Town. You'll all love the spectacular waterfall views and local family-friendly hikes.
Airbnb nearby: Your kids will love this rental, not only because it is 20 minutes from Great falls, but because it has a basement playroom full of toys! And if you need to sneak away to check an email or two, you're all set with the beautiful office space and free WiFi.
photo: Melissa G. via Yelp Raystown Lake
Here you will find boating, fishing, camping, hiking, swimming, and scenic beauty. This twisting lake, the largest entirely within Pennsylvania, extends 27 miles and covers 8,300 acres. If you want a unique lake experience, book a scuba tour with one of the local companies.
Airbnb nearby: Head north to this retreat with a windy slide exit. Your little ones will love it! The family-friendly glamping site has everything your gang needs to get away and unplug. This family-owned spot provides unique luxury camping accommodations that combine traditional camping elements with some of the creature comforts we all want.
photo: Song Z. via Yelp Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
National Park Week is the perfect time to visit Delaware Bay, just two hours away. Every spring, thousands of migrating shorebirds make their critical trip north. You can see them feeding by the thousands on the salt marsh mudflats along the wildlife drive at low tide.
Airbnb Nearby: Add a farm stay to your adventure, and unwind at the Chalet on Blue Heron Farm. This rustic waterfront retreat on the Chester River's upper reaches is a peaceful and private getaway situated just 15 minutes from historic Chestertown. Enjoy epic views from the giant wrap-around deck overlooking the river and floor-to-ceiling windows.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe Prince William Forest Park
Hikers, bikers and nature lovers rejoice! We've found the perfect place for your crew to explore. With over 900 plant species, your future botanist will have tons to identify and see throughout the lush forest. Plan to hike shorter trails with little legs in tow, including Piedmont Forest Trail and Laurel Loop Trail.
Airbnb Nearby: Are you ready to try glamping life with your family? This beautifully renovated travel trailer sleeps 6-8 people, and the hosts are happy to set it up for you at several local camping spots. You'll have everything you need for a great family camping trip without sleeping on the ground.
National Parks Near Washington DC
If you're willing to make a longer trip out of it, there are plenty of national parks near Washington, DC that the kids will love.
Bursting with epic waterfalls, spectacular views, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded areas for a family picnic, Shenandoah National Park is a great option for families.
Assateague Island National Seashore has sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays. Oh, and you might even see some wild horses too.
Great Falls Park offers many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation's Capital.
Read about these spots and more.
photo: cape cod csr_ch via pixabay National Parks Near Boston
Head north to check out all that Boston and its surrounding states have to offer in terms of national parks.
The Cape Cod National Seashore is an amazing spot to vacation, especially when the summer breezes are rolling in.
You can take a ferry from Boston to check out the Boston Harbor Islands State and National Parks. You can even go camping there!
Acadia National Park is just north of Boston in the gorgeous state of Maine. Acadia offers families dozens of activities beyond hiking (though the hiking is both excellent and most often very family-friendly), which everyone will love. Pack your bikes for rides along the network of Carriage Roads, and blow their minds at Thunder Hole, a partially submerged cave that booms about an hour before high tide.
Check out all of our Boston and vicinity recommendations.
—Angelica Kajiwara
RELATED STORIES:
The Best National Parks to Visit with Kids (& the Airbnbs to Book When You Do)
The Best Under-the-Radar National Parks in Every State (& D.C.)
This National Parks Road Trip Is Scientifically Proven to Be the Greatest Family Vacation of All Time
The post 6 National Parks DC Kids Will Love (& Cozy Cabins Nearby) appeared first on Red Tricycle.
#FamilyVacationIdeas #CampingWithKids #RoadTrips #FamilyTravel #TravelingWithKids