10 Great Family Vacations Near Washington DC

With its 10 miles of white sand beaches along the Atlantic, Ocean City is one of the most popular family vacation spots in the region. The resort is a bustling beach town with amusement parks, arcades, miniature golf courses, shopping malls, an Outlet shopping center, movie theaters, go-kart tracks and the famous three-mile Ocean City Boardwalk. There are plenty of great beaches along the Eastern Shore. For more information, see a guide to the Best Beaches Near Washington DC.

Cumberland, Maryland. The Western Maryland resort hotel, located just a two hours' drive from Washington DC, offers a scenic getaway with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and a 243-acre lake at the foothills of Rocky Gap State Park. The Resort offers a wide variety of outdoor activities including everything from hiking, fishing, kayaking and sporting clays.

Langhorne, PA. Located just north of Philadelphia, the amusement and water park is a terrific weekend getaway destination for families with young children. Visitors enjoy amusement rides, water slides, colorful shows and their favorite Sesame Street characters. Other recommended attractions for kids in the area include the Philadelphia Zoo, the Franklin Institute and Independence Park.

Hagerstown, Maryland. This unique family RV and cabin resort is a summer vacation destination featuring an interactive heated swimming pool, minigolf, a pedal cart speedway, lasertag and special themed entertainment. Luxury cabins and tent camping are available with facilities including a swimming pool with waterslides, mini-golf, playgrounds, horseshoe pits and a basketball court. Daily family activities provide lots of entertainment.

This part of Pennsylvania offers a wide range of family-friendly, cultural, historical, and entertainment attractions. Spend a day at Hersheypark, take a buggy ride through the countryside and learn about the Amish, visit attractions such as the Land of Little Horses, Roadside America Miniature Village and The Cherry Crest Adventure Farm.

Across the state of Pennsylvania, family farms invite families to leave the city behind and enjoy the peace and quiet of the country. Each farm is different and provides a unique experience.