guides

Family-Friendly Day Trips Worth the Drive

January 17, 2024

Whether you're looking for a sightseeing opportunity or a chance to experience a new culture, taking a day trip is a great way to make lasting memories.

There are countless destinations within a 3-hour drive of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Macaroni KID is here to help you choose a mini vacation that is right for your family. 


Length of Drive*

🕒: 0 minutes - 1 hour drive time from Scranton, PA
🕒🕒: 1 hour - 2 hours drive time from Scranton, PA
🕒🕒🕒: 2 hours - 3 hours drive time from Scranton, PA
* Driving time is estimated based on Google Maps projections. Your experience may vary.


Amusement Parks & Water Parks


Camelback Mountain Resort, Tannserville, PA 🕒
A ski resort with activities like ziplining, tubing, and a water park.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Allentown, PA 🕒🕒
An amusement park with roller coasters and a water park.

DreamWorks Water Park, East Rutherford, NJ 🕒🕒
An indoor waterpark with the largest selection of water rides worldwide.

Great Wolf Lodge, Scotrun, PA 🕒
An indoor waterpark resort with slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.

Hershey Park, Hershey, PA 🕒🕒
An amusement park with rides, games, and chocolate-themed attractions.

Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, PA 🕒🕒
A free-admission amusement park with classic rides and attractions.

Land of Make Believe, Hope, NJ 🕒
An amusement park with rides and water attractions for young children.

LEGOLAND® New York Resort, Goshen, NY 🕒🕒
A theme park for families to ride, climb, splash, and build their way through seven themed LEGO® lands.

Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Township, NJ 🕒🕒🕒
An amusement park with roller coasters, shows, and animal exhibits.

Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA 🕒🕒🕒
A theme park based on Sesame Street, with rides and character appearances.


Natural Wonders

Bushkill Falls, Bushkill, PA 🕒
A series of waterfalls with hiking trails and picnic areas.

Crystal Cave Park, Kutztown, PA 🕒🕒
A natural cave formation with tours and gem mining.


Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton, PA 🕒🕒
A wildlife sanctuary with hiking trails and bird-watching opportunities.

Lake Wallenpaupack, PA 🕒
A lake with boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities.

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, Jim Thorpe, PA 🕒
A scenic train ride through the Pocono Mountains.


Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA 🕒🕒🕒
A botanical garden with seasonal displays, fountains, and shows.

Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry, PA 🕒
A nature center with hiking trails, wildlife exhibits, and workshops.


Museums & Historical Sites

Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA 🕒🕒🕒
A zoo with over 1,300 animals and interactive exhibits.

Adventure Aquarium, Camden, NJ 🕒🕒🕒
An aquarium with exhibits on sharks, hippos, and penguins.

Crayola Experience, Easton, PA 🕒🕒
An interactive museum with exhibits on art and creativity.

Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA 🕒🕒🕒
A science museum with interactive exhibits and special events.

Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, PA 🕒🕒🕒
A national park with historic battlefields and monuments.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 🕒🕒
An indoor brick-building experience where you and your family can create your own adventures with over two million bricks.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center New Jersey, East Rutherford, NJ 🕒🕒
An indoor brick-building experience where you and your family can create your own adventures with over two million bricks.

Liberty Bell Center, Philadelphia, PA 🕒🕒🕒
A historic site with exhibits about the American Revolution and the Liberty Bell.

Madame Tussaud's New York, New York, NY 🕒🕒🕒
An 80,000 sq. ft. venue with over 200 lifelike wax figures.

National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, PA 🕒🕒🕒
A museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution, with interactive exhibits and shows.

Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia, PA 🕒🕒🕒
A children's museum with hands-on exhibits and play areas.

Reading Public Museum, Reading, PA 🕒🕒
A museum with exhibits on art, science, and world cultures.

World of Little League Museum, Williamsport, PA 🕒🕒
Educational center showcasing artifacts & displays relating to Little League baseball & softball.


Big & Small Cities 


Allentown, PA 🕒🕒
Allentown, PA is a city in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, known for its rich history and diverse culture. It is situated in the Lehigh Valley region and boasts plenty of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and skiing in nearby mountains.


Syracuse, NY 🕒🕒
Syracuse, NY is a vibrant city in central New York, home to Syracuse University and the famous Carrier Dome. It is a hub of education, art, and culture, with a thriving music scene, museums, and galleries.


Ithaca, NY 🕒🕒
Ithaca, NY is a small city located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, known for its stunning natural beauty and unique culture. It is home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, and its downtown area features many shops and restaurants.


Harrisburg, PA 🕒🕒🕒
Harrisburg, PA is the capital city of Pennsylvania and is situated along the Susquehanna River. It is known for its rich history, including the Pennsylvania State Capitol building and the National Civil War Museum.


Philadelphia, PA 🕒🕒🕒
Philadelphia, PA is a bustling city located in southeastern Pennsylvania, known for its iconic landmarks such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. It is also famous for its food scene, museums, and art galleries.


Wilmington, DE 🕒🕒🕒 
Wilmington, DE is a small city located in the northern part of Delaware, known for its beautiful riverfront and historic district. It is home to many museums, theaters, and parks, making it a great destination for families.


York, PA 🕒🕒🕒
York, PA is a small city located in south-central Pennsylvania, known for its rich history and beautiful architecture. It is home to many museums and theaters, as well as the popular York Fair.


Albany, NY 🕒🕒🕒 
Albany, NY is the capital city of New York State, located in the eastern part of the state. It is known for its rich history, including the New York State Capitol building, as well as its thriving arts and culture scene.


New York, NY 🕒🕒🕒
New York, NY is the most populous city in the United States, known for its iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Times Square. It is a hub of culture, art, and entertainment, with a diverse population and countless attractions.