It’s not too late to plan a fall getaway with the kids, and you don’t have to travel far from Philadelphia for a memorable escape, either. From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to scenic hikes, charming small towns and, perhaps most importantly, spectacular fall foliage, these destinations are within roughly 3.5 hours’ driving distance of Philly and perfect for a fall weekend (or even just a night) away.

Planning Your Fall Getaway

When planning your trip, keep in mind that fall foliage peak times vary by location. For example, the leaves will change color in upstate New York a few weeks before they change in Pennsylvania. Check current foliage predictions for your destination so you can (try to) time your trip around the changing leaves.

1. Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Drive from Philadelphia: 45 minutes to 1 hour

For an easy fall getaway that feels much farther away than it actually is, head north to Bucks County. Base your family at a vacation rental in New Hope or Doylestown and fill your days with quintessential fall fun.

Go apple picking at Solebury Orchard, challenge everyone to the corn maze at Shady Brook Farm, stroll past the scarecrows at Peddler’s Village, and/or attend a local fall festival. If you have young kids, you might also consider a visit to Sesame Place for The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular, one of many Halloween events and attractions in Bucks County.

For the best fall foliage, take the Bucks County Covered Bridge Driving Tour or go for a hike at Tyler State Park, Nockamixon State Park, or along the Delaware Canal Towpath.

2. The Brandywine Valley, Pennsylvania & Delaware

Drive from Philadelphia: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Like Bucks County, the Brandywine Valley delivers a scenic fall escape close to home. Book a hotel or vacation rental around Chadds Ford or Kennett Square and spend a few days exploring Longwood Gardens; Winterthur, which hosts a variety of family-oriented fall events; and Nemours Estate. The Brandywine Creek State Park is also a lovely place to go for a hike and admire the changing leaves.

3. Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

Drive from Philadelphia: 2 hours

The Pocono Mountains are an ideal getaway from Philadelphia year-round. If you’re thinking about a visit this fall and wondering where to stay, consider Jim Thorpe. You could easily spend an entire weekend here, with easy access to bike rentals, the Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail, and the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, which offers Autumn Leaf rides to take in the fall foliage.

The town also hosts its popular Fall Foliage Festival over three weekends in October. Beyond the seasonal festivities, Jim Thorpe offers a scenic walkable downtown filled with eclectic shops, restaurants, and the historic Mauch Chunk Opera House, which regularly hosts concerts. Accommodations range from vacation rentals to B&Bs.

4. Frederick, Maryland

Drive from Philadelphia: 2.5 to 3 hours

Sure, Baltimore and Annapolis are fun in the fall, but for something a little different, head to Frederick, Maryland. The city’s walkable downtown is filled with independent shops, restaurants, bakeries, and family-friendly breweries, while the surrounding countryside offers mountains, farms, orchards, and spectacular fall foliage.

For some of the area’s best scenery, head to Catoctin Mountain Park or Cunningham Falls State Park, where you can hike among the fall foliage and take in mountain views.

5. Hudson Valley, New York

Drive from Philadelphia: 2.5 to 3.5 hours

The best time to visit New York’s Hudson Valley is in the fall, when the region bursts into color and its charming towns — including Rhinebeck, New Paltz, Beacon, and Cold Spring — embrace the harvest season. Visit local apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and cideries. For an especially memorable getaway, book a weekend at the all-inclusive Mohonk Mountain House, where you can enjoy hiking, lake activities, and seasonal festivals amid the spectacular scenery.

Fall is also the perfect time to explore the Hudson Valley’s spooky side. Head to Sleepy Hollow, made famous by Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, for attractions and events inspired by the area’s haunted history. Nearby, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Croton-on-Hudson transforms the Van Cortlandt Manor grounds with thousands of illuminated pumpkins.

6. The Catskills, New York

Drive from Philadelphia: 3 to 3.5 hours

In the Catskills, you can hike around Hunter Mountain and take a scenic chairlift ride for sweeping views of the fall foliage, explore the charming town of Woodstock, or spend an afternoon pumpkin picking at a local farm.

Families looking for a little more adventure can go ziplining or mountain biking, while those in need of a slower pace can simply settle into a cozy cabin and enjoy the scenery. The Catskills also offers a variety of boutique, family-friendly motels for a unique stay.

7. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Drive from Philadelphia: 2.5 hours

You don’t have to be a group of history buffs to enjoy Gettysburg — especially in the fall. Gettysburg and Adams County are known as one of the top apple-producing regions in the U.S, and during the first two weekends of October, you can visit the National Apple Harvest Festival to enjoy delicious food, orchard tours, crafts, live music, and more.

Other seasonal festivals include the Sweet Potato Festival in September and an Oktoberfest celebration. For families with teens, a Gettysburg ghost tour is not to be missed. Known as one of the country’s most haunted destinations, Gettysburg offers a variety of guided tours that bring its eerie legends and Civil War history to life. Of course, a visit to Gettysburg National Military Park is essential no matter when you visit.

How to Choose the Best Fall Destination for Your Family

If you’re looking for a quick overnight escape, Bucks County and the Brandywine Valley are easy to reach, especially beautiful in the fall, and close to home. For cozy fall vibes and spectacular foliage, head to the Catskills or Jim Thorpe and the Poconos. And if you want a mix of walkable downtowns and beautiful countryside, consider Frederick, Maryland; Gettysburg; or the Hudson Valley.

Feature photo courtesy of Visit Bucks County