(With Helpful Links to Make Packing Easier)
Weekends can be tricky as a solo parent. You want to make memories and explore—but not at the cost of your sanity. I’ve learned that day trips are the sweet spot: easy, flexible, and logistically manageable with a kid in tow.
Here are four day trip destinations that have worked well for me and my 9-year-old daughter—plus the exact gear that makes it smoother.
1. Frederick, Maryland
Frederick is a charming mix of history and hipster. We love strolling along the main street, grabbing treats downtown, and checking out the latest public art.
✅ Pro Tip: I always bring this collapsible backpack for our Frederick trips—light enough to carry all day, roomy enough for snacks, water, and whatever trinket she insists on buying.
If you’re into history, Monocacy National Battlefield is nearby and has easy trails that even reluctant hikers can handle.
2. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore is a go-to when I want guaranteed entertainment. The National Aquarium is always worth it (book tickets ahead), and the Inner Harbor makes it easy to walk and explore.
✅ I keep this set of reusable snack bags packed with trail mix or fruit leathers. They live in my insulated lunch tote which doubles as a purse when I don’t want to carry too much.
Bonus stop: Port Discovery Children’s Museum is a hands-on dream if your kid likes to climb, build, or explore.
If it’s summer, toss this compact cooling towel in your bag—it’s come in handy more than once.
3. Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis is where we go when we want a dose of coastal vibes and walkable history. The U.S. Naval Academy Museum is free and surprisingly kid-friendly. We’ve also done a short boat tour of the harbor—enough to feel like a mini adventure, not long enough to regret.
✅ I usually pack motion sickness bands just in case for the boat rides and windy drives. They’re cheap and have saved us more than once.
An easy add-on: Sandy Point State Park is just across the bridge. If we’re beach-bound, I bring quick-dry microfiber towels and sand-free mats that make cleanup way less annoying.
4. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Harpers Ferry is where nature, history, and kid adventure all intersect. We usually start at the Visitor Center, take the shuttle down, and walk the old town.
✅ For these kinds of trips, I swear by good walking shoes for kids and this hydration pack that’s small enough for her to wear—but makes her feel like an adventurer.
We bring a field journal so she can sketch or take notes about what we see. It’s helped turn hikes into interactive fun without needing screens.
Final Tips
- Don’t over-plan. One core activity + snacks = success.
- Keep a car kit stocked with wipes, napkins, a change of clothes, and emergency lollipops.
- If things go south, it’s okay to pivot or head home. Short and sweet is still a win.
These day trips help me feel like we’re doing something without overdoing it. And with the right gear on hand, they really don’t feel like a chore.
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