Winter is the perfect time to visit somewhere new as a family. From cozy indoor excursions to exciting outdoor adventures, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a wintery day together. Here’s a collection of winter day trips for Main Line families

Winter Day Trips for Main Line Families

This roundup of family-friendly day trips highlights some of the best experiences in and around the Main Line. Whether you’re tasting potato chips or learning about helicopters, these local spots can make any winter day memorable.

Winter Day Trips With a 30-Minute Drive

American Helicopter Museum & Education Center

1220 American Blvd, West Chester, PA 19380

Visit this West Chester museum and learn about the history and science of aviation. See real helicopters on display and educational exhibits for all ages. Take the whole crew along for this unique Main Line, family-friendly day trip.

Arnold’s Family Fun Center

2200 West Drive, Oaks, PA 19456

From go-karts and laser tag to ropes courses and arcade games, kids could spend hours running around Arnold’s. All activities are à la carte, so you pay for what’s age-appropriate for your kiddos.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

500 W. Germantown Pike, Unit #1055, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

Spend a day building, climbing and exploring in this LEGO playground. Take a ride on the imagination express with your magic wand. Meet characters and see a quick, interactive 4D film. I have personally been there for field trips, day trips, and my son’s 5th birthday party and highly recommend it!

SlooMoo MiniMoo

160 N Gulph Road Space 2037D, King of Prussia, 19406

Right in the KOP mall, SlooMoo is a hands-on sensory experience for kids and teens. Design your dream slime at the slime bar, take a slime-making class, shop and take photos. Keep the slime out of your own carpet, and bring the kiddos to SlooMoo to play.

Winter Day Trips With a 60-Minute Drive

Take your littles for indoor play at one of these must-visit museums, or sing your heart out at a local theater. Either way, we think these spots are worth the extra few minutes in the car.

The Colonial Theatre 

227 Bridge St, Phoenixville, PA 19460

This historic theatre offers both new release films and oldies but goodies. A Frozen sing along, and special animated celebrations of Cars 2 and The Little Mermaid are coming in January. Throughout February, they’ll be celebrating Black History Month with a black artists film series.

Independence Blue Cross Riverrink

101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106

If you like being outdoors, but want a winter activity other than skiing, take the kids for a spin on the ice. The IBBC Riverrink is a seasonal outdoor ice-skating rink at Penn’s Landing. You’ll also find games, mini-golf, rides, and food, right next to views of the Delaware.

Museum of Illusions

401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

According to local moms, littles of all ages can enjoy the immersive exhibits here. Take pictures in the illusion rooms and look at things from a different perspective. The mind boggling fun you’ll have as a family will leave you both baffled and entertained. 

Please Touch Museum

4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Here’s a stop where mom can breathe and kids can actually touch everything they pass by. The Please Touch Museum encourages hands-on learning and imaginative play. Perfect for toddlers, as they can touch, explore and pretend throughout the exhibits. 

Winter Day Trips With 90-Minute Drive

These experiences are a tad bit further, but there’s so much to do. Spend a few hours in the colorful Crayola Factory, or head out to spend the day in Lancaster County. Little ones will enjoy all the fun, hands-on opportunities these day trips have to offer.

Adventure Aquarium

1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103

Visit hippos, sharks, penguins, sea turtles and more at this interactive aquarium. Touch a sting ray, brave the infamous shark bridge, visit the 3D movie theatre and more.

Crayola Experience

30 Center Square, Easton, PA 18042

You can customize crayons, watch the factory show, climb a huge structure, and star in your very own coloring pages, and more. While a bit further from the Main Line, you’ll spend at least 3-4 hours exploring at your own pace.

Herr’s Snack Factory

271 Old Baltimore Pike, Nottingham, PA 19362

Schedule a guided factory tour to learn about potato chip history and the snack-making process. Watch the actual production floor in action, and be ready to taste the outcome. There is no minimum age and many blogs suggest it’s enjoyable for all ages.

Turkey Hill Experience

301 Linden Street, Columbia, Lancaster County, PA

Create and market your own virtual ice cream flavor and treat yourself to unlimited samples of ice cream and iced tea. The Taste Lab is an add-on, but it’s the highlight of the experience and should be booked online in advance.

Embrace the Cold Weather with Winter Day Trips for Main Line Families

Whether you’re looking to stay warm indoors or embrace the season, these winter day trips offer something for every family.  From ice cream and crayons to slime and legos, you can create memorable days together without traveling very far. 

Do you have a favorite day trip destination with your family that we missed? Share it in the comments below!

Lead photo courtesy of Legoland Discovery Center.