Best Day Trips On A Budget Near Baltimore

Sometimes you just want to get out of the house on a weekend and have a small adventure with friends, with family or by yourself. However, times are hard and money is tight, so what is a frugal weekender to do? Fortunately, there are some places within driving distance that a person on a budget can visit without breaking the bank. Here are a few of our top picks.

Dutch Wonderland
2249 Lincoln Highway E.
Lancaster, PA 17602
(866) 386-2839
www.dutchwonderland.com

Dutch Wonderland is an amusement and water park located in scenic Lancaster, Pa. It is one of the few amusement parks within driving distance of Baltimore that doesn't charge an arm and a leg to get in, but is still surprisingly fun. This is an ideal destination for those with children, as Wonderland has more than the usual number of rides tailored-made for young children so that your little boy or girl won't have to stand aside because they aren't "this high" to ride the ride. Despite pandering to young children, there are plenty of fun activities for teenagers and adults to do, as well – especially the water rides which are varied and fun. Dutch Wonderland is modeled after a medieval castle theme, but also includes an "exploration island" with a safari theme that includes dinosaurs. Dutch Wonderland also has a campground for those who want to make an entire weekend of it.

C&O Canal 
1850 Dual Highway
Hagerstown, MD 21740
(301) 983-0825
www.candocanal.org

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is a channel that runs nearly 200 miles from Georgetown to Cumberland. The towpath along the canal is a favorite of committed long-distance hikers, but for those who don't have an entire summer to hike, there are bike trails and short day hikes. For those who aren't interested in hiking or biking at all, there are a variety of activities that are less strenuous but still enjoyable. Enjoy one of the canal boat rides or interpretive ranger programs. Sit back, relax and fish all day (be sure to bring your fishing license). You can also go boating, kayaking or horseback riding; or you could check the schedule for a variety of hosted events held year-round.

NASA Goddard Visitor Center
8800 Greenbelt Road
Greenbelt, MD 20771
(301) 286-3978
www.nasa.gov

NASA spreads science knowledge to young and old alike with its unparalleled Goddard Visitor Center right in Maryland. Interested in the space program? The center has models and full-sized replicas of some of its most brilliant spacecraft designs, and fun, interactive and educational experiences. If you're not so much into the engineering side but have thrilled to the dazzle of the nighttime sky, enjoy the comprehensive playground of astronomy displays and interactive experiences. The best part? This thrilling and educational experience is entirely free.

Related: Best Day Trips For Under $100 In The Baltimore Area

Colonial Williamsburg
134 N. Henry St.
Williamsburg, VA 23185
(855) 756-9516
www.history.org

American history is a tapestry of events that, sadly, are often poorly understood by its citizens. However, Colonial Williamsburg brings history alive in an exciting and engaging way. Step back in time and spend a day interacting with the citizens of an early American Colony, learning the day-to-day struggles as they fashion all of their tools and produce all of their meals by hand. Walk the trails through the beautiful gardens. Try some of the delicious handmade foods for yourself. Buy blown glass, handmade pottery and other items. Admission for children under 6 is free. It's less than $30 for children as old as 12, and around $50 for adults. Williamsburg also holds special seasonal events which may be found here. After a day at the Colony, you will be both entertained and informed.

Salisbury Zoo
755 S. Park Drive
Salisbury, MD 21802
(410) 548-3188
www.salisburyzoo.org

Baltimore has its own well-known zoo, so why would you venture out to Salisbury to see exotic animals? Two words: free admission. That's right, the Salisbury Zoo lets patrons in for free, and still manages to be a beautiful park jam-packed with remarkable creatures for your inspection. Salisbury holds events where patrons may learn about the animals and even interact with the wildlife. After exploring the wildlife in the park, be sure to let the kids run wild on the expansive playground at the end of the tour. All in all, this is a beautiful day of fun and education that won't cost you a dime.

Related: Best Day Trips For Families