Fast Facts

Taking a day trip can be a great way to explore something new without having to commit to a longer vacation.
No matter where you decide to go on a day trip, make sure to plan ahead to get the most out of your trip.
30 out of the 50 states in the U.S. have National Parks.
There are more than 200 zoos in the United States.

Summer and fall are the perfect seasons for a day trip. Sometimes a full vacation just won’t work with your schedule, but that doesn't mean you can't get away for a little bit!

Homethrive has compiled a list of some of the most interesting and off-the-beaten-path types of places to visit, especially if it’s with a loved one who has special needs or is aging. Whether you’re looking for a scenic hike, an interesting museum, or a charming small town, we’ve got you covered.

Homethrive's Top 10 Best Day Trips

Visit a national park
Experience your neighboring town
See some animals at the zoo
Watch a play at a local theater
Learn something new at a local museum
Visit the state capitol
Go on a boat ride
Get adventurous at a local amusement park
Relax by the water
Be a tourist in your own city

Visit A National Park

Out of the 50 states in the USA, 30 of them have national parks. Find the closest one to you and explore! National parks are a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with nature. Most of them offer ranger-led programs, hikes, and other activities that will help you make the most of your trip.

National parks can be great for those with disabilities or who have difficulty with mobility. Compared to a standard nature trail or park, national parks have more resources and are better equipped to accommodate different needs.

Plan For Your Trip

You can prepare for your trip to a national park by doing some research ahead of time. Check the park's website to see what activities and attractions are available and make a list of the things you want to see and do while you're there. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the park's visitor center. They will be happy to help you plan your trip!

Experience A Neighboring Town

Sometimes the best day trips are the ones that are closest to home. Pick a town or city near you that you have always wanted to visit and plan a day trip. This is a great way to get to know your surrounding area better and support local businesses.

Local towns might offer different activities, shops, and foods that you can't find at home. It can be a great way to get out of your comfort zone and explore new things. Even if the town is small, there might be hidden gems that you would never expect to find. If you’re looking for ideas of where to go, ask friends or family for suggestions. Some of them may have been to some of the towns nearby and have suggestions of places to go.

Plan For Your Trip

If you’re taking a trip with someone who requires a wheelchair, be sure to plan out where you want to go and call ahead to ensure they have an ADA-compliant entrance and spaces. You may also want to plan out your bathroom stops, as some places may not be as accessible. Public spaces such as museums, parks, and libraries are typically good places to visit that have wheelchair accessibility.

When planning your route, be sure to consider the traffic and plan to leave a little early to avoid any stressful situations. It’s also helpful to map out where you want to go and park ahead of time. This way, you can ensure that you won't get lost and can find parking easily.

See Some Animals At The Zoo

There are more than 200 zoos in the United States, one of which might be nearby! A day at the zoo is a great way to learn about animals from all over the world. You can also get up close and personal with some of your favorites. It offers time outdoors, animal encounters, and opportunities to learn about different species.

Plan For Your Trip

You can find a zoo near you on the Association of Zoos & Aquariums website. When you visit, be sure to check the website or call ahead for days and times when the zoo is open. Most zoos are open year-round, but some may have seasonal hours.

Before you go, take some time to research which animals will be at the zoo. This way, you can ensure everyone sees their favorite animals. Many zoos have an app that you can download to help you navigate the zoo and find specific animals.

Watch A Play at A Local Theater

If you're looking for a fun and easy day trip, consider checking out a play at a local theater. You might be surprised at how much talent your town has to offer. Plus, it's a great way to support the arts in your community.

A local theater is a great day trip for everyone in the family because it is generally a seated activity with wheelchair accessibility. Once you're settled in your seat, sit back and enjoy the show!

If you want to make a day of it, consider grabbing lunch or dinner before or after the play at a nearby restaurant. A lot of times, local theaters will have a list of recommended restaurants on their website.

Plan For Your Trip

Before you go, look up show times and ticket prices on the theater's website. Most theaters offer discounts for students, seniors, and military personnel. You can also check Groupon for deals on tickets.

Learn Something New at A Local Museum

Most towns and cities have at least one local museum. If you're looking for a fun and educational day trip, visiting a museum is the perfect activity. You can learn about art, history, and culture all in one place.

Many museums offer special events and programs, so there's always something new to see. And best of all, admission is usually free or very low cost. So next time you're looking for something to do, consider exploring your local museum. Who knows, you might just learn something new!

Plan For Your Trip

Many state-run or city-run museums are easily accessible to a wide variety of needs and have plenty of places to sit and rest when needed. But before you go, you should call the museum staff to make sure the museum can meet your needs. You also want to check if it is kid-friendly if you're planning to bring little ones along.

Check the museum's website or call ahead to find out about parking, public transportation options, and any special requirements or recommendations. With a little bit of planning, you can make sure your day trip to the museum is enjoyable for everyone involved.

Visit The State Capital

The state capital is usually a great place to learn about the state's history. There are often museums and monuments dedicated to the state's founding. The capital is also a good place to learn about the state government. Many offer tours of the state capitol building.

On top of that, state capitals often have a lot of different businesses and restaurants. This means that there’s usually something for everyone in the capital city.

Plan For Your Trip

The state Capital is usually a city that has been established since the early settlers of the state. That means there may be older cobblestone roads or buildings that are not up to current building codes. This can make getting around the city a bit more difficult if you have mobility issues.

You can find out about the accessibility of the Capital city by doing a quick online search. Additionally, many state Capitals have tourism bureaus that can help you plan your trip. They often have information about hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the city.

Go On a Boat Ride

Whether you are near the ocean, a lake, or a river – there's always a boat ride waiting for you! Boat rides are a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery. You can go on a sightseeing tour, or just enjoy the ride. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go swimming! Boat rides are a great way to spend a nice summer or fall day, and they are easy to find no matter where you are.

There are also different types of boats depending on the need of the group. For example, a pontoon boat may be better for older adults or those with mobility impairments since it’s more stable. A speedboat, however, may be great for kids that seek sensory input and want to go fast while feeling the wind in their hair. No matter what you’re looking for, there's a boat ride out there for you!

Plan For Your Trip

Unless you own a boat yourself, you’ll probably need to make some plans for your trip. This includes finding a place to rent a boat and making a reservation. You should also pack sunscreen, hats, snacks, and drinks for everyone. And don't forget to wear your life jackets once on the boat!

Once you have everything planned out, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. Boat rides are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, and they’re perfect for groups of all ages.

Relax By The Water

Maybe taking a boat ride isn't quite your thing. That's perfectly understandable! Instead, how about finding a spot by the water to relax? This could be anything from your local city park with a pond or lake, to heading out to the beach for the day.

There's something so calming about being near water. Whether it's the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, or simply the peacefulness of being surrounded by nature, it can be a great way to relax and de-stress.

Plan Your Trip

Step one is to find a place to go! If you live near the coast, the beach is an obvious choice. But there are plenty of other options as well. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

A local park with a pond or lake
A river or waterfall
A hot spring
A creek
A neighborhood or public pool

Depending on where you're going, you may need to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, or a bathing suit. If you have energetic children, bring some outdoor games, fishing gear, or sports equipment to keep them occupied.

Get Adventurous at A Local Amusement Park

If you're looking for some family-friendly fun, look no further than your local amusement park! These parks have something for everyone in the family, from kiddie rides to roller coasters to shows and everything in between. Plus, they usually have a variety of food options so you can fuel up for a day of fun.

Amusement parks aren’t just for the kids, either. Even older adults can enjoy themselves on some of the milder rides and attractions. And who doesn't love indulging in some cotton candy or other carnival-type foods?

Plan For Your Trip

Of course, before you head to the amusement park, you'll want to plan for your trip. That means checking the park's website for hours of operation, ticket prices, and any special events or promotions that may be going on.

You'll also want to make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you'll be doing a lot of walking. And don't forget to pack any essentials like sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

You can also call the park ahead of time to discuss any special accommodations or needs that you or your family may have. Amusement parks usually have a team dedicated to helping people of all ages and abilities enjoy their time at the park.

Be A Tourist in Your Own City

After you have lived in a place long enough, it is easy to forget all the great things your city has to offer. If you’re feeling like you need a vacation but don't have the time or money for a long trip, why not be a tourist in your own city? Acting like a tourist for a day can be the perfect way to explore your city and do something new.

Plan Your Trip

Look up "things to do near..." and enter your city or town. A quick search will give you an idea of why others might come to your city or town. If there’s anything you haven't done yet, add it to your list! Make sure to include some of the classics like going to the top of the Space Needle in Seattle or riding a cable car in San Francisco.

Don't forget to bring a camera or phone to document your day with plenty of pictures. After all, you are a tourist!

For more caregiving assistance, you can find live expert help by reaching out to a Care Guide via message or by scheduling a phone call.