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Best Day Trips For Under $100 In The Baltimore Area

This summer, treat your family to a few day trips that will have you spending less money and more quality time. Whether you are looking for the fast-paced excitement of a theme park, a laid-back day at the beach or an historic tour of one of the country's most famous battle sites, there are plenty of opportunities to treat your family to fun summer trips without going broke.

(Credit: www.destination360.com) (Credit: daveynin)

Kings Dominion
16000 Theme Park Way
Doswell, Va. 23047
(804) 876-5000
www.kingsdominion.com

A trip to Kings Dominion is a sure way to provide family fun for all ages. Tickets start as low as $39. Group rates and season passes are great ways to get additional savings. Dinosaurs Alive is the newest feature and promises a thrilling prehistoric experience. The theme park offers a variety of rides including roller coasters, family-friendly entertainment options and water rides. Numerous live performances are held throughout the day, and there is an endless variety of dining and shopping opportunities to be enjoyed. Check the website for special rates, discounts, hours, park features and local hotels.

Ocean City Official Site
(Credit: www.ococean.com)

Ocean City
Ocean City, Md.
(800) 626-2326
www.ococean.com

Ocean City offers the perfect day at the beach. Ocean City's boardwalk is nearly three miles long and offers opportunities for bike riding, shopping, dining, arcade games and amusement rides. Dining opportunities range in taste from quick boardwalk snacks and family favorites to exquisite fine dining experiences that suit any culinary craving. The view can't be beat. Both oceanside and bayside offer opportunities to see gorgeous sunsets and sunrises. If you are looking for a little more excitement, why not try parasailing or take a speedboat ride? There is an endless array of activities to enjoy at Ocean City that a day tip might just turn into something longer. Fortunately, there are a variety of affordable hotels to choose from. Enjoy fireworks displays, live concerts, mini golf, laser tag and nightlife.

Luray Caverns in Luray, Viriginia.
(Credit: Karen Bleier/Getty Images)

Luray Caverns
970 U.S. Highway 211 W.
Luray, Va. 22835
(540) 743-6551
www.luraycaverns.com

Luray Caverns was first discovered in 1878 and has since become a popular vacation and day-trip destination for families all over the country. Experience nature like never before with breathtaking displays of natural architecture. Guided tours are offered to help you and your family experience the caves and all the sights, sounds and features that this exquisite display of nature has to offer. Adult tickets are only $24. Group rates and discounts are available. Words cannot adequately describe the majestic beauty of this wondrous destination. Visit the website for photos and more details about this location's amazing features.

Related: Best Spots To Spend A Summer Day With Your Family In Baltimore

Washington, D.C. skyline
(Credit: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)

Washington, D.C.
Destination DC
901 7th St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 789-7000
www.washington.org

There is no shortage of things to do or sights to see in Washington, D.C. Explore this captivating city from the comfort of a double-decker bus. Take the infamous duck tour or tour the city via Segway. Visit the White House, the Capitol Building or the National Monument. School may be out, but that doesn't mean learning has to end. D.C. has an extensive museum selection including the National Air and Space Museum, National Arboretum, numerous art galleries and sculpture gardens, the National Mall, the Smithsonian, the Holocaust Museum and the Museum of Natural History.

www.gettysburg.com
(credit: www.gettysburg.com)

Gettysburg National Military Park
1195 Baltimore Pike, Suite 100
Gettysburg, Pa. 17325
(717) 334-1124
www.nps.gov

The battle of Gettysburg can be relived and revisited with a trip to Gettysburg National Military Park. Take a step back in time and experience colonial living. Start your visit at the Museum and Visitors Center for an informative look at the infamous battle. 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of Gettysburg and will be celebrated with a variety of events throughout the summer. Check the events page for dates and details.

Related: Best Ways To Learn About Presidential And American History In The Baltimore Area

Jillian Amodio is an author, writer, and public speaker. There is nothing she enjoys more than being a stay-at-home mom. In addition to having recently published her first novel, Jillian also writes for her local Pasadena newspaper and on Examiner.com.

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