Day & Weekend Trip Ideas: A Checklist for ADHD Families to Have Fun Without Going Far

If packing and passports isn’t your family’s thing, there are plenty of places within reach for making summer memories. Check out these ideas for day or weekend trips that don’t require hours in the car or on a plane:

The beach

If you’re on the coast or not too far from it, a day at the beach makes almost everyone happy. Depending on where you live in relation to the beach, this can be both a weekend trip or day trip.

Franki Bagdade of FAAB Consulting is a limited licensed social worker and mom of three whose family loves spending time at the beach.

“Sometimes my dopamine-seeking ADHDers will complain they are bored if the water temp isn’t perfect or the line at the water slide is too long,” says Bagdade. She expects this and packs accordingly, bringing things like sand toys, sand sifters, rock polishers (or dollar store scrub brushes), activity books and bubbles.

“If they still complain of boredom — OK, when they still complain of boredom — I remind them of what I packed, and our expectations,” she says. She uses this script: “We’re staying at the beach until noon. I’m sorry you’re bored and that can be annoying, but I suggest you try something in the beach bag, go swimming, or come up with your own idea.”

The beach is a great destination even if not everyone in your family is a swimmer. Whether it has a busy boardwalk, mini golf, a nature trail or some other featured activities nearby, there’s something for everyone. And being at the beach just feels like summer!

The zoo

When your house starts to feel like a zoo, why not head out to the actual zoo? Many metropolitan areas have a zoo or aquarium, and these days, there’s often more to the zoo than just the animals. Some zoos now have a few rides and may even offer a few live shows as well. And walking around the zoo is a great way to burn off the energy that may have built up during the car ride there.

Mystery tour

Another family outing Bagdade loves in the summer is something they call “mystery tour.”

“My husband picks out three or four stops in an area less than 45 minutes away,” she explains. “Then we give the kids clues as we drive to each spot. The clues include anything from a new donut spot, a pretty outdoor fountain for making a wish, or a new splash pad. I do my best to pick out one spot that will likely click with each of my kids.”

Amusement parks

Amusement parks are typically a great match for active and adventurous kids with ADHD. Keep an eye out for coupons and deals to lower the cost of such a high-energy outing; with meals and souvenirs to consider, things can add up quickly. Consider packing your own snacks if possible (or head out to the car for a food break if you can’t bring outside food into the park) and set a budget ahead of time for souvenirs to avoid disappointment-driven meltdowns.

Museums

If you’re a family with kids who have ADHD (or even parents), museums are likely to be the least exciting option. However, there are many interactive museums with hands-on activities that will keep wandering minds engaged. And not all museums are full of only art or historic artifacts. With a little online research, you’ll find special LEGO-based exhibits, fashion-focused exhibits and more. Ask your kids about their interests and which museum they’d love to see. Then save that day trip for a rainy day when all-day swimming, hiking or other outdoor-based activity isn’t possible.

Camping

State parks, national parks and other privately-run campgrounds across the country are an affordable and adventure-friendly option for ADHD families. Most campgrounds also offer a daily schedule of family activities on site. So if sitting around the campfire isn’t everyone’s speed, your kids are likely to find something else they like.

Food-focused

Have a foodie in the family? Or just enjoy trying new foods as a family? Build a day trip or even a weekend getaway around a famous restaurant you’ve always wanted to try, or to “eat around the world” and try cuisines of different cultures.

From the mountains to the countryside, from the bustling big city to the charming small town, from the farm to the forest and carnivals or fairs in between, you’ll find there’s plenty to do without going too far. With a little planning and online research — and by checking your local newspaper, radio station, library or regional/local social media travel accounts — you’ll find that your next family adventure is out there.

Explore More

Alcohol and Cannabis Can Be Dangerous for People With ADHD
Articles

Alcohol, Cannabis and ADHD: What You Should Know

By Mary Fetzer Recreational use of alcohol and cannabis is common among...
Read now
Podcasts

Ying Deng and the Myth of Being An Adultx

Meet Ying Deng, the founder of ADHD Asian Girl and your Mindful...
Listen now
Webinars

Upcoming – Best non-stimulant medication for ADHD

Have you ever wondered if there's an alternative to stimulant...
Watch now

We will perform scheduled maintenance on our Patient Portal on Thursday, September 28 from 5:00 – 6:30 AM ET. During this time, appointment scheduling will not be available.

Our team will be hard at work while many of you sleep to keep the disruption to a minimum. We apologize for any inconvenience.

The ADHD Online (early morning) Team

ADHD Online will be closed on
Monday, September 4 in observance of Labor Day.

Live support will be unavailable during this time, but you can always submit a request or leave a voice message at 888-493-ADHD (2343). We’ll get back to you when we return on Tuesday, September 5.

Each of our clinicians sets their own holiday hours. Check with your doctor for availability.

Looking to take our Assessment? That’s available all day, every day, whenever and wherever is best for you! 

Provide this form to your local practitioner. You could:

  • Send this link
  • Email the pdf
  • Print it out and bring it to your appointment

Ask your practitioner
to complete the form

In this form, your practitioner will request that ADHD Online continue to provide uninterrupted care

Return the form to us

You or your practitioner can return this form to us via email or fax it to 616-210-3118

Looking to take our Assessment? That’s available all day, every day, whenever and wherever is best for you!

For those seeking an Assessment, you can dive right in! Our portal is up throughout the holiday!

If you have a question for us, our office will be providing holiday patient support on July 3 & 4, and we are committed to responding to your needs as promptly as possible. In-person phone support may be available but limited due to holiday hours.  You can always submit a request or leave a voice message and we will prioritize addressing them upon our return. We genuinely appreciate your understanding. Full office operations will resume on Wednesday, July 5.

If you already are on our Treatment path, be aware that each of our clinicians sets their own holiday hours. Check with your doctor for availability.

ADHD Online will be closed on June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

Live support will be unavailable while we’re closed but you can always submit a request or leave a voice message. We’ll get back to you when we return on Tuesday, June 20th.

Each of our clinicians sets their own holiday hours. Check with your doctor for availability.

Looking to take our Assessment? That’s available all day, every day, whenever and wherever is best for you!

ADHD Online will be closed on June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

Live support will be unavailable while we’re closed but you can always submit a request or leave a voice message. We’ll get back to you when we return on Tuesday, June 20th.

Each of our clinicians sets their own holiday hours. Check with your doctor for availability.

Looking to take our Assessment? That’s available all day, every day, whenever and wherever is best for you!