Philadelphia to Washington Road Trip with Kids: Best Stops for Families
The 140-mile drive from Philadelphia to Washington DC follows I-95 south through Wilmington, Delaware and across the Susquehanna River into Maryland. At under three hours, it is a manageable trip, but one stop near Linthicum Heights, Maryland makes a big difference for families with young kids. SmartStops found Garrett Park with a playground, basketball courts, and picnic shelters just minutes from I-95, plus nearby dining and coffee.
Your First Stop: Linthicum Heights, MD
1h 55m from Philadelphia
Best Park
Garrett Park
3rd Street
Gas Station
Charm City Tuning
4700 Belle Grove Rd
Family Restaurant
Chophouse13
1300 Concourse Dr
American
Coffee
Wawa
7710 Milestone Pkwy
Tips for This Route
Time your drive around Baltimore traffic
I-95 through Baltimore is one of the most congested corridors on the East Coast. The stretch between the Fort McHenry Tunnel and the I-695 interchange slows dramatically during morning and evening rush. Leaving Philadelphia before 9 AM on weekdays gives you the best chance of a smooth pass through Baltimore.
Watch for toll plazas on I-95
You will encounter tolls in Delaware on I-95 and at the Fort McHenry Tunnel in Baltimore. E-ZPass is accepted at all plazas and saves both money and time. Keep cash ready if you do not have a transponder, as some lanes are cash-only.
Top off fuel before the Delaware state line
Delaware has no sales tax on fuel, so prices are typically lower than in Maryland or Pennsylvania. Fill up before crossing into Maryland to save a few dollars. If you wait, the stop at Linthicum Heights has fuel options nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I stop on a road trip from Philadelphia to Washington with kids?
SmartStops recommends stopping in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, about one hour and 55 minutes south of Philadelphia. Garrett Park has a playground, basketball and tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and sheltered picnic areas. Chophouse13 is nearby for a sit-down meal, and Wawa has coffee and quick snacks.
How long is the drive from Philadelphia to Washington with kids?
The total distance is 140 miles, with a driving time of about two hours and 42 minutes without stops. A quick park break in Linthicum Heights adds 15 to 20 minutes. Baltimore-area traffic can add another 20 to 40 minutes during peak hours, so budget around three and a half hours total.
Are there playgrounds along I-95 between Philadelphia and Washington?
Highway rest areas on this stretch offer basic facilities but no playgrounds. SmartStops identified Garrett Park in Linthicum Heights as the best family-friendly option near I-95, with a full playground plus benches, shelters, and open fields for kids to run before the final 30-minute push into DC.
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