Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Philadelphia, PA

Sometimes, you just gotta get out of town. Philadelphia is one of those cities that is just near everything--after all, New York City is only an hour and a half a way, as is Baltimore, and Washington DC is only a three-hour drive. But for day trips, you want something just a bit closer (like the beach--New Jersey's shores are also just an hour away!). So where can you go with an hour's drive of Philadelphia and have a blast with your kids? Here are my top five spots.

1. Strasberg Rail Road. OK, I confess--I am married to a rail fan (read: train geek), so this ends up at the top of my list because not only is my daughter happy, but the big kid that lives inside my husband is also happy. Located in Lancaster County, this historic railroad features real steam trains (including one that looks just like Thomas), a restaurant, shops, and a Rail Road Museum.

2. The Crayola Factory. Seriously, how lucky are Philadelphia kids? Located just a bit over an hour from Philadelphia in Easton is the place where crayons are made--and they offer tours so kids can actually SEE them being made. There is also a "discovery center" that offers hands-on activities and other fun stuff. You can't miss with this daytrip--but beware; schools visit this place so it can get crowded.

3. Blue Mountain. This is the closest "mountain" to Philadelphia (OK, I confess: I put mountain in quotes because I grew up at the tail end of the Rockies and Blue is just a big hill to me), and features year-round fun. You'll find a water park and hiking trails in the summer, and skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in the winter. A pretty spot in the Pocono Mountains.

4. Clementon Amusement Park. This sweet little historic amusement park offers many of the pleasures of Sesame Place (also close to Philadelphia) with a third of the price tag. Located in Clementon, New Jersey this park offers the standard rides plus a water park and a petting zoo. In the fall, they offer great Halloween themed activities.

5. The Amish Farm and House. The Amish are one of those fascinating elements of the Pennsylvania countryside, but there is plenty of incorrect information out there. The Amish Farm and House showcases how the real Amish live, and allows your kids to learn about the Plain People without making the actual Amish zoo animals. A great spot.