One of the keys to helping your family have a fun and relaxing summer is to get creative and resourceful when developing your schedule. Central Pennsylvania has a wealth of family activities you can include on your summer schedule. Remember to gather your child’s input about activities so they will be invested, follow screen-time rules, and feel like a valued member of your family. Don’t forget the most important thing: HAVE FUN!
- Paulus Farm Market: If you’ve never been here, this is a must. They have flower picking, berry picking, animals, children’s activities, a greenhouse, and of course, the market.
- Lake Tobias Wildlife Park: It is literally a safari in the middle of PA. The safari ride alone is worth your while but you can also picnic here, visit the petting zoo, and make a full day of it.
- The Wolf Sanctuary: A Hidden Treasure.
- Echo Dell/Indian Echo Caverns: A perfect day trip to escape the summer heat and learn all about caverns and geology.
- Zoo America: A hidden gem and worth the admission.
- The Susquehanna Art Museum: After you tour the fine collection of art, head up the street to The Midtown Scholar Bookstore and explore this historic two-story building packed with unusual books, stop at their coffeeshop, and grab a treat.
- The Antique Auto Museum: For the automobile lovers in your family.
- Hershey Chocolate World Tour: It’s FREE! You even get a free chocolate kiss when your tour is over!
- Farmer’s Markets galore: Broad Street Market, West Shore Farmer’s Market, Farmer’s on the Square Market, Central Market York, Central Market Lancaster.
- Fishing/Tubing/Kayaking on the Yellow Breeches, the Conodoguinet, the Swatra, or the Susquehanna River. Cumberland County Water Map/Dauphin County Map.
- Visit, explore, and learn about these historic and interesting places all within an hour’s drive of Central PA: Gettysburg, Mount Gretna, Bird-In-Hand, Lancaster.
