Go Skiing Or Tubing In The Pocono Mountains
Kids from all over the Mid-Atlantic states grow-up learning to ski in Pennsylvania. Why? Ski PA has a Snowpass program where fourth and fifth graders can ski for free at Pennsylvania Ski Resorts. Due to the Pocono Mountains convenient location, many kids from this region learn to ski on these mountains.
The Pocono Mountains are beautiful in any season, and they boast more than five ski areas and resorts.
Two of Trekaroos favorite slopes are the Blue Mountain Ski Area and Camelback Mountain Ski Resort, which both also offer tubing. Camelback actually offers an amazing 42 lanes of tubing fun! Its one of the best things to do in Pennsylvania with kids.
The family fun in the Pocono Mountains does not end on the mountaintops. There are also indoor and outdoor water parks where families can play. Camelback Resort offers a 13-slide Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark at its Camelback Lodge, in addition to its legendary Camelbeach Mountain WaterPark.
No matter the season, you wouldnt want to spend your entire Pocono Mountains vacation inside at a water park. Get outdoors and enjoy the kid-friendly hiking trails at Bushkill Falls or Hickory Run State Park!
Places To Eat In Erie Pa
There are lots of great places to eat in Erie, PA offering regional cuisine, food tours and even wine and beer tours. Here are some of the best places to eat in Erie, PA or to enjoy a drink! Some on this list would make a great date night dinner. But, Erie isnt a fussy place.
Brandywine Conservancy And Museum Of Art
The Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art was created to protect the historic value of Brandywine Valley, Pennsylvania from industrial development that would alter the landscape and devastate the character and water supplies of the area.
In 1967, local residents purchased the land and turned it into Brandywine Conservancy.
Since its early days, it has grown to protect over 64,500 acres of the state and beyond from development, continuing to preach and advocate for responsible and sustainable land use.
The Brandywine River Museum of Art was opened in 1971 then opened and grew into one of the states most reputable tourist attractions.
It seeks genuine American art from the local region and houses an incredible and high-quality collection of such works, including ones by Pyle, the Wyeths, Durand, West, Harnett, Chalfant, Stuart, Richards, Harberle, Pippin, and more.
Going sightseeing along the conservancys land and then popping in to visit the museum is a fantastic way to see many great vacation spots at once.
Address: 1 Hoffmans Mill Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, United States
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Eisenhower National Historic Site
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The Eisenhower National Historic Site was the location of the farm and house of 34th United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower, next to the Gettysburg Battlefield, wrapping two Pennsylvania tourist attractions in one place.
The house itself was a weekend and vacation home for the President and his wife, and they retired here in 1961.
In 1967, they donated the property to the government.
The peaceful atmosphere of the Eisenhower National Historic Site evokes the same calm that the President and his wife enjoyed on their breaks.
Tours and talks teach you about the place, bringing you through the house, farm, gardens, putting green, barns, skeet range, and teahouse while telling you about Secret Service Operations and World War II.
Address: 243 Eisenhower Farm Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325, United States
Dining & Shopping In Ligoniers Diamond
While visiting Ligonier, you cant miss the Ligonier Diamond. Its the center of this amazing small town in Pennsylvania. The focal point is the gazebo, which many compare to Stars Hollow from the Gilmore Girls television series. The town only has locally owned restaurants and shops, which adds to the charming small town vibe. From small diners and farm-to-table restaurants to trendy boutiques and unique gift shops, theres something for everyone.
Some of our favorite shops in Ligonier include:
- Post & Rail Mens Shop for mens clothing and accessories.
- Second Chapter Books for new and gently used books and gifts.
- Celtic Culture for unique gifts from England, Ireland, Scotland and more.
Some of the best restaurants in Ligonier, PA include:
- Carol and Daves Roadhouse for traditional American food and nightly specials.
- Miriams Table for a farm to table restaurant with a daily changing menu.
- Abigails Coffeehouse for fresh baked goods and breakfast, lunch and the best coffee in Ligonier.
- Ligonier Creamery for yummy baked goods and hand dipped ice cream in Ligonier.
- The Road Toad for a casual family friendly restaurant with great outdoor seating.
- The Original Pie Shoppe for grab and go breakfast, lunch and baked goods.
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Learn About The Foundations Of American Independence In Historic Philadelphia
Every school child in the United States studies the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution.
These are two of the most important documents in our nations history. Visiting Independence Hall and imagining what it must have been like to be among Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin debating the future of our nation, is an essential lesson in American history.
While viewing the Liberty Bell at Independence National Historical Park, children have the opportunity to ponder the Preamble of the Constitution. They can reflect on what it means when it states that the purpose of the US Constitution is to secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity. What an invaluable lesson!
In addition to the historic sites run by the National Parks Service, there are also a couple of Pennsylvania attractions, the National Constitution Center and the Museum of The American Revolution. These museums provide background information for your familys visit to historic Philadelphia.
This historic section of Philadelphia is only a small part of the city itself. It is also home to some of the best Pennsylvania attractions and museums, from the hands-on science at the Franklin Institute to the Please Touch Museum. For a locals perspective on top Pennsylvania attractions for kids in Philadelphia, check out the Top 10 Things for Families to Do in Philadelphia.
Washington Crossing Historic Park
- Washington Crossing Re-enactment
This 500-acre park preserves the site where General George Washington and his troops made their famed crossing of the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War to New Jersey in 1776. The park contains restored 18th century buildings and homes, Revolutionary War gravesites, and Bowmans Hill Tower to climb.
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What Is The Most Visited State Park In Pennsylvania
Presque Isle State Park in Erie ranked the most popular state park in Pennsylvania. In some years, it has almost reached four million visitors!
This state park borders the water of Lake Erie with about 3,200 acres of land. Its beloved for its boardwalk paths and sandy shores, which are rare among Pennsylvania. Many kids love to swim there when the weather is warm.
Lehigh Gorge State Park
The Lehigh Gorge State Park is a wonderful escape to nature. The southern end of the park near Jim Thorpe starts about an hour and a half away from Harrisburg, so pack up the car and head out on a day trip in Central Pennsylvania.
At the park, enjoy popular activities like whitewater rafting down the Lehigh River or biking on the scenic trails. You can also go hiking or fishing, so this park truly has something for everyone! Lehigh Gorge State Park isnt only for summer day trips in Pennsylvania. Visit during the winter to go cross-country skiing or snowmobiling. Who said outdoor fun is only for warmer months?
If you want to pack more outdoor excitement into your Central Pennsylvania day trip, check out the neighboring Hickory Run State Park. Traverse Boulder Field, go for a swim or extend your trip to an overnight stay with camping.
No matter how long you stay, youll need to fuel up after the adventures and excitement. Tuck into a picnic at either of these scenic state parks or head to some nearby eateries. Try Boulder View Tavern near Hickory Run State Park for a meal right on the lake.
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Carnegie Museum Of Natural History
One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, this Carnegie Museum of Natural History remains on top. With a tremendous collection of antiques, items, and scientific specimens, this tourist attraction educates children on all things evolutionary and conservation-based. The museum itself arouses scientific curiosity in children and inspires an interest in both nature and world cultures. Known for its extensive dinosaur collection, Carnegie Museum holds the world’s largest collection of Jurassic dinosaurs and the world’s first-ever species of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Children are encouraged to read, explore, and discover at this fascinating historical hotspot.
4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Phone: 412-622-3131
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State Museum Of Pennsylvania
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The State Museum of Pennsylvanias main goal is the preservation of the history and culture of the state.
It is also called the William Penn Memorial Museum thanks to the fact that it houses a large statue of the man in its main hall.
Located on North Street of Harrisburg, its one of the chief points of interest to head to if you want to gain more insight into the state.
The State Museum of Pennsylvania spans four floors and houses over three million exhibited items.
These objects and artifacts cover many different topics, including the Civil War, fossils, dioramas and art, and state history from prehistoric times till now.
There is also a planetarium that puts on shows like Solar Superstorms, Dynamic Earth, and Grossology and You.
Address: 300 North St, Harrisburg, PA 17120, United States
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What Is There To Do
It’s SO much fun to pretend – because you can be anything you want to be!
Lets Pretend is a fun, indoor play center perfect for those little kids and parents to play and pretend together.
Run by Early Childhood professionals, Let’s Pretend was developed to get the family away from all the distractions of their day to day lives, and really embrace the way play time used to be – and should be! There are no television, no phones, no computers…just you and your imagination!
Let’s say it all together: “Let’s Pretend we are…..” and then you can be whoever or whatever you want to be! The center have set up a number of themes that will help the children use their imagination – so they can really get creative.
How about being a school teacher for the day? They can feel what it’s like to be their favorite! There is a charming old schoolhouse with 8 desks ready for them to teach – or even learn!
Perhaps they want to work in a diner, and take some fun orders of really unusual foods! Perhaps they want to spend some time in the local corner grocery store, or become a nurse and look after some patients?
From a stage, to a construction room to a house – kids have a host of fun play areas to immerse themselves in. What’s really cool, is that Let’s Pretend also have a collection of costumes and props so kids can really go to town with their playtime!
Let’s Pretend is a breath of fresh air, without the distraction of technology, and just getting down to basics – fun and imagination!
All About Day Tripping In Eastern Pa
Bucks CountyOh, how we love to take a ride over to beautiful Eastern Pennsylvania. We are from central New Jersey, and we have there are so many great places that we can take a quick trip to. When were in the mood for the arts we like to head to Bucks County, PA.
Its very quiet and calming and beautiful along the gorgeous Delaware River. Bucks County is home to many awesome attractions including Sesame Place, Peddlers Village, Fontenot Castle, and New Hope railroad. There are also four amazing parks that we love to visit when we head out to Bucks County. One being Nocamixon State Park, ringing rocks County Park, Neshaminy State Park, and Tyler State Park.
The eastern area of Pennsylvania also includes Berks, Delaware, Chester, Lehigh, Lancaster, Montgomery, Northampton, and of course Philadelphia counties.
Berks County
When we head over to Berks County in Pennsylvania, we like to enjoy the outdoors. We have gone to Redding PA, , to get out in the wilderness and hit up a section of the Appalachian Trail. There are quite a few trails in this area but a few of the easier ones for beginners would be at Nolde Forest, and French Creek State Park. We havent been, but weve heard that the blue marsh Lake recreational area is an awesome place for swimming and boating in the warmer months and great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when it gets chilly. See more here on this amazing website.
Chester County
Lehigh County
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The Sonorous Stones Of Ringing Rocks Park
Eric Dale / Shutterstock
If youre looking for musical things to do in Pennsylvania, bring your own hammers and come to The Sonorous Stones of Ringing Rocks Park.
It was first discovered in 1890 when J. J. Ott performed for the Buckwampum Historical Society with a concert where he used a unique instrument: stones, struck with a hammer to make clear bell tones!
The rocks had been taken from Upper Black Eddy in Pennsylvania, or what is known now as Ringing Rocks Park.
The field of rock spans 7 acres and is more than 10 feet deep with these rocks.
Tests by scientists in 1965 revealed that all the rocks here ring at different tones, even if those tones are ones that human ears cant hear.
As for why they ring, thats a mystery thats still unsolved.
Even stranger, the rocks lose their musical ability once removed from the rest!
Address: Ringing Rocks Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972, United States
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
Daniel M. Silva / Shutterstock
The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is rather fascinating as a spot in Pennsylvania, mostly because the titular poet only lived in the state for a year.
In 1843, he and his wife moved into a home in Philadelphia, where he wrote The Gold Bug and The Tell-Tale Heart.
Almost a century later, a die-hard fan of Poes purchased the home and decided to turn it into a museum.
When that fan passed away, the city of Philadelphia received it, and it became a National Historic Site.
There are three permanent exhibits and two rotating exhibits at the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, each letting you look in-depth into his life, times, and career.
For literature lovers, a trip here is one of the most fun things to do in Pennsylvania!
Address: 532 N 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, United States
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The Houdini Tour & Magic Show
Scranton
The Houdini Tour & Magic Show is a nonstop spectacle held in the world’s only building devoted to Harry Houdini, one of the most famous magicians of all time. Now visitors of all ages can be stunned by the noted professional magician, explore the fascinating world of Houdini with a fun guided tour and witness the rarest film footage of Houdinis escapes.
+ Amazing Things To Do In Pennsylvania With Kids
Are you vacationing to Pennsylvania and looking for some really neat places to visit with your kids? We share our favorite things to do in this Keystone State.
If you live in or are visiting Pennsylvania, there are a lot of fun family things to do in this Keystone State. Whether youre looking for a way to explore nature or a bustling city, this list has all of the best options.
From Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and everywhere in between. Whether youre going on a day trip with teens or aroad trip with toddlers, this list will help you decide where to go for your next family outing or vacation.
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Ride A Coaster At Hersheypark Or Meet Big Bird On Sesame Street
The joy of a young child bravely riding a roller coaster for the first time or giving a high-five to a character they recognize from television is a priceless memory.
Trekaroo families with preschoolers love Sesame Placewhere tots can join a parade with their favorite Sesame Street characters and later cool off on water rides just their size.
On the western side of the state Idlewild, too, is home to a familiar PBS character Daniel Tiger from Daniel Tigers Neighborhood.
Rounding out the assortment of amusement parks in PA that are just the right size for younger children is Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster County.
Yes, amusement parks in PA offer some thrilling roller coasters as well. Hersheypark certainly offers the most thrills in the state. It has over a dozen roller coasters that appeal to children of all ages from tiny tots to teens. Hersheys SooperDooperLooper was the first looping coaster on the East Coast!
Reeses CupFusion is sure to be a favorite with the entire family as everyone works together to protect the Reeses Central by blasting Mint the Merciless. Be sure to bring your bathing suits to cool off at the Boardwalk in the afternoon.
Along the shores of Lake Erie, Waldameer World is home to the Ravine Flyer II. If you dont blink, you can even spot the sun setting over nearby Presque Isle State Park from the coaster.
Just outside of Philadelphia, Dorney Parks Hydra turns riders upside down a total of seven times wow!
