Pennsylvania offers an abundance of authentic cultural experiences that broaden perspectives and stimulate the senses. Michelin-star restaurants and local watering holes showcase local flavors while engaging museums present key historical narratives from different viewpoints.
History enthusiasts will enjoy touring Brandywine Valley, home of the famous Battle of Brandywine in 1777 as well as several Revolutionary War skirmishes. Art lovers may appreciate its numerous Andrew Wyeth works.
Hersheypark
From its opening in 1906, Hersheypark has grown significantly since opening, adding new rides and attractions, a water park, and many other fun things for guests to do. But never has its mission changed: providing guests with an enjoyable place that makes them smile while creating lasting memories.
Hersheypark now offers over 60 thrill rides and attractions, a zoo, chocolate factory tour, and much more! While at Hersheypark Village you can admire Milton and Catherine Hershey’s home replica as well as their Hershey Chocolate World building and Carrousel.
thrill-seekers can test their nerve on rides like Wildcat’s Revenge, the tallest wooden-and-steel hybrid coaster in the world. Or enjoy Hersheypark Chocolate World where you can create your own custom candy bar before watching it roll down the assembly line!
Hersheypark made waves again in 2007 with the introduction of The Boardwalk at Hersheypark, a water park exclusive and complimentary to guests staying at Hersheypark Lodge. It offers zero-entry pools, spray zones, water-dumping buckets and much more besides. Alternatively, guests can take part in one of Hersheypark Trolley Works tours that come equipped with free admission tickets to take in more sights in style!
As part of Hersheypark’s activities, visitors can tour the Hershey Story Museum with exhibits and artifacts chronicling its intriguing history. Explore how Hershey Chocolate Company formed and its influence over time; as well as touring Hershey Community Gardens offering fresh fruits and vegetables which you can try in their on-site restaurant.
Falcon Encounters gives guests an interactive experience with hawks or falcons; ZooAmerica educates visitors on wildlife conservation; for an extra dose of mystery you can take part in the Creatures of the Night tour at ZooAmerica which brings visitors into Hersheypark’s nocturnal animal habitats to see them at night!
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, situated near Allentown in eastern Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, is one of Pennsylvania’s premier amusement parks for children. Offering waterpark rides such as Aquablast, Patriot Plunge and Runaway River to its guests as well as seven roller coasters (Hydra & Possessed roller coasters are highly coveted among big kids), there’s something here for every age and thrill level imaginable at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom! During summer visits you can cool off at Dorney’s waterpark with Aquablast rides such as Patriot Plunge or Runaway River!
As part of your temporary assignment in Pennsylvania, be sure to visit Philadelphia’s world-famous Please Touch Museum, where children can learn about science, history and culture through hands-on exhibits and interactive tours. In addition, the Franklin Institute Kid Science Center offers families another place for exploring science with their kids while little ones can unleash their creative side at Easton’s Crayola Experience.
Pocono Mountains offer an idyllic retreat for nature enthusiasts and hikers of all ages, while Bushkill Falls stands out as an especially captivating educational attraction. Boasting eight waterfalls and hiking trails all within an idyllic mountain setting, Bushkill Falls presents visitors with an educational journey they won’t soon forget!
If your family loves Sesame Street, be sure to make time for Sesame Place in Langhorne, 25 miles northeast of Philadelphia. As the first Sesame Street-themed park in America, Sesame Place features kiddie rides such as Big Bird’s Tour Bus and Flying Cookie Jars as well as character meet-and-greets and live shows featuring your favorite Sesame characters.
If you’re on a tight budget, make the most of booking tickets online or visiting on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. AAA members are eligible for discounted tickets; seniors, families with multiple children and groups of 15 or more can also receive special savings; for a complete list of deals and discounts visit Sesame Place website. Finally, bring in your own food to save some money at Sesame Place!
The Turkey Hill Experience
If your children love cooking or you simply want a fun activity to share together, visit The Turkey Hill Experience in Lancaster County. This family-friendly attraction provides tours that detail the history of its signature iced tea and lemonade as well as an activity center that lets kids practice their culinary skills by creating their own drinks while taking pictures inside a replica country kitchen.
At our cafe, you can also enjoy refreshing iced tea or lemonade and try your hand at milking a cow! Best of all? This entire tour is completely free.
Bushkill Falls State Park provides another great family-friendly activity near the Pocono Mountains. Home to eight waterfalls and hiking trails of various levels, it provides an ideal way for children to discover Pennsylvania’s natural splendor while having fun exploring it together.
Pittsburgh offers many attractions for families, such as the Carnegie Science Center which makes learning fun with interactive exhibits like Bricksburgh and Bodyworks, while NETL Energy Zone gives an eye-opening and educational approach to electricity while Buhl Planetarium delivers an out-of-this-world experience.
Pennsylvania offers other great activities to do such as visiting the haunting Eastern State Penitentiary, home to notorious criminals such as Al Capone. Guided tours are offered and its crumbling cell blocks make for an eerie yet fascinating tour experience. Also visit Independence National Historic Park for an in-depth understanding of our nation’s history as well as to witness its iconic Liberty Bell.
Are you searching for an idyllic family getaway? Look no further than Hersheypark and its Rose Garden. Featuring more than 115 varieties of gorgeous roses, this lovely oasis makes a visit to Hersheypark an unforgettable experience.
Sandcastle Water Park
Visit Pittsburgh’s hometown waterpark for an action-packed day of thrills and chills, splashing and cooling off! With 60 acres dedicated to splashing around and cooling off, the 60-acre park boasts 15 wild waterslides, the picturesque Mushroom Pool, relaxing lazy river, Mon Tsunami wave pool as well as children’s pools and play areas – ideal for children while adults can relax on lounge chairs in Sandbar Pool area.
The park features water slides of various types and speeds – from high-speed body slides to twisting tube slides – that drop into plunge pools that range in size and intensity – giving your family plenty of options when selecting their ride. There is also a two-foot-deep Tad Pool specifically for young guests as well as a relaxing lazy river.
Cool off in style at Sandcastle Waterpark by taking a refreshing swim in its serene blue-green waters spanning 57 acres. There are various aquatic activities, including two-lane speed slides where you can race your friends or family members.
When hunger strikes, the park offers over ten concession and food locations offering everything from quick bites to full meals. From The Potato Patch and Boardwalk Bites for quick snacks like burgers and sandwiches to Uncle Tony’s Pizza before picking up some ice cream, shaved ice, or hot pretzels at one of many other spots around the park, visitors have an array of dining options at their fingertips.
Sandcastle Park is an ideal venue for families to make memories and commemorate special occasions, with events like Pittsburgh Irish Festival and Festa Italiana throughout the year. Additionally, Sandcastle hosts unique Dog Days where owners bring along their furry companions for some aquatic fun with them! Afterward, stay for evening entertainment including live music performances, delicious meals & drinks plus movies at dusk in its wave pool!
