Family Day Trip Ideas for Central Pennsylvania

Keeping kids entertained can be difficult for both parents, and nannies. Day trips can be one of the best ways to keep your childrens' attention and explore local places at the same time. In Central Pennsylvania, we are surrounded by ample opportunities for day trip explorations that are both budget and family friendly.

In Lancaster County, the Amish draw in a huge amount of tourist visitors each year. In the town of Strasburg and surrounding communities, you can visit a traditional Amish farm and home, school, and even ride along on a buggy ride. There is also the well-known Strasburg Railroad and train museum, and Cherry Crest Farms which offers a great corn maze each year. Dutch Wonderland, a child's amusement park, is just a short distance away.

In Lancaster County, the Landis Valley Museum will give your kids a throwback to history. Nearby you can also visit Hands On House, which I loved as a child. In the city, visit the Lancaster Science Factory for electrifying, hands on tours.

Hershey is another amazing place to visit with free tours in their Chocolate World, even including a free sample. You can visit their amusement park for a fee, or you can stick to the free tour and large gift store.

Central Pennsylvania is home to many great state parks, one of the best historical parks being Gettysburg. You can do a driving tour through the park visiting some of the memorable sites of the Civil War and tons of history. If history isn't your thing, visit many of the scenic vistas and lakes such as Codorus, Susquehannock, and Pinnacle.

The Works in Reading, PA is home to great arcade games and restaurants. Nearby in Reading is also The Pagoda, which is a Japanese designed building on top of a mountain overlooking the town of Reading. Tours are available, and the view should not be missed. If you're in that area, you may as well travel north to Hamburg, and one of the largest retails stores ever, Cabela's. You don't have to spend a dime to enjoy their aquarium, mountain with real stuffed wildlife, and deer museum. Kids love Cabela's, and there's plenty for them to see there.

In Harrisburg, take your kids to the State Capital for a tour of the beautiful building and architecture. Help them to begin learning about our democratic process. Afterwards, take them to City Island to look at the miniature railroads, or to even take in a Senator's baseball game. There are tons of activities for families to enjoy inexpensively, and for all ages.