Low-Cost Summer Activities at York, Pennsylvania's Nixon Park

Steven Moneyworth
Nixon Park
Neighborhood: Jacobus
York, PA 17403
United States of America
Summer is a great time for outdoor activities, and York County's Nixon Park is a great place not only to experience the outdoors on numerous trails, but also to learn about nature and see a collection of animal specimens from all around the world. In this article, I intend to highlight some of the many low-cost summer activities that can be had at York County's Nixon Park.

Nixon Park Summer Activity #1 - Hiking
Nixon Park has some of the nicest trails in York County. There are many trails of varying length that are perfect for anyone from families to avid hikers. Hiking is free, and due to the number of trails at Nixon Park, it is possible to spend several summer afternoons without spending money. The only thing to be careful of is that some of the trails become muddy after summer rain storms, and sometimes fallen branches or trees can block trails. Likewise, some of the trails are longer than they look on paper, so be prepared for a longer hike than you might intend for if you aren't familiar with the area.

Nixon Park Summer Activity #2 - Indoor Center
The indoor center at York County's Nixon Park is incredible, and is hard to summarize in a paragraph. The indoor center contains hundreds, if not thousands, of specimens of different animals and insects from around the world. There are numerous birds, butterflies, snakes, bears, moose, and other wildlife. It's overwhelming to try to write about. Likewise, there are many specimens that are "touchable" by kids and adults alike. For example, there is a beaver tail that people are allowed to feel. Much of the indoor center is kid-friendly, with different educational activities that can be done by kids of any age. There are innumerable placards around the indoor center with educational information on them. And if you go, don't miss the bee hive exhibit. It is always cool to see, regardless of how many times one sees it. Nixon Park's indoor center is free and is always fun.

Nixon Park Summer Activity #3 - Picnic
There are many areas in Nixon Park that would be perfect for a picnic. I believe that there are also tables for those that would prefer not to eat on the ground. Still, a picnic is a perfect, low-cost summer activity for a nice day.

Nixon Park Summer Activity #4 - Special Educational Activities
If you are a parent, you may be interested in Nixon Park's educational activities for kids. They sometimes have special afternoon activities geared towards educating kids about the outdoors. If you go to Nixon Park, you can get information about any future activities by asking at the front desk at the indoor center.

If you live in York, Pennsylvania and are an outdoors enthusiast, Nixon Park is for you. It is fun, educational, and free. Nixon Park is the perfect way to spend a sunny summer afternoon. If you know about any other opportunities at Nixon Park, please leave this information in the form of a comment. Thank you for reading!

Published by Steven Moneyworth

I am studying Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh and plan on attending medical school after college. Follow me on Twitter at @acsamzolin.  View profile

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