A trip to Knoebels Amusement Park in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, is both family-friendly and, thanks to Knoebels' free admission and parking, very affordable. Knoebels has roller coasters for the daring, plenty of kiddie rides for the little ones and an antique carousel that everyone will enjoy. If you tire of the rides, you'll find plenty of other activities at the park and beyond to keep the whole family happy.
Take a Dip
There's plenty of shade around the Knoebels property, but on a hot summer day, you'll want to take a dip in the park's Crystal Pool to cool off. Dive into the deep end, or try one of the pool's water slides. Small children can splash among the fountains at the pool's shallow end. There is an admission fee for the pool and an additional fee for the water slides. Or choose the combo option for unlimited all-day access to both the pool and slides.
Enjoy Nature
There's no need to spend your trip in a stuffy hotel room when you can sleep under the stars. Knoebels has an on-site campground, and there are several others close by. Hikers will enjoy exploring Pennsylvania's rolling hills, including the two-mile trail at nearby Shikellamy State Park. You might even get a close-up look at some of the white-tailed deer, red foxes, black bears, bald eagles and other species native to central Pennsylvania.
Golf
Hit the links at the Three Ponds Golf Course, an 18-hole course right on the Knoebels property, or visit one of several other golf courses in the area. Three Ponds doesn't have rental clubs, so if you'd like to golf when you visit Knoebels, bring your own clubs. If you've got the kids along, challenge them to 18 holes at Knoebels' miniature golf course.
Historical Attractions
Explore the history of Central Pennsylvania and Knoebels itself. There are three on-site museums at Knoebels: the Knoebels History Museum, Knoebels Carousel Museum and the Mining Museum. Beyond Knoebels, you can check out several of Pennsylvania's famous covered bridges or visit the home of Joseph Priestley--the chemist who discovered oxygen -- in nearby Northumberland.
Paddling
Grab your paddle, along with your canoe or kayak, and take a float trip down the Susquehanna River. The Susquehanna River Basin Commission says the Susquehanna is "the longest, commercially non-navigable river in North America." The Susquehanna River trail flows 51 miles from Sunbury to Harrisburg. Several of the islands in the river are designated for basic camping or picnicking. Bring along your rod to try to catch some of the river's plentiful catfish and small-mouthed bass. A fishing license is required.
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