South Central Pennsylvania is best known for the historic Gettysburg Battlefields and the Hershey Chocolate factory. The truth is, though, there is much more to this mid-Atlantic region than just chocolate and history. The area is well populated with Amish and Mennonite communities, and there are many very kid-friendly activities that are both educational and enjoyable for children.
Amusement Parks
Amusement parks can be a lot of fun for grown-ups and older children but can be a bit of a drag for younger kids since many of the rides are too scary or too big for little ones. South central Pennsylvania has a number of smaller amusement parks that are perfect for families with young children. Hershey Park, located just outside of the capital city of Harrisburg has rides for younger children as well as adults. Dutch Wonderland is a park that is dedicated solely to younger children, with no rides that are too scary or require children to be a certain height. Knoebel's is another south central Pennsylvania hot spot that is a perfect fit for families with younger kids. Rather than paying a steep admission, you purchase tickets and use those tickets to ride whichever rides you choose. Tickets can be saved from visit to visit.
Museums
South central Pennsylvania sports a wide variety of museums that are ideal for children. The Hands On House, located just outside of Lancaster, is a wonderful place for kids to explore. All of the exhibits are interactive and meant for kids to learn about through playing. The Landis Valley Museum is a village and farm that gives visitors a sneak peek into life for the rural German farmers who lived in Pennsylvania from 1740 to 1940. The Explore and More Museum in Gettysburg is a perfect day out for children ages 3 through 8.
Wildlife
Aside from being dotted with farms, south central Pennsylvania enjoys its share of wildlife parks. Zoo America, located in Hershey, offers exhibits showcasing animals found across North America. A slightly smaller zoo, it can easily be walked by children and offers beautifully landscaped paths that show children the animals that can be found in different regions of the North American continent. The Lake Tobias Wildlife Park gives kids the opportunity to feed animals by hand. Another local gem is the Land of Little Horses. This quaint little park features a collection of miniature horses, as well as other animals that free roam through the area.
Historic Adventures
You would be remiss to not spend some time in the historic Gettysburg battlefields if you are going to be spending any time in south central Pennsylvania. The battlefield is home to scores of re-enactors. Explore the battlefields and then visit the American Civil War Wax Museum, where history seems to come back to life with the realistic wax portrayals of Civil War heroes that are featured there.
Fun Tours
Other kid-friendly activities in the area include the Crayola Crayon Factory tour, out of Easton, which encourages kids to get creative and is appropriate for kids ages 2 through 12, and Boyd's Bear Country, in Gettysburg, which is home to the world-famous Boyd's Bears. Both are a great way to spend a day with your children.
Railroads
South central Pennsylvania has much to offer kids who are into railroads. Strasburg is home to the National Toy Train Museum and the Strasburg Railroad, which offers daily excursions on a country's oldest, short-line coal-powered locomotive.
Member Comments