Q: What Are Some Great Central PA Trip Ideas?

Today I’m sharing a list of fun destinations near our Central PA area.

There are so many great spots and adventures within a short drive of our wonderful Central Pennsylvania area. Here are some of my recommendations for fun day trips: 
  • Enjoy art, live music, outdoor dining, and shopping on the first Friday of every month in downtown Mechanicsburg as part of their ongoing “First Friday” tradition. 
  • Hershey Park, ZooAmerica, and Chocolate World are all great local options; don’t forget about Hershey Gardens and the beautiful butterfly house! 
  • Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster and Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg offer tons of fun for the whole family. 
  • Indian Echo Caverns is a mysterious underground world located in Hummelstown, and it offers a mini-golf course and activities like gemstone panning, which your kids will love! 
  • Lake Tobias Wildlife has a petting zoo and an open-air safari tour. 
  • The Pennsylvania state Capitol offers free tours and interactive exhibits. While at the Capitol complex, visit the state museum! 
  • The Gettysburg battlefield offers history for the entire family, and guided tours are offered year-round (consider a drive-through tour for added convenience).
  • Hike the Appalachian Trail and bike or fish along serene landscapes. 
  • You’re sure to find breathtaking views in so many of our wonderful state parks like Gifford, Little Buffalo, Ricketts Glen, and Trout Creek just to name a few! There are waterfalls, trails, and picnic areas to explore. 
  • Take the seasonal bounty of local farm stands and farmers markets in Lancaster and Lititz. The joyous Sturgis Pretzel Factory in Lititz allows you to make your own pretzel, and the Utz Factory tour in Hanover is an enjoyable experience for potato chip fans. 
  • If you’re looking for something to do without the kids, you can sample beer, wine, cider, and spirits along the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail.
Some of these ideas have an associated cost while others are completely free, but all are great day trip ideas for you and your family! For more information, check out the following links. As always, please reach out by phone or email if you have any real estate questions or needs I can help you with. I look forward to hearing from you soon, and I hope you make the most of your trips!