Family Fun in South Central PA

With summertime in full swing and everyone looking for fun things to do with the family, I thought I would highlight some of my favorite finds around the Mid-Atlantic.  Today, we'll start in Pennsylvania with a couple places that I have come to love with my kids.

Hersheypark - Hershey, PA
Home of the best chocolate around (I love me some Reese's!), the small town of Hershey is big on fun!  Hersheypark is a fun amusement park for the youngest in your travel party all the way through the most adventurous.  Featuring a lot of kid friendly activities and a number of thrilling coasters along with a fantastic waterpark, there is so much to keep your family entertained all day long.  If you live in the area, check local retailers for coupons to save money on park admission.  You can also check online for discounts direct through Hersheypark.  And your admission ticket also includes entry for everyone in your party to Zoo America - a small, but enjoyable experience.  Before you leave, don't forget to stop by Chocolate World.  The chocolate tour is a free ride and they also have several add-on experiences you can purchase like making your own chocolate.

Knoebel's Amusement Park - Elysburg, PA
Knoebel's is a family friendly amusement and water park located in Central PA that turned 90 years old this summer.  My husband introduced our family to this great location during the first summer after Brody was born.  He had grown up going here and couldn't wait to share it with his family.  One of the best things about Knoebel's is that parking and admission is free!  That's right, free!  You pay individually for rides and attractions or you can purchase a ride all day wristband.  When we've gone with Brody, the whole day we've spent less than $20 on rides - a far cry from most of the expensive amusement parks.  They also have a swimming pool there that you can purchase daily passes to use.  And if you enjoy camping, the campground is a perfect place for your family to end their day (so I've been told - camping is not my thing. . .)

Turkey Hill Experience - Columbia, PA
Located between York and Lancaster on Rt. 30, the Turkey Hill Experience is something you don't want to miss.  Turkey Hill is famous for their ice cream and iced tea and you get to enjoy both here.  Admission is inexpensive at just $9.95 to enter for adults and kids 4 and under are free.  That entrance fee lets you play and explore what it's like to milk a cow, drive an ice cream truck, and even design your own packaging for ice cream.  If you want to take your experience to the next level, you can add on a ticket to the Taste Lab for about $5.00 more.  Inside the Taste Lab, you get to make your own flavor of ice cream and take the pint with you to enjoy!

These are just a few of my favorite places to visit that are close to home.  PA has so much more to offer out towards Philly too!  Each of these make great family day trips.  Enjoy!