Pennsylvania is nothing shy of a wonderful land full of numerous opportunities for families to have great vacations. Here are some of the greatest 13 weekend getaways in Pennsylvania that encompass history, countryside, natural scenery, historic cities, and much more to explore and have fun for everyone.
Best Weekend Getaways in Pennsylvania
1. Hershey
Several attractions such as chocolates and cartoon characters are familiar with fun and thus a preference for those with families.
Top Attractions:
- Hersheypark: Water park which includes such attractions as different types of roller coasters and water slides in total, the quantity of them exceeds seventy. This is especially the case for the extra excitement that the extreme development brings along with seasonal events such as snowboarding or ice skating.
- Hershey’s Chocolate World: Chocolate-making tours and the making of candy bars are also included.
- ZooAmerica: The North American fauna and wildlife can be found at a wildlife park accompanied by wildlife educational programs.
Why It’s Great for Families:
Hershey covers numerous facilities that include attractive rides, various educational sights, and excellent confectionery, so everybody can have a good time.
2. Philadelphia
The focal points that Philadelphia has historical significance avails educational and fun activities for families.
Top Attractions:
- The Franklin Institute: Science and technology: exhibits, a planetarium, an IMAX theatre.
- Philadelphia Zoo: Altogether, the Chicago Zoological Garden is home to more than 1300 animals and some of the unique exhibits such as Zoo360.
- Independence National Historical Park: See Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
Why It’s Great for Families:
Philadelphia offers educational content and fun and games in this entertaining approach to making history come alive to the children.
3. Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is actively promoted as a city with a rich cultural life and several attractions for families with children.
Top Attractions:
- Carnegie Science Center: Has excellent service and simple science items, an exhibition showcasing science-related items, and a planetarium.
- Pittsburgh Children’s Museum: Having a lot of hands-on activities and a climbing structure.
- Kennywood Park: An amusement park that has some conventional and newly founded rides another name used for this type of park is a fun fair.
Why It’s Great for Families:
Family-friendly entertainment is an outstanding feature of CO and it is what makes the visit to Pittsburgh interesting as there will be a combination of learning and fun for everyone.
4. Lancaster County
Lancaster County presents Amish culture and several family attractions.
Top Attractions:
- The Amish Farm and House: This interesting visit to the lives of the tourists among the Amish people and also their farming ways.
- Dutch Wonderland: A park for young people with various kinds of tracks and games.
- Strasburg Rail Road: Charming rail passenger trips along beautiful farming country.
Why It’s Great for Families:
It also offers an educational experience of a unique way of life, besides the thrill and excitement of rides in an amusement park, and scenic railway journeys.
Book Hotels in Lancaster Country
read also: Romantic Getaways in Northeast PA
5. Gettysburg
It is a town preserved in history, with a rich Civil War history, and therefore worth a visit.
Top Attractions:
- Gettysburg National Military Park: Experience the real battlefield, the museums, and the re-creation of the battle.
- Gettysburg Museum of History: Special collections and items related to the Civil War are displayed.
- Ghost Tours: Based in and around Madera, the services include family-oriented tours that explain the legends and stories of the place.
Why It’s Great for Families:
Gettysburg is a very historical place and families are eager to discover the area, finding many activities both informative and fun.
6. Pocono Mountains
It has great appeal to families who love nature and outdoor activities in events such as hiking in the Pocono Mountains.
Top Attractions:
- Great Wolf Lodge: Indoor open area with water slides, splash pools, and a series of rooms with different themes and colors.
- Camelback Mountain Adventures: It provides Zip lining, mountain coasters, and winter activities.
- Hickory Run State Park: Includes hiking trails and one-of-a-kind Boulder Field.
Why It’s Great for Families:
While the Pocono Mountains of northeast Pennsylvania are best known as a water sports destination, they are also amiable family vacation territory.
Book Hotels in Pocono Mountains
7. Erie
Erie on the shores of Lake Erie, attracts beach lovers and also has some educational facilities.
Top Attractions:
- Presque Isle State Park: Sand or rocks, swimming opportunities, and pathways.
- Waldameer Park & Water World: Pools and rides with water attractions and parks for children and grown-ups.
- Erie Maritime Museum: Maritime history may be illustrated through exhibits and guided tours of the U. S. Brig Niagara.
Why It’s Great for Families:
Erie thus offers a variety of activities that are both related to the beach as well as other forms of entertainment that are both historical and fun for a family.
8. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
This park being situated in Allentown features amusement and water rides and other entertaining features.
Top Attractions:
- Thrill Rides: Small and large rides such as roller coasters and family rides.
- Planet Snoopy: An amusement park area specifically meant for children and has been fitted with several rides and play areas.
- Wildwater Kingdom: Amusement parks, Swimming pools and beaches, water parks with water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers.
Why It’s Great for Families:
There are various styles of entertainment in Dorney Park; it has a variety of fun packed with fountains, fantastic rides, and some water creations.
Book Hotels Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
9. Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe is a beautiful town and it is full of practically everything one might want to do outdoors.
Top Attractions:
- Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway: Train tour across the gorge with the views.
- Asa Packer Mansion: Visit a Victorian manor house with selected decorations.
- Outdoor Activities: Hiking, biking, white water rafting, and any other outdoor activities that one will desire.
Why It’s Great for Families:
Jim Thorpe is a really beautiful area, loaded with fun-filled activities, suitable for families in a magnificent location.
10. Lake Wallenpaupack
Water-based recreation is best carried out on Lake Wallenpaupack.
Top Attractions:
- Boat Tours: Water recreational activities and the beauty of the lake can also be studied here.
- Costa’s Family Fun Park: Ranking includes such activities as mini golf, go-karts, outside children’s parties, movies, and others.
- Hiking Trails: Trails that encompass the shores of the lake that can be used for easy strolls within the family.
Why It’s Great for Families:
The lake will provide a relaxing atmosphere and water and outdoor adventurous activities for families, as well.
Book Hotels in Lake Wallenpaupack
11. Knoebels Amusement Resort
This amusement park is perhaps among the most familiar to the public today because of its conventional mechanics, and because it does not charge people for entry.
Top Attractions:
- Classic Rides: Rides that are as old as the park itself for instance the Phoenix a wooden Freaking roller coaster.
- Crystal Pool: Some of the amenities include an Olympic-sized swimming pool and water slides and/or diving boards.
- Campground: Other conveniences such as tents and camping facilities are available for night accommodations within the facility.
Why It’s Great for Families:
Knoebels has limited expensive attractions but has numerous unique attractions for people who want to have a feel of the traditional amusement park.
Book Hotels Near Knoebels Amusement Resort
read also: Romantic Getaways in Lancaster PA
12. Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park has abundant steep and raw terrain and recreational facilities.
Top Attractions:
- Whitewater Rafting: Great rafting trips on the wild river of Youghiogheny.
- Cucumber Falls: Exclusive waterfall that one can reach after a rather brief walk.
- Biking Trails: Scenic trails for tourists and riders of all abilities.
Why It’s Great for Families:
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Book Hotels Near Ohiopyle State Park
13. Sesame Place
At Langhorne, there is an amusement park for children known as Sesame Place which features characters from Sesame Street.
Top Attractions:
- Rides and Shows: Attractions, spectaculars, game centers, stage performances, parades, etc, which children prefer.
- Water Attractions: Wave-making machines, water slides, and swimming pools.
- Character Dining: Lunch with life-like Sesame Street Muppets.
Why It’s Great for Families:
Sesame Place offers education and fun, for young children and families, through unique technological and character interaction.
Conclusion
Families always consider the Pennsylvanian destinations as the best for over-the-weekend family trips. Whether focusing on history, fun fairs, and theme parks; being an outdoor lover or more of an indoors person, somewhere or the other has got something to cater to all. Grab your luggage and step out on a one-of-a-kind vacation with your loved ones for a vacation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
