Nothing beats the feeling of the warm sun on your skin and grass between your toes, unless, of course, it is sand between your toes instead of grass.
Not all of us have the luxury of jetting off for a week long beach getaway, road trip exploration or tropical destination. Unfortunately, duty calls and we just can't take off of work, or our bank account just won't allow it (thanks for that, mortgage payments and school loans).
Lucky for all of us though, there are a lot of great destinations in and around Pennsylvania that are great for day trips or weekend trips, and they won't break the bank. Hersheypark and Dutch Wonderland are great options, but I wanted to focus on other options that aren't so obvious.
WHERE: Wolfgang Candy Factory
York, PA
WHAT: Guided factory tour. You will receive a presentation of their history and a chocolate experience of how they make their chocolate by hand, and their candy that cannot be made on a machine. Visitors will see how chocolate is tempered and how to make hollows. They also show a video that shows plant production. You can also visit their museum and retail store for more information and souvenirs.
COST: Free
WHERE: Crayola Experience
Easton, PA
WHAT: More than 25 different activities for you and yours to try, from naming a crayon after yourself, making crayon molds, learning how crayons are made, to burning off energy in their indoor playground. My daughter and I did a "girls day" trip and she enjoyed it so much. We were not even out of the parking lot and she asked when we could go back. I definitely recommend.
COST: $16.99/person.
WHERE: Turkey Hill Experience
Columbia, PA
WHAT: Step inside the world of Turkey Hill Ice Cream! See how their ice cream is made from start to finish, You experience what it is like to be a Turkey Hill ice cream maker for the day and get to make your own virtual ice cream flavor from start to finish. My favorite part is the all you can eat/drink sampling of their ice cream and tea. That alone makes it worth it.
COST: Adult: $9.95
Junior (5-17) $7.95
Senior (62+) $8.95
Children (4 and under) Free
WHERE: Hands on House
Lancaster, PA
WHAT: Best for ages two through ten, Hands on House features self-directed exhibits. The exhibits encourage imaginative play and also encourage parents to get involved with the children! Included in the Hands on House are exhibits ranging from farming to a factory! My daughters are seven and two and both had such a wonderful time. Just make sure you dress comfortably. My husband and I were down on the floor playing with our girls most of the time.
COST: $9.50/person
WHERE: Great Wolfe Lodge
Pocono Mountains, PA
WHAT: With a 79,000-square-foot water park, you really can't go wrong. They have a vast indoor water park as well as an outside pool area. Most people associate water parks as being just for kids, but there is a lot of fun to be had for adults too. This is a little pricier, but well worth it with all of the amenities that are available.
COST: Starting a $239/night (includes water park access)