The most stressful part of summer is often figuring out how to spend your time during it. Despite Fall being right around the corner, there are still plenty of places left that are just perfect for a summer day trip. From museums to animal sanctuaries, here are nine spots made for your friends and family to celebrate the season.
Lancaster County Central Park
1050 Rockford Rd, Lancaster, PA | lancastercountyparks.org | FB: @lancastercountyparks
All your favorite summertime activities await you at Lancaster County’s most popular park. Once occupied by the Susquehannock tribe, explore nature through the park’s trails, the ten-acre pool, the Environmental Center and the famed Garden of Five Senses. Beyond the greenery, the swimming pool, skatepark, and Shuts Environmental Library gives anyone a day full of entertainment.
Gettysburg Museum of History
219 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA | gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com | FB: @TheGettysburgMuseumOfHistory
Learn American history right where most of it took place! Featured on shows such as Pawn Stars and American Pickers, witness exhibits displaying historical artifacts centering around World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, the Civil War and even pop culture. Enthusiasts can commemorate their trip by bringing home historian-certified souvenirs from the shop, such as used bullets found within Civil War battlegrounds. Donation and selling of relics is encouraged, meaning your findings could also cement themselves into this historic landmark.
Morning Sun Marketplace
5309 Lincoln Hwy, Thomasville, PA | morningsunpa.com | FB: @MorningSunMarketplace
With over 200 vendors, shops for a variety of collectables and antiques, ranging from vintage decor to even retro video games and toys. The Farmers Market and food vendors cook diverse dishes, and feel free to pick up fresh produce and meats for a picnic. While Morning Sun operates year-round, open Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., nothing starts and/or ends a weekend quite like the outdoor flea market on a beautiful day!
Whitaker Center for Science and Art
222 Market St, Harrisburg, PA | whitakercenter.org | FB: @WhitakerCenterHbg
Enjoy shows and attractions designed to bring scientific and cultural advancements to downtown Harrisburg. Attend live music and theater performances, or be amazed by Central Pennsylvania’s largest movie screen at their Digital Cinema. Exhibits such as the Backstage Studio and Carnival of Health are perfect for children intrigued by STEM, making the Whitaker Center a perfect outing for the whole family.
The Wolf Sanctuary of Pa.
465 Speedwell Forge Rd, Lititz, PA | wolfsanctuarypa.org | FB: @WolfSanctuaryPA
Witness the beauty of the Wolves of Speedwell across more than 80 acres of woodland. Book public and private tours of the sanctuary, along with Full Moon Fundraisers featuring both a tour and live music held every full moon of the month. Photoshoot sessions are also available for wolf enthusiasts and photographers. Registration is required for all events, so book your tickets to see these beasts at their purest.
Hershey Gardens
170 Hotel Rd, Hershey, PA | hersheygardens.org | FB: @HersheyGardens
Since its opening in 1937, Hershey Gardens accumulated a gorgeous 23 acres of shrubs, flowers and trees, including a collection of thousands of roses. See the fan-favorite Butterfly Atrium, where you may be lucky enough to have one of the vibrant butterflies land on you for a photo. Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m., along with touting seasonal displays and children’s attractions, Hershey Gardens offers more color for a wonderful summer day.
Haar’s Drive
185 Logan Rd, Dillsburg, PA | haars.com | FB: @haarspadrivein
Nothing like watching a movie under the summer stars. For cheaper than regular theater tickets, bring some family, friends and snacks to watch some of the summer’s newest blockbusters. The movie audio goes straight to your radio, with concessions renting out additional radios, meaning you can hear the action loud and clear throughout the whole movie. To better plan your trip, check in on Haar’s website to see what movies are playing and buy your tickets early for better convenience.
Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show
283 Butler Rd, Lebanon, PA | mtgretnaarts.com | FB: @MountGretnaArtShow
Cap off any summer breaks with the Mount Gretna Outdoor Arts Show, running on August 20-21 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. respectively. Purchase and admire the works of artists across the country, creating pieces in numerous mediums and materials including glass, metal, porcelain, wood and canvas works. Food trucks and live performers add even more spectacle to the nearly 50-year-old Pennsylvanian tradition!
TJ Rockwells of Elizabethtown
800 Mt Gretna Rd, Elizabethtown, PA | tjrockwells.com | FB: @RhinoFries
Why eat inside when the weather is so nice? Make a dinner and/or lunch stop during any day trip and enjoy classic dishes such as chicken wings, soups, burgers, steaks and fajitas. Sit on the expansive patio and refresh with a beer, cocktail, martini or their signature two-person VooDoo Juice. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., there’s still plenty of time to dine out in the summer sun and try their daily specials, such as their “Seafood Feast” nights.
