The best summer recipe to take a sting out of scorching, sizzling summer days? Simply “add water,” whether it’s a big blue pool, peaceful lake, sweet little stream, or a lazy river.
Studies show that spending time by water has a calming and stress-reducing effect. And there are a zillion options besides swimming. So pick your pleasure—we’ve got you covered with 10 creative ways to enjoy a refreshing day on—or in—the water.
1. Beach Day: Mount Gretna Lake and Beach
Take a lake day in Lebanon County with a visit to the charming community of Mount Gretna. Bring the beach toys for the sand, pack a picnic lunch (lakeside picnic tables are available), take a dip in the cool lake, or jump right in—from the high dive or swings. It’s classic, old-fashioned summer fun.
Mount Gretna Lake and Beach | 130 Lakeview Dr, Lebanon, PA 17042 | mtgretnalake.com
2. What’s Up with SUP: Shank’s Mare Outfitter
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the newest watersports. And Shank’s Mare Outfitters, located right along the Susquehanna River, not only offers SUP rentals, but they also teach what’s SUP. And that’s not all—from their 1800’s-era general store, Shank’s Mare offers a full lineup of watersport rentals, classes, and tours, including kayaks and even SUP yoga!
Shank’s Mare Outfitters | 2092 Long Level Rd, Wrightsville, PA 17368 | shanksmare.com
3. A Knack for Kayaks: Susquehanna Outfitters
Explore area waterways! Go for the wide, open waters of the Susquehanna River or keep it creekside on the Swatara, Conodoguinet, Yellow Breeches, or Sherman Creek. Up your kayak game with a guided eco-discovery tour, get a Wednesday night workout, spot feathered friends on a guided birding tour, or paddle for your brews on a brewery float! In addition to kayaks, Susquehanna Outfitters has canoes and SUPs.
Susquehanna Outfitters | 333 S. Front St, Wormleysburg, PA 17043 | susquehannaoutfitters.com
4. Campground Canoes: Muddy Run Park Campground
Enjoy the calm waters of the 100-acre lake at Muddy Run Park and Campground in southern Lancaster County. If canoes don’t float your boat, the park’s rentals also include rowboats with electric motors, kayaks, and paddle boats. After you’ve docked your boat, enjoy free access to the “splash pad” water park. Another bonus: pitch a tent or pull your RV to complete your nature escape.
Muddy Run Park Campground | 172 Bethesda Church Rd, W., Holtwood, PA 17532 | muddyrunpark.com
5. Take a Cruise: Pride of Susquehanna Riverboat
One of only six authentic paddle wheel riverboats in the country, the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat is a beautiful way to experience the river, nature, and Harrisburg’s skyline, from a unique perspective. Based on City Island and overseen by the nonprofit Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society, “the Pride” gleams with mahogany woodwork, brass, copper, and stained glass.
Pride of Susquehanna Riverboat | 1 Riverside Dr (City Island), Harrisburg, PA 17101 | harrisburgriverboat.com
6. Kayak the Creek: Cocoa Kayak Rentals of Hershey
Family-owned Cocoa Kayak meets you creekside with your kayak rentals for a guided or solo experience on the gentle Swatara Creek. Choose from five segments of the waterway, just minutes from Hershey. Paddle past native Susquehannock Indian lands and keep an eye out for Bald Eagles and Great Blue Herons.
Cocoa Kayak Rentals of Hershey | Cocoa Kayak Rentals of Hershey | cocoakayak.com
7. Peaceful Pontoon: Susquehanna National Heritage Area
Float in a boat! Hop aboard a pontoon—like a giant raft—for guided River Discovery Boat Tours. Free 70-minute Susquehanna River tours include stories, history, wildlife, and scenery. Although tours are free, tickets must be reserved online. Bonus: Explore the Zimmerman Center for Heritage’s “Visions of the Susquehanna River Art Collection.”
Zimmerman Center for Heritage, Susquehanna National Heritage Area | 1706 Long Level Rd, Wrightsville, PA 17368 | susquehannaheritage.org
8. Hook the Big One: TCO Fly Fishing
Reel in a new hobby, and learn how to fly fish! Located in picturesque Boiling Springs, TCO Fly Shop is regarded as the largest fly fishing outfitter in the Eastern U.S. They offer guide services on numerous area waterways including the world-renowned Yellow Breeches Creek.
TCO Fly Fishing | 2 East 1st St, Boiling Springs, PA 17007 | tcoflyfishing.com
9. Pedal & Paddle: Chiques Rock Outfitters
Take your adventure up a notch by combining biking and boating! Chiques Rock Outfitters will set you up with bikes for the beautiful riverside Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. Then, paddle down the Susquehanna in kayaks, back to Columbia to get a full leg and arm workout, both in and out of the water.
Zimmerman Center for Heritage, Susquehanna National Heritage Area | 1706 Long Level Rd, Wrightsville, PA 17368 | susquehannaheritage.org
10. Coolest Pool in Central PA: Little Buffalo State Park
Make a splash at this pretty Perry County park! Dip your toes in Little Buffalo State Park’s huge zero entry pool, play peek-a-boo through the water spray features, zip down two spiraling water slides, plus have fun at the large, poolside sprayground.
Little Buffalo State Park | 1579 State Park Rd, Newport, PA 17074 | dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/LittleBuffaloStatePark
