Summer is the perfect time for exploration. Start your adventure right outside of our beloved NEPA (and be back in time for dinner)! We have gathered a list of fun amusement parks, historic sites, educational museums, nature trails,and other exciting places the whole family can enjoy, all without going too far from home.
Hersheypark
100 Hersheypark Dr
Hershey, PA 17033
Only an hour and two minutes away from Schuylkill County, Hersheypark is a combination of a chocolate lover’s paradise and thrill seeker’s nirvana. Every ticket includes more than 70 attractions, including 14 coasters, an entire water park, and access to ZooAmerica. After a fun day of rides, you can buy a bunch of chocolate and candy as souvenirs (though no guarantee the memorabilia will last the car ride home)! Buy your tickets here.
Lake Jean at Ricketts Glen State Park
695 State Route 487
Benton, PA 17814
Enjoy a beach trip only 55-minutes away from Mountain Top (that’s right, a beach in Pennsylvania!) Lake Jean offers a shallow lake to swim in with a sandy shore to relax in. You can also grab an ice cream cone at the concession stand to ensure maximum cool-off from the hot sun.
While you’re there, take time to view the incredible 21 waterfalls that Ricketts Glen offers. The full loop of the Falls Trail is 7.2 miles if you’re hiking both the upper and lower sections. For a lighter hike, take the Highland Trail for a 3.2-mile hike—don’t worry, you’ll still see a majority of the falls.
Phelps Mansion Museum
191 Court St
Binghamton, NY 13901
Journey back to the Gilded Era at the Phelps Mansion Museum—an excellent example of the talent of one of New York State’s most famous 19th-century architects, Isaac G. Perry. Perry was also known for his work on the New York State Capitol, as well as many buildings in the Binghamton area. The house was constructed in 1870 and is filled with marble floors, exquisitely carved woodwork, period lighting fixtures, and period furniture.
Learn about Sherman D. Phelps and his house, which tells of a time when Binghamton was growing in wealth, culture, and population. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students, $5 for seniors (62 & older), and children 12 and younger are free. The museum is less than an hour away from Clarks Summit.
The Crossings Premium Outlets
1000 Premium Outlets Dr
Tannersville, PA 18372
Treat yourself to a full day of shopping at discounted prices! The Crossings Premium Outlets is nestled in the heart of the Pocono Mountains region and features 100 brand name and designer—Michael Kors, The North Face, Kate Spade, Under Armour, and Gap Factory Outlet— outdoor outlet stores.
Hope Hill Lavender Farm
2375 Panther Valley Rd
Pottsville, PA 17901
Surround yourself with the fresh aroma of lavender at the Hope Hill Lavender Farm (only an hour and away from White Haven!) while supporting a local business run by Wendy and Troy who purchased the farm back in 2004. The farm is open to the public from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. July is the best time to see the lavender fields in full bloom. Come back in August to see their acre of sunflowers in bloom.
You can take a farm tour to learn about the lavender, pollinator plants, and animals on the farm on Saturdays at 11:00 am for only $5 or take a free self-guided tour. You can even bring your furry friend and walk around the lavender fields (make sure your dog is on a leash). End the day by stopping at the farm store to buy an array of lavender scented products such as lotion, shampoo, lip balm, perfume, and honey. For more information, visit their website here.
Crystal Cave
963 Crystal Cave Rd
Kutztown, PA 19530
Travel 125 feet underground and 145 years back in history! Crystal Cave is known for its abundance of crystalline formations scattered throughout its walls and ceilings. Take a one hour guided tour underground and learn about the geology and history of the cave. You can escape from the beaming rays of the sun as the cave temperature stays at a constant cool 54 degrees.
After exploring the cave, you can visit the many other attractions provided: Historic Inn & Gift Shop, Rock & Mineral Shop, Ice Cream Parlor, Miniature Golf Course, Café, Historic Museum & Trading Post, and Hiking Trail. Tickets cost $12 for ages 4-11 and $16 for ages 12 and up. Plus, this unique cavern is only an hour from Jim Thorpe! Check out their website here for more details.
Daniel Boone Homestead
400 Daniel Boone Rd
Birdsboro, PA 19508
If you’re a history buff, the Daniel Boone Homestead will fascinate you as you learn about the Revolutionary War, watch textile demonstrations, and hike throughout their trails. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children 5-15, or you can bring two non-perishable food items per person to be donated to the Keystone Military food bank in Shoemakersville, PA.
This historical location is only an hour and fifteen minutes away from Tamaqua. Don’t miss out on the chance to discover this diverse region that impacted Daniel Boone’s life and PA’s history. Visit their website here.
Enchanted Gardens
2975 NY Route 7
Harpursville, NY 13787
Explore the Susquehanna River from a new perspective up north in New York! Enchanted Gardens is an Environmentally Oriented business offering several services including Susquehanna River canoe excursions, rustic camping, a full-service florist shop, and an antique shop.
The best part is this gorgeous destination is only 48 minutes from Montrose, PA! Check out their Facebook page here for the latest on what is happening at Enchanted Gardens. You will see the latest information on river conditions, special events, photos and other topics of interest.
Da Vinci Science Center
3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass
Allentown, PA 18103
The Da Vinci Science Center is a museum of science and an educational institution with many hands-on and interactive exhibits related to science, technology, math, and engineering. This would be the perfect day trip to bring your little ones since the exhibits are designed to be fun and engaging for children younger than 12 years old. You don’t even have to travel far for this cool learning experience as it is only an hour away from Mountain Top.
Beltzville State Park
2950 Pohopoco Dr
Lehighton, PA 18235
There’s almost nothing better than relaxing at the beach with your toes in the warm sand. What if I told you that you can have that beach trip without ever crossing state borders? That’s right, Beltzville State Park has a 949-acre lake with a sandy beach. Take your kids to this state park and make them feel like they’re at the beach! The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Plus, this tropical getaway is less than an hour away from Dallas, PA.
The Castle Fun Center
109 Brookside Ave
Chester, NY 10918
If you live in Pike County, we have just the destination for you to visit! The Castle Fun Center has a galore of activities perfect for a family trip. Ride Go Karts, play laser tag, roller skate, drive bumper cars, zip line, throw axes, rock climb, play mini golf, and get lost in their laser maze!
This fun center is only 40 minutes away from Milford, PA. Check out their website here for more information.
Knoebels Amusement Resort
391 Knoebels Blvd
Elysburg, PA 17824
Knoebels Amusement Resort is America’s largest free-admission amusement park, and it’s only an hour away from Wilkes-Barre! Make new memories the old-fashioned way with classic rollercoasters, kid-friendly rides, swimming, camping, golf, and attractions for the whole family. Check out their classic Haunted Mansion ride (which just turned 46) and wooden roller coasters (Phoenix and Twister). For more information, visit their Facebook page here.
The State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North St
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Spend the day at a museum all about Pennsylvania in the heart of PA itself, Harrisburg! The State Museum of Pennsylvania offers incredible exhibits including Memorial Hall (check out the colossal bronze statue of William Penn), Pennsylvania Icons, Village Square, Anthropology and Archaeology Gallery, Transportation and Industry, Objects of Valor: Commemorating the Civil War in Pennsylvania, Hall of Geology, Life Through Time, Mammal Hall, and Ecology Hall.
Tickets only cost $7 for adults, $6 for Senior citizens above 65, and $5 for children ages 1-11. Visit their website here for more details. This educational trip to the museum can be made in about an if you’re starting from Schuylkill County.
Dutch Springs Aqua and Aerial Park
4733 Hanoverville Rd
Bethlehem, PA 18020
Dutch Springs (only an hour away from Bear Creek) is a lakeside adventure park that offers scuba diving, a climbing wall, ropes courses, and inflatable attractions. Kids and kids at heart can enjoy jumping on a trampoline on the water and sliding down the enormous “Summit.” Buy your tickets here to enjoy this unique water adventure,
Bushkill Falls
138 Bushkill Falls Trail
Bushkill, PA 18324
The “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” Bushkill Falls is a unique series of eight waterfalls, nestled deep in the wooded Pocono Mountains, which is accessible through an excellent network of hiking trails and bridges. Take in the scenic, tranquil views of the falls and the surrounding forest and escape the worries of everyday life.
You can buy your tickets here to enjoy the best of Pennsylvania! This beautiful location is only about an hour away from Mountain Top.
Land of Make Believe
354 Great Meadows Rd
Hope, NJ 07844
This amusement park located in northern New Jersey is designed for parents to participate with their children. Land of Make Believe is an award-winning park featuring family rides and attractions including their famous Talking Scarecrows, Thriller Coaster, Civil War Train, Old MacDonald's Farm, Magical Ferris Wheel, State of the Art Water Park, Pirate Ship, Lazy River & Action Packed Water Slides.
Your journey to the Land of Make Believe should only be an hour and thirteen minutes if you start near Sugar Notch, PA. Purchase your tickets here to experience a day of whimsical and magical delight.
Promised Land State Park
100 Lower Lake Rd
Greentown, PA 18426
A quick 57-minute car ride from Wilkes-Barre will lead you to Promised Land State Park—a 3,00-acre state park located on the Pocono Plateau, 1,800 feet above sea level. You can enjoy an array of activities: take a hike on Little Falls Trail, have fun in the sun at their beach, paddle a kayak on Promised Land Lake, fish at either of the park’s lakes, see the eagles nest from the Wildlife Observation Station, and spend the weekend at Pickerel Point Campground.
Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park
60 Morgan Rd
Binghamton, NY 13903
Take your family to visit America’s 5th zoo to see an array of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. The Binghamton Zoo currently participates in several of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan programs meaning they are involved in conservation efforts for endangered species.
Take a short 30-minute drive from Montrose, PA to Binghamton, NY to witness the adorable Red Pandas, the silly looking Black-and-white Ruffed Lemurs, the cute African Penguins, and the charming Pancake Tortoise. Check out their website here for hours and admission prices.
King of Prussia Mall
160 N Gulph Rd
King of Prussia, PA 19406
King of Prussia is the second largest mall in the US (largest mall by retail space). This mall features 450 stores, including luxury retailers like Bloomingdale’s, Lord & Taylor, and Nordstrom. More than 40 restaurants including the famous Maggiano’s Little Italy are found in the Mall. Travel from Jim Thorpe to reach the mall in under an hour and twenty minutes.
The National Museum of Industrial History
602 E 2nd St
Bethlehem, PA 18015
The National Museum of Industrial History (only about an hour from Bear Creek Township) houses over 200 artifacts from across the world, telling the tale of America's industrial might and the evolution of the industry over time. Witness their main gallery of massive machinery featuring 21 artifacts on loan from Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.
