Summer vacation in PA - where to go; what to see???

amother

Tue, Apr 13 2021, 7:13 pm

We will be taking a summer road trip from FL heading north and would like to spend some significant time in PA. Up to 2 weeks.

I am thinking it would be nice to visit Lancaster/ Amish area - but unsure of exactly what there is to do there and how much time to spend.

Also thinking of Poconos. Any particular spots to recommend to stay and to visit?

Where else is good to go? We aren't looking to visit Philly - we've done that already. We'd rather be somewhere up in the mountains where it's cooler and would like to do outdoor mask-free things rather than museums, amusements parks and those sorts of things. Hiking, kayaking, white water rafting...biking, horseback riding, etc. That sort of stuff is on our radar. Kids are 12 and up.

Please make suggestions. Thanks!

ETA: Where is PA on the lock down scale? Closer to NY and NJ or more like FL?

doctorima

Tue, Apr 13 2021, 8:31 pm

Lancaster - Dutch Wonderland and/or Hershey Park depending on the age of your kids, Cherry Crest Farm, Amish buggy ride, train ride

In the Scranton area, check out Ricketts Glen State Park - a stunning 4 mile hike with 19 waterfalls, plus a lake with boat rentals available

amother

Teal

Tue, Apr 13 2021, 11:11 pm

Lancaster is a great option and I second Dutch Wonderland. Its also pretty near to Hersheys- both the chocolate tour and park are open, you just have to reserve ahead.
Another option is Herr's potato chip factory- not sure if their tours are open.
In terms of lockdown, PA isn't as strict as NJ/ NY but it isn't Florida. Restaurants have been open for indoor dining here for months, but masks are still a requirement in most places. Additionally, PA allows more people indoors than either NY/ NJ.

sky

Wed, Apr 14 2021, 12:06 am

We once stayed on other side of Susquehanna

There is an old wood car ferry that crosses Susquehanna
We stayed in a heavily Amish area. Lots of horse drawn wagons. Found a farm to tour (felt it was a lot less commercial then Lancaster)
Bald eagle state park had motor boats with tubes to rent for the day.
Lake tabias —animal zoo and safari
Hershey chocolate world ride.

All over the place:

Knoebels - great amusement park - pay per ride

Further north is a lock museum. Still have canal with boat pulled by mules.

Scranton area - Lackawanna coal mine

amother

Pearl

Wed, Apr 14 2021, 12:18 am

amother [ OP ] wrote:

Look into staying at one of these places for an Amish experience--

https://www.amishfarmstay.com/.....lery/

https://www.lancasterfarmbnb.com/

Here are some interesting places to visit (check if open before you go)--

http://www.villageofintercourse.com/

https://bird-in-hand.com/

https://uncoveringpa.com/water.....conos

amother

Seafoam

Wed, Apr 14 2021, 12:46 am

If kids are 12+ do not go to Dutch Wonderland. It was great when my kids were 3 & 6, it works until maybe 8 or 9 depending on experience and sophistication. Do not bring older kids unless it is today is about the 4year old. We are a family and yesterday you had your turn, today is about him.

Disclaimer-haven’t been there in >10 years. Things may have changed.

amother

Honeydew

Wed, Apr 14 2021, 10:10 am

sky wrote:

Sounds like a great trip. Where did you stay? What area is this? Ty