Day Trips in Pennsylvania
The kids are out of school, the weather is warm and sunny, and now you may be wondering how to make the most of your summer. You could go on a family vacation to a tropical destination (check out our Top 5 Cheap International Vacation Spots), or you could keep it simple by planning a family-friendly day trip close-by.
Affordable Day Trips in PA
If you live in Pennsylvania, or would like to visit, check out these affordable day trips in PA that are sure to be fun for the entire family below:
Parks & Recreation In PA
Gettysburg National Park- Visit the Gettysburg National park for an educational and exciting day trip! It’s free to drive through and tour the Civil War battlefield, and there are tons of stores down Baltimore Street for shopping. At night, you can catch a ghost tour of the town/battlefield from as little as $8; Gettysburg is supposed to be one of the most haunted places in America! For more information on historic Gettysburg and on what sites to see when there, click here.
The Crayola Crayon Factory– Easton, Pennsylvania, birthplace of Crayola crayons, is home to the Crayola Crayon Factory. Here you and your family can experience 28 attractions on four different floors, all of which allow you to explore art and technology, while showcasing your creative side! Purchase tickets online and save $3 per ticket!
Explore Pittsburgh– Pittsburgh is a large city with limitless amounts of attractions to see. Take your family on a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium for only $15 per person! Or visit one of the many Carnegie Museums, which feature everything from dinosaur exhibits and light shows, to historic art and robots. Don’t know which to choose? Why not visit them all? The Carnegie museums are within 10-15 miles of each other, making it easy to visit each.
If museums aren’t your thing, take a ride on the Duquesne incline to the top of Mount Washington for a beautiful view of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh’s Point State Park. Tickets are only $5 for adults and $2.50 for children.
Explore Philadelphia- Philadelphia is full of culture, American history, and activities to partake in. The Please Touch Museum, otherwise known as the Children’s Museum of Philadelphia, creates a fun and hands-on learning experience for its visitors, both young and old. If you like being outside, then visiting Franklin Square is a must. Here you will find a mini golf course, picnic area, playground, and carousel! The Philadelphia Zoo is another family favorite to visit, along with The Smith Playhouse and Playground, which is considered to be a “play mansion”, and, even better, it’s free! There are of course numerous historical sites to see as well, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art featuring the famous “Rocky” steps and statue.
Amusement Parks- Kennywood Amusement Park is a historic amusement park only 20 minutes outside of downtown Pittsburgh. Here you will find the Jack Rabbit roller coaster, which is one of the oldest coasters in the nation! You will also find a variety of water rides, roller coasters, thrill rides, and kiddie rides for the whole family to enjoy! Daily tickets are $39.99 for adults and $34.99 for kids. Other amusement parks you may want to consider are Knoebels Amusement Park in Elysburg, PA, which is a bit smaller. Dorney Park in Allentown, PA and Hershey Park in Hershey, PA are larger amusement parks that offer a variety of rides, shows, and activities to enjoy at an affordable price.
State Parks- Cowans Gap State Park, located between Chambersburg and McConnellsburg, has a beach area to relax at on hot sunny days, hiking trails, and boating areas to enjoy! Bushkill Falls, also referred to as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania”, is another great park to visit to enjoy waterfalls, fishing, and hiking, as well as Codorus State Park in Heidelberg, PA.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation to an exotic island, or just looking to go on a fun family day trip, Mariner Finance can help fund your next adventure. We make loans for any reason, and will work with you to find a solution that best meets your budget and needs. Contact your local Mariner Finance branch to speak with a knowledgeable member of our staff and get the money you need today!