Pokemon GO is essentially a virtual geocaching mobile app. The game utilizes your phone's GPS to detect where you are and will show you a map to where the next Pokemon is located. There are several Pokestops throughout our city, most at historical locations, libraries, parks and businesses to get more Pokeballs, eggs and other Pokeswag. You should check the app everywhere you go to find more Pokemon, because the goal is to catch them all! I have created a list of our families' top five Pokestops in York!
1. Jim Mack's Ice Cream & Cones n' Clubs in Hellam, PA
Jim Mack's is the host of two Pokestops and TONS of family fun! While catching Pokemon and restocking Pokeballs you can bounce in their outdoor bounce house, visit an animal zoo, play mini golf, shoot some hoops on the bank shot basketball court, and of course get ICE CREAM!
2. Springettsbury Township Park in East York, PA
Springettsbury Township Park has a several Pokestops! I swear it was about a dozen or more, but I can't remember te exact count! Plus they have walking trails, a huge playground, basketball courts and tennis courts. Pack a picnic, spend the day and catch a few Pokemon! Friday would be a great day to go so you can hit up the food trucks, more info HERE.
3. Foundry Park in York City, PA
Foundry Park is small but fun park. What is more amazing is Foundry Park has five Pokestops! Plus, the Comcast building across the street is a gym! Foundry Park is right along the Codorus, while there is no play equipment or swings, it is still a cool place to visit with a lot of fun art sculptures! Foundry Park is also the home of the Creek Fire Festivals, the next one is scheduled for July 23rd click HERE for more info.
4. Downtown York
Downtown York has a ton of Pokestops & Gyms! Take a walking tour of Downtown York and visit the square, courthouse, Strand Theatre, stop at Central Market House for lunch (open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday from 6a-2p), Cherry Lane, and all the local businesses! Plus you'll get to view all the beautiful art sculptures that line the streets, most of which are Pokestops. If you haven't been Downtown in awhile I think you will be pleasantly surprised and catch tons of Pokemon along the way.
5. Cousler Park in Manchester, PA
Cousler Park is already fun, add in a TONS of Pokestops and Pokemon and it makes the experience golden! Along with Pokemon you will find walking trails, play structures, a pond, baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts and basketball courts. Cousler Park also hosts free outdoor movies every week, CLICK HERE to check the schedule.
BONUS - Pokemon GO Day with the York Revolution at PeoplesBank Park!
Sunday, July 17th you can go out to the ball field for some pregame Pokemon fun! Gates will open at 11am for Pokemon GO users. You'll have access to the outfield to catch Pokemon for an hour! There will be lures in places, so get ready to fill your Pokedex! Following the Pokefun stay for the game with Cowboy Monkey Rodeo! Also, Pokemon GO users get an amazing deal! BOGO tickets! MORE INFO HERE!
While you are playing Pokemon GO it is very important to stay alert, be careful of your surroundings and utilize common sense. Here are a few pointers we have put together to ensure you have a pleasant Pokemon GO experience.
- Do not play and drive. Distracted driving is the cause of many accidents. We know it's tempting, but it's just not safe.
- Don't get tripped up, look up! Be aware of your surroundings. It's easy to follow a GPS map blindly but remember to look up. Trees, bumps, moving vehicles, and debris are not on the map.
- Don't Poke in the dark. We get it. You're addicted. You wanna catch them all and catch them all now. But lingering in the dark, alone, with a cell phone is never a good idea. We recommend catching Pokemon as a family, during the day and utilize caution when going to new areas.
- Poke around with friends and family. Nobody wants to wander around alone. Bring friends and family. It will keep you more alert and aware of your surroundings. Plus it will be a bonding experience.
- Afraid your kids will be to tempted wander? Only download the app on an adult's phone. If it's on your child's phone enforce safety rules and boundaries of where they can play Pokemon GO and when.
- The game is not a race. The Pokemon will wait for you, nobody can steal them. There is no reason to speed or drive recklessly.
No matter where you go hunting Pokemon as a family, I'm sure it will be worth the trip. My family has been bonding over the game for several days and our experience has been full of Pokelove. Where are your favorite spots to to play Pokemon GO? Let us know on Facebook!
To get the scoop on family fun in York, PA sign-up to receive our kid-friendly event calendar and e-newsletter HERE!
Welcome to Macaroni Kid York!
Do you live in York, PA? Are you constantly looking for things to do nearby with your kids? We have an event calendar just for families in York! Each week, I find all the local kid and family-friendly events in and around the York, PA area and put them in one place for you to find! I do the work and you go play. Check our calendar of events regularly for events, festivals, fairs, story times, character visits and awesome local family fun in York, Pennsylvania. Sign-up HERE.
