I have a plan this summer. Instead of one big trip, we will be taking several local day trips and small overnight trips - all with the goal of keeping the summer eventful and fun. To kick-off the summer we took a mommy-daughter weekend trip to the Harrisburg and Hershey area. While there, we found 7 ways that you can live like a tourist in the Harrisburg and Hershey area!
1. Go-Karts, Bumper Boats, and Laser Tag:
If you're looking for adventure, then add Adventure Sports in Hershey to your bucket list. They have a thrilling go-kart track, fun bumper boats, outdoor laser tag, batting cages, an escape room and more. Plus, you can finish your evening inside the arcade with air hockey, skeeball, and ice cream.
2. Outdoor Exploration:
When visiting the Harrisburg area, City Island is a must. City Island is a free park where you can walk along the river, see historical sites, take a mini train ride, skip rocks, and more. Plus, while you are there you can take a trip on The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat. We took a riverboat school tour that my daughter loved. We had an engaging river and earth science lesson, we played games, and we enjoyed a cruise up the Susquehanna.
Pro Tip: Plan to have dinner or lunch with a view at Cafe Huey on City Island. They have salads, fries, sandwiches, burgers, ice cream and more.
3. Visit a Historic Jaw-Dropper:
If you've never been on to the PA Capitol in Harrisburg, I suggest making it soon. I was not sure what to expect when doing the free PA Capitol tour but from the moment we entered the building we were in awe. The tour was fascinating and the Capitol building is a true gem in PA history.
4. Hands-on Science Fun:
If you're looking for a way to escape the summer heat, check out the Whitaker Center! At the Whitaker Center, you can control balls with your mind, stand in hurricane force winds, touch a tornado, and so much more. Plus, they have an adorable play zone just for toddlers.
5. Soak Up the Sun on the Swatara:
If you enjoy the water and the outdoors I suggest taking a tour with Cocoa Kayaks. You can choose to go solo or with a tour guide. Since it was our first time kayaking, we chose to go on a two-hour tour with a guide. The guide was amazing, he was patient with newbies and fabulous with kids. We were comfortable in our kayaks in minutes and started our journey down the Swatara Creek. Our guide kept it lighthearted and fun. We learned about the history of the area, the history of the creek, and about the creeks's ecosystem. We soaked up the sun, saw two blue herons, saw sunbathing turtles and had a picture perfect journey. We will definitely be back and do another tour with Cocoa Kayaks.
6. Go on an Animal Safari:
For years Lake Tobias has been on my bucket list and I am kicking myself for not making it sooner because Lake Tobias is incredible! You can walk through several outdoor animal enclosures, take a safari adventure tour where you can pet and hand feed exotic animals, and there is a petting zoo. The safari adventure tour bus was a one-of-a-kind experience that I highly recommend.
7. Chocolate & Coasters:
A trip to Hershey would not be complete without a visit to Hershey's Chocolate World and Hersheypark. We took an evening and explored Chocolate World like we never have before. We did the free chocolate tour ride, we laughed our way through the 4D mystery movie, and we checked out the new experience Hershey's Unwrapped that has a sweet surprise. We also checked out the food court in Chocolate World where most foods are laced with chocolate. The next day we headed to a fun day at Hersheypark. Hersheypark is always fun with 14 rollercoasters and over 70 rides.
If you're looking to travel to the Hershey and Harrisburg area check out this website for more information.
