5 day trips to shake up your summer
Think outside the box this summer with these fun day trips – all within three hours of York.
Tired of seeing all your friends' photos of gorgeous beach views, tropical resorts and extravagant cruises?
Not everyone has the money for a fancy vacation, but that doesn't mean you should become a couch potato all summer.
Day trips are a fun and affordable way to get out of the house, see parts of the state you've never seen and experience new adventures.
It's all the fun of summer vacation – just without the expensive airfare and hotel stays.
But don't stick to your old standbys. You've ridden the coasters at Hersheypark and strolled the battlefield in Gettysburg.
Think outside the box this summer with these fun day trips – all within three hours of York.
Bushkill Falls
Bushkill Falls Road, Bushkill
About 2 hours and 40 minutes from York
York County has some fun waterfall hikes, but none like you’ll find at Bushkill Falls. Known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania, this series of eight waterfalls hidden in the Pocono Mountains is among the state’s most scenic attractions.
Put on your hiking boots and choose from one of four trails – ranging in length from 15 minutes to more than two hours – which each offer spectacular views of the falls and the surrounding forest. You’ll definitely want to bring a camera along for this trip.
Other Bushkill Falls attractions include mini golf, paddle boats, fishing, a playground, picnic areas, food, shopping, wildlife exhibits, mining for gemstones and a maze.
Admission is $14.50 for adults, $13.50 for seniors and $8.50 for children ages 4 through 10. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through the summer months.
For more information, visit www.visitbushkillfalls.com.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, W.V.
About 1 hour and 40 minutes from York
The Gettysburg Battlefield isn’t the only historical attraction within a two-hour drive from York. At Harpers Ferry, guests can explore museums and exhibits, hike across Civil War battlefields and sign up for guided tours and workshops.
The picturesque community at the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers offers more than 20 miles of trails, ranging from peaceful walks along the river to four-mile hikes across battlefields to eight-mile adventures on mountaintops.
Guests can also learn 19th century trades like cooking, blacksmithing, tin-making or gardening at historic trade workshops held throughout the year.
The National Park Service is also celebrating its 100th birthday this year, which means guests can schedule their trip around a variety of centennial events like The Confluence Festival, Founders’ Day Naturalization Ceremony and the one-hour historical drama “A President’s Vision, A Captain’s Challenge,” held throughout the summer.
Or, go during a Living History Event Weekend, where you’ll step into the past and witness the surrender to Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson and other notable moments in history.
For a schedule and more information, visit www.nps.gov or call 304-535-6029.
Crayola Experience
30 Centre Square, Easton
About 2 hours from York
Looking for a new adventure for the family? The Crayola Experience might be the place to go. There, your kids can let their creativity run wild as they play, explore and color at 26 hands-on attractions. They can customize their own crayon label, star in a coloring page, paint masterpieces with melted crayon wax and so much more. You’ll want to allow at least three to four hours to experience the fun on all four floors.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day throughout the summer.
Visit www.crayolaexperience.com for more info.
Yuengling Brewery
420 Mahantongo St., Pottsville
About 1 hour and 30 minutes from York
You’ve done the Tröegs Brewing Company tour and visited just about every other brewery there is in southcentral Pa. So, why not look a bit outside the region and put a trip to the oldest brewery in the country on your to-do list this summer?
Just about an hour and a half outside of York, the Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville makes for an easy day trip. During a free 75-minute brewery tour, you’ll discover hand-dug fermentation caves that date back to the early 1800s, learn some Yuengling history, check out the newly renovated gift shop constructed during the start of the Prohibition era and, of course, enjoy a taste of your favorite Yuengling brews.
Tours are offered Monday through Saturday.
Visit www.yuengling.com for tour times and more information.
Knoebels
391 Knoebels Boulevard, Elysburg
About 2 hours from York
Hersheypark is fun, but nothing beats free admission. Knoebels – the largest free-admission amusement park in the country – has everything from classic rollercoasters and kiddie rides to swimming, camping and golf.
Since opening in 1926, Knoebels has always been focused on affordable, old-fashioned fun. Take the family for a spin on Knoebels’ range of thrill rides, family rides and kiddie rides or try your hand at some carnival and arcade games.
Guests can pay per attraction or purchase a book of tickets for $5, $10 or $20. Not big on the rides? You can take a museum tour, visit a bald eagle habitat, play mini golf (or regular golf) or watch a 4-D show, instead.
A day at Knoebels also includes free parking, free picnic facilities and free entertainment, such as a one-ring circus, magic show, music acts, dance parties and more. And, if it’s a really hot day, you’ll want to hit the pool. What started out as a local swimming hole is now a 900,000 gallon pool with several water slides, diving boards and a kiddie play area.
Want to make it an overnight trip? Stay at one of Knoebels’ campgrounds just a short walk or shuttle bus ride from the park.
Visit www.knoebels.com for more info.