On this page we have listed many great attractions in nearby Eastern and Central Pennsylvania. There is so much to explore in these areas. Some of the attractions may be a good drive but most of these day trips are less than a couple of hours from most parts of central and Northern NJ
Closed December through March Bushkill PA (717) 588-6682 The "Niagra of Pennsylvania". Bushkill falls is among the Keystone States most famous scenic attractions. This unique series of eight waterfalls, nestled deep in the wooded Pocono Mountains, is accessible through an excellent network of hiking trails and bridges which afford fabulous views of the waterfalls and the surrounding forest. Bushkill falls is the most impressive, picturesque romantic attractions on the entire east coast.
OPEN YEAR ROUND except January Centre Hall PA (814) 364-1664 One of Americas only all-water cavern and Wildlife Park. The Cavern tour is an awesome guided one-hour tour by motorboat on an underground stream. The farm and wildlife tour is a guided 90-minute moterized tour over the thousand acres of Penn's cave forests and fields which have been carefully preserved as a natural habitat for birds, plants and animals. Animals such as deer, elk, wolves, bears, bison and mustangs are often seen on tours. This is a must visit if you are in the Centre Hall area!
Hickory Run State Park The 15,500-acre Hickory Run State Park, Carbon County, lies in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains. This large park has over 40 miles of hiking trails, three state park natural areas and miles of trout streams. The Boulder Field, a striking boulder-strewn area, is a National Natural Landmark. Camping is also available.
Sesame PlaceOPEN MAY THROUGH OCTOBER 100 Sesame Place Langhorn PA (215) 757-1100 Sesame Place is a wonderful place to spend a weekend with your younger children in Eastern Pennsylvania. The all-time classic icons of children뭩 television comes alive before your very eyes, and there뭩 so much to see and do that the whole family will have no problem spending an entire day here. The Parade is awesome and not to be missed. The kids get to touch and play with the characters.
Crayola FactoryOPEN YEAR ROUND 30 Centre Square Easton PA (610) 515-8000 The Crayola Factory at Two Rivers Landing is a hands-on discovery center for children that provides educational and creative personal development experiences. You will be able to participate in numerous activities and crafts where your only creative limitation is your imagination. You will color, draw and create with the latest Crayola products. Best of all take a tour of the factory and see how Crayons are made.
Amazing Houdini Tour and Fun Magic ShowOPEN YEAR ROUND 1433 North Main st Scranton PA 570-342-5555 Houdini Tours and magic shows are great fun for the family. The Houdini Museum has been called one of the most unique museums and attractions in the world. The show also includes two of the best, nationally known magicians, Dorothy Dietrich and John Bravo.
Amish Experience TheatreOPEN YEAR ROUND Plain & Fancy Farm, Route 340, Bird-in-Hand PA 717-768-8400 Located at the Plain and fancy farm in Lancaster- People from around the world come here to journey and explore the natural beauty of the Amish farmlands. Take Bus tours of the surrounding Amish farmlands, have a mouth watering all-you-can-eat family style meal, take a tour of an Old Order Amish House and enjoy the spectacular F/X Theater production of "Jacob's Choice". Wonderful day trip for the whole family.
Lehigh Valley ZooOPEN YEAR ROUND 5150 Game Preserve Road Schnecksville PA 610-799-4171 The Game Preserve features 1,200 acres of a delightful experience for all the senses. You can relax as you walk through two miles of beautiful grassy and wooded areas, complete with flowing streams and an authentic old-fashioned covered bridge or can enjoy the many animal's in the zoo. A favorite program is ""Feeding Time at the Zoo"" were children can watch animals being fed!
Catacombs RestaurantOPEN YEAR ROUND in Lancaster is several stories below the surface of the street in the aging cellars of Bube's Brewery. A costumed guide will greet you and lead you on a tour of the brewery on your way to dinner. You will descend 43 feet into the stone-lines vaults of the Catacombs. There you will find a unique fine dining experience, with a menu that includes a variety of traditional and gourmet dishes.
See the famous 1920's Carousel at Bushkill Park in Easton PA
Dorney Park in Allentown PA is probably the most famous amusement park in PA besides Hershey Park
Ride the slides and swim all day atWaterworld Phoenixville PA
Terry Hill Waterpark boasts 3 swimming pools and other attractions including waterslides. Located in Breingsville Pa
Go tubing or Kyaking - Make a reservation atRiver Country in Point Pleasant PA
Franklin Institute Science Museum is a hands-on museum dedicated to Ben Franklin -What a fun day for the whole family located in Philadelphia
See over 1,000 amazing acres of gardens at Longwood Gardens in Kennent Sq. PA
TheDutch Apple dinner theatre in Lancaster features full-length Broadway musicals accompanied by a lavish buffet at a great value. Spend the day in Amish country and the evening here
See more than 150 wild animals up close at theElmwood Park Zoo in Norristown PA
The great amusement parkKnoebels is located in the georgous Susquehanna valley -For those of you not afraid to ventre out a little
Have you always wanted to hike theAppalachian trail? You can find all the info at this great link. Find out the best spots to get on the trail and go for a day or a week long adventure!
Spend a day at theChaddsford Winery in the beautiful and historic Brandywine Valley
Take one of many gorgeous scenic train rides along the historicM&H Railroad lines (Near Hershey Park). They have a 2 hour dinner train ride as well as Thanksgiving and Santa Claus rides!
Make sure you check out the Land Of Little Horses farm park with over 100 animals , an old time mining sluice, butterfly house and garden ,and fun Pony races on Sundays
The Little league museum in Williamsport is filled with pictures, films, displays and exhibits. Great fun for kids of all ages