A Central PA Summer: Family Vacation Ideas
Forget the beach. If you’re looking for the best location to vacation with your family this summer, come to central Pennsylvania instead. Instead of hot, crowded beaches and salty water, imagine serene forests, sparkling lakes, and small towns perfect for fun family adventures.
Summertime is all about exploration and relaxation, and the central region of Pennsylvania offers plenty of opportunities for both. With the perfect balance of outdoor activities and small town charm, here are some of the best ways to enjoy summer in Pennsylvania.
Who is this for?
Families who are looking for a fun and affordable spot for their summer vacation.
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Play at Raystown Lake
What’s more idyllic than spending your summer at the lake? The state of Pennsylvania has plenty to choose from, but
Raystown Lake beats them all. Located in Huntingdon County and covering an impressive 8300 acres, its clear waters and miles of undeveloped shoreline make it a popular vacation spot for families of all sizes. Here are some of our favorite summertime activities.
On the Water
You can’t go to the lake and not spend any time on the water. Boating on Raystown Lake is a relaxing way to get some fresh air and take in the surrounding mountain views. Don’t own a boat? No problem! You can rent a pontoon, a kayak, or a paddleboard. If you aren’t into boating, you can still enjoy the water. There are plenty of designated swimming areas safe for kids, and plenty of shorelines to soak in the sunshine.
Explore the Raystown Region
Beyond the water, the
Raystown Lake region has plenty to explore. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking and biking trails, nearby parks and caves, and picturesque picnic spots perfect for a family outing.
But that’s not all!
Other attractions in the area include:
- DelGrosso’s Park and Laguna Splash
- Wildriver Park
- East Broad Top Railroad
- Raystown Lake Amphitheater
- Downtown Huntingdon
Family Camping
Camping is a time-honored tradition in many Pennsylvania families. That’s because it’s the ultimate family experience! There are a million reasons why camping remains so popular among families of all shapes and sizes.
Reasons Families Love to Camp:
- Affordable accommodations
- Flexible itineraries
- Abundant activities
- Plenty of fresh air and exercise
- Minimal screen time
Here are some ideas for activities you can enjoy on your next family camping trip.
Explore Nature
Camping is all about connecting with nature, whether you’re pitching a tent at a rustic campsite or renting a luxurious glamping cabin. There’s no single “right way” to experience nature, other than appreciating its beauty. There are many ways you can enjoy the great outdoors, so we’ve created a list of activities for all ages and ability levels.
Ways to Explore Nature:
- Take a stroll on a hiking trail
- Go on a nature scavenger hunt
- Play hide and seek in the trees
- Try to identify various plants and wildlife
- Make a few nature crafts
- Go stargazing and identify constellations
Wildlife and Fishing
Central PA is home to a lot of amazing plants and animals. This makes it a great destination for curious kids, nature-loving parents, and experienced sportsmen. Sharp eyes may spy all sorts of animals, ranging from white-tailed deer and black bears to finches and wild turkeys.
Anglers will also enjoy the plentiful fishing opportunities. Trout, bass, pike, and catfish can be caught all season across the region. Several campgrounds even offer special
hunting and fishing packages, so make sure to update your fishing license before you come!
Peaceful Family Time
The most important part of a family vacation is (of course) the family. Camping offers something increasingly rare– uninterrupted time together. Without the distractions of work, school, and social media, you can connect on a deeper level. From building campfires, playing games, and sleeping under the stars, camping creates the perfect environment for peaceful family time.
Visit State College
If you want to add a little culture to your vacation, come visit State College, Pennsylvania. The city really earns its nickname “Happy Valley”; it’s the epitome of a college town! Fun, laidback, and walkable, it’s perfect for an afternoon outing with the family. Here are some of our favorite things to do in State College in the summer.
Explore Penn State
It wouldn’t be a college town without a college. Home to Pennsylvania State University, this charming college town invites families to stroll through its beautiful campus. Wide open greens, historic buildings, and family-friendly spaces make it a pleasant place for a leisurely walk or picnic.
Enjoy the Arts
State College is often associated with football due to its enthusiastic support of the Nittany Lions, but the town also has a healthy art scene. Here are a few ways artists and art lovers can enjoy their time.
- Attend The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts
- Tour exhibits at the Palmer Museum of Art
- Catch a concert or show at the Bryce Jordan Center.
Walk the City
Sometimes the best plan is to have no plans at all. Strolling through downtown State College is a great way to spend the day. The area is full of local shops, parks, casual eateries, and sweet treat stops, perfect for a summer afternoon. Take a stroll, grab some ice cream, and enjoy the welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Stay at Greene Hills Resort
Spend your summer with us at Greene Hills Resort in Alexandria, PA. Whether you’re a family looking for fun in the sun, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a sportsman testing the waters, we have a place for you!
From rustic tent sites to luxury glamping A-frames and even a full manor house, we have accommodations that suit everyone’s needs.
Come see how amazing a Pennsylvania summer can be when you book your stay today!
About the Author
Amanda Orban is a local teacher and campground manager in Pennsylvania. In her free time, she loves nothing more than pitching a tent under the stars, hitting scenic trails, and cheering on the Nittany Lions at Penn State.
