A Year of Family Vacations in Central, Pennsylvania
The most important times of your life are the moments you spend with your family; that’s what makes family vacations so special. For many families, those are the memories that they remember for the rest of their lives. If you’re looking to plan a trip the whole family will love, here are some affordable vacation ideas for each month of the year in Central Pennsylvania.
Who is this for?
Families looking for affordable vacation ideas in Pennsylvania
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Spring
After a season of cold days and long nights, spring comes as a breath of fresh air. As the snow and ice give way to the warmer weather, the flowers and trees start to bloom. This season of hope and growth is the perfect time to renew your family bond. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy spring break with your family.
March
March is a transitional month, which can make it a little tricky to plan around. The snow is too patchy for winter sports, but the weather is too cold for summertime adventures. Luckily, Huntingdon’s Downtown district has a lot of cool shops and restaurants to explore!
OR, you can swing by nearby Rockhill to check out theRockhill Trolley Museumfor trainloads of fun.
April
April is when it truly starts to feel like spring. The days start getting longer and warmer, waking the local flora and fauna from their winter nap. Huntingdon likes to bring in spring with style every year with
Mayfest. Come and enjoy live music, children’s activities, and local art. We’ll be there, rain or shine.
May
Spring is in full swing in May. April’s infamous showers have cleared the skies in preparation for the sunny summer to come, and the wilderness is teeming with life. This is the ideal time for nature lovers to take to the trails. The days are warm without being too hot, and the Mountain Laurel flowers start to bloom.
Summer
School is out, the days are long, and the weather is perfect for outdoor fun - there are plenty of reasons why summer is the peak vacation season. Central Pennsylvania offers a temperate climate, plentiful lakes, vast forests, and idyllic small cities. This makes Huntingdon County the perfect place to enjoy the summer with your family.
June
Whether you are adding new members to your family with a wedding or reconnecting with relatives at a reunion, June is all about celebrating family connections. And the weather is perfect for that. The warm but not overwhelming temperatures are perfect for outdoor meals, lawn games, and campfire evenings. It’s also a great time to introduce kids to camping traditions like s’mores, nature walks, and storytelling under the stars.
July
Who doesn’t love a lake day? If you don’t,
Raystown Lake in Huntingdon County may change your mind. Whether you love swimming, boating, or fishing, the lake’s pristine waters are a great way to beat the summer heat. And if you don’t want to get wet? There are miles of shorelines and hiking trails, and even a nearby amusement park! It’s easy to plan full days of activity followed by relaxing evenings back at camp.
August
Going back to school after a summer full of fun may feel like a bummer, but visiting campus can be a lot of fun. August is a great time to visit Penn State University, before the school year starts. The city of State College has a lot of family-friendly attractions on and off campus. So, whether you want to stroll through a museum, catch a game, or enjoy a late-summer ice cream, Penn State is a fun way to blend education, exploration, and relaxation.
Autumn
It may be harder to take a full vacation when the kids are in school, but a weekend trip is well worth the time and effort. Fall in Pennsylvania is magical, with cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, and a calendar full of seasonal events. It’s a favorite time for families who love festivals, quaint traditions, and quieter travel. Here are some of our favorite family-friendly weekend trip ideas for fall.
September
Let’s start with fall festivals. Events like
Hartslog Day in Alexandria, PA, celebrate local history, community, and craftsmanship. These traditional events are all about bringing people together. So whether you want to enjoy live music, delicious treats, vendor booths, or games, there’s a little something for everyone.
October
Hunting is a way of life for many Pennsylvania families, and October is peak hunting season for most game. Bears, deer, turkeys, hares, and more make their homes in the region’s thick forests, making it a playground for sportsmen and women of all ages. Even if hunting isn’t your family’s thing, you can still enjoy the bounty of Pennsylvania’s landscape with long hikes and scenic drives.
November
November is a month of gratitude and a time when many of us start to turn to quieter, more reflective activities. Fishing, late-season hunting, and peaceful nature walks are popular activities. It’s also a great month for families who prefer fewer crowds and slower-paced vacations before the holiday rush begins.
Winter
When the last autumn leaves fall, and the landscape gets dusted in fresh snow, winter has officially begun. The days are short, the nights are long, and the weather is cold and damp– but don’t let that put a damper on your family trip. The season is also full of beauty and wonder. Here are some things we look forward to in winter.
December
The holiday season is in full swing by the time December rolls around. The entire month is filled with festive cheer, from holiday light displays to seasonal events and small-town celebrations. It’s a magical time for families to
create holiday memories together and keep each other warm by sharing the love in their hearts.
January
January is a chance to enjoy nature at its most peaceful. The loud crowds of summer are gone. The holiday festivals have ended for the season. And even the landscape has faded into a serene palette of blues and white. January is perfect for spending days playing together in the winter snow, followed by peaceful evenings of unplugged family time in a cozy cabin.
February
Family vacations aren’t all about children. Spending alone time with your partner is vital for building and maintaining a healthy relationship. A couple’s getaway doesn’t have to be expensive to be romantic. Taking a walk in the snow, a soak in a hot tub, or enjoying a cup of cider by the fire are all great ways to bring the spark back to your relationship.
Stay at Greene Hills Resort and Campground
For friendly vacations any time of year, come visit us at Greene Hills Resort and Campground. Whether you are planning a winter cabin retreat, a spring break camping trip, or even a full family reunion, we have the perfect accommodations for you.
With a wide range of accommodations, amazing amenities, and a beautiful location on the Little Juniata River, Greene Hills offers more than camping and glamping. Our resort is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your family, one season at a time.
Book Now!
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.
