1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Family Vacations

Family Vacation Ideas - Pennsylvania

By Teresa Plowright, About.com

Many spots in PA are an easy drive from NYC and Washington DC. Top draws include a major theme park, classic lodges, huge recreational properties, a resort with indoor waterpark.

1. Hershey PA: Hersheypark and more

Three hours from NYC, 90 mins from Phillie, "Chocolate Town USA" offers Hersheypark (voted top amusement park by FamilyFun Magazine); Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park; the Hotel Hershey, a grand old hotel with kid's club; Hershey Lodge; Hershey's Chocolate World Visitors Center; and more.

Photo courtesy of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company.

2. Family Resorts in PA

Several year-round resorts with giant properties offer great outdoor recreation: hiking, rock-climbing, archery, paintball, horseriding, nearby downhill skiing in wintertime, lots more.

Photo courtesy of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.

3. Poconos

Known for NASCAR and heart-shaped bathtubs, the popular Poconos area -- an easy drive from NYC, Phillie, DC-- also draws thousands of families who enjoy family-friendly resorts and the Great Outdoors (including skiing in wintertime.)

4. Great Wolf Lodge Poconos

Deserves a special mention as a leader in the new trend of waterpark resorts. Great Wolf Lodge has opened rustic-styled resorts with lavish indoor water parks in many locations. Signature features include Northern Lights Arcade, Aveda Concept Spa, Howl-O-Ween, and "Snowland", with indoor falling snow in the Lodges' lobbies, storytime, animated show, and more.

Photo courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge.

5. Pittsburgh Family Fun

"Kidsburgh" -- named America's fifth Best Place to Raise A Family --is affordable and has kid-friendly attractions that educate and entertain including children's museum, zoo and aquarium, and amusement parks.

6. Lots more in Pennsylvania

Sesame Place, Philadelphia, Dorney Park amusement/waterpark, and more.

Explore Family Vacations

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Family Vacations

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.