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
Photo courtesy of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company.
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.
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
Photo courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge.
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.
5. Pittsburgh Family Fun
Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Children's Museum.
"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.
