If you enjoy hiking, canoeing, fishing or roasting marshmallows around a campfire, Pennsylvania's dozens of state parks are a best-bet for your family. In Northwest Pennsylvania, Presque Isle State Park offers bike trails, sandy beaches and fishing on the shores of Lake Erie. Check out the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at the park's entrance for conservation exhibits.
In Central Pennsylvania, Whipple Dam State Park, about 12 miles south of State College, is a must for hiking and picnics. In the Eastern Pennsylvania, Salt Springs State Park, seven miles north of Montrose in Susquehanna County, features a forest of historic hemlock trees and scenic waterfalls. None of the parks charges an entrance fee.
If you have a family of thrill seekers, spend the day soaring on roller coasters and munching on cotton candy at one of Pennsylvania's amusement parks. Kennywood in West Mifflin, about 12 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, has classic wooden and steel roller coasters as well as rides for children. Visit the Potato Patch to order a carton of the park's famous cheese fries.
Hershey Park, in Hershey, Pa., about 14 miles east of Harrisburg, also is known for its food. Owned by the same company that brought you the Reese's Cup and the Hershey Kiss, this park offers equally sweet roller coasters and thrill rides. As of 2011, tickets at both parks range from $20 to $55, depending on age.
Pennsylvania has played a prominent role in U.S. history. Your family can experience the Gettysburg battlefield, where Union soldiers won a hard-fought victory against the Confederacy during the Civil War. A 22,000-square-foot museum and visitors center in Gettysburg, about 40 miles southwest of Harrisburg, gives visitors a historic perspective of the battle. Families can view the Liberty Bell, with its famous crack, on Market Street in Philadelphia. Check out Independence Hall and the visitors center while you're there. Free tour tickets are available every operating day.
Whether you're wearing Pittsburgh Steelers black and gold or Philadelphia Phillies red and white, you can take in a ballgame in Pennsylvania. PNC Park in downtown Pittsburgh is home to the Pirates major league baseball team. The park offers stunning views, situated among the city's famous three rivers.
Depending on the date of your visit, your family can also catch the Penguins on the ice or the six-time NFL championship Steelers hitting the field. Philadelphia is also a great sports town, with Phillies baseball at Citizens Bank Park. Watch the Flyers on the ice, Eagles football at Lincoln Financial Field, or the 76ers on the basketball court. Ticket prices vary.
