Family friendly things to in Harrisburg, Pa and surrounding areas
It’s been a long, weird winter in Harrisburg, PA. The weather has been cold, then wet, then warm, then snowing. All within just a few days of each other! If you and your kids are starting to go a little stir crazy, I’ve got the perfect compilation of both indoor and outdoor activities that are geared towards families with children under the age of 10! All activities are within a 30-45 minute drive of Harrisburg, just right for a family day trip! As a resident of the Harrisburg area and a Harrisburg family photographer, I love exploring new places, meeting new people, and of course capturing my own kids having fun! Let’s learn about some new places for fun in Central PA!
Things to do for the kids:
Keystone Kidspace – York, PA
https://www.keystonekidspace.org/
10 Hamilton Ave, York, PA 17403
Keystone Kidspace says on their website that, “At Keystone Kidspace, kids can have fun while learning about science, technology, engineering, art and math through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and unique classes.”
This fun spot offers both drop in experiences as well as scheduled classes and camps. Right now, drop in experiences are only available on weekends and specific weekdays.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
There are four main spaces in the area. Curiosity Hall, Kitchen Lab, WonderBar, and the Mess Hall.
Local mom, Helle T had this to say about Keystone Kidspace, “My daughter loves going to Keystone Kidspace! It’s a great place for her to explore technology, be creative, and get her energy out, all while being in a safe and fun environment!”
Things to do for the whole family:
Paulus Farm Market – Mechanicsburg, PA
1216 S. YORK ST., MECHANICSBURG, PA 17055
If you’ve never been to Paulus, I’d have to say you’re missing out! My kids absolutely adore visiting the farm. Paulus Farm Market is a locally owned market which features homemade baked goods, locally sourced meats, honey, dairy products, produce, and more! In addition, they have an outdoor play area filled with seasonal activities, farm animals that the kids can feed (extra cost), and different hands on play areas including slides and swings!
Open for WINTER HOURS Thursday/Friday 9AM-5PM, Saturday 9AM-3PM.
According to their website, the farm currently boasts the following animals: “princess donkey, regal Scottish Highland Cattle, playful Pygmy goats, adorable Holstein calves, fluffy rabbits, terrific turkeys, chipper chickens, daring ducks, and portly pigs!” They also have some pretty cute Alpacas the last time we were there also! When you arrive, you pay the small fee to enter and can buy an optional bag of animal feed to pass out amongst their friendly creatures. The bag is filled with pretzels, apples (for the pigs!), kale, and other seasonal items.
In the warmer weather, Paulus Farm Market in Mechanicsburg also offers U-Pick flowers which is exceptionally fun. In the fall, they have a fantastic U-Pick pumpkin patch, tractor rides, and more mums than you could ever know what to do with!
I have taken quite a few Mechanicsburg, PA family photo sessions at this beautiful farm as well!
Things to do to move your body:
Kids Kingdom – Hanover, PA
https://www.facebook.com/hanoverareaparks
Kids Kingdom Playground, 76 Revere Rd, York
Just opened at the end of September 2022, Kids Kingdom Creative Playground is located in Hanover and is full of brand new play equipment. This is a great, free activity for the family that allows you to take advantage of the warm winter days. Of course it is much less crowded during the weekdays than it is on weekends and evenings.
