Central PA Day Trips

With the crisp, cool days of fall and early winter on the horizon, it’s time to venture outside for some fun before the cold and snow of another Pennsylvania winter strike. Where do you go for the best day trips in Pennsylvania, though? What’s fun for you and the kids, or you and your friends? It’s a balancing act of planning that can leave you staring at your computer, tablet or smartphone for hours.

Instead, check out this must-do list of six Central PA day trips for your next fantastic fall weekend.

1. Paulus Orchards

No fall is complete without pumpkins, corn mazes and apple-picking! This year, you can plan on taking your kids and some friends to this Dillsburg, PA, orchard for some traditional fall fun as you take a fun-filled wagon ride, pick some apples and pumpkins and make lasting memories working your way through the five-acre corn maze.

2. The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Another exciting day trip in PA is the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, located in Strasburg, PA. It features more than 100 locomotives on display, as well as interactive exhibits to entertain your kids, like a fillable locomotive firebox. Plus, check out their great special events like a 1940s swing dance, “Christmas With the Conductor” parties, wine and paint nights and so much more!

3. PA Bacon Fest

If you love beer and bacon-filled goodies, you won’t want to miss this fun weekend festival. The PA Bacon Fest is one of the most popular events in Easton, PA — because, after all, who doesn’t love bacon? From November 3–4, the downtown streets will be filled with vendors offering delicious bacon-centric pasta, cupcakes, bloody marys and more. Plus, admission is totally free for both kids and adults.

4. Turkey Hill Experience

Don’t let anyone say you can’t enjoy a delicious ice cream cone once summer ends — head over to the Turkey Hill Experience in Columbia, PA. Make personalized ice cream flavors, milk mechanical cows and star in a TV commercial promoting your one-of-a-kind ice cream variety in this favorite PA day trip. The best part? This family-friendly experience is open year-round to meet all your ice cream-related needs.

5. Strasburg Rail Road

All aboard! Another train-themed day trip adventure, this railroad is the highlight of Strasburg, PA. Take a spellbinding ride through the fall foliage in an antique 19th-century train car, enjoy a spooktacular Halloween-themed journey or even take the kids to ride the rails with Thomas the Tank Engine. There’s nothing like a great day on the train track to let off some steam!

6. Carlisle Sports Emporium

One of the best day trips in Pennsylvania is to the Carlisle Sports Emporium. Compete against your friends and family in arcade games, zoom across an indoor and outdoor go-kart track, hit the batting cages or practice your putt in a round of mini-golf. Afterward, finish off your day at the Victory Lane Cafe with a hot, hit-the-spot meal.

Ready to have a one-of-a-kind day trip to Pennsylvania? Stop by the Carlisle Sports Emporium, The Place to Play in PA!