Discover an array of family-friendly things to do in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Visit interactive museums, take a thrilling trip along the Swatara Creek or enjoy local treats that create unforgettable memories for people of all ages.
Harrisburg connects you to a rich cultural and industrial history with hands-on learning opportunities for rainy days and fun outdoor adventures to fill your cup. The city’s commitment to family-friendly experiences is also evident in seasonal festivals like the Kipona Festival and the Italian Lake Summer Festival, where people can have lively cultural experiences at Wildwood Park.
In Harrisburg, families are doing more than sightseeing. They are actively crafting lasting moments of togetherness. Explore fun things to do with family in Harrisburg.
Sign up for the Hershey and Harrisburg Chocolate and More Sweet Treat Trail, perfect for a rainy-day pick-me-up or when you need a creative way to make all the sweetest stops around Harrisburg. This journey for your tastebuds encourages your group to explore a variety of family-owned shops on Main Street. From creamy chocolates to freshly baked pastries, every stop on the route promises a unique and mouthwatering experience.
The Sweet Treat Trail helps you glimpse local culture and meet local artisans who have been baking classic confections and innovative, flavorful snacks for generations. After you get six verified check-ins on the Sweet Treat mobile passport, you can redeem points for a Hershey’s drawstring backpack.
At the Whitaker Center, guests of all ages can engage in diverse experiences that span science, arts and culture. The center features interactive exhibits, captivating shows and immersive presentations to foster a profound experience for visitors. It serves as an avenue for families, students and enthusiasts to delve into the marvels of our world.
The Whitaker Center’s mission to ignite curiosity fuels its commitment to education, and it offers some of the best kid-friendly activities in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. You will find events and workshops for children of all ages. With its prime location on Market Street, the center enriches visitors’ understanding of science and creativity.
The Pennsylvania National Fire Museum is a must-visit for kids who love firetrucks. Visitors to the 1899 Victorian firehouse can explore various artifacts, vintage firetrucks, equipment and uniforms. Look out for handtubs, steam pumpers, a hand-drawn-to-horse-drawn firetruck and a MACK tillered ladder truck from 1935.
Children can enjoy hands-on activities that educate and entertain simultaneously. The museum’s inviting atmosphere sparks kids’ interest and fosters a deep appreciation for firefighters’ efforts over the years. Tours run for 60 to 90 minutes, offering group rates to visits scheduled two weeks in advance.
Hershey’s Chocolate World is another must-visit on Harrisburg’s list of family-friendly activities. Immerse yourself in the delicious world of chocolate through interactive experiences, captivating tours and some of the best kid activities for the whole family. Stuff a one-pound Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup with your favorite mix-ins, watch chocolate-making in action or create your very own candy bar with a wrapper you design.
You can also explore the vibrant attractions, like the Hershey’s Chocolate Tour, where your kids can watch cocoa beans turn into mouthwatering bars. With a blend of education and entertainment, this destination will create lasting memories for your kids.
Explore the scenic waterways in kayaks designed to accommodate families. This is one of the best family-friendly activities in Harrisburg for adults and children over 6 years old. You will paddle by Swatara Creek’s most prominent limestone outcrop, spot bald eagles, glide past fishing holes and pass by Echo Caverns on the Mink Run. Unplug from the daily hustle with your family amid stunning landscapes, whether you are a seasoned kayaker or a first-timer.
With over 200 animals that are native to North America, Zoo America is a fun and educational outing for all ages. Children and adults can observe animals like bears, wolves and reptiles up close, creating a deeper understanding of indigenous wildlife. Your family can look forward to leisurely strolls across the 11-acre zoo grounds or join a guided tour to learn more about the importance of biodiversity preservation. With interactive displays and knowledgeable staff, the zoo encourages kids to ask questions and develop a sense of environmental stewardship.
If you have a Hersheypark experience ticket, you can access the zoo through the Hersheypark bridge at no extra cost during park hours. A trip to Zoo America is more than just an outing, it is an opportunity for families to create shared moments, learn together and leave with a fresh sense of wonder for the world around them.
Families who love baseball will enjoy the excitement of a game on Harrisburg’s City Island. With its central location in Harrisburg, families can easily access the park and enjoy a day of sports and togetherness. FNB Field is home to the MiLB team the Harrisburg Senators and regularly hosts special events like holiday festivals and movie nights. Heading to a Senators game at Wildwood Park offers a simple, satisfying way for families to bond, relax and relish the excitement of the game.
Wander through awe-inspiring underground passages as you witness stunning rock formations that are still around after thousands of years. For Instagram-worthy photos, make sure to stop by Crystal Lake, a pool of water inside the caverns.
Indian Echo Caverns offers tours of the limestone caverns, which are 440 million years old. There is also a free petting zoo and an underground guided tour. Indian Echo Caverns at Echo Dell maintains a constant temperature of 52 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Visit the Gem Mill Junction at Echo Dell, where young and old can pan for gemstones, coins, arrowheads, fossils and more.
Harrisburg’s family-friendly spaces, educational opportunities and close-knit community make it an ideal destination for families seeking genuine experiences that forge lasting bonds. Whether you are considering moving to Harrisburg or searching for a new home in your beloved city, Triple Crown Corporation is here to assist you in finding your ideal rental community. Reach out to us to locate a place you can truly call home.
Contact us to inquire about available communities or to request rental details. Feel free to call us at 1-877-TCC-HOME for more information.
