Mount Nittany                                       Lemont, Centre County

 

If you are looking for something active to do with your family in the State College area, climbing Mt. Nittany is a must! 

You might be wondering if your kids can really climb a mountain... I can tell you this: when my kids were in kindergarten, their classes climbed it as a rite of passage!  It is good exercise without being too strenuous, and the view from the top is breathtaking. This is a true Central PA landmark.  It is named after a Native American legend about Princess Nitt-a-Nee, and Penn State University's mascot, the Nittany Lion, is named after the mountain lions that used to roam here.

The entrance to the hike is just off of Mt. Nittany Road in Lemont.

 

contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

address:  Mt. Nittany Road, Lemont, PA  16851

website: http://www.mtnittany.org/TheHike.htm

What is the Geo Race? Super cool, that is what!
Participants are grouped in small teams with a pre-programmed GPS unit containing
coordinates. Players follow these coordinates in order to seek out the locations of
a series of hidden Caches. In addition to GPS coordinates, players will also be
provided a set of physical clues to help them in their quest. Teammates work together, combining problem solving with outdoor adventure to achieve their goal of locating these hidden

Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks                      Huntingdon, Huntingdon County

Oh, this place is really cool. A bit of science, a bit of history and a dash of adventure!

Discover Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks, where the splendor of nature's handiwork has been protected and preserved for your visit since they were first discovered in 1930 and 1941. Explore winding passageways and splendid rooms containing massive flowstones, thousands of delicate stalactites, pure white calcite and sparkling crystals.

Garden Railway       May 30 through October 11, 2010    Morris Arboretum, Philadelphia

With a changing theme each year, the Garden Railway is a miniature world set in the splendor of a summer garden, featuring historic buildings created entirely of natural materials, each meticulously detailed with leaves, bark, vines and twigs. Logs and branches are also used to create unique tunnels and overhead trestles. Nestled among woody plants, colorful annuals and perennials, the finished product is an enchanting landscape that never ceases to delight visitors both young and old. Free with regular admission.

Living Treasures Animal Park                  Donegal, Westmoreland County

From horsedrawn carriage safari and camel rides. . . this is not your ordinary zoo.Get up close and personal with the animals at the petting zoo and watch the "less-than-pet-able" animals. (yes, I made that word up).

Living Treasures is a wonderful setting for a great family experience. The petting zoo is the thrill of the day for young visitors, while the exotic animals fascinate young and old alike. Bring your camera for those once in a lifetime photo opportunities.

Reptiland                                                                        Allenwood, Lycoming County

Clyde Peeling's Reptiland is an AZA accredited zoo specializing in reptiles an4 Kids in Pa - Administrationd amphibians. Since opening in 1964, Reptiland has provided the public a link to the less-loved members of the animal kingdom.

Shaver's Creek Environmental Center   Petersburg, Huntingdon County

I spent 4 years at Penn State and never saw the Shaver;s Creek Environmental Center. Am I surprised? Hmm, not really. But I will definitely take my kids when we head up in the fall for a  game!

Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center is nestled in the ridge-and-valley province of Pennsylvania, between State College and Huntingdon, in the Penn State Experimental Forest. This area is rich in both natural and cultural history. Shaver’s Creek is close to state parks, caves, and lakes. Enticing trails wind through the surrounding woodlands, hillsides, and marshlands.

FREE Admission: Open 7 days a week from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium     Pittsburgh

What more could you ask for a Zoo and Aquarium in ONE place. There are only six in the country. . so make a list and start with this one!

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is a 77-acre facility that is home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of diverse species. Committed to education, research and wildlife conservation, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is actively involved in 25 Species Survival Plans and proudly exhibits 32 threatened or endangered species.

Click here for special events all year long!

Indoor Children's Garden        Kennett Square, Chester County

Longwood Gardens offers a safe and engaging space where children can be surrounded by plants and discover the joys of being in a garden. Highlights of the garden include a tree-covered seating area, a central pool with flower-shaped water jets and jewel-like mosaics, and three animal adorned sculptures shooting streams of water from overhead into the pool. A Bamboo Maze offers a jungle of tree-size bamboos for children to explore and five visitor-activated water features accented with ornate bird sculptures.

contact: 610.388.1000

address: 1001 Longwood Road Kennett Square, Chester County

website:  http://www.longwoodgardens.org

Pocono Outdoor Adventures      Biking and Kayaking for the family

If you have not been to Jim Thorpe, you ought to go. Nice little town on the Lehigh River, rich in history and plenty of outdoor activities. For families, the Bike Trips and Kayak Trips in and around the Lehigh River and Mauch Chunk Lake are particularly great.  Pack a lunch and have a picnic or have lunch or dinner at JT's Steaks. . sit outside and enjoy the sights.