Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Travel Guide 2025
State of Wonder
2024-11-28 09:56:04
Great Getaways for Play, Imagination, and Enchantment
Remember what it was like to play without a care in the world? To lose yourself in the flow of fun, imagination, and creativity? Escape to simpler times — and simpler pleasures — in Pennsylvania, home of The Great American Getaway.
Whether you’re looking to explore your artistic side, rejuvenate your spirit, enjoy a nostalgic summer camp experience, or delight in family-friendly adventures, your next great escape starts here.
Creative Retreats
Reacquaint yourself with childlike wonder with a getaway that ignites your imagination — and your creative side.
Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington offers hands-on experiences in traditional and contemporary crafts, such as fabric printing, ceramics, drawing, and blacksmithing. At The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, tap into your creative inclinations at this luxurious wellness resort when you sign up for one of the many daily activities, such as painting and oil pastels, or one of the guided experiences like hiking with an herbalist or spending time with the resident beekeeper.
The Barn at Boyds Mills in Milanville, home of the Highlights Foundation (which publishes Highlights for Children magazine), offers a serene, distraction-free environment for writers to hone their craft, with workshops led by esteemed authors and illustrators. Meanwhile, Barrelhouse Writer Camp in Port Matilda combines the tranquility of nature with the encouragement to write, with laid-back writing sessions, informal editor meetings, and community activities to connect with fellow creatives.
Summer Camp Experiences
Generations of families have cherished memories of attending summer camp in the scenic mountains of Pennsylvania. See why this is the place to make memories of your own.
Camp Lohikan in Lake Como is a co-ed sleepaway summer camp for ages 6 to 15 that draws campers from around the world with its array of enriching programs, from jet skiing and horseback riding to circus activities and performing arts. At Camp Conrad Weiser, part of the South Mountain YMCA Camps in Reinholds, campers in a range of age groups can explore traditional camp activities, leadership training, and literary fun while building friendships and skills.
For athletic kids and teens, the International Sports Training Camp in Stroudsburg provides organized sports and positive coaching on a 500-acre campus with a private lake. Here, ages 8 through 17 can learn life skills, make friends, and stay active.
Want to get in on the summer camp fun? Camp Runabout in Greeley is an adult summer camp that combines fitness classes, outdoor recreation, and social activities, creating a playful and nostalgic escape for grown-ups. Wild Roots Guides offers women’s guided multi-day backpacking trips and single-day hikes across various locations in Pennsylvania, providing an empowering and immersive nature experience. Or, bring the whole family to enjoy summer camp together at Camp Soles in Rockwood, where multi-generational activities like bonfires and fishing foster connection for all ages.
Wellness Retreats
When your travel itinerary reads “rest, relax, recharge,” Pennsylvania has plenty of options for you to find a little peace and quiet.
At River Mountain in Everett, take your pick from modern rooms in the main lodge, chic cabins, or airy glamping yurts to make yourself at home. Along with amenities like hot springs soaking tubs and s’mores by the campfire, you also can enjoy curated experiences such as yoga classes, artistic workshops, guided hikes, and honey tastings.
For holistic health and spiritual guidance, the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale offers a range of wellness programs, including yoga teacher training, meditation retreats, and ancient Ayurvedic treatments, all set within a serene and supportive community.
Those seeking a greater connection to the healing powers of nature can find it at the Amethyst Retreat Center in Duncannon, offering outdoor yoga, a meditative labyrinth, nature trails, and gardens.
Check the events schedule at Honey Hollow Farm in New Hope for one-day experiences such as cooking classes and sound therapy sessions, or bring a group and book the 1700s stone cottage to stay overnight.
Kid-Approved Resorts
For more family-friendly fun, plan a getaway at one of Pennsylvania’s play-centric resorts.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Pocono Manor features one of the largest indoor waterparks in the country, alongside a variety of attractions like mini-golf, escape rooms, and a virtual reality experience. Also in the Pocono Mountains, Great Wolf Lodge in Scotrun features an indoor waterpark, mirror maze, arcade, and daily kids' activities and crafts.
Hersheypark Camping Resort in Hummelstown provides a unique blend of camping and amusement park thrills, with proximity to Hersheypark’s hair-raising roller coasters, super-fast water rides, and chocolate-themed attractions.
Camelback Resort in Tannersville offers year-round adventure with its indoor and outdoor waterparks, zip-lining, a mountain coaster, and skiing and snowboarding, so your fun can extend well beyond summer break.
Ready to go? Pack your bags and make your way to the Keystone State, where joy and play await at every turn.
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