2020-12-05 06:05:13
Charming main streets, world-class museums, urban parks packed with family-friendly attractions, and waterfront districts lined with bustling bars and trendsetting restaurants—Pennsylvania’s cities are filled with exciting places to explore. Bike along riverfront greenways, stroll through the latest exhibits, or take a seat beneath the stars in an outdoor amphitheater. There’s no wrong way to discover these cosmopolitan delights. Shows Under the Stars In Pennsylvania, warm summer nights mean live music beneath the starry skies. Watch these outdoor productions and concerts (most of them free) at amphitheaters in cities large and small. 8 GREAT TUESDAYS CONCERT SERIES Perched on the edge of Liberty Park and overlooking the waters of Lake Erie, Highmark Amphitheater in Erie is a picturesque spot for listening to live music during this free concert series on Tuesday nights. ALIVE@FIVE Catch live rock performances by tribute bands at this free concert series outside Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona. SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK Bring a blanket or chair to Reservoir Park in Harrisburg to watch free Shakespeare performances presented by Gamut Theatre Group. SUMMERSOUNDS Friday nights at 7 p.m. in the summer, make your way to the Robertshaw Amphitheater in downtown Greensburg’s St. Clair Park to hear free live music. Bring snacks, or order food from one of the vendors. PITTSBURGH SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS Bring a lawn chair to this free annual performing arts series and watch as the Bard’s legendary tragedies and comedies come to life at various parks throughout Pittsburgh. SUMMER PERFORMANCE SERIES Set amid perfectly manicured gardens and numerous water fountains, the Open Air Theatre at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square is an idyllic escape for watching live music performances. ALLEGHENY COUNTY SUMMER CONCERT SERIES This free series at the open-air Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater in Allison Park features food trucks, craft beer, and live concerts of jazz, folk, rock, blues, brass, and more. THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA OUTDOORS Buy a ticket and pack a picnic for summer orchestral music—from blockbuster movie scores to classical compositions—at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia’s West Fairmount Park. LEVITT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES With the historic Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces towering in the background, Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks in Bethlehem offers plenty to see at its annual series that features 50 free, family-friendly concerts. SUMMER MUSIC SERIES From country tunes to Afro-Cuban beats (and everything in between), this free concert series at Long’s Park Amphitheater in Lancaster showcases a wide variety of music from around the globe. Green Spaces URBAN PARKS WITH MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS SCHENLEY PARK Explore 456 acres of woodlands, trails, and outdoor recreation facilities at this historic Pittsburgh park. Its Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens dates back to 1893 and features 23 gardens and a 14-room glasshouse across its 15 acres. At Schenley Oval Sportsplex, you’ll find tennis courts, a running track, and an ice rink, while the 18-hole Bob O’Connor Golf Course offers a challenging course, open daily. RESERVOIR PARK Pedal along the 20-mile Capital Area Greenbelt and you’ll pass through this 85-acre park, the largest municipal public park in Harrisburg. Here, you’ll find the National Civil War Museum, boasting a collection of more than 24,000 artifacts, photographs, documents, and manuscripts. In the summer, bring a picnic blanket or folding chair to the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts and catch live outdoor music performances, as well as theatrical productions. FAIRMOUNT PARK Spanning more than 2,000 acres in Philadelphia, this park is packed with exciting attractions and peaceful moments. Marvel at nearly 1,300 rare and endangered animals at the Philadelphia Zoo. Stroll through the arboretum at the Horticulture Center and feed koi fish at the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. Walk along the Schuylkill River to see Laurel Hill Mansion and the 1887 Lighthouse at Turtle Rock. At night, watch a show at The Mann Center or The Dell Music Center. MOUNT PENN PRESERVE In Reading, this 4,000-acre nature preserve is home to miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. While you’re here, see the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower, completed in 1939, and take in sweeping views from the overlook at The Pagoda, a 7-story Japanese-style building dating back to 1908, which now serves hot and cold beverages from its first-floor café. NAY AUG PARK At the largest park in Scranton, let the kids loose on the playgrounds and the water slide complex, swim in the Olympic-sized swimming pools, and walk along the elevated walkway leading to the David Wenzel Treehouse to take in views of the Nay Aug Gorge. Then see the natural history, science, and art exhibits at the Everhart Museum. It’s All Fun and Games Across the state, incredible hands-on museums make education a fun activity and inspire lifelong learning. At the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, visitors can engage in imaginative play with themed areas such as a pretend campground, grocery store, garden, river, and adventure camp. Whitaker Center in Harrisburg offers hands-on STEM-based learning experiences at its Harsco Science Center, where you can learn about the human body, weather phenomena, and city infrastructure. With three floors of exhibits, ExpERIEnce in Erie provides designated learning spaces for children ages 8 and under, including a Tot Spot for toddlers. Unleash creativity at the Crayola Experience in Easton, where youngsters use technology to design colorful souvenirs. Or let kids design and make crafts—from woodworking to textiles to magnet sculptures—at MAKESHOP® inside the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, where skilled makers and visiting indie crafters provide assistance and inspiration. Bucks County Children’s Museum in New Hope brings the history of Bucks County to life with interactive exhibits like operating the lock on the Delaware Canal and taking a simulated ride over the Pennsylvania countryside in a life-sized hot air balloon basket. Animal lovers should check out Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, where visitors can meet the museum’s resident turtle, Molly, as they explore multiple zoological-themed exhibits. Kiddos ages 2–10 can catch butterflies and listen for birds in the Discovery Meadow outdoor exhibit at Hands-On House Childrens Museum of Lancaster. OUTRAGEOUSLY FUN FAMILY HOTELS CARTOON NETWORK HOTEL Full-service dining, a resort-style pool area, and fun programming like cartoons under the stars on an outdoor movie screen will make your stay in Lancaster one of a kind. CAMELBACK RESORT This year-round resort in Tannersville offers skiing and snow tubing in the winter and ziplining and mountain coasters in the summer. Meanwhile, the Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark is fun any time. HERSHEY LODGE Just minutes from the roller coasters of Hersheypark, this resort also comes with its own fun: an indoor pool complex, mini-golf, s’mores roasts, Hershey character appearances, and an arcade. KALAHARI RESORTS In Pocono Manor, explore America’s largest indoor waterpark, as well as activities like laser tag, miniature golf, and escape rooms (plus relaxing spa and salon services for parents). WOODLOCH RESORT Outdoor adventures come standard at this all-inclusive resort in Hawley, featuring archery, rock climbing, kayaking, mini-golf, and swimming. GREAT WOLF LODGE Keep kids busy with water slides and splash areas at the indoor water park, plus a ropes course, arcade and activities like story time, character appearances, and stage performances at this resort in Scotrun. Waterfront Wonders From the shores of Lake Erie to the banks of the Delaware River, Pennsylvania has no shortage of beautiful waterfronts to explore. Visit these distinctive districts for amazing aquatic views, dining, activities, and an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. STATION SQUARE Located along the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh, this complex was once the hub of the P&LE Railroad. Today you’ll find a vibrant collection of restaurants, shops, and attractions. Order a classic cocktail at the gorgeously restored Grand Concourse restaurant and stop by the adjacent Gandy Dancer Saloon for delicious seafood. See a Riverhounds soccer game at Highmark Stadium, which overlooks the city skyline. For a purely-Pittsburgh experience, climb aboard the Duquesne or Monongahela inclines. These funicular railways will transport you to the scenic pinnacle of Mt. Washington. Segway Pittsburgh offers a more futuristic transportation option with its guided tours of the city’s landmarks. PENN’S LANDING At the heart of Philadelphia’s Delaware River Waterfront is Penn’s Landing, a reclaimed space bustling with fun year-round. Spend a summer day at Spruce Street Harbor Park, a seasonal pop-up featuring hammocks, floating gardens, and craft beer. At Blue Cross RiverRink, ice skate beneath twinkling lights during Winterfest, and then trade the blades for wheels during Summerfest. The Great Plaza hosts outdoor concerts, festivals, movies, and more. Explore maritime exhibits at the Independence Seaport Museum. Head to the Marina to have a memorable meal at Moshulu, the world’s only restaurant located on a historic tall ship, or get out on the water for a tour aboard Spirit Cruises. BAYFRONT DISTRICT Along with sparkling vistas of Presque Isle Bay, Erie’s Bayfront District boasts great dining, shopping, activities, and more. History buffs will love perusing artifacts and interactive exhibits at the Erie Maritime Museum, also the home port of the grand U.S. Brig Niagara. Make a hole-in-one at Harbor View Miniature Golf, and then grab celebratory drinks and locally sourced snacks at Shoreline Bar & Grille. Finish the day watching the sunset from the top of the 187-foot-tall Bicentennial Tower, or take a relaxing dinner cruise on Erie’s own authentic paddlewheel riverboat, the Victorian Princess. CITY ISLAND & WEST SHORE This 63-acre jewel on the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg is home to the Harrisburg Senators, the Minor League affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Catch one of their games at FNB Field. Nearby is the dock for the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat, which offers tours, dinner cruises, and a variety of live music events. Or, challenge your family to a little friendly competition at Water Golf, a beautifully landscaped mini-golf course on the north end. Afterward, cross the Susquehanna River to the West Shore for brick oven-fired pizzas at Dockside Willies or half-pound gourmet burgers at Duke’s Bar & Grille. Amazing Museum Gift Shops Whether your ideal day consists of wandering amongst famous masterpieces or marveling at medical mysteries, Pennsylvania has a museum to suit any interest—and even better, their gift shops are perfect for scoring one-of-a-kind souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else. After exploring Fallingwater—Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece in Mill Run—you’ll be inspired to bring beautiful design back home. Peruse the Fallingwater Museum Store, designed by architect Paul Mayén, for illustrated prints, art glass windows, colorful puzzles, garden sculptures, and glossy coffee table books featuring Wright’s works. Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh boasts more than 32,000 objects spanning all manner of visual arts. Keep the inspiration going when you shop the CMOA Store, where you can stock up on creative toys and kids’ games, art supplies, home décor, and custom prints of artwork from the museum’s collection. Kids of all ages will love learning about Pennsylvania’s rich past, from the days of dinosaurs to eras of industry, when they explore the exhibits at The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. Bring this knowledge home with educational toys at The State Museum Store, where displays are packed with books, telescopes, toys, and souvenirs related to the exhibits. Get a glimpse into the lives of Pennsylvania’s earliest inhabitants at The Pocono Indian Museum in East Stroudsburg, dedicated to the history of the Delaware Indians. After taking the narrated audio tour, browse the Pocono Indian Museum Gift Shop for Native American pottery, moccasins, and dolls, as well as more than 650 book titles on various tribes. With more than 100 locomotives and railroad cars, train enthusiasts won’t want to miss a trip to Strasburg’s Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, with more than 100 locomotives and railroad cars. Keep the excitement going at the Whistle Stop Shop, where you’ll find merchandise with railroad logos, educational books, model trains, collectibles, and toys. The Mütter Museum in Philadelphia is known for its macabre-meets-medical displays—from its collection of real human skulls to its exhibits on surgical advancements—and its gift shop is just as delightfully disturbing. Pick up an ice cube tray that makes brain-shaped ice (perfect for at-home cocktails), plush toys of microbes, or books on anatomy and medical oddities. For even more gruesome gifts, make a trip to The Living Dead Museum and Gift Shop in Evans City, where Night of the Living Dead was filmed. This museum showcases the role of zombies in cinema and pop culture, and its shop is the place to pick up movie-themed T-shirts, action figures, posters, and creepy décor. Find more cities at visitPA.com/city-life
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