Pennsylvania, the 2nd largest Mid-Atlantic state, boasts a robust history, varied topography, and a multitude of attractions. If you’re planning a family reunion this summer, we recommend checking out everything PA has to offer. To help you get your search started, we’ve rounded up five great options for a family reunion, all jam-packed with fun!
Caledonia State Park
Just one of the more than 120 PA State Parks, Caledonia has something for everyone. Situated along the Historic Lincoln Highway (US Route 30) halfway between Chambersburg and Gettysburg, Caledonia is nestled within South Mountain, the northern terminus of the well-known Blue Ridge Mountains of Maryland and Virginia.
Caledonia’s 1,125 acres offer hiking, swimming, fishing, hunting, picnicking, and golfing. Stay in one of several campgrounds in a tent or RV, or rent any number of the surrounding cabins in the area. With large and small picnic areas and a pool, Caledonia is perfect for a family gathering. Not to mention the beautiful surroundings of the Michaux State Forest where you’ll find walking/hiking trails for all abilities (one of which is part of the Appalachian Trail!), waterfalls, streams, historic forests, and landmarks.
Nearby, in the summer, you can catch a show at the Totem Pole Playhouse, a summer stock theatre. PA’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) also offers children’s programming and ongoing park education programs throughout the summer.
Bear Creek Mountain Resort
Bear Creek Mountain Resort, located in Macungie, Berks County, PA, features over 330 wooded acres and a plethora of activities to make any family reunion unforgettable. The resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing in the winter, and hiking, biking, boating, disc golf, tennis, and nearby golf during the spring, summer, and fall. Prior to becoming a resort, the area now known as Bear Creek was home to the Rittenhouse Gap mines, a part of the Mid-Atlantic Iron Belt.
Book a large family celebration in one of their banquet spaces, or just enjoy their onsite dining with three unique options to satisfy any palate. Enjoy activities like yoga, kayaking, archery, axe throwing, Segway tours, and more. Take advantage of access to their outdoor or indoor pool and hot tubs, or book a massage in their full-service spa. Throughout the summer months, they offer outdoor music events, wine tastings, and more.
Gettysburg
This destination is for the history buffs! Gettysburg National Military Park is 6,000 acres of land, monuments, and historical markers that convey and preserve the story of the three-day battle that many regard as a defining moment in the Civil War and in America’s history at large. Also the site of President Lincoln’s famed “Gettysburg Address,” the battlefield landscape, including its topography and terrain, has been preserved through early and ongoing efforts. In recent years, a focus on returning the landscape to the way it would have looked during the Battle has taken hold.
In addition to self- and Park Ranger-guided tours, the Battlefield offers horseback riding trails, camping areas, and ample places to have an impromptu picnic – all enjoyed amidst the rolling hills of the PA countryside. The town of Gettysburg itself offers a robust array of restaurants, shopping, additional historical learning opportunities, and a renowned college campus. Don’t miss going on one of Gettysburg’s infamous ghost tours; Gettysburg is widely regarded as one of the most haunted places in the world.
Families who enjoy history will love this destination. If you want to see Gettysburg in all its glory, consider planning your trip July 1-3, which mark the days the battle took place in 1863. Over those three days, thousands of reenactors stage mock battles, set up camps, and generally portray what life would have been like during the battle and in town.
Raystown
Raystown Lake in Huntingdon County, PA, is the largest lake in Pennsylvania and is more than 30 miles long! With that much lakefront, you can imagine there is plenty to do in and around Raystown. For those who prefer staying on dry land, there is hiking, mountain biking, hunting, and picnicking to enjoy. If you love the water, you can kayak, fish, swim, enjoy boat tours and public beaches, and even stay on a houseboat during your visit.
Raystown suffers from no shortage of accolades boasting The Allegrippis Trails, which are ranked as some of the top single-track mountain bike trails in North America. Anglers will love that Raystown is the Freshwater Striped Bass Capital of the Northeast United States, and if you are a hiker at heart, bring your hiking poles so you can enjoy the 2016 and 2019 PA State Trails of the year: The Standing Stone Trail and the Mid-State Trail, respectively.
In the surrounding area, you’ll find three additional state parks, Juniata College, caves, and even a local speedway. Plus, you have access to tons of local dining and shopping options.
Hersheypark
Originally created as leisure grounds for the employees of the Milton S. Hershey Chocolate Company more than 100 years ago, Hersheypark® has evolved to become one of Pennsylvania’s favorite amusement parks.
Spanning more than 121 acres and offering 76 rides and water attractions, plus plenty of delicious places to eat, Hersheypark is fun for the whole family! Plus, while inside the park you can check out Zoo America®, which houses wildlife only found in North America. Throughout the park there are ample picnic areas for large groups, where your family can enjoy a lunch or snacks together.
The surrounding town offers a plethora of lodging options, great restaurants and shopping, museums, and other chocolate-centric activities. Enjoy a tour at Hershey’s Chocolate World before hopping over to Hersheypark, or check the schedule for the Giant Center or Hershey Stadium to see if there’s a can’t-miss concert or performance happening while you’re in town. No matter what you end up doing, you’re sure to be Hersheypark Happy®.
Earn Rewards for Family Fun
No matter what you select as your destination for your family reunion, you can earn rewards on your purchases for all your travel plans. Our Founder’s Rewards Card offers 2%* or 1.5% cash rewards* on every purchase. Apply today!
*You can earn 1.5% cash rewards on purchases. You can earn 2% cash rewards on purchases if you maintain a PSECU checking account and qualifying monthly direct deposit(s) of at least $500. Some exclusions may apply. See the Visa® Founder's Card and Visa® Alumni Rewards Card Rewards Program Terms and Conditions for full details.