What is a daycation? It’s an extremely abbreviated vacation that takes place within driving distance. You travel to and from that place in a single day, hence the term “daycation.” You may be amazed at all the activities you can pack into just a few hours.
Daycations encourage you to hit all the high points of local destinations without any downtime. They’re perfect for busy families and people who want to save money on lodging.
Luckily, there are a slew of fun places to go in Pennsylvania all year long. We’ve compiled a mini PA vacation guide to all the best daycation spots in the state.
State College
The home of Penn State perks up on football weekends during the fall, but you can find fun things to do here year-round. If you have kids, you will want to check out Tom Tudek Memorial Park. This free park has two different playgrounds, a dog park, and courts for tennis and basketball. The Snetsinger Butterfly Garden on the property delights children of all ages.
Lancaster
From the Strasburg Railroad, which operates all year long, to the many restaurants around the area, Lancaster offers fun activities for family members. It’s best known for its large Amish population, whose carriages you’ll see across the countryside. The city also has many diverse activities for families to do in the immediate area, such as:
- The Turkey Hill Experience®: Located in nearby Columbia, this attraction allows you to sample ice cream flavors, make an ice cream commercial, and learn about ice cream history. Cost: $10.50 for the Experience and $18.95 for the Experience and Taste Lab.
- Wolf Sanctuary of PA: Go on a tour where you see dozens of wolves roaming the countryside. Every few weeks, the sanctuary holds a special nighttime tour. Cost: $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $13 for kids 11 and under. Call in advance for hours and special events.
Ohiopyle
The Ohiopyle State Park in the Laurel Ridge region is home to Cucumber Falls, a gorgeous site that includes a 30-foot drop. Park at the top of the falls, then take the trail down to the bottom to get a breathtaking view. If you have sturdy shoes, you can even hike behind the falls, where you get a unique vantage to see one of the state’s loveliest natural views. When you’ve soaked it all in, head to the nearby Youghiogheny River and enjoy some whitewater rafting.
Hellertown
This Lehigh Valley town is home to the Lost River Caverns, which locals once used as a ballroom to escape the summer heat. These days, people flock there for guided tours in which they learn the differences between stalagmites and stalactites and hear about other inventive ways people have used the caves throughout the years. Admission costs $14.50 for adults and $9.50 for kids 3-12.
After your tour, you can head to the Gilman Museum, which has information on minerals, fossils, and gems dating back more than three centuries. You can even go “mining” to discover gems yourself, an activity kids will love.
Erie
Located in the northwest corner of the state, Erie has a historic downtown, a beach area on Presque Isle, and an observation tower where you can see for miles. Outdoor lovers will adore the many options available to them in Erie, such as:
- Tom Ridge Environmental Center: A green building with many of its eco-friendly features on display, the center invites visitors to track birds that have visited the area, add their own sightings, and participate in other interactive exhibits. Admission is free.
- Asbury Park Woods: No matter what time of year it is, you can always find something to do at this nature center, such as hike, bike, or cross-country ski. Check ahead of time for information on upcoming programs, and be sure to take little ones to the Little Woods Play Area.
Gettysburg
Whether you’re a Civil War aficionado or you’ve never set foot on a battlefield, Gettysburg provides a fascinating glimpse at one of the nation’s defining conflicts. You can tour the battlefields for free, or you may want to find a local outfit that offers walking or horseback tours.
Once you’ve made your way to all the historical outposts, go into town for some refreshments and perhaps a ghost tour, if you have the nerve. Quaint shops also line the streets of this very walkable destination.
Pittsburgh
For those who love the art scene, a day trip to Pittsburgh will be a treat. A number of museums are located in the city, including the Carnegie Museum of Art. Here you will find rotating special exhibits alongside the permanent collection, which features eye-catching architecture and photography, too. The museum costs $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors over 65, and $11.95 for kids 3-18 and students. Children under three are free.
Want a bite to eat after gazing at all the beautiful pictures and sculptures? Try one of Pittsburgh’s most budget-friendly restaurants, the Squirrel Hill Café. Everything on the menu tastes delicious, but trying the Deep Fried Hot Cheese Balls is a must.
You don’t have to go far to enjoy a wonderful daycation in PA. Plan ahead by researching the area, and start saving so you can afford everything you want to do on your trip. A PSECU Vacation Savings Share offers a great way to put away money for your upcoming travels. For more resources related to money management, visit our WalletWorks page.
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