York is a fun county with ample outdoor space surrounding a bustling downtown featuring theater, fantastic food, and excellent shopping. You can find plenty of fun and budget-friendly activities in this area. Here are eight family-friendly things to do in York, PA during your next visit.
WellSpan Park in downtown York is a fun place to spend an evening or afternoon. Home to the York Revolution professional baseball team, the park hosts games during the spring and summer. The independent-league team features players from across the country.
Cost: For latest pricing, visit the York Revolution’s website. Choose to receive your tickets electronically to avoid a delivery fee.
This county park sits high up on a rocky hill, where you can take in a fantastic view of the surrounding area. It’s ideal for photographers and nature lovers alike. The park features playgrounds, multi-use trails, a volleyball court, and horseshoe pits. You can also enjoy the annual Christmas display, “Christmas Magic: A Festival of Lights,” a mile-long walking trail full of holiday-themed lights.
Cost: Entrance to the park is free, but if you’d like to rent one of the 12 pavilions, there’s a charge. Tickets are required for “Christmas Magic: A Festival of Lights.”
3. Heritage Rail Trail
Another county park worth visiting in York is the Heritage Rail Trail, which covers almost 25 miles from the city down to the Pennsylvania/Maryland border. Cycling and hiking are excellent ways to traverse this stone pathway. Enjoy riding through tunnels and past several historical structures located along the trail. The railroad tracks are operational, so be sure to stick to the trail next to the tracks.
Cost: Free to walk or bike the trail.
Do your kids want somewhere to run? Let them loose at the Kid’s Kingdom playground, which includes slides, climbing equipment, and ground surfacing that will cushion them if they fall. It’s one of three playgrounds located at the York Township Park, the largest in the York Township system. You can also enjoy:
A walking trail.
Horseshoe pits.
Basketball courts.
Soccer fields.
Cost: Free
If you have a dog, then the Canine Meadows Dog Park in York is a must-visit. It includes an off-leash area where your pup can roam free and explore the terrain. The park separates large and small dogs for safety, and kids under 49 inches are not allowed in. Keep in mind that food is not allowed in the park. Get more information on Canine Meadows.
Cost: Free
This 51-acre park has something for everyone. There are tennis courts for racquet sports lovers, basketball courts for hoops fanatics, and even an inline hockey rink for those who love skating. You can also bring kids to the playground area or hike the walking trails. You can picnic and grill in the pavilions, too. One unique aspect of this park is the amphitheater that can hold up to 1,200 people and hosts many concerts and other events.
Cost: Park admission is free, but special events may have an associated cost.
If you have a family of nature lovers, then you’ll want to visit Richard Nixon Park, located in Springfield Township. The nature center at the park features a working hive of honeybees as well as displays about amphibians, birds, and mammals native to Pennsylvania. Kids will love the children’s touch room, too.
Cost: Varies depending on the program; check website for details.
There always seems to be a special event in York City for visitors to check out. From the Labor Day Festival to the Light Up York holiday festival, the city fosters togetherness and a fun atmosphere through these fun activities. Check out the events calendar to plan for your next visit.
Cost: Varies per event; check website for details.
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