Summer time is the best time to get outside with your family, enjoy the sunshine and all that the Lebanon Valley has to offer. Use our family fun itinerary to make every one of your days off filled with the best outdoor fun!
For the Adventurers
If you love spending your summer in the water, head over to Cocoa Kayak for a beautiful outdoor experience. While you’re there, opt for the popular two hour Boathouse Run trip filled with bald eagles and limestone bluffs! Or choose from four other trips that will take you on different fun-filled journeys. The beautiful Swatara Water Trail is 60 miles long with public access every five miles. And you don’t need a kayak to take a guided tour at Cocoa Kayak. You can rent a kayak 7 days a week without the hassle of having to transport one yourself. Enjoy nature and the beautiful scenery that Lebanon Valley has to offer while paddling your way down Swatara Creek.
If you would rather enjoy the water on foot, head to the beach right here in the Lebanon Valley! The Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach features eight acres of beach, recreation lawn, or picnic grove to enjoy! The family owned Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a hot summer day with your family. Your trip to this beach doesn’t require any packing! Take advantage of the several amenities such as water tube rentals, beach chair rentals, a snack bar, and so much more. In addition to individual admission, Mt. Gretna Lake and Beach also offers large family discounts, day camps, birthday parties, and more!
For the Taste Testers
Indulge in tradition and a sweet treat at the Jigger Shop. Originally created as a candy shop over 100 years ago, the Myers Pavilion, now known as the Jigger Shop, is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy amazing ice cream with your family. With a menu ranging from salads and cheeseburgers to soda and sundaes, how could you possibly choose? If it’s your first time visiting the Jigger Shop, you absolutely need to try The Jigger. Choose to top your French Vanilla ice cream with chocolate or butterscotch which is then finished with fluffy marshmallow and Jigger nuts. The Jigger, which got its name from a customer who ordered this special “thingamajigger” is a Mt. Gretna classic.
If you’re looking for a more traditional ice cream cone, visit Patches Family Creamery! From cow to cone, Patches’ creates their ice cream from milk directly sourced from their own dairy cows on their farm. Their unique “Patches Family” recipe mixed with fresh milk and cream, is sure to be a hit for all members of your family. Not only will you enjoy the ice cream, but you can enjoy the process of the ice cream being made through the viewing windows in the retail store! This one-of-a-kind experience makes for a sweet stop.
For the Game Players
Make a day out of a visit to the Coleman Memorial Park. Follow the long, curvy path of the park through large old trees and historical landmarks. Play a game of basketball, mini golf, or baseball on the provided recreational fields. But don’t forget to pack your picnic lunch! Utilize the various pavilions in the park for a wonderful mid-day snack. Or head to the park on a Sunday for the music in the park concert series at 7pm. This free entertainment is enjoyable for every member of the family. Keep an eye out for events at Coleman Memorial Park that your family can enjoy!
Show off your competitive side at Yogey’s Mini Golf! With two challenging 18-hole mini golf courses in a pirate theme setting, your family is sure to have a blast! Hop aboard the North Cove which takes you through the pirate ship, or choose the South Cove beneath the ship. During long, summer nights, you can even play at Yogey’s after dark! And when you’ve finished your mini golf adventure, take time to relax in the seating area which overlooks the two golf courses. But don’t forget your ice cream! Yogey’s ice cream parlor serves Hershey’s Premium Ice Cream, frozen yogurt, soft serve ice cream, italian ice, and shaved ice. Ice cream and mini golf makes for a great family fun night.
There are so many outdoor activities for the family in Lebanon Valley! Enjoy the beauty of the county and all that it has to offer this summer. Take a look at our self-guided family fun itinerary to plan your visit to the Lebanon Valley.