Summertime is here in the Valley and we’ve compiled our top events and activities for you to choose from in this summertime checklist! From picking fresh strawberries to paddling historic waterways to watching a live performance under the trees, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in the Lebanon Valley this summer.
1. Visit Dinosaur Rock
This unique diabase rock formation was formed back in the early Jurassic period, making it some 200 million years old. Beyond its fascinating geological features, it’s also shaped like a dinosaur so it’s like pretty cool. To get to Dinosaur Rock, the DCNR says, “Park at the State Game Lands 145 parking area on the east side of Mt. Wilson Road. From the parking lot, cross Mt. Wilson Road to the trail to Dinosaur Rock. Follow the trail about 500 feet to the diabase rocks.”
2. Take a Hands-On Class at the Homestead
The Isaac Meier Homestead offers hands-on classes in a variety of topics all year long. This summer, stop by the Homestead for classes on basket weaving, yarn spinning, yarn dyeing, and stencil painting.
3. Go Golfing
The Lebanon Valley is home to seven golf courses, each of which offers unique challenges and terrains. From the stunning vista views at Iron Valley Golf Club to the wetlands and bent grass fairways of Pine Meadows Golf Complex, a round of 18 in the Valley is always a good idea.
4. Pick Your Own Cherries, Peaches, and Strawberries
Head over to Risser-Marvel Farm Market from late May through early June to pick your own basket of strawberries in their field! Then, as the summer continues on into June and July, pick your own sweet or sour cherries at Honey Bear Orchards. And right before the summer turns to fall, around mid-July and through September, head back out to the orchards at Honey Bear for u-pick peaches.
5. Kayak the Union Canal Tunnel
Each summer, Cocoa Kayak offers exclusive guided kayak tours through the Union Canal Tunnel. As the oldest water transportation tunnel in the United States, the Union Canal is not open to public watercraft, making this the only way to kayak through this historic tunnel. Check out the Cocoa Kayak website to book your ride (and do so quickly, these tours often sell out!).
6. Check Out a Local Roadside Attraction
The Pretzel Hut has long been a popular roadside attraction where a petting zoo, local ice cream, and hand-rolled soft pretzels await. After coming under new ownership in 2024, the Hut now features an updated eatery, playground, and patio, as well as all the old favorites!
7. Pick-Your-Own Flowers at Royal Oaks Farm
A pick-your-own flower experience is a must when visiting the Valley! At Royal Oaks Farm in Lebanon, a self-service barn provides snippers and wide-mouth mason jars for an easy picking process. Experience the beauty and serenity of their flower field as you snip your favorite blossoms and create your own unique bouquet.
8. Swim at Mount Gretna Lake & Beach
Cool off from the summer heat and enjoy a step back in time at this iconic Lebanon County attraction! With a sandy shoreline, high dive tower, sunning docks, big “swing”, and a snack bar, there is fun to be had for all at Mount Gretna Lake & Beach.
9. Attend a Music Festival in Mount Gretna
Each summer, the Gretna Tabernacle serves as a home for the Mount Gretna Bible Festival, the Heritage Festival, and Larry McKenna’s Summer Concert Series. Each of these festivals offers shows throughout the summer, many of which are “pay-what-you-want”. As a location on the National Register of Historic Places, the Tabernacle alone is a fascinating place to see, not to mention the talent that you’ll find on stage!
10. Visit the Creamery for Farm-Fresh Ice Cream
Patches Family Creamery is a family-owned and operated creamery that offers a rotating selection of ice cream made on their family farm! Watch as milk is processed in the creamery, enjoy your favorite ice cream flavor, visit the petting zoo, let the kids run on the playground, and shop for farm fresh butter, eggs, and flowers!
11. Go Fishing
Fishing opportunities are plentiful in the Lebanon Valley with streams, creeks, and lakes all around the county. Whether it’s fly-fishing for trout in the Quittapahilla Creek or fishing for trout, bass, and crappies at Stoever’s Dam, don’t miss your chance to enjoy the warm weather by the water this summer! For the best insider tips on fishing in the Lebanon Valley, check out our fishing blog!
12. Explore Local Parks
Enjoy free family fun at one of the many parks and playgrounds around the Lebanon Valley. Built in the fall of 2023, the Campbelltown Community Playground features a 65-foot zipline, swings for children of all ages, two climbing structures, an interactive music area, and more! On the other side of the county, Fairlane Avenue Park in Myerstown offers a large playground with multiple play structures, climbing towers, and swings, as well as pickleball courts, basketball courts, and a brand-new bocce ball court.
13. Take an Art Class
KRB Ceramics in Lebanon offers step-by-step clay making classes all year round, including the summer! Kids will love creating their own masterpieces at a summer camp, while adults can sign up for a number of classes to make their own creations!
14. Hike to Bordner’s Cabin
Swatara State Park offers 34 miles of exceptional trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. One such trail is the Bear Hole Trail, a 4.8 mile point-to-point trail featuring the Bordner Cabin and Aycrigg’s Waterfall at the halfway mark. Inspired by the architectural style of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Bordner Cabin was built by Armar Bordner using oak trees and stones found on site and is a true masterpiece to behold.
15. Go Antiquing
As a county that celebrated getting our first Target in 2022, we’re not exactly known as a shopping destination in the Valley. But when it comes to antique and artisan goods, we’ve got you covered! For vintage goods and collectibles, check out Schoolhouse Antiques in Palmyra. For specialty handmade works ranging from hooked wool ornaments to metalwork garden décor, head over to the Tweed Weasel Folk Art & Primitives in Schaefferstown. And for a true treasure trove of antique—well, anything—Black Swan Antiquities is the place to be!
16. Experience the Cherry Fair & Early American Craft Show
On June 28, head out to the Alexander Schaeffer Farm in Schaefferstown for the Cherry Fair & Early American Craft Show. Happening from 10am – 4pm, this annual tradition began back in the 1800’s and continues today with artisan demonstrations, live entertainment, tours of the homestead and garden, and of course some Pennsylvania German specialty foods and games!
17. Visit the Clarence Schock Environmental Center
If you’ve got curious young minds to entertain this summer, the Clarence Schock Environmental Center is a must-visit! Within the center, kids can observe bird nests and honeybee hives, create animal tracks with crayon rubbings, and play with nature-themed blocks and board games. While there, check out a free activity backpack and junior naturalist booklet for your kids to complete while they explore the forest around the environmental center.
18. Dine Outdoors
Al fresco dining is all around in the Lebanon Valley. Enjoy an ice cream sundae on the deck at the Jigger Shop in Mount Gretna. Sit down to a dish made with locally sourced, organic foods on the patio at Babe’s Grill House in Palmyra. Fuel up after a bike ride along the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail on the covered patio at Mick’s All-American Pub, located just minutes off the trail in Lebanon. Whatever you’re craving, enjoy it outside in the Valley at one of countless outdoor dining locations!
19. Catch a Live Show at the Gretna Playhouse
The Gretna Playhouse is a historic theatre that serves as the home of three arts organizations: Gretna Theatre, Gretna Music, and the Original Mount Gretna Cicada Music Festival. Each summer, the open-air playhouse comes alive with performances ranging from the Gretna Theatre Family Series to award-winning ensembles with Gretna Music to the Cicada’s Fest’s two night special with the Bronx Wanderers.
20. Learn & Explore at Middle Creek
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area offers miles of hiking trails and countless lookouts for birdwatching, but their Visitors Center is also an essential stop when visiting! As the only visitors center owned by the Game Commission, this site offers hands-on exhibits, Game Commission artifacts, a kids’ area, and a large indoor birdwatching area with plenty of binoculars. Outside the center, check out Middle Creek’s brand new viewing platform featuring color blindness-enhancing binoculars!
21. Experience the Lebanon Area Fair
What’s a summer without a trip to the fair? Running July 19 through July 26, the eight-day Lebanon Area Fair features tons of fair rides, a petting zoo, delicious fair foods (fried Lebanon Bologna sandwiches anyone?), live music, track events, and over 8,000 exhibits ranging from horses to hand-sewn quilts!
22. Attend the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show
As one of the top art shows in the country, the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show features over 200 juried artists, 10 “emerging artists”, a Kids’ Art Show, and the Mount Gretna International Film Festival, a film competition to honor and support both emerging and established filmmakers. While attending the Art Show enjoy a gourmet food court, wine and craft beer, and live music. This year’s Art Show will take place on Friday, Aug. 16 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
23. Hike/Bike/Stroll the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail
The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail offers 10 trailheads and over 20 miles of mixed-use greenway open to walkers, runners, bikers, class 1 e-bikes, and even horses in designated sections. Passing through farmlands, cityscapes, and forests, the trail offers plenty of shade, an even grade, and consistent maintenance.
24. Enter Our Photo Contest
If you’ve got great photos taken in Lebanon County, then you’ve got a chance to win a great prize! Enter your photos into our 2025 Photo Contest, running now through July 31, for a chance to win a $50 gift card to a local restaurant. This year’s photo categories are family fun, outdoor recreation, events, history, and miscellaneous. Enter as many photos as you’d like and you may be one of six winners!
25. Paddleboard at Memorial Lake State Park
Bring your own paddleboard or rent one at Memorial Lake State Park for a fun-filled afternoon on the water! Memorial Lake also offers rental kayaks, paddleboats, canoes, and rowboats through Cocoa Kayak.
Plan Your Summer Getaway to the Lebanon Valley!
Whether it’s a cabin getaway at Twin Grove Campground like the photo here or a weekend away at a bed & breakfast, enjoy all that the Valley has to offer with a trip this summer! Check out accommodations here!