Lebanon Lilly’s Top 20 Spots for Family Fun in the Lebanon Valley!
Things are finally warming up and the kids are ready to get out of the house and head back outside… but where to take them? Well, the Valley’s udderly adorable mascot, Lebanon Lilly, has got some suggestions for you! From parks and playgrounds to battlegrounds for friendly competition, this list has 20 of Lilly’s favorite spots in the Lebanon Valley for kid (and calf) approved fun!
1. Patches Family Creamery
If you’re looking for a place where the kids can feed farm animals, run off their energy on a playground, and enjoy homemade ice cream, you’re looking for Patches Family Creamery. Enjoy ice cream that is made from cow to cone all on one property, and let the kids watch as milk is processed in the processing plant windows while you wait in line for your ice cream. Plus, while the kids enjoy the outdoor fun, explore the retail store which offers milk, cheese, and butter made on-site, as well as farm-fresh eggs and a variety of other goods.
2. (New!) Campbelltown Community Playground
Check out the Valley’s newest playground located at the Campbelltown Community Park. Built in the fall of 2023, this playground features a 65-foot zipline, varied swings for children of all ages, two climbing structures, a “cozy cocoon” for children with noise sensitivities, multiple slides, and an interactive music area with a built-in xylophone. The playground is also handicapped-accessible and has an accessible swing. (Photo credit: SouthLondonderry.org)
3. Game Time Fun Center
And a fun center it is! Game Time Fun Center, located just across from the Lebanon Valley Mall, features not one but two mini-golf course, each with 18 holes in a pirate ship theme. The best part? Children under five golf free. Game Time also offers an arcade with a growing selection of games, as well a variety of hand-dipped Hershey’s Ice Cream flavors for celebrating a winning round (or soothing a losing one).
4. The Lazer Factory
Rainy days are no match for the Lazer Factory! Bring the whole family along for an afternoon of fun at this state-of-the-art lazer tag facility. Children ages 6 and up can let out their competitive energy with a thrilling game of lazer tag in the 6,000 square foot, multi-level arena. For children under 6 years of age, the Lazer Factory has a suitable indoor playground and bounce house. There is also an arcade, perfect for wasting some time while the kids enjoy a round of lazer tag entertaining the kids!
5. Flagship Cinemas
Another rainy day? Catch a movie at the Flagship Cinemas in Palmyra. Is it creative? Not really. Cliché? Probably. But there’s just something about going to the movies on a rainy day! And don’t forget to save your ticket stubs—they will get you a discount at the Dairy Queen right across from the theater! Plus, if you happen to go on a Tuesday, you’re in luck: tickets are just $7.50 every Tuesday! (Photo Credit: Flagship Cinemas Palmyra)
6. Mount Gretna Roller Rink
Take the kids back in time with a skate at the Mount Gretna Roller Rink. Built in the 1890’s, the roller rink features a varnished hardwood arena where you can soak up all the nostalgia while the kids roll off some energy! Plus, the rink hosts family nights on the first and third Thursday of every month with a $4 admission fee (not including skate rentals).
7. Governor Dick Tower
If you’ve got kiddos that love to climb and explore, they will love the challenge of climbing to the top of the Governor Dick Tower. First complete a short hike to the tower. Then, climb the alternating ladders inside the 66-foot tower. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a 360° view that allows you to see across five counties (and it makes for a pretty cool photo-op too).
8. Paramount Sports Complex
Paramount Sports Complex has all kinds of fun, all under one roof. From their Kidmazium, a giant play structure for children ages two through 12, to the Ninja Warrior course with open gym hours for children 12 and up, it’s a great place for kids who love to run, climb, explore, and perhaps, test the limits. Paramount also offers punch cards and family passes for the Kidmazium, should you plan on becoming a frequent flyer. (Photo credit: Paramount Sports Complex on Facebook)
9. Klick Lewis Arena
Even in the spring, ice skating is still a great option for family fun in the Lebanon Valley. At Klick Lewis Arena, the largest ice-skating facility in Central Pennsylvania, public skating is offered all year long with both evening and afternoon sessions. If you’ve got an older crowd, the evening sessions lit by colored disco lights might be of interest. If you’re bringing a younger crowd, or if you have kids that are new to skating, the afternoon sessions offer full lighting and a calmer experience. (Photo credit: Klick Lewis Arena on Facebook)
10. Coleman Memorial Park Bike Playground & Disc Golf
This historic community park has outdoor fun for all ages and is definitely worth an afternoon of exploring. One of our favorites is the bike playground, a unique dirt track where kids (and adults!) can learn various mountain biking tricks and skills. Coleman Memorial Park also just opened an 18-hole disc golf course. As a sport that requires more in terms of skill and technique rather than endurance/size/strength, disc golf is a great way to build confidence in children who might not enjoy the traditional sports offered at school. (Photo credits: Jason Gonzalez)
11. The Pretzel Hut
What’s better than a county with one ice cream shop where you can see farm animals? A county with two of them of course! At the Pretzel Hut in Newmanstown, you’ll find ice cream, classic diner foods, and a completely free petting zoo. And though the name is a tribute to the ice cream shop’s former life as a soft pretzel hotspot, the salty treats are still on the menu even today. (Photo credit: The Pretzel Hut on Facebook)
12. Palmyra Bowling
Prepare your kiddos to dominate at their next bowling alley birthday party with a trip to Palmyra Bowling! With 32 lanes, a game room, and specialty deal hours, this longtime community favorite is a great place for affordable family fun. After your game, be sure to grab a bite to eat at the attached Sinkhole Saloon & Grille which features four types of mac & cheese, hand-pattied burgers, and a kid’s menu. (Photo credit: Palmyra Bowling on Facebook)
13. Royal Oaks Farm
Starting this April, Royal Oaks Farm is offering pick-your-own tulips at their flower farm here in Lebanon. If you’ve never experienced flower picking at Royal Oaks, this is a must-do activity. Standing amongst the rows of flowers at this rural farm is truly magical and you get to bring it all home with your hand-picked bunch! There is also a playset for smaller children at the farm, though Royal Oaks is an place that is sure to be enjoyed by all ages. (Photo credits: Sarah Rose)
14. Cleona Community Park
The Cleona Community Park boasts an array of fun equipment and cool playground features. Check out the park’s unique hillside slide, a long green tube slide which shoots down the side of a hill, or the tall swirly slide with a very official slide length of three swirls. The park also features multiple play structures, swings, and a free nine-hole mini golf course, but take note, it’s BYOC: bring your own clubs. (Photo credit: Cleonaborough.org)
15. Self Selfie Museum
For kids that love to take a selfie (or two), a session at the Self Selfie Museum is the perfect activity. At this new attraction in the Lebanon Valley Mall, one admission ticket provides a participant with an hour to take as many photos as they would like in over 20 creatively designed booths. The Museum is also a great option for birthday parties and group photo shoots. (Photo credit: Self Selfie Museum on Facebook)
16. Dinosaur Rock
Got a dinosaur enthusiast in your household? Take them on an adventure to see Dinosaur Rock, a 200-million-year-old rock formation in the shape of a prehistoric creature. If your dinosaur enthusiast enjoys a long hike, the 6-mile out-and-back trail to Dinosaur Rock is a great option. If you aren’t interested in the long hike though, there is a second parking area just about a tenth of a mile from the rock. (Photo credits: Nikki Gray)
- Parking at Clarence Schock Environmental Center (for full trail) — 3283 Pinch Rd, Manheim, PA 17545
- Parking at Mount Wilson Road (for brief walk) — 40.235134, -76.508373
17. Fairlane Avenue Park
For our friends in and around the Myerstown area, Fairlane Avenue Park is a worthwhile visit with its large playground featuring multiple play structures. From climbing towers to swings to a spinning… thing (?), the playground is suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities. The park also has a ¾ mile walking trail, pavilion, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and a brand-new bocce ball court.
18. Stacey’s Place Playground in Mt. Gretna
If you’re looking for a place to show your kiddos what playgrounds were like “back in the day,” we recommend checking out Stacey’s Place in Mount Gretna. With a merry-go-round, jungle gym, bench swing, monkey bars, seesaws, and more, this playground has many of the features of yesteryear for children to enjoy today. Plus, a visit to Mount Gretna is a great excuse no matter the time of year! (Photo credit: pachautauqua.info)
19. Cornwall Iron Furnace
For another rainy-day option, take a tour of the country’s only fully intact charcoal-fueled blast furnace at the Cornwall Iron Furnace. A unique survivor from our state’s former life as a top iron producer, the Furnace offers a great way for children and adults alike to learn more about our county. After your tour, be sure to stop in at the museum store for unique gifts, books, and merchandise.
20. Isaac’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery
Isaac’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery is a great spot for lunch or dinner with the whole family. Their extensive kid’s menu features rainbow bread, dino nuggets, and mac and cheese (‘nuff said) and they even have outdoor seating with a built-in firepit. Located in North Cornwall Commons, Isaac’s has ample parking and a large dining area, just in case a few extra friends tag along. (Photo credit: Isaac’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery)
One Mooooore Thing…
Find even more to explore in the Lebanon Valley at the Visit Lebanon Valley Welcome Center! Snap a photo with our udderly adorable cow, Lebanon Lilly, and pick up a free Lebanon Lilly itinerary to take your own adventure just like the one in Lilly’s storybook, “The Adventures of Lebanon Lilly”. The book is also available for purchase at the Visitor’s Center for $10 cash, and all proceeds go to the Lebanon County Library System.