Families looking for short, practical trips don’t need to leave Pennsylvania to find variety. The state’s towns range from lakefront communities and college hubs to mountain villages and colonial squares. Each offers its own set of parks, museums, and local restaurants without the rush of major cities. Many are within a few hours’ drive of one another, making weekend travel easy to plan. Whether the goal is outdoor activity, historic learning, or relaxed sightseeing, these towns show how Pennsylvania continues to support family travel that feels manageable, personal, and memorable.
1. Jim Thorpe: The “Switzerland of America”
Set within the Lehigh Gorge, Jim Thorpe captures the look of a mountain village with its narrow streets and Victorian architecture. Families ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, visit the Old Jail Museum, or walk through Asa Packer Mansion to learn how coal shaped the town’s rise. Nearby trails support hiking and biking, and outfitters rent kayaks for short river trips. Handmade craft stores and bakeries line Broadway Street, keeping the town lively through every season. Its small size, organized parking, and clear visitor maps make Jim Thorpe one of Pennsylvania’s easiest mountain towns to enjoy.
2. New Hope: Art, History, and Riverside Charm
For families who enjoy creative towns, New Hope pairs art culture with scenic river walks along the Delaware. The Bucks County Children’s Museum, antique markets, and vintage train rides appeal to all ages. Independent galleries and small theaters present year-round shows, while cafés provide riverfront seating ideal for weekend meals. Across the bridge, Lambertville in New Jersey adds more shops and walking routes. With frequent festivals, clear wayfinding signs, and family-friendly lodgings, New Hope gives visitors an easy mix of culture, short excursions, and calm evenings by the water.
3. Gettysburg: Where History Comes Alive
Few towns teach American history as clearly as Gettysburg. Families can join guided tours through the battlefield, view artifacts at the National Military Park Museum, and ride a horse-drawn carriage through streets that still follow 19th-century layouts. Re-enactments and interactive exhibits make the lessons memorable for children. The downtown district offers family-run restaurants, candy shops, and restored inns within walking distance of major sites. Visitor centers simplify planning with maps, shuttle passes, and seasonal schedules. Gettysburg keeps learning active, making history part of an engaging family trip rather than a classroom lecture.
4. Lititz: America’s Coolest Small Town
Lititz offers a calm rhythm that suits families looking for genuine small-town life. Its tree-lined park, preserved Moravian architecture, and tidy streets invite relaxed exploration. The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery introduces visitors to traditional baking, while Wilbur Chocolate Store remains a favorite stop for souvenirs. Seasonal events such as the Fire and Ice Festival and summer craft fairs encourage community participation. Parents appreciate how everything stays walkable, with safe crossings and clear signage. Lititz shows how a small town can feel both historic and current without turning into a theme park.
5. Bedford: Gateway to Mountain Adventures
Families who love outdoor trips find Bedford perfectly located between the Allegheny ridges. The downtown square contains antique stores, local cafés, and the restored Bedford Springs Resort that dates to the 1800s. Shawnee State Park, just minutes away, provides hiking paths, fishing spots, and picnic areas. A driving loop of covered bridges offers photo stops that combine scenery with local history. At Old Bedford Village, interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts and blacksmith work in open-air settings. The town’s measured pace and mountain views give families room to relax without losing access to attractions or modern comforts.
6. Wellsboro: Grand Canyon Country
Family trips that combine small-town calm with outdoor scenery fit perfectly in Wellsboro. Located near Pine Creek Gorge, this quiet town keeps a traditional main street with working gas lamps and locally owned diners. The Pine Creek Rail Trail follows the canyon for more than 60 miles, offering an easy route for biking or walking. Scenic lookouts like Colton Point and Leonard Harrison State Parks are only minutes away. During December, the Dickens of a Christmas festival fills the sidewalks with carolers and crafts. Wellsboro gives families a place to slow down while still staying active in Pennsylvania’s northern hills.
7. Stroudsburg: Poconos Paradise
Weekend getaways built around outdoor recreation and small-town convenience often start in Stroudsburg. The town provides quick access to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, known for its waterfalls and easy forest trails. Downtown features art galleries, cafés, and the Sherman Theater for evening shows. Local shops stay open year-round, giving visitors options in every season. Families can reach nearby Camelback Resort in less than 30 minutes for skiing or water-park fun. Stroudsburg keeps its appeal steady by balancing adventure with comfort, allowing visitors to plan trips without complicated logistics.
8. Media: Everybody’s Hometown
Community life remains the focus in Media, where festivals, parades, and concerts run through nearly every season. The compact downtown sits along State Street with bookstores, family cafés, and local boutiques. A working trolley line adds character while connecting the town’s main spots. Families visit nearby Tyler Arboretum or Ridley Creek State Park for open-air walks, then return for outdoor dining in the evening. Parking, safety, and accessibility are handled well, making day trips easy to manage. Media demonstrates how a town close to a major city can keep a small-scale, welcoming feel for visiting families.
9. Doylestown: Arts, Culture, and Family Fun
Family travelers interested in art and learning find Doylestown rewarding. The Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle present inventive architecture and hands-on exhibits that keep children engaged. The downtown area supports weekend markets, local galleries, and casual restaurants. Families often spend afternoons at Kids’ Castle Playground before visiting nearby community parks. Year-round programs at the Michener Art Museum make return trips worthwhile. Everything sits within easy walking distance, and parking garages keep traffic low in the core. Doylestown turns education into an enjoyable sightseeing rather than structured tours.
10. Hershey: The Sweetest Place on Earth
Family vacations that mix entertainment and simple planning rarely miss Hershey. The town centers on Hersheypark, which includes roller coasters, a water park, and a small zoo in one area. Hershey’s Chocolate World introduces guests to the candy-making process through short tours and tasting stations. Away from the park, families can visit Hershey Gardens, The Hershey Story Museum, and nearby walking paths. Lodging covers all budgets, and shuttle routes make it easy to get around without driving. The result is a destination that keeps its theme consistent while staying practical for parents traveling with children.
11. Lancaster: Amish Country Experience
Family travel centered on culture and open scenery fits naturally in Lancaster. The area is known for its Amish farms, horse-drawn buggies, and markets selling local produce and crafts. Families can tour the countryside, stop at small bakeries, or visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania to see historic locomotives. The city’s downtown adds variety with restaurants, art galleries, and the Central Market, one of the oldest in the country. Local theaters such as Sight & Sound bring Bible stories to life on stage. Lancaster balances rural charm with modern comfort, giving families both activity and quiet time in one trip.
12. Bethlehem: Christmas City USA
Seasonal charm defines Bethlehem, where festivals and family traditions fill the calendar. The town gained its nickname, Christmas City USA, for holiday markets and light displays that draw visitors each winter. Beyond December, families can visit SteelStacks for concerts and outdoor events or learn about the town’s industrial past at the National Museum of Industrial History. Kids enjoy the miniature train exhibits and local ice cream parlors near Main Street. Walkable streets and safe crossings make it easy to explore on foot. Bethlehem offers a balance of history, entertainment, and family accessibility all year long.
13. Erie: Lakeside Adventures
Vacations centered around water recreation find a natural base in Erie. The city’s shoreline on Lake Erie includes Presque Isle State Park, where families swim, bike, or rent kayaks along calm bays. The Erie Maritime Museum adds an educational stop, featuring exhibits on Great Lakes sailing and naval history. Downtown, local restaurants serve fresh fish and ice cream spots line the marina. Sunset cruises and boat tours operate during summer, while indoor attractions like the expERIEnce Children’s Museum fill colder months. Erie combines the appeal of a small coastal city with a clear focus on family activities and comfort.
14. Hanover: Small Town, Big Heart
Trips designed around community events and simple pleasures work well in Hanover. The town is recognized for its snack-food factories, including tours at Utz and Snyder’s that let visitors see production in motion. A compact downtown hosts summer festivals, live music, and independent shops selling handmade goods. Nearby Codorus State Park adds outdoor balance with boating, hiking, and fishing. Families appreciate the short drives between attractions and the friendly service found in local diners. Hanover’s combination of working industry and welcoming community gives it a steady appeal that suits family travel across generations.
