In Pennsylvania, history, culture, and everyday adventure seamlessly combine. There will always be something going on throughout the state—whether during the day, at night, or on a weekend—regardless of the time of the year. Whether you are going to take a weekend trip, have a family holiday, or take time to see what’s available, exploring the wide variety of activities in Pennsylvania won’t feel like you’re just checking off boxes; rather, it’s more like fully immersing yourself in the rich culture, community, and diversity of the state.
Why Pennsylvania Is a Must-Visit (and Live-In) State
Pennsylvania is an ideal state to raise children, where parents can benefit from the quality of life and the rich opportunities to make lasting memories. In Pennsylvania, parents can explore the art and culture of Philadelphia’s world-class museums one weekend, enjoy a community festival in a small town the next, or take their children to one of over 120 state parks for a hike the next day. This combination of education, recreation, and community makes Pennsylvania a perfect place for families.
Pennsylvania is unique in that it has a solid foundation for raising children. Pennsylvania has many tightly knit communities, safe suburban neighborhoods, and a large number of school districts known for excellence, including many of the best elementary schools in Pennsylvania. Many of these schools provide opportunities for children to develop confidence at an early age through the development of early literacy and mathematics readiness as well as hands-on experiences.
Families are drawn to Pennsylvania for several important reasons:
- Deep ties to American history transform ordinary outings into educational opportunities
- Family festivals, fairs, and local events that happen all year long and bring people together
- Simple access to outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and nature programs made just for kids
- School systems that have been around for a long time and parents who are supportive
Because of this balance, many families who come to Pennsylvania for vacations or events end up seeing it as a long-term home. It’s a place where children can grow up surrounded by opportunity, learning, and a strong sense of community—while parents enjoy a lifestyle that blends culture, nature, and educational value.
Top Things to Do in Pennsylvania for Visitors
Travelers of all ages can find a lot to do in Pennsylvania. The state makes it easy to combine fun, learning, and relaxation, whether you’re going for a weekend or a longer family trip.
Nature and Parks
Pennsylvania has more than 120 state parks, as well as national and scenic areas with mountains, forests, rivers, and waterfalls. Families can enjoy picnics, embark on easy hikes, observe wildlife, and participate in seasonal programs guided by park educators. The Pocono Mountains, Presque Isle State Park, and Pine Creek Gorge, which is often called the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania,” are all popular places to visit.
Fun things to do outside
Outdoor activities are popular in Pennsylvania for active people. On rail trails, people can go biking; on calm rivers, they can go kayaking; in winter resorts, they can go skiing; and in family-friendly campgrounds, they can go camping. Many places have options for beginners, so kids and novices can do these activities.
Culture and the Arts
The arts and culture scene in Pennsylvania is lively and varied. There is something for everyone, from interactive science centers and children’s museums to theaters, art galleries, and places to hear live music. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have cultural events all year long, while smaller towns have art fairs and community performances.
Sites of History and Heritage
Pennsylvania is one of the few states that really brings history to life. Families can visit preserved battlefields like Gettysburg, walk through historic sites like Independence Hall, or go to living history museums. These places provide fascinating and educational experiences that help both kids and adults connect with America’s past in a meaningful way.
Upcoming events in Pennsylvania
1. Peter Paone: Not So Still Life
October 11, 2025–March 15, 2026
The show highlights Peter Paone’s extensive and creative professional life; with over 70 years of experience, he has worked in numerous areas of art, including painting, printmaking, and drawing. Paone grew up in South Philadelphia and studied at the Barnes Foundation. He graduated with a degree in art education from the University of the Arts (formerly known as the Philadelphia College of Art). Throughout his career, Paone has taught at numerous prestigious institutions, including the Pratt Institute and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, where he established and directed the Printmaking Department. Through this exhibit, visitors can explore the history and changes in his work over time.
2. Branching Out: Moravian Museum Admission & Historic Site Tour
September 11, 2025– January 31, 2026
This experience includes a visit to the Moravian Museum and a guided tour of nearby historic sites. During museum hours, tours are offered twice a day, at 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM.
The tour gives a good overview of the early history of Bethlehem and talks about how the Moravians changed education, healthcare, and community outreach, including their work with Native Americans. You’ll also see the Single Sisters’ House, which is part of the Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem World Heritage Site. This is in addition to the 1741 Gemeinhaus, which is the oldest building in the city. The tour also includes stops at the 1752 Apothecary, which used to be the oldest pharmacy in the United States that was still open for business, and the Nain-Schober House, which is the only 18th-century building in Eastern Pennsylvania that was built and lived in by Indigenous Peoples.
3. Christmas Memories – 35th Annual Holiday Musical
December 14, 2025 – December 21, 2025
In 1955, you could be part of a live audience for a Christmas television event that was broadcast live on Christmas Eve. This musical production brings back the best characteristics of the classic Christmas television programs, including celebrity-style performances, light comedic sketches, and nostalgic links to the past.
You will find the performances will include Christmas-themed humor, vintage commercials, and “real” letters from kids to Santa. Throughout the night, everyone will enjoy a traditional holiday-friendly menu, including wedding soup, stuffed chicken breast, holiday ham, au gratin potatoes, green beans, and caramel apple dessert. Conclusively, everyone will finish with the song “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” capturing the true essence of the Christmas holiday.
4. The Rise & Fall of Bethlehem Steel: Walking Tour
Bethlehem Steel, one of America’s major manufacturing corporations, is the focus of this informative guided walking tour. The tour will provide you with information about Bethlehem Steel’s role in constructing such famous structures as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Hoover Dam, and the Empire State Building, as well as its contribution of steel used to manufacture ships and military equipment during World War II.
At the height of its production, Bethlehem Steel had approximately 30,000 employees and produced steel at all hours of the day. The guided tour will give visitors a chronological overview of the rise of the Bethlehem Steel facility, its effects on the Bethlehem community, and its eventual demise.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is widely regarded as a family-friendly state. Beyond attractions and events, it offers environments where children can learn, play, and grow.
- Science centers and children’s museums
- Museums and Educational Attractions
- Interactive history museums
- Zoos and aquariums
These attractions align well with school learning, which is why families value both recreation and education here.
Seasonal Highlights Across Pennsylvania
There are always fun things to do, regardless of what time of year it is:
- Spring: Flower festivals, fairs in the open air, and events for the school community
- In the summer, there are concerts, carnivals, and family festivals.
- In the fall, there are harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, and tours of the leaves.
- Winter: Christmas markets, light shows, and sports in the winter
A lot of these events are planned with the help of local schools and communities, which shows how important strong elementary schools are in Pennsylvania.
Conclusion
There are many things to do in Pennsylvania, like visiting historic sites, going on outdoor adventures, going to lively festivals, and living in strong communities. The best thing about the state is how well it combines living and learning. Pennsylvania is still a popular place for families looking for both wonderful memories and a bright future for their kids because it has so many highly rated elementary schools, some of which are the best in the state.
If you’re planning your next trip or looking for a new place to live, Pennsylvania has the perfect mix of fun, culture, and learning.
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