An Organized Family Travel Guide to Exploring “Kid-Friendly” Pennsylvania – 600 Fun Stops & Unique Spots
Your kids will love finding where to discover Oil and take a tram ride deep into Coal Mines…hike along tall trees, great lakes, waterfalls and grand canyons…tour fun Snack Food Factories…twist your own Pretzel…take a peak at Polar Bears and Groundhogs…travel around Train Curves and Inclines…or, “meet” Ben Franklin, Abraham Lincoln and even see some real Christopher Columbus stuff!
Each chapter is a day trip zone including points of interest, events and suggested lodging and dining options.
Save Time. New features include QUICK TOURS and web resources to quickly help you make the most of a short trip in each chapter. Searching countless hours on the internet? We give you fast travel facts, prices, and our kid-tested reviews for every listing. We did the work so you don’t have to.
Save Money. Once you purchase the book you’ll have access to a special page of online updates that keeps your book FRESH for years. Plus, we’ve found many places to visit for little or no charge.
The books are available at Bookstores and Online Retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Virginia is for love and February 14th is the perfect time to introduce a new edition of KIDS LOVE VIRGINIA, An Organized Family Travel Guide to Kid-Friendly Virginia! All the listings have been UPDATED, about a dozen places closed (mostly little museums that didn’t survive the pandemic shutdown), yet a handful of new places opened or added significant new attractions.
The print books are available at Bookstores and Online Retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. NOTE: Amazonoften runs sales on our best selling titles each season.Our travel guides are best suited to print books so you can easily mark and highlight places you want to visit next!
Museum visitors explore the personal Revolution stories of the diverse range of individuals who were part of establishing our nation. Here’s some highlights for kids:
Revolution THEATER EXPERIENCES:
Revolution brewing?
Families are swept up in the heart-pounding drama of the Revolution.
In a theater that recreates Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, visitors follow — from their own Windsor chair — as delegates to the Continental Congress passionately debate whether to declare American independence.
Another theater puts visitors on the front lines of the Battle of Brandywine, with a rumbling floor, smoke effects, and the smell of gunpowder.
Revolution INTERACTIVE PLAY:
Dress up. Kids can mix-and-match pieces of a soldier’s uniform.
Play games. Learn about how the common soldiers and their families lived and played to pass the time.
Assume George Washington’s role as President by sitting in a reproduction of the “Rising Sun” chair.
Be sure to climb aboard a privateer ship like the one on which 14-year-old James Forten volunteered.
Don’t forget to pick up a scavenger hunt at the front desk!
Play gamesScavenger HuntDress up
WASHINGTON’S WAR TENT
A dedicated theater houses one of the most iconic surviving artifacts of the Revolution: General Washington’s War Tent, which served as both his office and his sleeping quarters through much of the war. It was within this tent that key decisions were made that changed the course of history. The tent is presented as part of a multi-layered, mixed media presentation, followed by a dramatic reveal.
George Washington’s War Tent
My Take: There are plenty of battle scenes, some with lifelike soldiers, but the heart of the museum appealing to kids are stimulating shows and interactives. I thought it was clever how they recreate common colonial activities in Revolution Place so engaging even adults want to participate. Every space is full of storytelling. My absolute favorite space is Washington’s Tent – truly takes your breath away and think about all the intel and brilliant decisions shared under that tent!
LOCATION 101 South Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (Corner of Third and Chestnut Streets) MUSEUM HOURS Daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Museum is closed on Election Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. GENERAL ADMISSION Admission is $13-$21.00. All tickets are valid for two consecutive days. Tickets can be purchased at www.AmRevMuseum.org
Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History – Kennesaw, Georgia
The true story behind the old Disney movie, “The Great Locomotive Chase,” is what the Southern Museum is all about. The museum’s star attraction is The General, a steam locomotive nabbed by Yankee raiders in 1862 just 100 yards from where it stands today. The daring band of 22 planned to drive The General north to Chattanooga and destroy Confederate supply lines along the way. Rebels manned a locomotive of their own and chased The General, full throttle, for 100 miles until the raiders were forced to abandon ship. Most were captured.
But the Museum doesn’t end there. Peek into Glover Machine Works: An interactive presentation detailing the train building process, from metallurgy and patterns to casting and construction helps visitors experience life as a factory worker. Kids can etch a pattern on paper and touch wooden molds. Their giant displays of how to build train parts engage kids, too.
Molds and Casting
Rubbing
The Education Center is a highlight! Child play interactives include tapping out Morse Code; driving a simulated train; a giant toy engine; and multiple train tables.
My take: The best part of this Smithsonian Affiliate museum is the layout. The education center is in the middle, at just the right point where kids get antsy. The interactives are easy to understand and it’s roomy. Also, most museums show the introduction video at the beginning, before you tour. The Southern Museum chose to have showings near the end, for impact. After you leave the theater, you pass a “depot” and go under “Tunnel Hill” to have your eyes wide open to the General, larger than life! The gift shop is right after that display and it’s big and wondrous! You will be tempted…
SOUTHERN MUSEUM OF CIVIL WAR AND LOCOMOTIVE HISTORY Kennesaw – 2829 Cherokee Street NW (I-75 exit 273 west) 30144. Phone: (770) 427-2117. www.southernmuseum.org. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9:30am-5:00pm. Closed New Years, Thanksgiving and Christmas time. Admission: $10.00 adult, $8.00 senior (65+), $5.00 active military/students w/ID, child (3-17). FREEBIES: ask for scavenger hunt.
Some of the best things do in the Philadelphia region are free, or close to it. The city’s many low-cost or no-cost attractions include historic Independence Hall, student recitals at the esteemed Curtis Institute of Music, monthly Sunday mornings at the Barnes Foundation and a $5 dinner-and-a-show series at FringeArts. Here’s a list of great Philly experiences for visitors on a budget. https://www.visitphilly.com/media-center/press-releases/affordable-free-attractions-in-philly/
America’s oldest—and possibly most charming—continuously inhabited street, is perfect for tiptoeing along the cobblestones and exploring its quaint museum. Weekend tours of Elfreth’s Alley (above) are available Friday through Sunday. Credit: photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
COME TO booth #1621 – KIDS LOVE TRAVEL at the Midwest Homeschool Convention and check out our books and show specials. (http://midwesthomeschoolconvention.com ).
ONE of the authors will be there so think of a QUESTION or two to get a JUMPSTART on your next trip!
AND, take a fun break and listen in on one of our convention workshops:
Kids Love Travel – Let’s Plan an Affordable Family Day Trip!
Family Field Trips with kids can be a delight or a disaster. Two things that make a homeschool trip great: low-cost and educational fun.
INSIDE SCOOPS. What are some secrets to get the most value for your money. Where to sit to get best value? what to bring? why to get there early? Examples: on Tours-why standing in the first two rows is beneficial. What about having a picnic at a castle? Why go early to outdoor dramas?
EDUCATORS? There’s suggestions for finding FREE lesson plans embedded in many listings as helpful notes for educators.
Marriage of guidebook and the Internet.
Guidebook= organic – highlight it, dog ear pages, write notes, already organized and filtered for kids, unbiased (no fee), and accessible without a wireless connection. Internet= the newest discounts, web updates, extra insights can be found at the links provided on every page.
KIDS LOVE TRAVEL GUIDES can save you $$ in just 20 minutes reading just one chapter in one book! We can save you dozens of hours on the internet, too.
Gettysburg – the only major battle fought on Union soil – is most remembered as being the turning point of the American Civil War. Two years into the war, thousands of soldiers lost their lives in Gettysburg, which ultimately led President Abraham Lincoln to stand on its hallowed ground and deliver what would later be known as the Gettysburg Address, one of the most remembered speeches in world history.
“The 150th anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on this nation’s past – particularly this seminal event that shaped who America is today,” said J. David Petruzzi, a renowned historian and author of the Civil War. “We have the opportunity to look back to learn from the past, celebrate the dedication of all those who served, and be thankful that America is a united country.”
Gettysburg’s April kick-off is part of a four-week series of events held in Pennsylvania that outline Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s invasion of northern territory.
The event in Gettysburg will include a march by Union and Confederate troops into Gettysburg, living history encampments at historic locations throughout the town of Gettysburg, re-enacted skirmishes, and capped off with 150 cannon shots along with the playing of “Taps.”
“This kick-off is just the beginning,” said Flowers. “Over the next five years, we expect many more events, special observances, expanded programs and tours, and large battle re-enactments – a commemoration few will forget.”
For a list of events planned for Gettysburg’s 150th anniversary commemoration, call (800) 337-5015 or visit www.gettysburgcivilwar150.com.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is located on the East Coast of the United States, about two hours from both Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, and four hours from New York City.
As always, we think strong historical towns are best to visit during events like this.
And, if your kids might be overwhelmed by too much history, try an apple farm, a mini-horse farm or a snack food factory tour or two nearby. Need details?
(this post was taken from excerpts of KIDS LOVE PENNSYLVANIAavailable in retail and online stores NOW!)
For those who lived in Gettysburg in July 1863, the battle was a frightening experience. Take a downtown tour and learn the stories of the families who lived through one of the most horrific times in American history. Visit the Shriver House, the Train Depot, the David Wills House and dine in the Dobbin House for lunch.
Stops to Tour:
SHRIVER HOUSE:
A story of one family whose plans for a saloon and ten-pin bowling alley along Baltimore Street were dashed by the fierce three-day battle. This may well be the tour with the most wonderful storytelling, suspenseful guides in town! Your daughters will wonder what happens to the two girls and your sons will love sneaking up into the attic noticing the debris left behind by Confederate soldiers who overtook the home’s top floor as a sharpshooters’ nest. CSI fans will want to hear every detail of the blood stains and the numerous artifacts discovered behind old walls removed during the restoration of the Shriver’s home (including Civil War medical supplies, LIVE bullets). Admission. 309 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325. www.shriverhouse.org
Schriver House Museum: This museum is ranked as the #2 attraction in Gettysburg and I know why. This was my personal favorite and I know my kids would love to see how a family lived in 1863! Every room is decorated down to the last detail. The kids room depicted NECCO WAFER candies on the desk that were made in 1863 and still around today (connection of past and present). You can even buy the candy and other memorabilia in the gift shop on site. -Lisa W
In between, take a break for lunch at the DOBBIN HOUSE TAVERN.
The Springhouse Tavern (downstairs) offers Lite Cuisine for Casual Dining. A most unique eating tavern amidst three natural springs and two glowing fireplaces. This cozy space features homemade food and refreshing spirits served by wait staff in colonial attire. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Children’s Menu and more moderate pricing at lunchtime. Sampling of Menu: Porridge of the Day, Springhouse Salad, Club and Foccacia sandwiches and some hot meat, fish and chicken specialties. Ask for Adams County Apple Pie or Warm Colonial Gingerbread for dessert. Once you place your order, take a mini-tour of the dining rooms on the first two floors. Can you determine which dining room is the Library, Parlour, Study, Spinning Room or even Bedroom (wherein one can actually dine in a Bed!)? www.dobbinhouse.com.
YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED ON THE BATTLEFIELD…DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE FAMILIES LIVING IN TOWN? Go and find out. (Disclosure: my recent press tour of Gettysburg and Adams County was arranged by: www.gettysburg.travel, however no promises were made as to content of post and book writings)
Do you like exploring countryside hidden gems near large cities?
Well, that’s what KIDS LOVE TRAVEL is all about – hundreds of fun stops and unique spots around your favorite state.
Meandering some to Explore more…
(this post was taken from excerpts of KIDS LOVE PENNSYLVANIA available in retail and online stores NOW!)
For those who lived in Gettysburg in July 1863, the battle was a frightening experience. Take a downtown tour and learn the stories of the families who lived through one of the most horrific times in American history. Visit the Shriver House, the Train Depot, the David Wills House and dine in the Dobbin House for lunch.
The Battle of Gettysburg wasn’t all about blackpowder and wool uniforms. The human face of this trying time is told through a guided or self-guided (recommended for families) civilian story tour. Learn about the town’s anxiety, struggle and heroism as the mere 2,400 residents were suddenly confronted with 170,000 soldiers…often sneaking in through back alleys and hiding in attics! Hear stories of homes confiscated, families hiding in their basements and the massive cleanup effort that followed this famous battle. At the beginning of the confrontation, kids often thought it fun to watch until a bullet whissed by their window or a headless soldier on horseback flew by.
Stops to Tour:
Begin your tour at the GETTYSBURG LINCOLN RAILROAD STATION (Carlisle Street) where President Lincoln arrived on November 18, 1863 for the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetary. From here, Lincoln walked up the street a little ways to the Town Square (now called Lincoln Square). At the time of his arrival, the station was still being cleaned up after doubling as a makeshift hospital after the battle. As Lincoln arrived, coffin boxes were still being prepared to transport bodies to their loved ones miles away. The Station is run by the NPS and carries no admission. Donations appreciated.
Next, tour the new DAVID WILLS HOUSE (pg 148, KLP), where the president put the finishing touches on the Gettysburg Address. At the invitation of David Wills, President Abraham Lincoln comes to Gettysburg to “deliver a few appropriate remards” for the dedication of the new cemetary. The museum tour is self-guided and takes approximately one hour. The museum includes five galleries, 2 recreated rooms (Mr. Wills law office and the bedroom Lincoln used overnight) and two films. Admission. www.davidwillshouse.org. It is especially touching to see some of the original artifacts in that guest bedroom overlooking the town square. Once you leave this building, pop a picture with the Lincoln statue as he points the way to the cemetery. You can follow in Lincoln’s footsteps as he paraded from the town square to the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where he so eloquently delivered his immortal speech. (walking distance is 3/4 miles) This address, while only two minutes in length, is a legacy speech about renewed hope for the townspeople suffering great inconvenience and still people today.
YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED ON THE BATTLEFIELD…DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE FAMILIES LIVING IN TOWN? Go and find out. (Disclosure: my recent press tour of Gettysburg and Adams County was arranged by: www.gettysburg.travel, however no promises were made as to content of post and book writings)
Do you like exploring countryside hidden gems near large cities? Well, that’s what KIDS LOVE TRAVEL is all about – hundreds of fun stops and unique spots around your favorite state.
Meandering some to Explore more…
(this post was taken from excerpts of KIDS LOVE PENNSYLVANIA available in retail and online stores NOW!)
One Travel Family has Learned How to “Sneak” History into Fun Family Trips
Let’s Learn How They Do It. -from the notes of Michele Zavatsky, the Family Travel Mom
Why try to weave history museums into your travels? Because easily one-third of all the attractions out there are historical, it’s hard to avoid them. And, educators would tell you kids do much better on History test questions and biographical reports if they’ve actually toured the famous person’s home or visited a historic village.
So, why not plan some day trips around historic attractions. But, how do you sneak history into your day trips and vacations without the family declaring mutiny? Let’s take a journey with my travel family and see what I use to unlock the amusing, adventuresome side of history…
1. Big Anniversaries. No, not your romantic wedding anniversary coming up – instead, major historic anniversaries. America’s 400th Anniversary started in Jamestown in 2007; Annapolis is the big 300 in 2008; Fredericksburg celebrated their 400th that same year – plus anniversary of the landing of Captain John Smith to the Falmouth shoreline each August; and yearly celebrations of the late summer harvest of Peaches along the historic Blue Ridge Mountains are a sweet ending to Summer Break. During these major anniversary events, historical sites “beef up” their exhibits. How? They add more guides in character, create new animatronics, and increase their colorful immersion spaces (kind of Disney does History). What kid can resist all the stimulation! Before you leave the celebration, why not purchase a souvenir tri-corner hat or old-fashioned toy to remember the occasion.
2. Holidays. You know how your kids get off more weekday holidays than you know what to do with? Why not try sampling birthday cakes of Presidents, or collect Easter eggs on the White House lawn. Share July 4th fireworks in a quaint historic town or have punch and cookies with Santa in a Victorian home. Invite the grandparents along as your personal “guides” as they love to tell stories of the “good ole days” too. My kids tell me most historical homes smell old and musty. But, put costumed funny actors and treats in front of them and they’re fine.
3. Living History Re-enactments and Outdoor Dramas. Go behind the scenes of a pioneer camp or an Indian Pow Wow or behind enemy lines of a Civil War camp. Famous battlefields and old forts may look dull and ugly on a normal day, but add re-enactors in period attire and you’ve got the kids’ attention. Period, costumed townsfolk and soldiers “set up shop” amongst Native American Indian camps. See fur trading posts, kids infantry, barbershop medicine, and old-fashioned games. Areas of woodcarving, blacksmiths and spinning and weaving surround demonstrations of muzzle loading, shooting and tomahawk throwing. Many of these festivals are held late summer, early fall during the Apple harvest or a big event like the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival. Maybe explore more of what your town has to offer like they do each year at the Hampton Bay Days. Often, the gift shop on site sells wonderful little toy soldiers or play figures that kids can purchase and use to re-enact again at home. Open hearth cooking with period foods are for sale, too. Can’t you just smell the kettle corn, apple cider, barbeque and bean stew?
4. NO Museums – at least don’t tell them you’re going to a Museum! Which do you think your kids will respond to better – a place where the kids actually become soldiers (ex. Pamplin Park) or a history museum? The interactive play place, right? Another trick, plan an hour or two, not an afternoon. Begin your tour with a brief look at the orientation film, then lead the kids through a scavenger hunt and reward them with a prize afterwards. (note: many museums now offer hunts you can ask for at the ticket counter and the gift shop often provides small prizes upon completion)
5. Want action? Trolley or trot pastfamous homes versus stopping to go inside. Take a boat tour along the water’s edge as the captain briefly describes the scenes around – just the basics, forget the boring stuff. Weekend boat tour rides are fun with grandpa along and there’s usually a good ice cream shop or quaint seafood restaurant at the turn around stop.
Again, the best way to entice your family to come along on historical journeys is to sneak some history in. So many excellent historical parks are just minutes from lakes, beaches and amusements to even out your trip. Your kids will be having so much hands-on fun and meeting such interesting characters…they won’t even know it’s a history lesson. Sneaky, yes, but for the right reasons!
@2010-Michele Zavatsky
Want more ideas about how to plan your next family trip – maybe with one history stop weaved in? You can find more than 600 places and events included in KIDS LOVE VIRGINIA – A Family Travel Guide to Exploring “Kid-Tested” Places in Virginia … Year Round! Michele Zavatsky and her family did the work so you don’t have to. To find out more, visit www.KidsLoveTravel.com.
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