Cool/fun places for a rest stop when driving with kids from upstate NY to DC?

June 23, 2009 10:31 AM

If we are driving with kids (9 and 5) from upstate NY (Rochester) to DC, where can we stop in PA off of route 15 for a picnic, run-around and see-something-cool-or-weird break?

We're taking route 15 down through Williamsburg, Harrisburg, and York, PA. (Unless someone chimes in to tell me that's a crazy route that only google maps would suggest...)

Ideally I am hoping for tips on an awesome playground or cool state park that is right off the highway somewhere along that route, so we can stop and eat and let the kids run around a bit as a break.

Funky road food tips and other roadside POIs are welcomed.

posted by chr1sb0y to travel & transportation (8 comments total)

South of Williamsport (not Williamsburg) on Rt. 15 is Clyde Peeling's Reptiland.

The Little League Museum is on Rt. 15 in South Williamsport.
posted by maurice at 11:09 AM on June 23

I asked a friend who is from Harrisburg a similar question, but it was in January, so she focused on indoor places. It looks like Rte 15 goes right through downtown Harrisburg, where all these places are. I thought I'd post her suggestions, in case it's raining. (If it's nice out, and your kids are like my kids, a playground/park would be better. She suggested the Lower Allen Township park for that, but we were on the turnpike, and it looks like it would be a little out of your way.)

There are two places downtown that have fancy play areas for kids- the State Museum of PA and the WHitaker center for science and the arts. The state museum is free and has some nice art and wildlife to see (for being free) and then there is a special arts room hidden downstairs that has arts and crafts and educational toys. Then they just added the fancy themed play ground/area for kids to run around in. That is an extra couple bucks though. The Whitaker center has a similar fancy play area and museum, but all at cost. Then there is Hershey's CHocolate WOrld, which sometimes has traveling play sections, but has the free ride and lots of crazy things to see. If you want something free and entertaining for all of you I might try the State museum. THe whitaker center is nicer, but costs more.

posted by palliser at 11:21 AM on June 23

Also, DON'T ASK ME WHY I KNOW THIS, but I think that's Jon & Kate territory. You might see if any of their episodes have highlighted any awesome outdoor play spaces.
posted by palliser at 11:24 AM on June 23

Working my way north to south:
Feed your kids a garbage plate each before you get in the car. That'll keep them full and quiet for a while :)

Just south of NY/PA border, you could get off by Lawrenceville for Cowanesque Lake or the Tioga-Hammond Lakes.

Country Cupboard in Lewisburg is what Cracker Barrel is trying to be. I haven't been there in a while, but I recall pies upon pies...

You could check out The Red Rabbit Drive-In (food, not movies) near Duncannon PA (reviewed on RoadFood.com) if kids are hungry for burgers/etc.

Not a crazy route. I know it quite well, being from Rochester (hi neighbor!) but having driven to Baltimore numerous times. If the kids are napping, you can play "count the adult bookstores". Also, there are a number of places to shop for antiques. Keep your eye out for the Statue of Liberty in the river, somewhere near Harrisburg...
posted by knile at 11:46 AM on June 23

15 runs right by Gettsysburg - I'm sure there are places to picnic in the Battlefield park.
posted by COD at 12:19 PM on June 23

Palliser, your friend's Harrisburg recommendations are pretty good, except Hershey is actually about 15 miles to the east of Rt. 15. For a quick, fun stop, I'd also suggest City Island, located in the river off the Harrisburg waterfront. Carousel, miniature railroad rides, putt-putt golf, junk food stands, picnic areas.

The Gettysburg Battlefield is located about a mile off Rt. 15 (tho but by the time you reach it, you'll only be about 1 1/2 hours from DC). As my school chums can attest, the combination of open fields and touchable monuments make Gettysburg the perfect place for kids to blow off some steam. The town square is cute, and has a bunch of touristy stores and ice cream shops.

Rt. 15 between Gettysburg and Frederick, Md., is beautiful country. There's also a few roadside fruit stands. And then you hit the chaos of 270 and the DC Beltway.
posted by hhc5 at 12:25 PM on June 23

I'd also suggest City Island, located in the river off the Harrisburg waterfront. Carousel, miniature railroad rides, putt-putt golf, junk food stands, picnic areas.

Just check on the seasonality of these attractions. We stopped there once a couple of years ago, in the summer (we were doing the Pittsburgh-to-Philly trip), and everything was closed. It was actually pretty depressing, like an abandoned amusement park, and our child was reduced to disappointed tears a couple of times ("oh, look, sweetie, there's a miniature railroad" *we approach* "ohhhh, looks like it's closed -- well, um, I think I see a carousel!" etc.).
posted by palliser at 12:45 PM on June 23

For a quick bathroom break w/ a great view there's the PA Visitors Center near Mansfield. Big new building with views a valley and river.

People also swear by the Fry Brothers Turkey Ranch restaurant in Trout run. Just a cheesy diner if you ask me.

Williamsport has a Wegmans right off 15 in case you need to pick up more snacks or odds-and-ends. At the top of the hill outside of Williamsport there is a scenic pull-over where you can look over the valley and look for hawks and such.

There's a Rita's Italian ice around Bucknell in Lewisburg and the Bechtels Frosty Cow Ice Cream that always has people lined up in the summer.

Outside Harrisburg there is a neat garden shop that sells every kind of crazy lawn ornament you could ever imagine. Fun to poke around their year and stretch your legs.

York County and York PA are called the "Factory Tour Capital of the World" with everything from candy, pretzels, chips, and Harley Davidsons.

My kids 5 & 11 all love the "Baltimore Aquarium. It is at least a half-day excursion and good for a rainy day.

Other indoor stuff - I'd also recommend the Whitaker Center/Science Museum in Harrisburg. There is also a snazzy McDonald's with an indoor PlayLand in Lewisburg in case you need it.

My husband is a drive-drive-drive-don't-stop-the-car sort of driver so, sadly, I don't know of many playgrounds along the route.
posted by Mrs_Eep at 2:22 AM on June 24