Every February, thousands of people, including many families, flock to the PA Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg for the Great American Outdoor Show, a nine-day celebration of hunting, fishing, and other beloved outdoor traditions. While in Central Pennsylvania, why not plan a mini vacation in the Cumberland Valley? We have plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Kid-Friendly Outdoor Show Highlights
While at the Outdoor Show, take the little ones to Eddie Eagle’s Kid Zone in the Hunting Outfitter Hall for free activities like arts and crafts, face painting, and basketball. The rock climbing wall in the Large Arena is fun for all ages. Children interested in fishing can cast a line in the Kids Trout Pond in the Fishing Hall, or head to the Hunting Outfitter Hall for a casting demonstration followed by a friendly contest just for kids. The whole family will enjoy watching unique contests and demonstrations, like a 3D Bowhunter Challenge, Chainsaw Carver Demos, and a DockDogs Competition.
Take a Trip to the Trampoline Park
If your kids are feeling a little cooped up after a day at the Outdoor Show, take them to SkyZone Indoor Trampoline Park in Mechanicsburg afterwards. There, they can enjoy one-of-a-kind attractions that let them jump, bounce, flip and play as they have a blast. Safely enjoy epic stunts in the Foam Zone or play a high-flying round of Ultimate Dodgeball that’s nothing like gym class. There’s even a toddler zone so the little ones can play safely while their older siblings seek out bigger thrills. Sunday is Family Fun Day, where you can enjoy an hour of discounted jumping plus pizza and soda for a family of four.
Plan a Family Escape (Room)
If your kids are a little older, see how well your family can work together and solve puzzles to escape from one of Cumberland Valley’s innovative escape rooms. Escape Games Live in Lemoyne offers unique themed private escape rooms. Each room can accommodate up to 10 people. Kids of any age are welcome, and they always have fun playing with an adult team. There is no charge for children 7 and younger. Do You Even Escape? in Camp Hill offers three different escape rooms, including a Polar Quest room that may especially appeal to youngsters. Because of the complexity of the puzzles, the rooms at Do You Even Escape? aren’t typically recommended for children under 8.
Learn Even More at the Army Heritage and Education Center
The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC) is dedicated to “telling the Army story…one soldier at a time.” Interactive exhibits let you experience army life through the eyes of a soldier in various conflicts and in peacetime. Test your marksmanship in a digital shooting range, listen to oral history recordings on your smartphone, and check out rotating exhibitions, like “Animals in the Army: Companions, Mascots and Animals of War.” If it’s not too chilly, head outside to the Army Heritage Trail, a mile-long walking trail featuring full-scale exhibits from different military eras, including tanks, helicopters, and army barracks.
Play with the Kids at the Jubilee Cake Studio
The whole family will enjoy a trip to the Jubilee Cake Studio, which offers the best of both worlds: yummy food and entertaining activities. Take part in a cake decorating session or choose imaginative play in the ultimate play zone, featuring 17 playhouses with accessories. Adults will appreciate the frappes from the coffee bar.
Take the Family Hiking
Discover the great outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, and see what the area has to offer while taking a hike through one of the many trails. Cumberland Valley offers lots of hiking for many levels, especially those ideally suited for the little ones.
Carlisle Sports Emporium: The Place to Play
With over 100 arcade games, indoor go-karting, laser tag, and more, Carlisle Sports Emporium is the perfect destination for a day with the family. This extensive entertainment complex promises hours of fun!
Relax at the Hotel
There are many affordable places to stay in the Cumberland Valley, including all your favorite hotel brands, plus bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels brimming with local charm. Several hotels offer suites with a little extra room for your family. Choose a hotel with an indoor pool to give the kids something to look forward to after a long day. Many also serve a complimentary breakfast, which can help you get an earlier start in the morning.
Plan Your Family Getaway to Cumberland Valley
If you’re headed our way for the Great American Outdoor Show, we can help you plan a fun getaway in Cumberland Valley. We have plenty of recommendations for where to eat and more things to do, including even more family fun and additional events happening that weekend.
