That Fish Place/ That Pet Place



The stingrays in the touch pool

That Fish Place/ That Pet Place is really just a HUGE pet store, but my kids love to go and spend an hour or two.  The biggest highlight is a touch pool with probably a dozen stingrays swimming around.  My son could spend
the whole time waiting for the stringray
s to
come up so that he can "pet" them... don't worry the stingers have been removed.  This is an easy feat for adults, but for a small toddler sometimes this takes some patience since the water is just a little too deep for his small arms.  The pool also
includes several fish, and a small shark that eludes us even after several visits.  Take home pamphlets about the various sea creatures in the pool also provide an educational experience to continue learning at home.  Demonstration feedings of the stingrays are held on Saturdays and Sundays.

    Not into stingrays?  They have a room with Princess Alice, a 16 lb Flemish rabbit.  This is one big bunny!  Sometimes she is allowed to roam around the room, but whether in her cage or roaming, she is always available for petting.  This is my daughter's favorite place in the store.  They also have two ferrets that I have heard are sometimes out.  However, they always seem to be sleeping when we visit.

    Additionally, they have a reptile room, and sometimes at your request you can have them take one out to see, or you may just want to observe as a prospective customer examines a creature.  There are birds as well to watch.  In the fish room, there are a large variety of both freshwater and saltwater fish to see.  (Our neon tetra and fancy guppies came from here.)  Again, this can be very educational for a fish lover!  Maybe next time we'll play a scavenger hunt for different types of fish...

Servant's Heart Play Area

Servant's Heart is a Christian bookstore in Camp Hill. They have a free play area in the back of the store that is a good place to get out of the heat in the summer or just out of the house on a winter's day. There is a small plastic climbing structure with a "rock wall" and slide, as well as a fairly large selection of toys. They also have a large screen TV, with a selection of Veggie Tales (and other?) videos for viewing. Blocks, puzzles, and a small kitchen are some of the toys available for playing with.

Additionally, there is coffee and tea available, although I've never partaken of these options, so I can't speak to their variety or quality.

I have been to this play area only two or three times, and have never seen any kids in it other than the ones I was there with. My kids have always enjoyed this play area, and we will probably make good use of it this winter when we're suffering from cabin fever!

My only struggle with this play area is that it's located at the back of the store, which requires a little bit of creativity to get my three 2 and unders from the front of the store to the back without breaking anything on the way. I do wish they had a "kid-friendly" path to the play area, but so far, we've made it without incident!

Chocolate World and Cocoa Castle

Go see how America's favorite chocolate bar is made at Hershey's Chocolate World. The free ride tells the story starting from the cacao beans and continues through the chocolate factory tour and on to the finished chocolate product. Although my children enjoy the ride, the best part is the free product sample after the ride. The ride is only several minutes long, so we will often ride it several times...I think our record is five times on one trip.

In addition to the chocolate factory tour, young children may enjoy the KissWorks Factory, where they receive a free factory hat (okay, it's paper, but it makes them happy) and participate in a special little dance as they package up some special Hershey Kisses. You may opt to purchase a package, which also includes the Kisses and a Factory Worker ID badge, but my personal opinion is that it is overpriced. The kids just enjoy the experience as much as anything.

Thanks to advice from my sister, we never leave the house without some pennies to throw into the waterfall area in the food court area. It's amazing how this simple activity will please and entertain the kids until the coins are all thrown. I believe that the money collected is used to support local charities, but I am uncertain as to which ones. Another activities passed on to me was the color game on the picture on the floor at the entrance of Chocolate World. If the lobby is not crowded, we take turns shouting out colors or letters, and everyone has to quickly find and stand on that color/letter. I have yet to find a child (up to the age of 7) who has not enjoyed playing this game with us!

I've found Chocolate World to be a great option in the wintertime, when the weather is too cold to be outside. It is usually less crowded during this time, at least during the weekdays, so we can walk right onto the ride without a wait. It you choose to go in the warmer weather, think about also visiting Cocoa Castle, a wooden playground just minutes away. The Hershey Outlets are close by as well. At busier times, including weekends, avoid the crowds by arriving at 9 am when Chocolate World opens. Parking is free for two hours in the adjacent parking lot. However, during the winter I have rarely seen anyone enforcing the 2 hour rule. If you choose to go during times when HersheyPark is open, if you stay longer, you will have to pay!

There are several activities at Chocolate World that cost a fee including "Create Your Own Chocolate Bar", a 3D show, and a chocolate tasting adventure. Since I have never done any of them, I am unable to comment on the quality of these programs. Also special events take place around Halloween, Christmas, and Easter.

Bass Pro Shop / Enchanted Forest

Located at the end of Harrisburg Mall, Bass Pro Shops has more to offer families than the typical outdoors and sporting goods store. The "fishy place", as our family likes to call it, has a large aquarium full of fish that the kids can watch, and even learn to identify. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, you can watch the feeding frenzy at 1 PM. The store can also be an adventure in taxidermy--you know, stuffed animals. Throughout both floors you can spot animals frozen in action -- a moose and bear fighting, ducks flying overhead, wolves attacking, bear cubs playing, and much more. Don't miss the bear giving a high five upstairs! Other activities are available at a small fee, including a rock climbing wall, a shooting gallery, and arcade style games.

Bass Pro often runs special events which include free activities for kids and family. During the Christmas season, Santa visits and the children receive a free photo. The Easter Bunny appears in the Spring. Although the quality of the photographs may not be as good as the mall, it's an inexpensive alternative to the ever increasing package prices required at most other malls. During the summer, the store becomes Family Summer Camp, including the opportunity to make s'mores!

When there isn't a special event occurring at Bass Pro Shops, I often pair a visit to see the animals and fish with a trip down the mall to the indoor play area for young children called the Enchanted Forest. Centrally located in the playground is a large tree, which used to periodically sing, moving its arms and mouth. As far as I know, the tree has stopped working and is not planning to be repaired. However, under its branches are two small slides for children to enjoy. There are several other structures for children to climb over, sit on and just pretend. The area can become crowded at times, especially during the winter. To avoid the crowds, it is best to go early or in the afternoon, when many children are napping. The mall is open two hours before the stores open, which makes a perfect time to hit the play area!

Letort Park/Fort Letort Playground

Letort Park is located in Carlisle, at 260 East Pomfret Street. (There are no good links to the park online). The park borders Letort Creek, one of the highest quality waterways in Pennsylvania.
There is a giant wooden play structure at the park, as well picnic tables and a ballfield. I've found references to a sprinkle/water area also, but we have never seen it or played in it.

The playground is in the Fort style of the newer accessible playgrounds, but is older and wooden. It also has a sand area at the entrance to the play area, which tends to get strewn throughout the entryway.

There are many many ducks along the creek; there are signs up to not feed them, but people apparently ignore this sign.

Unfortunately, I have not paid attention to whether there are bathroom facilities available at this park.

Local Libraries

Perfect for winter time, or hot summer days, the local libraries have a lot to offer. Two of my favorite libraries are the New Cumberland Library and the Fredrickson Library in Camp Hill due to their special programs and great selection of children's books; however, almost every library has something unique to offer. Attending story times regularly has helped my children to learn proper behavior during a structured time and provided another avenue to encourage lifelong learners. My children respond differently to the unique styles of the children's librarian at each of the branches, and you may find that you want try out several different library story times as well. Simpson Library in Mechanicsburg also has a wonderful program for children, although its location is not as convenient for me. I also frequently visit a small local library in York County which my children have enjoyed. However, York County requires a small fee for signing out a video, but at the Cumberland County libraries it is free. Don't forget to use the interlibrary loan system to have interested items transferred to a convenient location for you.

All of these libraries have separate children's rooms so that you feel your child is not distracting other adults, but again each has its unique appeal. My 4 year old loves the computers and the listening areas in the children's area at Fredrickson. However, the selection of puzzles and toys at New Cumberland is superior, in my opinion. In the Redland Library (Etters), the train table is an enticing option. As you explore different libraries, you'll also discover your favorites.

Don't forget to check out the summer reading programs too. Children have opportunities to earn special prizes which vary at each libraries. Special programs are also offered over the summer to help entertain and educate. Special guest performers, Maryland Science Center programs and movie nights are just a few. Although others also have summer movie nights, I especially like the New Cumberland Family movie night every Tuesday during the summer which includes a hot dog BBQ before the movie.


Libraries of

Dauphin County

York County

Cumberland County

Free Movies

Take advantage of the air conditioned cinema on a hot day or rainy day to watch a family movie on the house! Regal Cinema facilities, such as Carlisle Commons Stadium 8 and Harrisburg Stadium 14, Great Escape Theater at the Harrisburg Mall and Cinema Center of Camp Hill offer movies every Tuesday and Wednesday during the summer. The movies are either PG or G rated. Some are oldies but goodies, while others are releases within the past year. The theater can fill up quickly, so I recommend getting there early to ensure you get a comfortable seat. Concession stands are open for the traditional popcorn and soda during the show. Enjoy the show!

Friendship Park

Friendship Park is a smaller park, but still has plenty to offer. The paved track around the fields is perfect for bicycles or taking a walk with a stroller. There is a small toddler play structure and also a much larger castle structure. My kids enjoy hiding under the dragon or rock area while their imaginations take them to another world. I do have to watch my 2 year old near the top of the larger structure due to some open areas. Additionally, there is a small shaded sand area in the corner which can become crowded at peak hours. Unfortunately, there are no swings in this park. A pavilion area is available for picnicking and restrooms are located on the side of the pavilion. This is an ideal park to meet up with a couple of friends for a playdate since it does not become overcrowded as quickly as some other parks.

Adventure Zone and Possibility Place

There are two "accessible" playgrounds in the Harrisburg area. The older of the two is Possibility Place, located off the Paxtonia exit of I-81 in Harrisburg. The newer playground is Adventure Zone Park, located at Capital Area Christian Church on Lambs Gap Road in Mechanicsburg.

Both playgrounds are built on a rubberized surface and include ramps to get to all sections of the play structure. Having visited Adventure Zone (AZ) fairly regularly, I am more familiar with its in and outs, and overall have enjoyed it more. AZ has a separate "tot" section, supposedly designed for children 2-5. My 2-year-olds, however, being the adventurous sort, outgrew that side almost as quickly as they could walk. I now spend my time at the park supervising their clamoring up the cargo net and ladders on the "big kids" side. There is a sand box on the tot side, which usually contains quite a few kids.

Possibility Place (PP) was built first, and was either not built as well, or is showing its age early. There are places where the rubberized flooring is buckling already. Also, when we were there, the park was VERY crowded, and I heard from a lady at AZ that there are day cares that use PP on a regular basis, keeping it crowded. The one plus to PP is that there are shaded benches for the parents within the playground. There is no shade at all at AZ, except for within the picnic pavilion.

As with other parks, AZ starts to get crowded around 10 a.m., so if you have early risers and kids who've given up their morning nap, it's a great place to be early in the morning. Also - it's cooler!

There are great picnic pavilions at both parks, with full bathroom facilities. (I think, I haven't actually used them, but they look nice from the outside!) The picnic pavilion at AZ is also available to rent; there are fliers at the park with information, or I'm sure you could look on the website or call the church.

Middlesex Splash Pad

Thanks to a tip from a friend, we recently discovered Middlesex Splash Pad in Carlisle
It was the perfect place to play on a hot day. With a variety of water heights, and the unknown timing of the water spouts, it's a great place for even 2-year olds. My 9-month-old also had fun crawling over the low fountain spouts.

The splashpad runs on a motion sensor, so it may look "off" when you get there, but you just need to activate it. It appears to be open whenever the park is open. The assumption, then, is dawn to dusk.

There is a playground next to the splashpad - with a mulched bottom. There is also a basketball court, and a picnic pavilion.

The only downside is that the only bathroom facilities are port-a-potties.

When we went, we found that we had the splashpad area to ourselves from 9:30 till a little before 11, with maybe one other child using it in that time. However, there was a day camp of sorts taking place on the basketball court and then the playground. The campers also were making use of the picnic pavilion for snacks, drinks, and lunchtime. We also found that by the time we were done with lunch (12-ish) that the slides on the playground were WAY too hot to use safely. I tried to slide down with my 2-year-old, and it was too hot for even me!

Kids Bowl Free

My 4 and 2 year old have had a blast going bowling this summer thanks to Kids Bowl Free program. Every child who signs up can bowl two free games each day. We've signed up at Trindle Bowl in Mechanicsburg where the shoe rental for small children is free too! It's great for days that are rainy, days that are too hot and humid, or days when you just need to have the kids put their destructive energy to work outside of your home! Each bowling center has slightly different times when the passes can be used and age limits, so check carefully. You can turn it into a family event with the family pass for just under $25 so that up to 4 adults can be added to the free bowl pass. I highly recommend signing up!