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!

Playhouse Cafe

I recently visited Playhouse Cafe with a friend and her daughter. The Cafe is located in Lemoyne, at the corner of Erford Road and Walnut Street. Their slogan is "Kids Play, While You Cafe." They have 2 separate play areas for children: one for "under 2," (the Tot Spot) and the other for "two through 6" (the Playroom) The 2-6 room doesn't open till 10 a.m., and we arrived early. Since my 2-year-olds are on the small side, and there was nobody else there, they allowed us to play in the Tot Spot. The Tot Spot costs $1 per child, and is filled with small, soft, toys. There is a play kitchen, and a play tent/house, and a small squishy climbing area with a very small slide (like maybe a foot of drop). There are some ride-on toys, and some puzzles. We were told we needed to supervise our children in the Tot Spot, although another mother dropped her child off with us and went off to "cafe."

Altogether, we had (2) 2-year-olds, a one-year-old, and a 10-month-old, and all four children seemed to enjoy this area. It was well-worth a dollar a piece for the air conditioning, and the exposure to new toys.

I did purchase a smoothie from the cafe, mostly to feel like I wasn't using their space for free. I did feel that the smoothie was overpriced ($4+), and not the best I'd ever had, but again, a total of $7 for the morning didn't seem too bad.

There is also a "mother's room" for nursing mothers. We did not look in here at all to judge its comfort or usability. There are 2 family restrooms available, with changing tables.

We did not make use of the Playroom, since we were pretty well ensconced in the Tot Spot, but we did peek in. They have some larger toys there, including a pretend airplane frame, and a bigger climbing structure. The playroom costs $5 per child for 90 minutes. My opinion was that it didn't look worth $10 for my children, but it seemed like it got pretty busy after it opened at 10 a.m. I think a lot of parents like the option of having someone else supervise their children for an hour and a half. There was one mom in our corner of the cafe who works from home, and she brought her laptop to the cafe to get some work done while her son played. Compared to other indoor options, it may be a good alternative when the weather is bad, or you just need a break.

Port Discovery

Port Discovery is a large hands on children's museum (voted in top 5 in nation) located in the Inner Harbor area of Baltimore, MD. The highlight for many, including my 2 year old son, was KidWorks, the 3.5 story up-only climbing structure centrally located in the building. Around KidWorks, there are numerous activities which require the use of your child's imagination. My 4 year old daughter loved the Convenience Store & Gas Station and the Tiny Diner. They also enjoyed the play train, water exhibit, and the Drumming Studio (subject to change).

My family had a great time, but personally, I'd have a hard time paying full price. In addition to the admission price (almost $13 for 2 and older), there are parking fees for either a parking garage or lot. However the museum runs some great specials periodically . We visited on a special free admission day. Additionally, every third Friday of the month, admission for the evening from 4-7 pm is only $2. This would be a great time to go, although I'd suggest getting there before 4 to ensure entrance. On free day, we arrived at opening time, and still waited 40 minutes in line to enter. For food, there is a McDonald's within a few hundred feet. We had no problems with reentering the museum after a short break for lunch.There is also a small area with a vending machine, tables and chairs within Port Discovery if you choose to bring your own food and snacks.

Attendance in the building is capped to maintain a safe environment. We were there when attendance was maxed out. Despite the crowd, I was surprised that we were still able to move around and access the exhibits fairly well. However, I would stay close to your children; there are plenty of places for them to quickly disappear from your sight! Fortunately, the security seems to be well planned out. Upon admittance, each member of the family receives a wristband with a unique number on it. Wristbands are checked closely whenever exiting to ensure that your child will not leave with another adult. Overall, I would say it is a great way to spend a few hours!

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.

Colonel Denning State Park and Lake

Colonel Denning State Park is located outside of Newville, just down the road from Camp Yolijwa. There is a lake with a swimming area and beach, as well as a playground and picnic facilities. There is a changing room area between the parking lot and lake, but there are no bathrooms at the lake. There are permanent port-a-potty facilities located a short walk away. (Well, short if you're not in a hurry). It is free to use the lake.

There is a picnic pavilion and playground at the opposite end of the parking lot from the lake entrance. Additionally, there is a larger pavilion, recreational field, and playground at the top of the hill from the lake. There is car access to the top of the hill.

As with most swimming areas in PA, there are no lifeguards on duty.

The park is also open for camping and hiking, including Flat Rock Trail, a 2.5 mile round-trip trail to the top of the mountain, which (on a clear day) provides an incredible view across the valley. It may not be a long hike, but it is rather tough.

Also within the camping area, there is a nature center and three orienteering courses (although the last update shows the courses to still be under construction, so they may not be open yet). It has been a long time since I've been to the nature center, but from what I remember it was both educational and entertaining. There was also a small fish pond near the nature center.

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

Local Orchards for Picking Produce

This year I attempted to pick strawberries with my 4 year old and 2 year old for the first time. After checking out several different orchards online, I decided to head out to Barefoot Farms in Dover. Prices at each of the orchards that I checked were comparable, but Barefoot Farms had a small play area for the children within sight of the fields. (I later learned that this is just during strawberry picking season.) With children this young, I ended up picking most of the berries, but the kids certainly enjoyed eating them right from the plant! The berries were very sweet, and in about 30 minutes I had two quarts picked despite the occasional distraction and need to rescue my children. I look forward to making this an annual outing. There is "Pappy John" near the farm, but it is a little walk so make sure the children use it before you head out to the fields!

If you decide to go, be careful, different orchards have slightly different time lines and different produce crops. I know Barefoot Farms had strawberries for at least a week after some of the other orchards were done. Before heading out to pick, make sure you call to verify hours and fruit still in season. Depending on the farm, you can pick strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, and pumpkins.

Other orchards to check out:

Oak Grove Farms (Mechanicsburg)

Strites Orchard (Harrisburg, Dauphin Co)

Ashcombe (Mechanicsburg)

Paulus Orchard (Dillsburg)

Brickers (Carlisle)

The following link lists a few of the pick your own produce sites with prices and hours. It's a little outdated, but may still be helpful. Comparing pick your own produce farms

I'd be eager to hear other's experiences at these orchards or others. I'll be happy to edit the posting as needed!

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.

Lake Tobias

It's a zoo; it's a safari; it's an adventure that you will love! For only $4 a person, (plus $5 for the optional safari ride) Lake Tobias in Halifax is a exciting place to spend a few hours, or make an entire day of it. My children adore animals and could spend hours just walking around and watching them. Lake Tobias has lions, tigers, zebras, alligators, monkeys and many more animals to see. For an additional dollar per person, there is a reptile building with a 20 minute show. I have never seen it, so I am unable to comment on the quality. One of my children's favorite spots is the petting zoo, which has a plethora of goats, guinea pigs, a donkey, a camel, alpaca, and much more. Crackers are available to purchase to feed the animals. We found that as the day progresses the animals tire of crackers, refusing to eat any more. By mid afternoon, broken crackers were found scattered throughout the petting zoo; there was no need to purchase any here. Watch out though, the goats do like to nibble on your clothes! There are pavilions available for picnic lunches, or you can purchase food at the concession area. There is also a play area for the kids if they need a break in the day.

If you opt to do the safari ride, which I do recommend at least on one trip, buy a pack of crackers for a dollar before you board the bus. Everyone in our family got a kick out of feeding the animals including elk, llamas, and deer right from your hand. We broke the crackers up so they would last longer, but make sure to give the children larger pieces to avoid nibbled fingers! Also you'll want to hold on to hats or other personal belongings on the safari because the wind can be strong at times. If the wind gets your hat, or your child decides to throw something overboard...it's gone! We know from personal experience.

NOTE: Occasionally Buy One get One Free coupons for the safari ride can be found in the Clipper magazine or ValuePak Coupons. Also, all rates mentioned are for age 3 and older. Children 2 and under are free.

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!