The Best Family Attractions in Southeastern Pennsylvania

We live on the edge of Pennsylvania and have been exploring with our kids for over a decade, making us familiar with the best family attractions in Southeastern Pennsylvania. These are our favorite family attractions in Southeast PA by region.

Philadelphia & Surrounding Areas

One of our favorite family destinations in Philadelphia is the Franklin Institute. This expansive, hands-on science museum features rotating exhibits, a real train that kids can climb through, a giant walk-through heart, an enormous spider-web climbing structure, and even a station where visitors can experience a small electric shock—a surprisingly popular attraction with children. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring. Before or after your visit, the fountains at Logan Square provide a great spot for photos.

About 30 minutes outside Philadelphia, in Media, you’ll find Linvilla Orchards. While it’s a favorite fall destination for pumpkin picking, the orchard offers activities year-round, including barnyard animals, playgrounds, pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, a beer garden, seasonal events, and even tame deer that visitors can observe. No matter the season, it’s a fun and delicious outing for the whole family.

Nearby, Ridley Creek State Park combines natural beauty with history. The park’s stone mansion makes a picturesque backdrop for photos and an exciting place for children to explore. Visitors can enjoy miles of trails, several playgrounds, and a colonial plantation museum that’s open during the spring, summer, and fall.

In Kennett Square, Longwood Gardens is widely regarded as one of the nation’s premier botanical gardens. Stunning throughout the year, the gardens feature beautiful outdoor landscapes and an extraordinary indoor conservatory. Families can enjoy treehouses, a tower, Italian water gardens, an indoor grotto, a children’s garden, and musical fountain displays. The holiday light displays are especially magical, though reservations are often recommended due to their popularity.

For history enthusiasts, Valley Forge National Historical Park is a must-see. Set among rolling hills, meadows, and woodlands, the park preserves important Revolutionary War sites, including restored buildings, cannons, redoubts, monuments, and the striking National Memorial Arch. Visitors can also explore an excellent museum, and best of all, admission is free.

Pennsylvania Dutch Country

The heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country is Lancaster and its surrounding countryside, where visitors often encounter Amish horse-drawn buggies and working farms. The region is known for handcrafted furniture, artisanal goods, and delicious Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, featuring hearty, farm-fresh dishes with German influences.

Those interested in learning more about Amish culture can visit the Amish Farm and House, where guided tours provide insight into a lifestyle that remains largely free from modern technology. Children are often fascinated to discover a community that lives without many of the conveniences they take for granted.

Families with younger children will also enjoy Dutch Wonderland, a theme park filled with kid-friendly rides, shows, and a water park designed specifically for younger visitors.

Nature lovers can explore the scenic overlooks and preserves along the Susquehanna River. Pinnacle Overlook offers breathtaking views just steps from the parking area, along with hiking trails, picnic tables, and basic facilities. Nearby, adventurous visitors can hike to Mill Creek Falls near Holtwood Dam.

In Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania State Capitol is worth a visit for its remarkable architecture and ornate interior. Self-guided visits are enjoyable, but the guided tours are brief enough to keep younger children engaged.

Another family favorite is the Turkey Hill Experience. Visitors can choose from several ticket options, including interactive ice cream and iced tea experiences. The ice cream lab allows guests to create their own flavors and toppings while sampling their creations along the way. The museum itself features hands-on exhibits, slides, videos, touchscreen activities, mechanical cow milking, commercial-making stations, and plenty of free samples.

The Lehigh Valley

Farther north, the Lehigh Valley offers beautiful mountain scenery and outdoor recreation. Bear Creek Mountain Resort is a popular destination for skiing and snow tubing during the winter months.

During the summer, the Allentown Rose Garden provides a charming and photogenic setting. About 40 minutes east of Allentown, Ringing Rocks Park offers a unique experience where visitors can strike certain boulders with a hammer and hear them produce musical tones—a fascinating activity for both children and adults.

Bethlehem, known as “Christmas City,” truly shines during the holiday season. The historic Moravian District is decorated with twinkling lights, candles, and stars, while horse-drawn carriage rides and holiday markets add to the festive atmosphere. Across the river, the SteelStacks complex hosts additional holiday events, including an indoor ice rink and Christmas market. Nearby, the Banana Factory arts center offers free admission, ample parking, and family-friendly attractions such as a sensory room.

No visit to the region would be complete without Hershey Park. While known for its roller coasters, the park offers much more, including family rides, character experiences, a zoo featuring North American wildlife, and a large water park with attractions such as a wave pool and lazy river. Visitors can also enjoy the famous chocolate factory tour, which is free and accessible without a park ticket.

For more to do throughout all of Pennsylvania’s regions, visit our post on the Best Family Destinations in Pennsylvania.