Family Fun Itinerary in Lycoming County

Lycoming County is a peaceful county in North-Central Pennsylvania, which is full of family fun, as described in this itinerary. We begin by visiting Growers Market in downtown Williamsport where you can find fresh, seasonal produce and perhaps bring some of your haul to snack on at Loyalsock Forest State Park. Here, you’ll find lovely hiking in hardwood forest full of ferns, wildflowers, and a pretty waterfall. After hiking, you’ll want to stop in at Bullfrog Brewery for a bite to eat and a beverage. Next, do a bit of plant shopping at the Potting Bench Greenhouse, Ice Cream, and Workshops, and dessert some tasty dessert. Lastly, visit some interesting museums at the county seat of Williamsport, and take a peaceful ride in a riverboat.

The Williamsport Grower’s Market

On our walk to the Growers Market on Little League Blvd, we discovered that Williamsport has a charming downtown. Everything at the market was fresh and colorful, including the local seasonal produce, baked goods (including Amish moon pies!), fresh flowers, homemade housewares, and more. is truly locally grown. We even got to enjoy some live music as we strolled through the market. The Growers Market is open on Saturday mornings, from 8 to 12.

Loyalsock State Forest

Loyalsock State Forest is a huge natural area full of hardwood forest, with a variety of hiking trails to choose from, from easy to challenging. In the summer, the forest is full of wildflowers, vibrant green ferns, and interesting rock formations that you will likely see no matter what trail you choose.

The trail we chose was a 2 mile out and back trail to Angel Falls. It was challenging at the end, involving steep rocks to scramble up near the falls, but it was beautiful. It was perfect for older children who have some experience hiking, but perhaps not toddlers or very young children. While our kids got pretty muddy, they were definitely not bored!

Bullfrog Brewery

Bullfrog Brewery is a cozy spot to refuel after your hike, with an eclectic menu and a tasty variety of beers brewed on site. We enjoyed burgers, nachos, and salads after admiring the vibrant, detailed mural that stretches across the building where the restaurant is located. We ordered a flight of beers and enjoyed tasting an interesting variety of flavors including coffee, cider, and grapefruit! The restaurant is definitely kid-friendly and offers a menu for “tadpoles.”

The Potting Bench Greenhouse, Ice Cream, and Workshops

We loved doing some plant shopping and getting dessert at this one-of-a-kind establishment in South Williamsport. The ice cream was delicious (especially my blueberry crumble sundae), and the outdoor garden ambience was lovely, with plenty of colorful blooms and seating. The shop included a nice variety of reasonably priced plants and pottery. While it’s known for its ice cream and greenhouse, you can also get a tasty sandwich here.

World of Little League Museum

Little League was founded in Williamsport, which continues to host the Little League World Series today. You can learn all about it and see where it’s played at the World of Little League Museum. You can learn all about the founder and about the history of Little League as well as the positive, worldwide impact of Little League today. Filled with interactive exhibits, the museum will have you and your family running, jumping, and learning, making this is an excellent attraction for all ages. It certainly sparked some fond memories for my family.

You can also view the historic stadium where the Little League World Series is played from an overlook at one side of the parking lot. Just look for the group of flags and you’ll see it.

The Thomas Taber Museum

At the Thomas Taber Museum, you can learn about how the lumber boom led to the opulent Millionaires Row in which the museum is located. It’s a treat to pass all the impressive historic mansions on the way to the museum. The museum itself is filled with interesting local history, from Native American history to the underground railroad to the lumber boom. It also contains an enormous model train collection and a very fancy historic doll house, much to my children’s delight. There are also immigration records located in the museum where you may be able to discover a bit of your own family history.

The Hiawatha Boat Ride

Known as the “Queen of the Susquehanna,” the Hiawatha is a simulated old-fashioned paddle-wheel boat. Its excursions have been entertaining visitors since the 1980’s. It is a charmingly patriotic-looking vessel that provides a gentle, pleasant ride on the Susquehanna River. It lasts about an hour, with a lovely view from the top level. The bottom level is air conditioned if an escape from the heat is needed. There is even a small bar where you can purchase a small snack, soda, beer, or mixed drink. Tours in the summer are at 12:00, 2:00, or 4:00.

Pine Creek Gorge

If you have time, Pine Creek Gorge is an excursion that is about an hour from Williamsport. It is known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. A portion of the gorge is in Lycoming county, and it cuts through the Allegheny plateau for 47 miles. Nearly 1500 feet in the air, the views are breathtaking and especially stunning in October when the leaves change. There are several scenic overlooks and many hiking trails as well as opportunities to kayak. One of the main viewing areas is at Colton Point State Park on the west rim. The other, which is easier to access from Williamsport, is at Leonard Harris State Park on the east rim. In either case, the view is certainly worth the drive for this unique attraction.

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