As I’m writing this, the Susquehanna River Valley is being drenched with a soaking rain, after a few weeks of blustery snowy and icy weather. Winter has settled in, but inclement weather doesn’t need to be a downer, in fact it can be a spark to embark on a day of indoor fun with family or friends!
The Susquehanna River Valley has a number of indoor destinations that can educate and entertain all ages – some geared towards families (Children’s Museums and indoor play areas) and others are perfect for couples and friends (axe throwing, bowling or indoor Museums).
Read on if you need a gentle reminder about indoor treasures in the SRV, or if you’re looking for a brand-new destination to explore indoors this winter.
Hoopla’s Family Fun, Muncy
With two locations, Hoopla’s offers indoor fun for kids and adults alike. The Muncy location offers mini bowling, an arcade, miniature golf, axe throwing, and an on-site restaurant (Longshots Grill, which features American classics including burgers, steaks and salads).
Insider’s Tip: After Hoopla’s head to Treasure Castle Playland or the Little League Museum, both in South Williamsport – more info about both destinations can be found later in this blog post.
Hoopla’s Xtreme Family Fun Center, Shamokin Dam
Hoopla's Xtreme Family Fun Center in Shamokin Dam is well-known for their trampolines, SkyRail ropes course, and toddler play area and birthday party room. They also have mini bowling, miniature golf (if the skies clear up!), and an arcade.
When my daughter was younger, we spent many rainy days in the brightly-colored toddler room, which was a safe and engaging space for her to explore and interact with other kiddos her age. They also have pristinely clean bathrooms and light refreshments like pizza and soft pretzels, making it easier to accommodate younger children who need to eat every few hours.
If you don’t know about the region’s three amazing (and inexpensive!) children’s museums, now is the time to check them all out, although probably not all in one day.
Three Children’s Museums
Bloomsburg Children’s Museum – With a $7 entrance fee and a 4.7 star rating on Google for its 50+ interactive exhibits, this Museum can’t be beat! The BCM spans two levels and includes a wide variety of exhibits, educational games and activities ranging from science, history, and the arts. Specific exhibits include a Greenway, Bird’s Nest, Animal Architects, Preschool Cabin/Kitchen, Eastern Woodlands Longhouse, Native American history, Center Stage for dramatic kiddos, Maker Space, Space Exploration, Superpower Health exhibit, Old Fashioned School Room (our family’s fave!), Coal Mine (complete with songs and narration by local Van Wagner), Ancient Egypt, Simple Machines, and many others.
For more information check out their website. The Museum also offers many day camps, classes, and programs during regular Museum hours and after hours, so make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Lewisburg Children’s Museum – Located in the GreenSpace Center (the former Lewisburg Area High School) at the end of Market Street, this Museum has reimagined education in a new and exciting way. Geared towards slightly younger visitors, the LCM offers exhibits such as: Weis Markets grocery store, Tree House, Playtime Theater, Dr. K’s Teddy Clinic, Play Café, and a Space and Science exhibit that includes a giant “Lite Brite” board (our fave!) and a spaceship.
For more information check out their website. Follow their Facebook page to learn about promos, special events, and specific programming during Museum hours.
Lykens Children’s Museum, Elizabethville – The newest Children’s Museum in the SRV region, the LVCM came about in 2018 when two moms decided to create a space for kids ages 0-12 that could be educational and fun. Exhibits include about 30 exhibits and stations, such as dramatic play areas, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and art activities. One of the coolest things about this Museum is that exhibits change about every three months, to keep programming fresh and engaging.
For more information check out their website, and be sure to follow their Facebook to stay up to date on rotating exhibits, special programs, and upcoming events.
Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland, Allenwood
At first glance, Reptiland is an attraction for children, but it’s truly an inspirational and educational place for adults too!
Visitors will see exotic reptiles, of course, but what sets this AZA-accredited zoo apart are the naturalistic habitats that are expertly maintained by professionals. The displays are teeming with educational information too – plenty to educate adults too.
Along with mambas, cobras, vipers, pythons and other rare and beautiful snakes, you’ll witness giant alligators, gentle tortoises, curious lizards, and colorful frogs (more than 40 species, as seen here) and even the world’s largest lizards, Komodo dragons. On fair weather days, check out their animatronic dino adventure, Dinosaurs Come to Life.
Reptiland has come a long way since its opening in the 1960s. Check out their growth in this neat timeline on their website.
Miller Center, Lewisburg
A membership-based YMCA organization, the Miller Center for Recreation and Wellness offers daily fitness opportunities including group exercise classes, pickleball and basketball courts, personal training, a golf simulator, and afterschool fitness activities for kids.
While this is a membership-based destination, they do offer day passes for just $12 and 3-day passes for adults. If you have family or friends visiting and inclement weather is in the forecast, this can truly be a lifesaver and boredom buster!
The Blue Moose, Mifflinburg
One of the region’s hidden gems! The Blue Moose is located in the former Moose Lodge in Mifflinburg and is open to the public (by reservation only) – no membership is required.
Events include axe throwing, bowling and escape rooms.
With five lanes accommodating 4-6 axe throwers a piece, it’s the perfect event for ages 8 and up. Choose from a variety of axe sizes and weights to find your best fit, with guidance from their axe-pert instructors ensuring fun and safety for everyone. Don’t forget: closed-toe shoes are required.
Treasure Castle Playland, South Williamsport
Another hidden gem in the region is Treasure Castle Playland, a castle-themed indoor playground located inside a former church (the high ceilings are perfect for twenty-foot high tunnels and slides!)
This attraction also has panning for treasure, a small food court, arcade games, and several party rooms.
The tunnels, slides and climbing walls offer a variety of skill levels for kids of different ages and there’s comfy seating (and free WiFi) around the entire facility. They also offer all-day pricing, so you can leave to get lunch in nearby Williamsport and return for more fun.
World of Little League Museum, South Williamsport
Also in South Williamsport, the World of Little League Museum is a great indoor attraction for kids and adults!
“The museum traces the history and development of Little League baseball and softball from its roots in Williamsport to around the world. This has been achieved by obtaining and curating artifacts and archival materials from the world’s largest organized youth sports program, and carefully presenting them in a way that is both informative and entertaining. Hundreds of these artifacts on display are organized for research and educational purposes, and are used in exhibits to be enjoyed by people of all ages. Thousands more are curated in the archives of the museum,” according to their website. Note – this attraction is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
And you thought you were going to be bored on a rainy day!
Go explore a new SRV attraction and tag us in your pics – we just might feature you on our social media!
#ExploreSRV or @SusquehannaRiverValley
