The 4th of July has come and gone and we’re now in the midst of the “face-melting” part of summer. The days are fleeting though, so embrace them before the kids go back to school.
There’s no better time to head to one of these family-friendly regional attractions that offer low-cost, but high-octane fun.
Just don’t forget to pack an insulated water bottle, spray sunscreen, and maybe a change of clothes – just in case!
Of course, Knoebels has to be #1, because it was recently voted America’s #1 Amusement Park – yes, folks, above Disney!
Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg
Celebrating 100 years this summer, this family-owned and family-operated amusement park guarantees memory-making, while staying within a budget (Free parking! Free admission! Free entertainment! Free picnic facilities!)
With a mix of old-fashioned nostalgia, with plenty of modern amenities and rides, Knoebels offers kids of all ages the opportunity to have fun in a safe, age-appropriate setting. Our family loves having the kids try “one new ride” each time we visit, to stretch their comfort zone and build confidence.
From kiddie land to high-thrill rollercoasters and water rides, this destination is the best of both worlds – and unlike other amusement parks, Knoebels actually has mature shade trees scattered throughout the park.
Knoebels also offers a massive Crystal Pool for swimming and has both tube and speed waterslides for the adventurous in your group.
Whether you’re a newbie or could walk the park in your sleep, consider trying something new at Knoebels, like:
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hosting a family picnic in one of their free pavilions in “The Pines” near the parking lot. Make sure to arrive early to snag a table in the shade.
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spending some time at the Anthracite Mining Museum to learn more about the region’s coal mining history.
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learning more about carousel history at the Carousel History Museum, near the Flume.
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visiting Knoebels’ History Museum, also located near the Flume, or the brand-new Museum that commemorates the Park’s 100th Anniversary. This new addition is located at The Rink, behind the Carousel.
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playing mini-golf in the cool shade of the park, then grabbing some Old Mill hand-dipped ice cream or a thick milkshake, and sitting by the Creek.
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playing a round of golf at Three Ponds Golf Club with dinner and cocktails at the Nickel Plate Bar & Grill to round out the day.
T&D’s Cats of the World, Penns Creek
Stroll through 35-acres to see 300 rescued animals in spacious natural enclosures. Some of the animals include wild mammals, including 50 felines (lions, tigers, cougars and bobcats), bears, wolves, monkeys and more. View all of the species here.
T&D’s is dedicated to providing a permanent safe haven for unwanted, abused and mistreated exotic pets and wild animals.
T&D’s Cats of the World is one of the only exotic wildlife rescue organizations in Pennsylvania. T&D's is privately owned and operated by the Mattive family.
One of the most wonderful aspects of visiting this rescue is that they provide large, natural enclosures for the animals in their care. You will find tigers cooling off in the pond within their two-acre exercise area, lions lounging in an acre exhibit, and bears wandering about their acre enclosure.
And sometimes, you’ll catch the animals playing with “enrichment toys” meant to engage their minds and bodies, such as balls, tires and ropes.
Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland, Allenwood
For more than 60 years, Reptiland has been a “go to” destination for families looking for a zoological adventure in a safe and educational environment. Offering more than 40 species of reptiles and amphibians from around the globe, visitors can learn more about snakes, alligators, frogs, tortoises, turtles, Komodo dragons, and lizards, in stunning, naturalistic habitats.
Don’t miss their live 30-minute shows, offered five times a day at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 
1;00 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:00 pm., with zoologists who are eager to answer even the wackiest question from your favorite kid!
Have a kiddo who loves dinos? Reptiland has a special exhibit that features life-size animatronic models that roar, move and spit! Kids can even climb aboard a model of Parasaurolophus for a fun photo.
Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, Halifax
Experience the wild with more than 1,000 animals from six continents! Stroll alongside large wildlife habitats to see tigers, zebras, baboons, ostriches, gibbons, kangaroos, lions, and much more.
A memorable highlight is the giraffe enclosure. They typically offer fresh veggies for sale on the left side of the exhibit, so visitors can even feed the giraffes carrots and green beans! It’s so fun!
One of the primary inside exhibits is the Reptiles & Exotic facility – check out a live presentation to learn more about the species that call Lake Tobias home.
When you arrive, check the daily schedule so you don’t miss their guided Safari Tours – a true highlight of their zoo. Roam over 150-acres of rolling hills as a knowledgeable guide shares educational facts about the animals you’re admiring. Kids can also hand-feed wildlife such as bison, water buffalo, and yak.
They also have a fun petting zoo with a variety of farm animals.
Country Vale Alpacas, New Columbia
There’s nothing quite like feeding and petting quirky alpacas to improve your day.
Open on Sundays from 2-4 p.m., visitors can meet Pam Rosado’s herd of friendly alpacas, learn more about their behavior and valuable fleece, and even shop for items that feature prized alpaca fiber.
Items for sale include hand-crocheted and woven shawls, yarn and roving, felted dryer balls and felted soaps from the Rosado’s alpaca herd. There are also many alpaca 
products from Peru, which is the alpaca’s native country, including fur toys, sweaters, throws, scarves, hats and gloves.
Did you know that alpaca fiber is four to six times warmer than wool, as soft as cashmere, hypoallergenic and moisture-resistant? Best. Socks. Ever.
Learn more about Country Vale Alpacas in this article.
Woodward Cave, Woodward
Woodward Cave is one of the largest caverns in Pennsylvania and its nickname, “The Big One” is well-earned. It offers five spacious rooms including “The Hall of Statues” which is 300-feet long.
Experienced guides do a wonderful job explaining the cave’s history and geology to visitors in well-lit passageways. The 50-minute tour offers new information for kids and adults alike!
In addition to unique geological features, Woodward Cave is home to one of the largest winter habitats for bats in Pennsylvania. For over a hundred years, local and federal agencies have closely monitored our cave to track the health of Pennsylvania’s bat population. Every winter, they close the cave so they don’t disturb the hibernating bats, and to ensure the state’s biological resources are preserved.
Hoopla’s Xtreme Family Fun - Indoor Fun + Mini Golf, Shamokin Dam
Hoopla’s is the ultimate indoor (read: air-conditioned) place to blow off steam and have some family fun! Offering mini-bowling, trampolines, arcade games, a sky rail ropes course, and a toddler zone, this place has something for all ages. They also host parties!
After you cool off, head outside and play a round of mini-golf.
Their bonus location in Muncy offers mini-golf, mini-bowling, an arcade, a grill and coming soon: axe throwing!
Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train, Ashland
For more than 60 years, Pioneer Tunnel has disguised education as fun with their coal mine and steam train rides for kids and adults of all ages.
There are two main experiences at Pioneer Tunnel: a scenic ride on a stream train, nicknamed a Lokie, and a ride that descends into a formerly-functioning coal mine. The mine was formerly owned by Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company. The section of the mine that is on the tour was mined 
from 1911-1931, reopening in 1962 as a tourist attraction.
A few tips for your coal mine experience: There is a small amount of walking on rough and uneven ground so appropriate footwear is recommended. Mine temperatures average 48-52 F year-round, so a sweater or jacket is recommended.
Read more about this educational excursion in this article.
World of Little League & Little League World Championship, South Williamsport
It’s almost time for the Little League World Series!
While you’re in South Williamsport, check out the World of Little League Museum. The completely remodeled Museum features hundreds of unique artifacts, two theaters, a timed running track, a 3D catching exhibit.
Hosted each August in South Williamsport, the Little League Baseball World Series (LLBWS) welcomes 20 teams from around the world to compete for the chance to be named World Series Champion. This incredible baseball experience includes 38 games over the course of 11 days.
The 2026 Little League Baseball World Series (LLBWS) will take place in Williamsport from August 19–30, featuring 20 teams (10 U.S. and 10 International) in a premier youth tournament. Over 340 games will be broadcast on ESPN platforms. The tournament serves as the culmination of a global qualification process, with all costs covered by Little League International.
Need more baseball?
Check out the Williamsport Crosscutters, a member of the MLB Draft League featuring the top draft eligible prospects from across the country as they get ready for the MLB Draft. Williamsport’s stadium, Historic Bowman Field, built in 1926, is one of the oldest stadiums operating in the United States. It was voted by Baseball America as one of the best stadiums to watch a game. Cutters Baseball is fun, affordable family entertainment.
What are you waiting for?
Get out there and explore the region’s attractions this summer.
Share your pics with us on social media. Use the hashtag #exploreSRV or tag us @SusquehannaRiverValley.
