The summer months are now within clear view: longer days that naturally lend themselves to relaxing activities like gardening, grilling, and patio sitting/sipping.
As a busy mom, it’s such a relief to take a much-needed hiatus from the demanding school and after-school schedule. I won’t lie, from my point of view, this is the best of times and my absolute favorite season.
With summer on the horizon, don’t put off planning unforgettable adventures. If you do some research now, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when the bell rings “School’s out for summer!”
Before we delve into “all the things” that the region has to offer, let’s do a quick snapshot of summer events and festivals. Make sure to put these on the calendar before you plan summer roadtrips so you don’t experience FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) later.
Trip Planning 101
If trip planning isn’t your “thing” reach out to our local experts at the SRV Visitors Bureau (1-800-525-7320) or stop by our office in Milton. Our knowledgeable and friendly Visitor Center Specialists, Sue and Amy, will ask some key questions like who’s in your travel party, what’s your timeline and budget, and what are your interests? Then, they will custom-tailor some suggestions just for you and your group.
If trip planning is your jam (you are my people!), start with these handy online resources:
A Few “Don’t Miss” Attractions
There are a number of attractions in our region that are only open in the late spring/summer/early fall, so make sure to check them out at least once:
It wouldn’t be summer without baseball
The Williamsport Crosscutters are 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.
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. While you’re there, check out the Little League Museum.
Susquehanna River Excursions
Hiawatha: Cruise aboard the Paddlewheel Riverboat and hear about boom rats, lumberjacks and the characters on the river that once made Williamsport the home of the most millionaires per capita! They offer family cruises, concerts, karaoke, brunch, dinner and wing cruises, to name a few.
Millersburg Ferry Boat: This is one of the last known wooden double stern-wheel paddle boats still operational in the USA. Enjoy a one-mile ride or two-mile round-trip ride on the ferry. Check their Facebook page before visiting, as they post hours and River conditions.
Wildlife Parks
Lake Tobias Wildlife Park: Experience the wild with hundreds of animals from around the world. Guided Safari Tours roam over 150 acres of rolling hills with herds of animals, flightless birds and giraffes. Encounter the exotic in the zoo exhibits and the Reptiles & Exotic facility. Your family will have great fun seeing more than 1,000 animals from six continents.
T&D’s Cats of the World: Visit nearly 300 rescued wild mammals, including 50 felines (lions, tigers, cougars and bobcats), bears, wolves, monkeys and more. Stroll through 35 acres to see these animals in spacious natural enclosures. T & D’s is dedicated to providing a permanent safe haven for unwanted, abused and mistreated exotic pets and wild animals.
Caves
Don’t forget to visit one of three caves – where it’s always naturally air-conditioned…
Lincoln Caverns: At Lincoln Caverns science and adventure are “naturally fun” with one-hour interpretive tours of two spectacular crystal caverns.
Penn’s Cave: Penn's Cave is America's only all-water cavern and farm-nature-wildlife park. It is the only cave in Pennsylvania on the National Trust for Historic Preservation and features a large visitors center, gift shop, gem-panning, maze and cafe. The guided cavern tour is given entirely by boat.
Woodward Cave: Woodward Cave is one of the largest caverns in Pennsylvania; its nickname, "The Big One," reflects its five spacious rooms, one of which, "The Hall of Statues," is 300 feet long. Experienced guides conduct a well-explained, easily-walked tour in large, well-lit passageways that offer 50 minutes of nature at its best.
Celebrating 100 Years this Summer…
Knoebels Amusement Resort: Make new memories the old-fashioned way with classic rollercoasters, kid-friendly rides, swimming, camping, golf and attractions for the whole family! With free admission, free parking, free entertainment and free picnic facilities, there is something for all ages, all the time at Knoebels!
