Can you hear the school bell ringing in the distance? Regardless of how you feel about the start of the new school year – excited, nervous, deflated, cautiously optimistic – it’s now on the horizon.
But don’t fear, parents and grandparents, there’s still plenty of time to make memories in your own backyard!
We’re going to offer some suggestions that can be accomplished in a day or two, within a budget, and using just one tank of gas. A win-win-win, especially with today’s gas prices.
Themed Roadtrips: Ready, Set, Go!
If you’re looking for an easy, themed roadtrip, check out this page of our website.
Simply print it out and get going! Take note of these family-friendly itineraries:
- Every Town A Treasure Road Trip and A Treasure At Every Turn – Both include wonderful, accessible gems in our River towns
- Crossroads Of History Road Trip – Features many of the region’s historical highlights; just remember to check the summer hours of destinations before making the trip
- Cats, Caves and Carousels – This one is pretty self-explanatory and is the epitome of family fun!
- Handmade And Homegrown – This excursion will fuel the creative minds in your group and you’ll likely take a treasure home that will always remind you of your journey
In my last blog post, I offered some additional thoughts for a Fun and Educational Family Outing that included Milton State Park and the Milton Library, the Lewisburg Children’s Museum, YMCA Arts Center, Hoopla’s, T&D’s Cats of the World, and much more.
These itineraries are a fantastic starting point – and they were created as the result of local knowledge and expertise – no AI tools needed.
If you’d like to build your own adventure, start with this page of our website, which offers links to attractions, arts and culture, historical museums, and outdoor recreation.
Rare (Don’t Miss) Gems
We also wanted to give some love for some lesser-known family-friendly gems in the region:
Cherished Cats Rescue Alliance operates The Scratching Post Cat Café at 230 Market Street in Lewisburg. Admission is $6 per person to relax with cage-free, adoptable cats. Hours are Wednesday-Friday from 12-7 pm and Saturday-Sunday from 1-5 pm.
- Lykens Valley Children’s Museum – A bustling museum for younger kiddos (suggested for ages 12 and under), offering play and hands-on learning stations. $5 a person, under 2 are free. Open Tuesday-Thursday from 10 am-3 pm and Saturday from 10 am-4 pm.
- Treasure Castle Playland – Great for a blistering hot day or a rainy day! Slides, tunnels, sand table, games, jump house, building areas, and a food court all within a climate-controlled space. This former church features beautiful high ceilings and stained glass on multiple levels, plus free WiFi. Open 10 am-3 pm Monday-Saturday. All day play for $10 ages 1-3 and $13 ages 4-12. Every child admission receives a FREE adult, additional adults are $2.
Art Academy of Milton – This ever-changing and ever-expanding community art space offers low-cost art classes, artist’s studios, performance spaces and event spaces. Many of the classes are ideal for older kiddos (pre-teens and teens). Check out their calendar here.
- The Exchange, Bloomsburg – Located in downtown Bloomsburg, this community gallery offers rotating exhibits that change monthly. Most of the exhibits are free and appropriate for all ages, and offer a low-pressure, casual gallery setting ideal for introducing kids to the visual arts. Regular gallery hours are Mondays and Fridays from 10 am-6 pm with similar hours on most Tuesdays through Thursdays.
Currently on display through September 4th is Lori Sassani’s Solo Show featuring narrative and emotional oil paintings by the classically trained second-generation artist. The Exchange also offers an intimate, low pressure, live performance series called the Listening Room often featuring blues, roots, and Americana concerts on the last Wednesday of each month for a nominal entrance fee. This is an ideal way to introduce kids to the performing arts!
- YMCA Arts Center - Located at 35 South 5th Street in Sunbury, the space is operated by the Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA and features three floors of dedicated studio spaces providing community art programming, as well as adult and youth classes. Regular offerings include pottery, drawing and painting, fiber arts, youth art classes and camps.
Historical Treasures: New Video Series
If you’re planning to visit any of our local historical sites or Museums, consider taking 15 minutes to watch our three-part video series highlighting the SRV’s counties:
Snyder County - From fertile farmland that has sustained generations to the arrival of the railroad that transformed local communities and fueled economic growth, Snyder County's rich history continues to shape the region we know and love today. This journey through history also celebrates one of Snyder County’s most recognizable agricultural success stories, Shade Mountain Winery & Vineyards, where generations of family tradition have grown into one of Pennsylvania’s premier wineries.
Northumberland County - Flowing through the heart of Northumberland County, in Central PA, the Susquehanna River has witnessed centuries of history, from early settlements and frontier life to remarkable people whose ideas changed the world. Join us as we explore the rich heritage of the region through the story of Fort Augusta, Joseph Priestley, Fort Freeland, and the communities and landmarks that continue to preserve Northumberland County’s incredible past.
Union County - Discover the story of a region where rich, fertile river valley lands supported generations of farmers, fueled a thriving agricultural industry, and inspired innovation that continues to this day. From the waterways that first drew people to the area to the evolution of pioneer railroads that transformed the movement of agricultural goods, Union County’s history is one of resilience, progress, and opportunity.
What will you and your family explore in the last few weeks of summer?
Share your adventures! Tag us on social media @SusquehannaRiverValley or #ExploreSRV.
See you on the winding roads of the SRV…
