Pennsylvania’s cities, parks, and small towns promise a stay-at-home spring break to remember.

And just like that, the snow is melting (for now), the temperature is rising (albeit slowly), and spring is on the horizon!

Even though it may still be chilly where you are reading this, we can’t argue with the calendar: spring break in Pennsylvania will soon be upon us. And whether you have a spring break determined by school calendars or you just want to take some time off as winter ends, Pennsylvania is the perfect state to enjoy a staycation. We have exciting urban areas, outdoor paradises, charming small towns, and areas specifically designed for family fun.

How do you want to spend your spring break? Read on for some ideas for how to spring break within Pennsylvania.

Take to the city for spring break

A bustling city means lots of things to do. And have you ever considered playing tourist in your own town? Spring break might be the ideal time.

Philadelphia

If you live in Philadelphia or the surrounding area, you’ve surely been to Old City to learn about the founding of the U.S.—but have you been to Independence Hall since you were a kid? You can plan a trip to Philly and pretend that you’re a tourist, just like the millions of people who visit the city each year.

If you don’t want to ride a double-decker bus (you sure?), you could also make a plan to see some of the city’s outstanding museums and visit some of its exceptional restaurants. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is always worth a visit for culture lovers, and for a more community-oriented approach to art, don’t miss Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. For eats you can’t get anywhere else, try Kalaya for Thai and Fiore for Italian.

Pittsburgh

Full of history and quirky fun, Pittsburgh is a delight for tourists and locals alike. Take a jaunt on the Gateway Clipper like many tourists do for a tour of Pittsburgh’s three rivers, or ride the Duquesne Incline up and down Mount Washington without bringing an out-of-town visitor along (i.e., when most Pittsburghers ride the inclines).

Don’t forget to eat the amazing Polish dumpling that Pittsburgh knows well—pierogi! Try to snag a reservation at the popular plant-based Eastern European restaurant Apteka or visit the new Sharpsburg café Polska Laska for handmade pierogies and other Polish food.

Where else?

While Philly and Pittsburgh are the biggest cities in the state, don’t forget about Erie and its namesake lake or the cities that make up the Lehigh Valley.

Explore quaint small towns during spring break

We love Pennsylvania’s big cities, but we also love the charm of the small towns that pepper the state.

Lititz

Lititz is a gem of Lancaster County and Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with attractions to suit anyone’s tastes.

History buffs will gawk at the stunning architecture dating back to the 1700s, perhaps via a historic walking tour of the town. Shopping aficionados will appreciate the bevy of local stores that dot the downtown area, from a town favorite bookstore to unique boutiques. And foodies—or anyone—will enjoy a visit to Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, which was the first commercial pretzel bakery in the country.

Bedford

A trip to Bedford can equal relaxation—something that Americans of yesteryear knew well, as thanks to its mineral springs, the Bedford Springs Resort was once the most popular resort in the United States! The resort is now part of the Omni family of hotels.

Bedford is a fun and relaxing destination even outside of the resort’s spa. It is also home to a cute downtown with fun shops (Good to B Home has eclectic homewares) and great food (try LIFeSTYLE for excellent Italian-inspired eats), as well as the unique National Museum of the American Coverlet.

Where else?

There are so many small towns across Pennsylvania with downtowns just waiting for a stroll. You might visit lively Ligonier in the Laurel Highlands or beautiful Jim Thorpe in the Pocono Mountains.

Seek spring break adventure in the outdoors

We know that Pennsylvania is an ideal place to enjoy the great outdoors just from the name of our state, as Pennsylvania translates to “Penn’s woods.” No matter where you are in Pennsylvania, there are certainly woods to explore during spring break!

Laurel Highlands

For folks wanting to experience the mountains in the Greater Pittsburgh area, the Laurel Highlands are calling.

You can book a cabin or camp in or near the small town of Ohiopyle, where adventure opportunities run the gamut, including kayaking, white water rafting, waterfall chasing, hiking, and cycling the Great Allegheny Passage. You might also explore the famous Fallingwater and the beautiful grounds surrounding this home built by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area 

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a glorious natural area within the most populous area of the country! The national recreation area follows the Delaware River for 40 miles and provides a picturesque setting for canoeing, kayaking, biking, and hiking. You’ll surely want to seek out the famous waterfalls of the area, including Dingman Falls and Raymondskill Falls.

Where else?

Did you know that there are 124 state parks in Pennsylvania? And many parks allow overnight camping! Perhaps you could find a Pennsylvania State Park near you and plan a camping—or cabin—trip.

Focus on family fun this spring break

You can have fun with your family almost anywhere, but there are a few places in Pennsylvania that have been specifically built for kids—or at least, where kids will undoubtedly have a good time. 

Hershey

It’s a town built around chocolate. Family fun? Check.

You and your family can learn about the history of the Hershey company, which gave the town its name, via the Hershey Story museum. After exploring museum exhibits, both kids and adults will love making candy at the Chocolate Lab. You can also visit Hersheypark, a theme park with roller coasters and other rides all inspired by Hershey chocolates and candies. 

Crayola Experience

Budding artists will love visiting Crayola Experience in the crayon company’s hometown of Easton.

The indoor attraction teaches kids about the history of Crayola and the magic of crayons with hands-on, creative activities. Kids can name their own crayon (can you do better than razzmatazz?), become part of a coloring page, and, of course, color the day away!

Where else?

Don’t forget about Lancaster’s Dutch Wonderland, a theme park targeted toward families with younger kids, as well as Pittsburgh’s old-timey amusement park, Kennywood.