Initially I had named this “Holiday Adventures” but really, it’s all of our favorite things to do through Fall, the holidays, and Winter. Why? Mostly because everyone else has gone back to school so we have free reign. But there are plenty of other perks too! Posting this early means you can think about these adventures and plan ahead!
- Longwood Gardens from September through December is some of our most favorite times to go! The weather is cooler, which is nice walking around outside. The fall flowers are stunning and they have a great children’s area full of pumpkins and gourds. Of course after Thanksgiving they have their Holiday Light display that is never a disappointment. I think we went 4 times in December alone last year with various friends. I can’t recommend getting a membership more.
2. Zoos- this one always surprises people initially. Tourists and families on vacation tend to take over between May and August, so we tend to avoid most zoos in that time frame. We are frequent fliers during the “off season,” to our absolute benefit. A majority of animals at most PA zoos are North American. This typically means the animals are more active through the fall and the winter- the cooler weather is their JAM. There’s way less people which makes navigating through easier, but the animals are also more excited to engage. We’re also able to see zoo keepers often and build relationship with them. We’re on first name basis with way too many zoo employees at Zoo America. But we love Lehigh Valley Zoo too! With membership we have reciprocity for almost all AZA Zoos & Aquariums.
3. Hershey Gardens- like a mini version of Longwood, they have a cute little children’s garden zone. Though most of the outside gardens are put to bed for the winter, Hershey Gardens boasts a Butterfly Atrium. It’s one of our favorite cooler weather, indoor spots, because it is kept at a balmy, tropical temperature above 70*. It has plenty of creepy crawlies, slitherers, and hoppers for kids to interact with. Similar to the zoo, the off season means less people and building awesome relationships with employees. Shout out to Mrs. Denise and Mrs. Sarah!
4. Dutch Wonderland- this is definitely a newer addition to our list, and I have a feeling it will be there for a few years. We went last year for the first time over the summer with friends. Then we were able to go for a promotional shoot in December for their new Winter Wonderland. This year we bought season passes that include the rest of the 2024 season and all of next year. We were already able to go to Happy Hauntings and the girls had a blast. They were able to ride a bunch of rides, went “trick or treasure,” where they got a few goodies, and then we headed over for the dive show where they munched on their chocolate. Almost every ride was open and running. Even for Winter Wonderland, the majority of rides are going. Like the previous suggestions, passes are totally worth it. 3 visits will have more than paid for our membership that we’ll get to use for 16 months.
5. Chocolate World- back in the day, Candy Lane was free and you paid by ride if you wanted to ride rides. It’s now astronomical to do Candy Lane at Hershey for the Holidays. But one thing that hasn’t changed is that Chocolate World is free, and so is the chocolate making ride with a mini candy bar at the end. Are you even from Lancaster if you can’t sing the songs in your sleep? Every year they construct a giant gingerbread house decked out in all things Hershey Candy. The jingling Kisses are always a favorite. They do also offer Santa pictures. But if we’re honest, we go for the ride, and to stock up on chocolate for holiday baking.
6. Reading Public Museum– RPM has never been a disappointment. From Colonial America, to Leonardo da Vinci, to dragons, and Medieval Castles- every exhibit has been a BLAST. Most of them are interactive, and my kids would spend hours if I let them. Many Berks County libraries offer museum passes if you have a Berks Library System Card. The cost is reasonable, as is membership. The picture gallery on the 3rd floor is my favorite. The PA Dutch Room on the 2nd floor comes in second place. They have a lovely path and gardens outside of the museum and a Planetarium. It’s a wonderful spot all year round, but especially nice to be indoors.
What are some of your favorite fall and winter family adventures!?
Tell us in the comments.
The Nurtured Bee 