Summer's going, going, going, but it's hardly gone.
That means there's still time before school starts to sneak in a family road trip to one or more of the many destinations in Pennsylvania and oh-so-close sites across the state's borders.
The USA TODAY Network journalists in Pennsylvania assembled this list of road-trip-worthy sites that differ from the many amazing options around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, go beyond the most familiar state parks and spotlight places you might not have considered, some of them free to visit. It's not a list of every possible adventure in the Keystone State, but rather some ideas to stretch an already planned trip or experience an outing you might not otherwise have taken.
Laurel Highlands and nearby family road trips
Pennsylvania Maple Museum
Address:10649 Somerset Pike, Somerset
Phone:814-445-6077
Website: somersethistoricalcenter.org
Located at theSomerset Historical Center, this new museum, which opened in late June, offers exhibits and showing how maple syrup is produced and why Somerset County is the state's largest producer of maple syrup.
More: Hungry for some comfort food? Here are 10 Somerset-area restaurants to try
Mount Davis
Part of the Forbes State Forest,Mount Davis Natural Areais located at the highest elevation in all of Pennsylvania, at 3,213 feet above sea level. The area sits on the crest of a 30-mile ridge extending from central Somerset County southward into Garrett County, Maryland. Visitors can climb the observation tower at the high point to look out across the state from its highest point. There are also hiking trails and a picnic area about one mile from Mount Davis, along Mount Davis Road, Meyersdale.
More: Somerset ranks as one of top small towns for adventure
Flight 93 National Memorial
Address:6424 Lincoln Highway, Stoystown
Phone:814-893-6322
Website: nps.gov/flni
On Sept. 11, 2001, 19 terrorists boarded and hijacked four airplanes, using them to attack America. Nearly 3,000 people were killed when the hijacked planes were flown into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., and when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed near Shanksville.Flight 93 National Memorialis a place to learn about the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93 whose actions thwarted the hijackers’ plan to fly this plane into a target in Washington, D.C., possibly the U.S. Capitol.
Listen to the Tower of Voices, walk along the path next to their final resting place, read the Wall of Names and honor the courage of those who fought back against the terrorists. Outdoor exhibits, a cell phone tour, park rangers and volunteers provide more information to visitors.
The Great Allegheny Passage
TheGreat Allegheny Passage, linking Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., has 150 miles of hiking and bicycling adventure, with a gentle grade and smooth surface through scenic views, trail towns, 16 bridges and four tunnels. There are places offering bikes to rent, trailhead parking and wayfinding signage, lodging, eateries, creameries, breweries and shuttle services along the trail. TheC&O Canal Towpathis a 184.5-mile trail between Cumberland, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., along theChesapeake & Ohio National Historical Parkand paralleling the Potomac River. The towpath offers access to historic canal locks, seven restored blockhouses, 11 stone aqueducts and nine canal towns in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, with their breweries, bed and breakfasts, cafes and restaurants, bike shops and local shopping.
Mountain Ridge ATV Park
Address:517 Boone Road, Central City
Phone:814-279-3147
Website: mountainridgeatvtrails.com
Mountain Ridge ATV Parkhas more than 150 miles of trails and 3,000 acres to provide a full day or a week of adventure. There are hill climbs, night rides, mud bogs, kiddie track, a motocross track, a drag strip and 40 miles of single track. The park also offers camping and rustic cabins. There's a small convenience store selling camping supplies, firewood and personal hygiene items.
Powdermill Nature Reserve
Where:1795 Route 381, Rector
Phone:724-593-6105
Website: carnegiemnh.org/visit-powdermill
This is theenvironmental research centerfor the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, where scientists come to study the plants, birds, animals and wildlife of western Pennsylvania. Its public exhibits offer visitors a closer look at Pennsylvania's natural environment, including bird migration, aquatic life in local streams, native plants and more.
There's even a taxidermy exhibit of animals native to Pennsylvania and a working "Marsh Machine" that shows how wastewater from the facility is reclaimed and treated for reuse using natural plants and organisms. There are nature trails open from dawn to dusk to walk around the property. Admission is free.
Idlewild and SoakZone
Address:2574 Lincoln Highway (Route 30 East), Ligonier
Phone:724-238-3666
Website: idlewild.com
For generations, families in the Laurel Highlands and beyond have planned day trips to Idlewild for therides, entertainment, amusem*nts and activitiesthat the whole family can enjoy. Visit Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood or Storybook Forest, ride the Loyalhanna Limited railroad, play at Jumpin' Jungle, ride the rides at Olde Idlewild, Racoon Lagoon Kiddieland and Hootin' Holler and cool off with the water-themed fun at SoakZone.
Heritage Discovery Center and Johnstown Children's Museum
Address:201 Sixth Ave., Johnstown
Phone:814-539-1889
Website: jaha.org
Learn why peoplecame from other parts of the worldto live and work in Johnstown and western Pennsylvania, building lives and families in the area and shaping its social climate in the process. There is also anIron and Steel Gallerythat shows how steel and coal brought economic prosperity to the region for over a century.
TheJohnstown Children's Museumoffers a variety of educational and entertaining play areas that help children learn about the area's history and explore career opportunities in medicine, business and other fields.
Horseshoe Curve
Where:2400 Veterans Memorial Highway, Altoona
Phone:814-946-0834, ext. 2101
Website: railroadcity.org/horseshoecurve
Considered one of the "eight engineering marvels of the world" when it was built in 1854, theHorseshoe Curvemade it possible for the Pennsylvania Railroad to move rail freight and passengers across the Allegheny Mountains from central Pennsylvania to cities in western Pennsylvania, including Johnstown.
Visitors can walk up the steps to the observation platform to watch as Norfolk Southern trains move freight east and west across the mountains, and there is also a small museum and a gift shop. TheRailroaders Memorial Museumis located nearby, at 1200 Ninth Ave.
The Horseshoe Curve and the Railroaders Museum are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online and must be used on the day for which the tickets are reserved.
More: Did you know there are 10 covered bridges in Somerset County you can drive or walk on?
Laurel Caverns
Address:1065 Skyline Drive, Farmington
Phone:800-515-4150
Website: laurelcaverns.com
Laurel Cavernsis a large, natural sandstone cave with more than four miles of passages to explore below ground at a consistent air temperature of 52 degrees year-round. Visitors can choose from guided tours, self-guided tours and group tours; reservations are required only for groups of 15 or more, including Scout troops and field trips. Other activities include the Grottos of Learning, panning for gemstones and a scenic above-ground lookout over the Laurel Ridge. Laurel Caverns is open during the visitor season (spring through fall) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week.
More: Who named the Laurel Highlands region a 'fantastic destination for families'?
Living Treasures Animal Park
Address:288 PA 711, Jones Mills
Phone:724-593-8300
Website: ltanimalpark.com
A family-owned and operatedwild animal parkwith more than 300 animals of 50 different species, according to its website. Visitors can walk through the park, feed the animals (with food sold by the park) and take photographs. A picnic area is on-site for those who bring a picnic lunch, and lodging is also available on the property at Log Cabin Lodge and Suites. Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from spring through fall; there is an admission charge to enter the park.
Central Pennsylvania and nearby family road trips
East Broad Top Railroad
Address:421 Meadow Street, Rockhill Furnace
Phone:(814) 447-3285
Website: eastbroadtop.com
While there are a variety train rides to take in the region, such asStrasburg Rail Roadin Lancaster Countyand theNorthern Central Railway(formerly Steam Into History) in York County, the East Broad Top Railroad, which had been on an endangered list for decades, has been preserved and is running again.The narrow-gauge railroad was built from 1872 to 1874.
Visitors can check out the nearbyRockhill Trolley Museumto take a ride on a trolley. One of the trolleys— York No. 163 — operated in York years ago.
Go 'N Bananas
Address:1170 Garfield Ave., Lancaster
Website:gonbananas.com
This 22,000-square-footindoor play attraction offers a variety of fun for the family, including aplayground with foam balls,blasters,fountains and slides;laser tag, aropecourse, an arcade, a toddler zone and more.
It offers a new attraction for visitors: XD Dark Ride. It's a 7D-interactive theater that will make viewers feel like they are part of the action, according to the website.
Hickory Falls
Address:110 Hickory Lane, Hanover
Website:hickoryfalls.com
Check out a huge indoor playground — a big jungle gym with slides, tubes, swings, a trampoline area and more.There's one gate to the indoor playground, which helps when it comes tokeeping track of children.Or perhaps you want to go for a race on one of the go-karts. It doesn't matter what the weather is because the indoor track is open year round. (You can race on the outside track, too, if the temperature is above 40 degrees and the weather isn't inclement.)The play facility also features a three-tier laser tag arena,rollerball bowling (duckpin bowling), an arcade and more. It's cheaper to buy a package, and the staff can help with selecting the right one based on the ages of the children.
Lancaster Science Factory
Address:454 New Holland Ave., Lancaster
Phone:(717) 509-6363
Website:lancastersciencefactory.org
Who wouldn't want to launch airplanes, build bridges or learn how a hydroelectric dam works?
The Science Factory features more than 70 hands-on exhibits related to science, engineering, technology and mathematics, and some families spend all day at the centeras their children experiment while learning, said Amanda Bakay, director of operations. It's geared for children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
The more than 17,000-square-foot, air-conditionedscience center is located in a reclaimed warehouse, and it's a place that families can goon a hot or rainy day.
Land of Little Horses
Address:125 Glenwood Drive, Gettysburg
Phone:(717) 334-7259
Website: landoflittlehorses.com
Families can see 50 horses— miniatures, ponies and full-size ones— as well as farm and exotic animals at this attraction in Adams County.
Visitors can see shows performed by the miniature horses, spend time in a Western townand take a pony ride, according to its website.
Tony Garulo and Stu Erickson started the attraction in 1971when they imported 25Falabella miniature horses fromArgentina. It has changed ownership over the years, but the tradition has continued.
'Protecting hallowed ground': Historic Little Roundtop reopens after two-year closure
Millersburg Ferry
Address:P.O. Box 93, Millersburg
Phone:(717) 692-2442
Website: millersburgferry.org
Before bridges spanned the Susquehanna River, people crossed the water on a ferry boat. Families can see what it was like by taking a ride on the Millersburg Ferry, which has been in continuous operation since 1817, according to its website. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It features two wooden boats:The Roaring Bull V, built in 1998, andThe Falcon III, built in 1917. Both can carry up to four vehicles or more than 20 motorcycles, according to the website.
Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park
Address:222 Penns Cave Road, Centre Hall
Phone:(814) 364-1664
Website:pennscave.com
Here's a cool way to beat the heat. Penn's Cave— not far from State College, Pennsylvania— is a cool 52 degrees. It has been open since 1885, and islisted on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors tour the limestone cavernby boat and see a variety ofstalactites and stalagmites. One formation lookslike "The Statue of Liberty." Another reminds visitors of the Nittany Lion. It's an active, living cave, meaning that the formations continue to grow.
In addition to the cave, visitors can take the Farm, Nature and Wildlife Tour. They can see a variety of animals, such as the mountain lion, timber wolves, elk, black bears, bison and more. Otheractivities also are available.
The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Address:300 North St., Harrisburg
Phone:(717) 787-4980
Website:statemuseumpa.org
It's a popular museum for school field trips, but it's nice to make another visit to learn more about the Keystone State's history and culture. It's where visitors can learn more about early Native American culture, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the species of animals that live here, and products made in the state.
The displays show how Pennsylvania— its people, places, products and events— have influenced the nation, according to the website.
Strasburg Rail Road
Address:301 Gap Road, Ronks
Phone:1-866-725-9666
Website:strasburgrailroad.com
This popular tourist attraction in Lancaster County offers a 45-minute ride through the countryside.
It features a variety of locomotives, including No. 475, the rail road's oldest and second largest steam locomotive, accordingto the website.
Visitors can book a behind the scenes tour of the railroad, and special events are offered throughout the year.
Visitors also can walk across the street to visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, which features a variety of trains, artifacts and more.
Havre de Grace, Maryland (the Promenade)
Address:Commerce Street, Havre de Grace, Maryland
Phone for visitor center:(410) 939-2100
Website:explorehavredegrace.com
Take a walk along the Promenade and enjoy looking over the waterfront where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay. Watch the boats go by. See the 1827 Concord Point Lighthouse. Let the children play on the playground atMillard Tydings Memorial Park.
Visitors can check out museums in the area, including theHavre de Grace Decoy MuseumandtheHavre de Grace Maritime Museum and Environmental Center. Families can learn about the art of decoy carving and the maritime history of the area.
Northeastern Pennsylvania and nearby family road trips
Crayola Experience
Address:30 Centre Square, Easton
Phone:(610) 515-8000
Website: crayolaexperience.com/easton
Children can make spin art, turn a photo into a coloring page, and see a 1,500-pound blue crayon created from crayon donationsfrom around the world, according to the website. The color playground is open.
Lehigh Valley Zoo
Address:5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville
Website:lvzoo.org
The Lehigh Valley Zoo welcomed Cosmo and Meeko, two red pandas, this summer and is home to many more animals. Upcoming special events include Christmas in July on July 25, Zoocoustic Night on July 27 and the Run Wild 5k/10k for Animal Conservation on Aug. 10.
Steamtown
Address:350 Cliff St., Scranton
Website:nps.gov/stea/index.htm
Bring a train enthusiast to Steamtown National Historic Site to see the museum, repair shop and more.Check onlinefor tickets for short train rides around Scranton and longer excursions.
Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den
Address: 300 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton
Website:electriccityaquarium.com
Make a second stop in Scranton to see sharks, rays, tortoises, fish and more. Check the feeding and touch tank schedule before deciding when to go.
Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion
Address:815 Hamilton St., Allentown
Learn about the human body, the Lehigh River watershed and more at the center’s new downtown Allentown location. Visit by Sept. 8 to see animatronic dinosaurs in the “Dinos Alive” exhibit. (An additional ticket is required.)
Knoebels Amusem*nt Resort
Address:391 Knoebels Blvd., Elysburg
Website:knoebels.com
Parking and admission are free. To save money on all-day ride passes, buy online. “Sundown” and “bargain night” tickets allow for an evening of rides at a lower price.
Caves
Address:963 Crystal Cave Road, Kutztown, and 726 Durham St., Hellertown
Website:crystalcavepa.com/home andlostcave.com
On a hot day, take a guided tour of Crystal Cave near Kutztown or Lost River Caverns in Hellertown. The caves maintain constant temperatures of 54 and 52 degrees, respectively.
Western Pennsylvania and nearby family road trips
Ohiopyle-Fallingwater
At Ohiopyle State Park, the Youghiogheny River affords some of the best kayaking and whitewater boating opportunities in the eastern U.S., as well as fishing and access to multiple waterfalls.
Hiking and horseback riding are other popular activities at the 20,500-acre park and gateway to the Laurel Highlands.
Before heading there, schedule a tour at nearby famed Fallingwater, the famed architectural wonder and National Historic Landmark built as a residence by Frank Lloyd Wright. Gates are open daily (except Wednesdays) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with bookings at 724-329-8501 andfallingwater.org.
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Washington-Canonsburg
Maybe this is the summer you see the Washington Wild Things play ball. Minor League Baseball is a rich part of the national pastime, with cozy 3,200-seat Wild Things Park, just outside Washington, Pa., a prime place to root, root, root for the home team. Upcoming promotions include Fireworks Friday versus the Sussex County Miners (Aug. 2) and Halloween Night versus the Schaumburg Boomers (Sept. 1.)
Maybe afterward, you'll want to visit the nearby Hollywood Casino & Racetrack at The Meadows, or beforehand enjoy a few scoops of deliciousness at Sarris Candies' old-fashioned ice cream parlor just up the road in Canonsburg.
The Scoop: Popular places to get ice cream in the Beaver Valley
Northwestern Pennsylvania and nearby family road trips
Drake Well Museum and Park
Address:202 Museum Lane, Titusville
Phone:814-827-2797
Website: drakewell.org
Administered by thePennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Drake Well serves as the heart of Pennsylvania's Oil Region National Heritage Area. It's about 46 miles from Erie, or a 70-minute drive.
The museum has been preserving the site of Drake's Well for more than 80 years and tells the story about the birth of the petroleum industry.
Visitors will enjoy a 240-acre site along with 12,000 square feet of interior exhibits and more.
Drake Well includes bike trails, fly fishing, hiking trails and more.
Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad
Address:49 S. Perry St., Titusville
Phone:814-677-2192
Website:Octrr.org
All aboard! Along with Drake Well, the Oil Creek Valley is famous for its history and people.
The Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad will take riders back over 150 years into oil country during a vintage train ride.
The 3-hour round trip will take passengers through Oil Creek State Park to discover the history of oil in Pennsylvania.
More: Popular skywalk at Pa.'s Kinzua Bridge State Park will undergo long-term maintenance work
Pymatuning Deer Park
Address:804 East Jamestown Road, Jamestown, Pa.
Phone:724-932-3200
Website:pymatuningdeerpark.com
This deer park features more than 250 animals and birds from around the world.
The park allows families to get up close with domestic farm animals while seeing both domestic and exotic animals.
National Comedy Center
Address:203 W. 2nd St., Jamestown, New York
Phone:716-484-2222
Website:comedycenter.org
More:Nate Bargatze, Jeff Ross and many more comics to perform at Lucille Ball Comedy Festival
Just under an hour away is the cultural institution dedicated to preserving and telling the story about comedy.
The National Comedy Center is a 37,000 square-foot building filled with comedy collections, educational exhibits, interactive technology and more.
Families can walk through more than 50 immersive experiences as they take a journey through comedy history while having some laughs along the way.
More:At National Comedy Center in Jamestown, you're in on the joke with hands-on, personalized exhibits
Panama Rocks
Address:11 Rock Hill Road, Panama, New York
Phone:716-703-0021
Website:panamarocks.com
Take the family on a hike. Just 38 miles away from Erie,Panama Rockswas listed the No. 1 nature and hiking trail in New York byiloveny.com.
Visitors will enjoy towering rocks, deep crevices, passageways, small hidden caves and more.
More: Martina McBride, Beach Boys, Boyz II Men and more performing at Chautauqua this summer
Roger Tory Peterson Institute
Address:311 Curtis St. Ext., Jamestown, New York
Phone:716-665-2473
Website:rtpi.org
The Roger Tory Peterson Institution, 49 miles from Erie, is the largest collection of Roger Peterson's work. The art institution includes works that illustrate the beauty of nature and challenge viewers to confront environmental issues.
The institute serves as a gateway to the natural wonders that inspired Peterson throughout his career.
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This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: PA family road trip ideas - caves, museums, railroads, parks, crayons
