Hip & happening hangouts for the whole 'hood...

Thought I'd highlight some of our favorite family hangouts in & out of LanCo. Some we visit just once a year, some we grace (?!) with our presence frequently.  Lucky them.  A few we've outgrown, but are still worth a mention for families with wee ones. Either way, lots of fun for anyone!

 The Lake & Beach at Mt. Gretna

Which has to be followed up by heading across the street to

the world famous "Jigger Shop" for burgers & ice cream!

Below is one of their special concoctions.  Established in 1895,

their website shares wonderful historical stories about Mt. Gretna,

as well as a "web-cam" so you can find those sneaky teens.

http://www.jiggershop.com/ 

"The Hands on House"

A wonderful kids museum which keeps kids attention

until around ages 6-8 years.  New this year is a wonderful

addition "Mason's Active Adventure Garden".

"The Wilbur Chocolate Factory"

Home of the iconic & highly addictive Wilbur buds.

A sinful and sensational mouth-watering creation 

long before Hershey kisses.  (Though we love those too!)

So...all that talk of kisses reminds me

to include "Hershey Park".

Our favorite areas always seem to be their water

parks - lots & lots of ways to keep cool.
Also home to some pretty far out roller coasters...

HP also offers great concerts year-round & in the winter

the Hershey Bears hockey team rock the house!

Another LanCo hotspot for littler people:

"Dutch Wonderland".

Though there are a few rides like the Pipeline Plunge

that we haven't braved quite yet, it is a perfect place to begin

the amusement park experience for newcomers.



"Cherry Crest Adventure Farm"

checks in as our all time favorite fall experience!

A ridiculously well designed corn maze (see 2011's below),

plus the added benefit of tons of outdoor games,

arts & crafts, petting zoos & great food.  All digital-free!

Bit of a drive, but an annual must do.  Plan to spend the day!

Lititz Springs Park is home to the 4th of July celebration. Anywhere.

That celebration is a whole other blog in itself, but the following

You Tube video of the over the top fireworks choreographed and graciously donated

annually by Clair Global, will inspire you to visit Lititz for that reason alone.

Sit back & enjoy just a tiny taste:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8V8Cldhyoe0&feature=related

And some indoor honorable mentions:

B2B Baseball & Softball Academy

LaserDome

Strasburg Railroad

That Bounce Place (new in Lancaster)

&

The kids indoor gym at Universal Athletic Club

**stock photos from company websites

w/the exception of Hands on House by yours truly**