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Wander & Wonder: Local Fun
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items This is your go-to guide for discovering joy right where you are. Focused on hidden gems, quirky spots, and enriching experiences within your own city or region, this niche celebrates the art of slowing down and exploring nearby wonders. Whether it’s...
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Pennsylvania
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Edition invites you to uncover the charm, culture, and hidden treasures of the Keystone State. From the rolling hills of Amish country and vibrant street art in Philadelphia to quirky roadside attractions and historic small-town gems, th...& Wonder helps you experience the best of Pennsylvania through day trips, seasonal events, nature escapes, and local favorites that spark joy, connection, and a deeper appreciation for your own backyard.
If you are looking for a fun place with good pizza and breadstix this is the place for you. Your kids can play games while waiting for the food to be done. They also host parties here. Specials on Tuesday. Go have some fun!
Big Cheese Pizza Zone
Spanning over 13,000 acres across Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties in northeastern PA, Ricketts Glen is a National Natural Landmark
A full loop covers ~7.2 miles, though a popular shorter option is a ~3.2-mile hike combining Glen Leigh and Ganoga Glen
Please be sure to wear good hiking shoes, be in good physical shape, and have a map available as cell service is spotty. During the Winter the falls are closed to visitors.
A full loop covers ~7.2 miles, though a popular shorter option is a ~3.2-mile hike combining Glen Leigh and Ganoga Glen
Please be sure to wear good hiking shoes, be in good physical shape, and have a map available as cell service is spotty. During the Winter the falls are closed to visitors.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Operated by the Reading & Northern Railroad, the train departs from Jim Thorpe's historic station and winds through the scenic Lehigh Gorge State Park, following the Lehigh River and passing dramatic cliffs and forests
This a beautiful old railroad offering short rides to check out the views of mountains. They even offer specialty rides. I do wish the rides were longer but it still a nice little trip.
This a beautiful old railroad offering short rides to check out the views of mountains. They even offer specialty rides. I do wish the rides were longer but it still a nice little trip.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Landis Valley is a 100-acre living history museum in Lancaster, showcasing Pennsylvania German lifeways from 1740–1940. Founded in the 1920s by the Landis brothers, today it's overseen by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission
This is a wonderful piece of Pennsylvania German history. The gardens and farm is well maintained. They don't offer many seasonal events. It is great for families, school trips, history buffs… Please allow 2-3 hrs to visit.
This is a wonderful piece of Pennsylvania German history. The gardens and farm is well maintained. They don't offer many seasonal events. It is great for families, school trips, history buffs… Please allow 2-3 hrs to visit.
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Wood-fired, brick-oven pizzas made with fresh ingredients.
Adjacently located to one of the Poconos’ oldest family-run wineries (since 1981), you can enjoy tastings, sangria flights, or full glasses while overlooking the vineyard.
Cozy ambiance with live music on weekends, scenic outdoor seating by pond and firepits, and a laid-back country vibe.
The atmosphere is great here - I have even watched a bear walk by as I was sipping wine. If you come into the area this is a must try - beware the wait times vary as it is a smaller establishment - you won't be disappointed.
Adjacently located to one of the Poconos’ oldest family-run wineries (since 1981), you can enjoy tastings, sangria flights, or full glasses while overlooking the vineyard.
Cozy ambiance with live music on weekends, scenic outdoor seating by pond and firepits, and a laid-back country vibe.
The atmosphere is great here - I have even watched a bear walk by as I was sipping wine. If you come into the area this is a must try - beware the wait times vary as it is a smaller establishment - you won't be disappointed.
Sorrenti Family Estate Winery, Distillery & Pizzeria
Shady Maple Smorgasbord if located in the Lancaster area. This smorgasbord is one of the largest I have been to. The food choices and freshness of the food is on point.
They offer specials daily and even doing special days for holidays. They are ...
Shady Maple Smorgasbord
This village is located in the Lancaster area of PA. There are a bunch of little shops. Some of the shops are of locally made items. They do have several events throughout the year be sure to check their website.
They have plenty of parking but ...
Kitchen Kettle Village
Bird in Hand is a little town that offers a farmers market and some little shops. It can seem commercialized but it does have local items. You can sample some of the goods offered. Don’t worry about eating as they have plenty to pick from. The pa...
Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market
New Jersey
Wander & Wonder: Local Fun – New Jersey Edition invites you to explore the Garden State like never before. From charming coastal towns and iconic boardwalks to historic landmarks and thrilling amusement parks, this curated guide uncovers the best local adven...
Ideal for family fun, this dry town boardwalk features a Ferris wheel at Gillian's Wonderland Pier, mini golf at Congo Falls Adventure Golf, and classic eats like Kohr Brothers Frozen Custard and Fralinger's saltwater taffy.
This is a family fun atmosphere, lots of dining options and entertainment for all. I feel this boardwalk is clean and safe. Go enjoy today!
This is a family fun atmosphere, lots of dining options and entertainment for all. I feel this boardwalk is clean and safe. Go enjoy today!
Ocean City, NJ Boardwalk
This just opened in March 2025 - a 75-minute, step-by-step excavation sequence with sifting tools and added guidance. Children and adults alike almost guaranteed to unearth shells, sponges—and maybe even shark teeth.
Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University
This is your classic boardwalk - rides, food and family fun.
Voted the second-best seaside amusement park in the world by Amusement Today with over 100 rides and attractions across three piers and two water parks
Pricing can be an issue and the hours aren't the greatest but is still a fun time. Check it out.
Voted the second-best seaside amusement park in the world by Amusement Today with over 100 rides and attractions across three piers and two water parks
Pricing can be an issue and the hours aren't the greatest but is still a fun time. Check it out.
Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
This ship is the most decorated in US naval history. It is docked in the Delaware across from Philadelphia.
This ship served in 4 wars and is a powerful symbol of American naval strength and innovation.
This is a self guided tour which can be physically demanding. It is great for families and history buffs. They have special events so be sure to check website for them.
Go see some history - you won't be disappointed.
This ship served in 4 wars and is a powerful symbol of American naval strength and innovation.
This is a self guided tour which can be physically demanding. It is great for families and history buffs. They have special events so be sure to check website for them.
Go see some history - you won't be disappointed.
Battleship New Jersey
Turtle Back Zoo is a medium-sized, family-friendly zoo nestled in the South Mountain Reservation.
Wide variety of animals for a regional zoo Great for young children and school trips Educational without being overwhelming.
But it can get crowded on weekends and holidays. Food is concerned overpriced but what establishment for entertainment isn't. This also isn't too appealing to the older children(teen) but still a nice day trip.
Wide variety of animals for a regional zoo Great for young children and school trips Educational without being overwhelming.
But it can get crowded on weekends and holidays. Food is concerned overpriced but what establishment for entertainment isn't. This also isn't too appealing to the older children(teen) but still a nice day trip.
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
This place is Spanning 8.5 acres, it’s the largest indoor theme park in North America, with 30+ rides and attractions—ranging from family-friendly carousels to full-throttle thrill coasters—all under one roof.
There is a few different pricing options for this park. Open 11am-7pm daily. Great place for family fun.
But please be patient as with any “theme” park wait times vary and some machines may not function.
Go enjoy a climate controlled water park!
There is a few different pricing options for this park. Open 11am-7pm daily. Great place for family fun.
But please be patient as with any “theme” park wait times vary and some machines may not function.
Go enjoy a climate controlled water park!
Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park
New York
Watkins Glen State Park, nestled at the southern tip of Seneca Lake in New York's Finger Lakes, is a breathtaking nature destination built around a dramatic 400‑foot gorge dotted with 19 waterfalls in just under two miles.
Fees: $10 per vehicle entry, plus $5 round‑trip for the shuttle
This is a beautiful state park but it is physically demanding so please have the proper footwear and take your time. I suggest staying on the trails for safety. This is a MUST DO for photographers.
Fees: $10 per vehicle entry, plus $5 round‑trip for the shuttle
This is a beautiful state park but it is physically demanding so please have the proper footwear and take your time. I suggest staying on the trails for safety. This is a MUST DO for photographers.
Watkins Glen State Park
Located in Corning, NY (about 4 hrs north of NYC), this is the largest museum dedicated solely to glass. It blends art, history, and science—housed across galleries spanning 35 centuries, contemporary art, and cutting-edge glass innovation.
They have live glass blowing demostrations which are amazing to see. You can make/create your own. The kids will love the things made from glass. But remember it is glass :)
Go and have fun on maybe a rainy day.
They have live glass blowing demostrations which are amazing to see. You can make/create your own. The kids will love the things made from glass. But remember it is glass :)
Go and have fun on maybe a rainy day.
Corning Museum of Glass
A man by the name of George Boldt decided to build this castle for his love(Gilded Age period) and he was going to surprise her on Valentines day - well needless to say that didn't get to happen.
The amount of history and beauty of this place is amazing. The stories that you will hear about this place during the tour also good.
Go go go! It is a place I go often - even just to see what I might have missed that last time I was there. Be sure to download the app. It will help :)
The amount of history and beauty of this place is amazing. The stories that you will hear about this place during the tour also good.
Go go go! It is a place I go often - even just to see what I might have missed that last time I was there. Be sure to download the app. It will help :)
Boldt Castle & Boldt Yacht House
This boat tour offers quite a few different cruises. We have tried them all and think they are great.
Book in advanced as it fills up pretty quickly during peak season. It is between 1-3 hrs depending on the tour option you pick. The kids will love it.
It is educational, fun and an adventure. They will make a stop at Boldt Castle where you can get off and get some snacks - tour the Castle(additional fees app) if you choose or they will take you back to Alexandria Bay.
One of my favorite tour boats! :) Happy Sailing.
Book in advanced as it fills up pretty quickly during peak season. It is between 1-3 hrs depending on the tour option you pick. The kids will love it.
It is educational, fun and an adventure. They will make a stop at Boldt Castle where you can get off and get some snacks - tour the Castle(additional fees app) if you choose or they will take you back to Alexandria Bay.
One of my favorite tour boats! :) Happy Sailing.
Uncle Sam Boat Tours
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Cooperstown, NY—about a 1.5–2‑hour drive from Mohawk. It's a must‑visit pilgrimage for baseball fans of all ages.
What a great place to take anyone who likes baseball - in the summer their are events happening all the time be sure to check the website for details.
Ticket prices:
Adults (13–64): $30 Seniors (65+): $24 Juniors (7–12): $21 Veterans: $20 Children under 6, Hall of Famers, veterans, & military (active or retired): free
What a great place to take anyone who likes baseball - in the summer their are events happening all the time be sure to check the website for details.
Ticket prices:
Adults (13–64): $30 Seniors (65+): $24 Juniors (7–12): $21 Veterans: $20 Children under 6, Hall of Famers, veterans, & military (active or retired): free
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
This place is a premier freshwater boating museum set across 4.5 acres on the St. Lawrence River, home to over 320 antique and classic boats, plus thousands of artifacts and nautical archives.
Allow 1 ½-2 hrs to tour the museum - and don't forget to check for add ons. They offer boat rides/tours. They even have activities for kids.
Check them out.
Allow 1 ½-2 hrs to tour the museum - and don't forget to check for add ons. They offer boat rides/tours. They even have activities for kids.
Check them out.
Antique Boat Museum