12 Unforgettable Pennsylvania Day Trips, One for Each Month of the Year

Let’s have some fun! What's the best way to get to know our beautiful state? By exploring, of course. Pack the car, and hit the road on one of the best Pennsylvania day trips that will take you to some breathtaking natural wonders and fun, family-friendly attractions. Or, if you have more time, turn a few of our favorite day trips into one of the most epic road trips in Pennsylvania. Grab your planner because you'll want to add the best day trips in Pennsylvania, one for each month of the year, to your calendar.

Note: Remember to contact the attraction featured in the day trip before hitting the road to check for current hours, and prices (if applicable), and to ensure it is still open.

1. January – Eagles Mere

Let’s kick off the year with a day trip to the enchanting village of Eagles Mere, home to just about 150 residents all year around. Stroll through the village, stopping by the Eagles Mere Museum and checking out the frozen lake. If you’re lucky, the Eagles Mere Toboggan, which zips right through the middle of town, will be up and running, too. Have you been Googling the "best day trips near me?" You've found one of the best on a chilly winter day.

2. February – Camelback Mountain in Tannersville

Embark on an epic winter adventure at Camelback Mountain, which boasts a pretty impressive snow tubing run. Spend the day zipping down the mountain on a snow tube, or stop by for a nighttime adventure. Galactic snow tubing features colorful LED lights and 40 lanes, so you’ll always be on the go.

3. March – Pine Creek Gorge in Wellsboro

We’re barreling towards spring – yay! Whether there’s snow or not, now is the perfect time to visit Pine Creek Gorge in Wellsboro. Try to go after a fresh snowfall, however, so you can admire the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania as a winter wonderland. If you can't make it during the winter, pencil in a visit during the peak of the fall foliage for some of the most breathtaking views in Pennsylvania.

4. April – Gettysburg

Spring is an idyllic time for a visit to Gettysburg, named one of the best small towns in the United States for a day trip. Gettysburg is a popular destination for history buffs and ghost hunters, and many of the must-visit attractions, including Devil's Den and the Jenny Wade House, are historic and believed to be haunted.

5. May – Tyler Arboretum in Media

Bring your hiking boots along for your visit to Tyler Arboretum, which boasts 20 miles of hiking trails. Explore the trails, dotted with blossoming flowers and treehouses. The arboretum also features a butterfly house and a meadow maze. One of the best day trips for families in Pennsylvania, Tyler Arboretum also holds events, including nature walks, throughout the year.

6. June – Bucks County River Country in Point Pleasant

Stay cool during the long hot summer with a bit of tubing, canoeing, or kayaking with Bucks County River Country. For the most relaxing option, slide into one of the tubes for a leisurely float along the Delaware River.

7. July – Hope Hill Lavender Farm in Pottsville

Add a day trip to Hope Hill Lavender Farm twice – once during the spring and the second time during mid-July when the lavender is at its peak. Tour the breathtaking farm on your own and from May through July, go on a guided tour. You can also meet the resident miniature donkeys and chickens. Those are just some of the many reasons we think Hope Hill Lavender Farm is one of the best Pennsylvania day trips.

8. August - Kennywood Park in West Mifflin

Remember how much fun it was to go to an amusement park in the summer when we were kids? My favorite, mainly because it was the closest, is Kennywood Park, perhaps best known for the Jack Rabbit and the Thunderbolt, both wooden coasters. My favorite part is sampling the food, from cheese-drenched fries at the Potato Patch to a sweet pretzel from Auntie Anne's.

9. September – Kinzua Bridge State Park in Mt. Jewett

Keep an eye on when the fall foliage is going to be at its finest this year, but consider a trip to Kinzua Bridge State Park toward the end of September. Cross the Kinzua Bridge State Park Skywalk for sensational views of the surrounding forest. (At the end of the skywalk is a glass bottom that allows you to look down 301 feet to the forest floor.)

Editor's Note: Kinzua Bridge Skywalk is currently closed during most of the year for renovations but will be open select weeks during the fall.

10. October – Pocono Tree Ventures in East Stroudsburg

Buckle up for a fast-paced, breathtaking treetop canopy tour with Pocono Tree Ventures this fall. Embark on a canopy tour that promises a ton of fun, including seven ziplines, bridges, and climbing walls. You’ll also get to admire the sensational fall foliage.

11. November – Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square

The Christmas season in Pennsylvania is simply spectacular. November takes us to Longwood Gardens for its popular Christmas lights displays. Explore both indoors and outdoors, admiring the twinkling lights, and stop by the Garden Railway.

12. December – Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville

Start or continue a treasured Christmas tradition with a visit to Koziar's Christmas Village, a sensational walk-through Christmas attraction that boasts more than one million lights. Bundle up so you’re cozy along the walk that features Santa’s house and other surprises on one of the best day trips for families in Pennsylvania at Christmastime.

What are your favorite Pennsylvania day trips? What do you think are the best day trips for families in Pennsylvania? Let us know by nominating them.

When was the last time you visited some of our amazing state parks? Pack your bags and hit the highway on this road trip to the best state parks in Pennsylvania. With just under six hours of driving, you will journey to seven of Pennsylvania's most well-known state parks. But, before you set off, consult the OIYS road trip essentials packing list.