Things to Do in Harrisburg

Walk around and you'll see stately government buildings, a busy downtown and diverse schedule of special events here in Pennsylvania's capital city. Harrisburg’s colorful history, lively entertainment and interesting attractions will keep you and your whole family engaged in fun activities throughout your stay here.

Family Fun in the Capital Region

Rambunctious kids and fun-loving adults alike all get a kick out of the entertaining activities on City Island, which is situated right in the middle of the Susquehanna River. You can ride on the miniature steam train, the paddlewheel boat and the carousel. You can also take a swing in the batting cages, join a game of beach volleyball or simply lounge in the park-like setting.

At world-famous Hersheypark, which is only a 25-minute drive from Harrisburg, you can cool down and have a blast on rides in the vast water park, get your thrills on winding roller coasters, and—of course—indulge in the tasty sweetness of Hershey's chocolate!

What to See in Harrisburg

Baseball fans will want to head on over to Metro Bank Park, where the Harrisburg Senators, the AA affiliate of the Washington Nationals, play their games. And for those tots who just aren’t as excited as Daddy is about a baseball game, the park also has a Kids Zone area with inflatable toys to keep the little ones entertained.

At the State Museum of Pennsylvania, the planetarium promises a fascinating show about our universe, and the numerous exhibits throughout the museum showcase the state’s rich history with nearly 5 million artifacts!

Another exciting venue in Harrisburg is the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, where you can see top entertainers perform live, watch movies on a 4-story-tall, HD screen, and let your kids explore science through the engaging and imaginative exhibits in the Harsco Science Center.

Harrisburg Fairs and Festivals

With thousands of animals, hundreds of agricultural exhibits, cooking demonstrations, and over 13,000 competitive exhibits, there is something for everyone at the admission-free Pennsylvania Farm Show, which is held each January. Justifiably proud of being the largest indoor agricultural event in America, the show highlights the Commonwealth’s largest industry, and is an educational and entertaining event for the entire family.

From barbecue cook-offs to garden expos to music and wine festivals, you're likely to find a celebration going on nearly every weekend of the year in Harrisburg. And in early December, Harrisburg is host to one of the largest Christmas shopping shows in the nation!

Savory and Sudsy Sustenance

Traditional and new American cuisine—hearty, fresh and savory—holds a prime position in Harrisburg's culinary scene. At Home 231, you'll find seasonal specialties from local farms on the menu, and the stylish décor matches the inventive dishes.

At the Harrisburger unique and fancy fixings accent the locally sourced burgers and produce. When you're thirsty for some sudsy refreshment, drop into one of the city's growing number of craft breweries, such as the Appalachian Brewing Company, which offers a robust menu and tours every Saturday afternoon. Cheers!

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