Discover Sweets, Sports, Outdoor Adventures & Rich History in Central Pennsylvania

• History
• Social Studies
• Engineering
• STEM/STEAM
• Environmental Science and Earth Science
• Biological Science and Animal Sciences
• Architecture
• Visual Art and Performing Arts
• Sports
• Culinary Arts
• Culture

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Lancaster, PA. Photo credit – Gabe McMullen

LANCASTER

Agricultural & Animal Experiences

Lancaster is ripe with agricultural experiences for student groups studying an array of subjects. Take an educational farm tour of Kreider Farms in Manheim, where visitors can glimpse calves in the maternity barn, see the milking process, enjoy impressive views from the silo observation tower, and taste free samples of the freshest milk. More farm experiences await in Ronks at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, with fun attractions, animal encounters, live music and entertainment, food, drinks, shopping and more.

In Lancaster, take a guided Amish Farm and House Tour, where groups can explore traditional Amish homesteads and learn about the traditions and farming practices that are still part of Amish life today. In the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, the Wolf Sanctuary of PA in Lititz offers a unique space dedicated to preserving wolves and wolf-dogs, inviting groups to learn about these majestic creatures on guided tours of the sanctuary.

STEM, Local History & Culture

Interact with STEM topics through engaging and fun exhibits at the Lancaster Science Factory. Grades K through 8 can interact with more than 80 fascinating hands-on STEM exhibits and educational programming.

Hop aboard the Strasburg Rail Road in Ronks for a nine-mile historic steam train ride through beautiful Lancaster, complete with narration and miles of impressive scenery. After your locomotive excursion, discover President James Buchanan’s Wheatland, a sprawling Lancaster estate where students can explore presidential, Civil War and American history through empowering tours.

Lancaster’s newest museum, the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center, educates and inspires visitors through innovative storytelling and immersive educational experiences that explore the stories of freedom seekers and the struggle for equality. For spooky local history, investigate the town at night during a Lancaster City Ghost Tour for a fun, entertaining experience full of authentic ghost stories and real haunted sites.

Culinary Curriculum

Discover local history at the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery in Lititz, America’s first commercial pretzel bakery, founded in 1861. Groups can learn about the country’s oldest pretzel-baking family and ascertain old-fashioned recipes and methods still used today.

No trip to Pennsylvania is complete without a Turkey Hill Experience in Columbia, full of interactive exhibits where you can create ice cream flavors and learn about Turkey Hill’s history and ice cream-making process.

Shear Heaven Farm in York, PA. Photo credit – Explore York (1)

YORK

Local History & Heritage

Featuring more than 10,000 incredible Indian artifacts, the Indian Steps Museum in Airville is a one-of-a-kind educational destination, originally built in 1912 to commemorate and preserve Native American history.

Visit the York County History Center for in-depth local history through state-of-the-art displays and fascinating exhibits that shed light on the Underground Railroad, agriculture and innovation. The Center comprises the History Center Museum, Library and Archives, Agricultural and Industrial Museum, Fire Museum and the Colonial Complex for a robust field trip experience.

Travel back in time in New Freedom, PA, on a Northern Central Railway excursion aboard a replica 1860s steam locomotive and diesel engine. Sit back and listen to educational narratives and enjoy entertainment from cowboys, past presidents and princesses for a unique experience.

Participate in a fun, educational farm experience at Shear Heaven Alpaca Farm in York during a guided tour and animal interactions to learn about caring for alpacas and fleece processing.

STEM, Sports & Shopping

Allow students to let their curiosity run wild and tinker, paint and make messes at Keystone Kidspace, a place in York for young learners to explore science, technology, art, engineering and math through unique hands-on learning opportunities.

Participate in a one-of-a-kind makers experience in York at Sunrise Soap Company’s Creation Station, where students can craft their own soaps and bath bombs using silicone molds, various fragrances, color pigments and more.

For a fun itinerary highlight, catch a York Revolution baseball game with cheering loyal fans. Or explore Glen Rock and The Markets at Shrewsbury and enjoy local vendors at the Pennsylvania Amish Market, featuring 19 unique vendors offering fresh local meat, baked goods, crafts and more. Be sure to grab lunch at the variety of Amish food stands as you peruse artisanal creations.

Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, PA. Photo credit – Visit Hershey & Harrisburg

HERSHEY / HARRISBURG

History & Heritage

Students will gain firsthand knowledge of how government works during a guided tour of The Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg, where they can learn how a bill becomes a law and fascinating facts about the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Legislature and the Capitol.

Embark on a guided field trip to the incredible Fort Hunter Mansion and Park for a look at Victorian life and magnificent views along the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg. Students will gain a better understanding of a range of historical topics, with a focus on the people who lived at Fort Hunter.

While in Harrisburg, visit one of the world’s largest museums dedicated solely to American Civil War history at The National Civil War Museum. Ascertain this early chapter of America’s story through captivating exhibits, hands-on programs, authentic artifacts and thought-provoking discussions.

In Hummelstown, an unparalleled exploration awaits at The Indian Echo Caverns. A magical subterranean journey takes students through a 440-million-year-old limestone cave full of ancient rock formations to learn about Earth science, ecology, animals, insects and other cave inhabitants.

Then, set sail with the Susquehanna River School on a scenic 75-minute educational Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat Cruise featuring stunning views of historic Harrisburg landmarks. Learn about the history and natural wonders of Harrisburg and the Susquehanna River during hands-on activities, lectures and games led by qualified instructors.

Sweet Educational Experiences in Hershey

Field trip groups can experience Hershey’s sweet beginnings at The Hershey Story Museum, with dedicated school programming designed to engage and excite learners. Chocolate labs, interactive exhibits, authentic artifacts and creative invention stations bring students into the world of candy-making, from production to marketing to sales.

The scent of chocolate wafts through the air at HERSHEY’S Chocolate World, where students can create their own candy bars, hop “aboard” a train-themed immersive theater adventure, and take a HERSHEY’S Chocolate Tour ride. HERSHEY’S Unwrapped is an award-winning performance at HERSHEY’S Chocolate World that dazzles taste buds with an interactive theater show filled with wacky “tasteologists.”

Thrilling adventures await at Hersheypark^®, with Education Days that bring STEM, physics, zoology, and theme park management and hospitality topics into a real-world perspective. While at the park, head to ZooAmerica® North American Wildlife Park to explore intriguing wildlife and their habitats through extraordinary exhibits, educational programming, animal encounters and behind-the-scenes group tours.

Learners of all ages can discover a variety of themed gardens across 23 acres at Hershey Gardens, including the Butterfly Atrium, the Zoology Zone, the Conservatory, the Welcome Pavilion and more. Groups can learn about horticulture through guided tours of the Historic Rose Garden or enjoy a self-guided exploration of the blooming property.

STEAM & Sports

For a hands-on day of exciting learning, head to Harrisburg and the Whitaker Center for exceptional immersive opportunities. Students can explore interactive STEAM-based exhibits at the UPMC Science Center, witness a captivating documentary in the four-story Select Medical Digital Cinema, participate in coding lessons in the PNC Innovation Zone and much more.

Experience the thrills of a Harrisburg Senators baseball game with special rates for group outings. Or catch a Hershey Bears hockey game at GIANT Center. Students can experience a game, show off their talents during group performance opportunities and even play a scrimmage or shootout between periods.

Knoebels Amusement Resort in the Susquehanna River Valley. Photo credit – Knoebels Amusement Resort Facebook

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER VALLEY

History & Heritage

Explore transportation history in Mifflinburg at the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum, perfect for grades 3-8. The Buggy Town program is designed for students studying transportation history, along with sections that focus on spelling, reading and comprehension, math and geography. Exploring the Past programs delve into buggy-making heritage and how this type of transportation shaped the town.

Educational Amusements

Where fun and education meet, take a trip to Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, America’s largest free-admission amusement park. Make the experience educational or simply a fun end-of-the-year celebration. Engage with special-interest exhibits and self-guided tours of the Anthracite Mine Museum, Knoebels History Museum or Carousel Museum. Educational lesson plans for middle school focus on topics including physics, geometry and algebra, and a downloadable Field Trip Guide is available for teachers.

Experience the thrills of Knoebels with more than 60 classic and award-winning rides, a variety of dining options and swimming at the Crystal Pool, filled with 900,000 gallons of refreshing mountain stream water. The park’s Three Ponds Golf Course offers an 18-hole championship course with scenic views and a KIDS KAMP where students can learn the fundamentals of golf.

From classroom goals to real-world learning. Download your free copy of Student Travel Planning Guide and start planning today.

Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland in Lycoming County. Photo credit – Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland Facebook

LYCOMING COUNTY

Sports History

The World of Little League® Museum in South Williamsport is a unique educational experience that combines sports history, science, math, art and language arts into a memorable field trip.

Specialized Science

For groups seeking a unique, specialized zoo experience, visit Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland in Allenwood, where students can encounter exotic amphibians from around the world, including Komodo dragons, tortoises, iguanas and more. Enjoy exciting live shows that explore reptiles and amphibians up close, in only the way this smaller zoo can. Outdoor habitats, touch opportunities, seasonal exhibits and experts to answer questions are part of the field trip adventure.

Susquehanna River History

Climb aboard the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat for a memorable one-hour educational voyage on the Susquehanna River. Known as “The Queen of the Susquehanna,” this riverboat is a one-of-a-kind experience that introduces students to the local history of the river’s early days, filled with stories, fascinating narration, scenic views and music.

Leonard Harrison State Park in Tioga County, PA. Photo credit – Leonard Harrison State Park Facebook

TIOGA COUNTY

Outdoor Adventures

Drawing thousands of visitors annually, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is a spectacular natural wonder in Pine Creek Gorge, offering exceptional experiences for groups. Discover jaw-dropping vistas from Colton Point lookout on the West Rim or Leonard Harrison on the East Rim. Participate in biking and hiking along the Pine Creek Rail Trail, visit Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point, or take a scenic wagon ride through the canyon.

Immersive History

Travel back in time to a slower-paced Pennsylvania, where covered wagons were the mode of transportation. On the Ole Covered Wagon Tour, groups can choose between two unique experiences. The 3.5-hour guided Waterfall Tour brings guests deep into the PA Grand Canyon to 4 Mile Falls, a stunning cascade surrounded by natural beauty. During a Classic Tour, spend two hours traveling seven miles into the Canyon, stopping along the way for breathtaking views and wildlife.

Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park in Centre Hill, PA. Photo credit – Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park Facebook

HAPPY VALLEY

Local History & Sports

Discover the story of America as seen through eight generations of one family at the Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum in Boalsburg. For more than 200 years, the Boal family has helped shape the community, and groups can explore an array of original furnishings, antiques, the signatures of five US presidents and even a lock of Napoleon’s hair.

Take a group tour of the second-largest stadium in the country at Beaver Stadium, home of the Nittany Lions and one of the nation’s premier football stadiums. Tours include a behind-the-scenes look at the Media Room, where press conferences are hosted, the home team locker room, the recruiting lounge and more. While there, take a docent-guided tour of the Penn State All-Sports Museum to learn about Penn State’s varsity-level sports program history through exhibit galleries.

Outdoor Learning Adventures

Take a trip to the only cave in the US that you experience entirely by boat at Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park in Centre Hill for a unique learning experience. During a 45-minute fully guided and narrated boat tour through the cavern, groups will learn about its history and how magnificent flowstones, stalagmites and stalactites were formed. Students can also get hands-on with gemstone panning for fun learning.

After your cavern excursion, enjoy a Farm-Nature-Wildlife Park Tour, given entirely on a bus through the Wildlife Park, where groups can witness grazing pastures, local wildlife and farm animals, and learn about biology, geology and geography.

More geological adventures await at Woodward Cave and Campground, with immersive tours that take groups underground into a 400-million-year-old bedrock karst formation for up-close learning opportunities. Students can explore five incredible rooms boasting cathedral-like 50-foot ceilings, incredible formations and the largest stalagmite in Pennsylvania—the famous Tower of Babel.

Sweet Experience

Don’t depart Happy Valley without a visit to Nittany Valley Creamery in Howard, a local favorite for homemade frozen treats, including farm-fresh ice cream and cheese, yogurt, milk and other sweet baked treats. Their Dairy Barn store offers goods and indoor and outdoor seating, with occasional weekend cookouts featuring burgers, hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches.

Meadowbrooke Gourds in Carlisle, PA. Photo credit – Meadowbrooke Gourds, Inc. Facebook

CUMBERLAND VALLEY

Army Heritage & American History

Explore the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle on a tour of the Army Heritage Trail, featuring costumed living history demonstrations connecting the Army’s past with today. Students can learn about a range of topics, including civic stewardship, military professions, STEAM-based opportunities, engaging discussions and critical thinking.

While in Carlisle, visit the commemorative site honoring a Revolutionary War heroine at Molly Pitcher Grave & Statue. Here, students can learn about Molly Pitcher, a woman renowned for her bravery and assisting her husband at his gun station during the Battle on Monmouth. Her statue was erected in 1916, and her grave site is located behind the monument.

Learn about the journey of enslaved African Americans along the Underground Railroad through a faith-based lens. From the Lowcountry of South Carolina to New England, The Incredible Journey’s captivating video, The Underground Railroad: The Courageous Journey to Freedom, is a half-hour program that teaches students about vital stops along the Underground Railroad, including in Cumberland Valley, and tells stories of struggle and survival.

Unique Local Experiences

Take unique tours and participate in creative classes at Meadowbrooke Gourds in Carlisle. Groups can enjoy a wagon ride around the farm, a tour of the Gourd Plant and participate in crafting gourd projects.

Head to the Carlisle Sports Emporium, where the fun continues all year long. Youth groups can engage in team-building activities in a friendly game of laser tag or enjoy mini golf, indoor and outdoor go-kart tracks, a 20,000-square-foot arcade, food and more.

Be sure to visit Destiny Dairy Barn for delicious farm-fresh ice cream treats and peruse their on-farm retail market for homemade goods. They serve more than 14 delicious ice cream flavors for cups, cones, milkshakes and banana splits.

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum. Photo credit – Destination Gettysburg

GETTYSBURG

The Battle of Gettysburg

Gettysburg offers myriad educational opportunities for school groups, including at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. Here, students can explore the Battle of Gettysburg and how it became the turning point of the Civil War through engaging exhibits, an immersive tour of the battlefield, educational films and the unique Cyclorama painting depicting Pickett’s Charge. The park also offers living history programs and Ranger programs for students.

Learn about the civilian side of the Battle of Gettysburg at The Shriver House, a meticulously restored 1860 home that was once occupied by Confederate sharpshooters during the “bloodiest battle.” Discover the story of the Shriver family and what it was like living through the Battle of Gettysburg, including a glimpse of preserved bullet holes and authentic family artifacts.

Visit the oldest museum in Gettysburg at the Jennie Wade House and learn the story of the only civilian to be killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. Explore authentic furnishings and artifacts, and learn about the life of Jennie, just 20 years old when a bullet took her life as she was kneading dough in her kitchen.

Experience Gettysburg’s history where it happened with Gettysburg Historic Walking Tours. Led by knowledgeable guides, these engaging tours take students beyond the textbook to explore the people, places, and stories that shaped the Battle of Gettysburg and the Civil War. Walking the same streets and historic sites as soldiers and civilians provides an immersive and memorable educational experience.

Local History

Experience the award-winning Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum that explores Gettysburg’s story before, during and after the most infamous Civil War battle. From prehistoric dinosaur prints to cannonballs, the museum showcases more than 1,000 authentic artifacts that show a more complete picture of the town.

Adjacent to the Gettysburg battlefield is the Eisenhower National Historic Site, which preserves the farm of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th US President. Groups can explore the only home of Ike and Mamie during guided house tours and educational programs for students. Learning themes include Eisenhower’s presidency, World War II, the Cold War, stewardship and diplomacy.

Travel into the past during a picturesque 90-minute educational journey aboard the Gettysburg Railway, in 1950-era Budd-built railroad passenger cars. Guests will see numerous historical sites, including the Eternal Light Peace Memorial, while learning about Gettysburg and railroad history through captivating narration.

Chilling stories and eye-witness accounts of apparitions and unexplained events captivate learners during Gettysburg Ghost Tours. Delve into the darker side of Gettysburg on several fascinating tours, including East Cemetery Hill and the Haunted Field Hospital, and discover the stories behind numerous haunted locations.

One-of-a-Kind Experiences

Outdoor fresh air fun awaits at the brand-new Land of Adventures for hands-on play. Opening summer 2026, the park boasts a Corn Maze, the Adventure Playground, a Petting Zoo, the Little Adventure Town, pedal karts and more playful attractions.

Group dining at The Farmhouse Restaurant is a must when visiting Gettysburg. Nestled within The Barn Resort, The Farmhouse Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with menu options that cater to all types of eaters. They offer a buffet-style dining experience, featuring fresh flavors made with the finest ingredients in a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for groups.

Explore the science and business of agriculture in Pennsylvania’s premier apple-growing region. Through hands-on experiences at Hollabaugh Bros. Orchards and outdoor challenges at Fields of Adventure, students gain insight into food production, environmental stewardship, agribusiness, and the technologies that support modern farming—all while having fun in a unique outdoor setting.

PLAN YOUR CENTRAL PA FIELD TRIP

Discover the sweet side of Pennsylvania, along with the rich history of Gettysburg, fascinating outdoor learning adventures, dynamic sports activities, subterranean excursions and much more. Start planning an unforgettable educational experience today. Start here at Visit PA Group Travel.

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