Where we live in South Central Pennsylvania is an area rich in Field Trip opportunities. We have theaters, museums, history, educational fun, and sports teams. Let me share some of the fun memories we've made while learning.
Gettysburg is steeped with history. Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park to learn about what is considered one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War with over 50,000 casualties. This battle changed the trajectory of the Civil War and was a win the North desperately needed. Gettysburg was also home to our thirty-fourth President, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Eisenhower was also a five-star general in the United States Army and served during World War II. The Eisenhower farm not only serves as a memorial for our former President but also teaches visitors about the Secret Service.
Take me out to the ball game! For it's one, two, three strikes you're out at the old ball game! My son and I enjoy attending ball games together. We've seen the Harrisburg Senators play on City Island. We've watched the Lancaster Barnstormers win. Mostly, we've rooted on our favorite team, the York Revolution.
Since he was little, my son has been enamored with trains. Some of our fondest memories are built upon Field Trips we've taken to see trains. We enjoyed a history themed ride aboard a train with Steam into History where we met Abraham Lincoln. We've visited the Strasburg Rail Road numerous times. While in Strasburg, we've also visited the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and the National Toy Train Museum.
If you love ice cream, then you will want to visit the Turkey Hill Experience and learn the science behind this delicious treat. You'll truly enjoy making your own ice cream concoction. Yum!
For a cultural experience, we visited the Indian Steps Museum to learn more about the Native Americans who once inhabited our area. Our favorite Fine Arts experiences have occurred at the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra where conductor Stuart Malina is a marvel and his passion for music is passed along to the students visiting. My son especially enjoyed listening to the York Symphony Orchestra play some of his favorite movie soundtracks including Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Indiana Jones.
There is nothing like the delicious smell of chocolate wafting through the air as you take the tour at Chocolate World. Yum! In addition, you learn more about not only chocolate and how it is made but also about Milton Hershey himself. Hershey Park offers more than just amusement rides. They offer aquatic opportunities and fun shows including one with dolphins. While you are at Hershey Park, you will want to stop by Zoo America and see the different animals who call it home. Hershey is also home to the Hershey Story Museum.
One of the best educational experiences can be found at the U. S. Army Heritage and Education Center. There we learned a myriad of information about the various conflicts in which the United States has been engaged. Not only were my mother and I able to bring in personal elements by sharing our family's history of service but they also offer a program that allows you to follow a soldier through the war in which he bravely fought.
Enter stage right! What educational experience would be complete without a visit to the theater. We have enjoyed some great shows at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater where the cast answers questions from the audience during their children's shows. We have also enjoyed marvelous shows at Dreamwright's Youth and Family Theater as well as the Gettysburg Community Theatre.
Our area is also abundant in museums. My son and I enjoy visiting the Cumberland County Historical Society Museum where Mr. March keeps the children engaged in their educational programs. Another favorite is the Oakes Museum of Natural History at Messiah College. Their staff is amazing with my son. They offer fun educational programs that keep the children engaged in the learning process. We also visited the Wright's Ferry Mansion. Other museums include the National Civil War Museum, the State Museum of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Fire Museum, and the Whitaker Center.
If you love animals, then you will want to visit Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. They offer educational opportunities with their knowledgeable zookeepers, a zoo filled with amazing exotic animals, and a safari tour that allows you to get up-close to these amazing creatures created by God.
Thank you for stopping by my blog today. To gain additional Field Trip inspiration, visit the Homeschool Review Crew.
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