The state of Pennsylvania is rich in America’s early history. Founded and named for William Penn, Pennsylvania was one of the 13 colonies. You can visit so many sites that helped shaped this nation such as the famous Liberty Bell and the battlefields of Gettysburg. You and your family can discuss if the hauntings are true of the fallen soldiers while you enjoy the day in Amish Country.  Where ever you go, there is something for everyone. Here are four things you should do before leaving your PA vacation.

Benjamin Franklin came to Pennsylvania as a young teen looking for a new beginning in his life. He was an inventor, statesmen, scientist, and founder of the nation. He helped end the Revolutionary War thanks to the Treaty of Paris in 1783. If you happen to wear a pair of bifocals you can thank him for that too. His face graces the hundred dollar bill and developed the first volunteer fire department. You can learn all about him and a plethora of other great things at the Franklin Institute and Memorial. A lover science, it is only fair to visit the planetarium for a show about our solar system. If you love games and puzzles, you and your family can enjoy solving some brain games in one of the escape rooms in the museum. There are always live shows and exhibits happening. Planning on staying a few days? You and your kids can take delight in a night out at one of the sleepovers hosted by the museum.

Lake Tobias wildlife park in Pennsylvania was founded by JR Tobias. In 1965 this former Marine transformed his own land into a zoo and education center. You and your family can spend the day exploring the animals housed here from all over the world. Learn about the American alligator, Bengal tigers, and your kids can pet baby animals during one of the educational programs. If the family still hasn’t there fill with animals, you can drive to the Philadelphia Zoo which features the “Zoo Key”, an animal-shaped molded key which guests can use (and keep) to unlock facts and audio books at selected areas. If you love the zoo by day, you can continue the adventure under the stars by slumbering overnight for an activity-packed sleepover.

Lancaster, PA is also known as “Amish Country” has a plenty of great activities to do with the family. You can begin by visiting the lush countryside to see one of the many working farms. You can take a tour on one of the horse and buggy rides to see the vast array of locally handmade items or grab fresh food from a farmer’s market.  From quilts to browsing the amish furniture, there is something special waiting for you to bring back home. Once you work up an appetite, you can rest a while and enjoy one of the Pennsylvania Dutch dishes such as scrapple or apple dumplings. This rich, savory, and sweet German cuisine can be discovered in pubs, fine dining, or a relaxed family-style atmosphere.

If you are a fan of history and a bit of the macabre, you can take a ghost tour on the grounds of Gettysburg. Here, you can learn stories about the war, visit a museum filled with haunted objects, and wander around some local cemeteries. You can either walk around the graves or hop on a bus for an hour or two, traveling around Gettysburg most haunted spots. Afterwards, you and your friends can enjoy some roasted marshmallows and exchange ghost stories by the fire at one of the neighboring campsites right near the battlefield. The are areas available for RV’s, tents, or take shelter in one of the rentable log cabins.