Things to Do in Harrisburg, PA With Toddlers

Participate in Outdoor Activities

• Whether you're looking for beautiful hiking trails or fun playgrounds, Harrisburg has a lot of great options for families with toddlers. The Capital Area Greenbelt (caga.org) is a 20-mile-long trail that connects parks, neighborhoods and points of interest throughout the city. Caddy your toddler in a bike trailer on a nice long ride through the trail, stopping to explore along the way, or go for a shorter walk that allows more up-close inspection.

  For more opportunities for play, check out Reservoir Park, the largest park in the city, covering 85 acres in the Allison Hill neighborhood. The park is part of the greenbelt, so you can make it a stop on your bike ride or walk. Many of the city's festivals and outdoor performances also are held at the park.

Learn About the Arts and Sciences

• A number of museums are in Harrisburg, many of which have activities or exhibits designed specifically for toddlers. At The State Museum of Pennsylvania, the Curiosity Connection (statemuseumpa.org/curiosity.html) is designed for children ages 1 to 5 to learn through imaginative play. Some of the creative play zones include a living forest, interactive garden and construction zone.

  The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts (whitakercenter.org/) boasts a science center with 240 exhibits exploring science, math and technology, as well as a performance theater for ballet, choir, and other types of music and dance. A section is devoted to toddlers on the bottom floor.

Explore Historic Sites

• Because of its location so close to the Dutch Country, Harrisburg features a lot of historic sites, which can help children learn about the rich cultural tradition of the area. At the Fort Hunter Mansion and Park (forthunter.org), can guide older toddlers through a tour of the home, or stick to the walking trails and playgrounds outside while you enjoy the beautiful views of the Susquehanna River.

  The John Harris and Simon Cameron Mansion (dauphincountyhistory.org/mansion) and the National Civil War Museum offer additional opportunities to learn more about the local history. Neither has exhibits designed especially for toddlers, so these walking tours should be reserved for older toddlers or those who enjoy visual stimulation without needing hands-on interaction.

Enjoy a Variety of Playgrounds

• In addition to the outdoor opportunities available in Harrisburg, there also are a number of playgrounds, which are perfect for toddlers to enjoy when the weather is nice. Possibility Place (possibilityplace.org) is an elaborate wooden playground that has been designed to accommodate all children, including those with disabilities.

  The Friendship Center (lowerpaxton-pa.gov/Friendship/index.html) has an indoor pool and indoor play area for those days when the weather is just too hot or it's raining. Brightbill Park is located behind the center, and it includes a playground and a short nature trail.