Image: Courtesy of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
By Maryann Hammers
What’s your idea of a great vacation? Lighthearted fun with the kids or five-star luxury? Blood-pumping adventures or kick-back camping? Education or entertainment? Pennsylvania has something for everyone, plus military discounts on whatever vacation you choose for your family.
Luxury
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in the Laurel Highlands (about an hour from Pittsburgh) is a sumptuous escape offering activities, ranging from golf to spa services and animal safaris, on its 2,000 acres, Through the end of March 2017, the resort’s Hero Rate starts at $99 for active duty and retired military members. Beginning April 1, the Military Rate offers a 20-percent discount on overnight accommodations for active duty military members. Call (855) 285-4421.
Culture
Bristol Riverside Theatre is the place to go for a night at the theater with performances such as Jesus Christ Superstar, an Agatha Christie mystery, and the Bernstein Bears. Military personnel and their immediate families receive a 25-percent discount on tickets. To purchase, click here or call the box office at (215) 785-0100.
Adventures
Bucks County River Country in Point Pleasant offers Delaware River tubing for just $13 to military members (that’s half off the regular price). Two-, three-, and four-hour trips are available. Call (215) 297-5000 and ask about Military Weekend Tubing.
Family friendly
Jellystone Park , a family campground in the Laurel Highlands (one hour south of Pittsburgh), offers mini golf, train rides, a carousel, waterslides, entertainment, and fun and games for all ages. Through May 26, active duty military get a 10-percent discount on tent sites and rentals (choose from cabins, tree houses, bungalows, bunkhouses, and RVs. Regular prices start at $55 to $120. Call (724) 455-2929.
Kalahari Resort in the Pocono Mountains is America’s largest indoor waterpark, with 220,000 square feet, and offers stand-up surfing, a lazy river, a wave pool, and plenty of waterslides. The 977-room resort offers active duty and retired military members a “Kalahari Salutes” 20-percent discount on accommodations for up to four guests (also included: free waterpark passes and Kalahari Adventures for kids). Call (877) 525-2427, and ask for the “Military Service Personnel” rate.
Sesame Place ,a theme park with rides, water attractions, and stage shows, offers free single-day admission to active duty military members and up to three dependents. Call (215) 702-3566.
Bucks County Children’s Museum in New Hope offers interactive educational exhibits. Active duty military members and up to six family members get free admission from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Call (215) 693-1290.
History
Pennsbury Inn , a bed-and-breakfast in the Brandywine Valley, is a short, scenic drive to the historic Amish farmlands. The seven-bedroom colonial inn dates to the 18th century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Active duty military members get a 15-percent discount on one-night stays or 20-percent off for two nights or longer. Are you a procrastinator? Book your room less than 24 hours before check-in, and your discount will be 25 percent. Call (610) 388-1435.
Pennsbury Manor , the recreated 17th century country estate of William Penn, offers free admission to active duty military members, so you can see what life was like 300 years ago. Call (215) 946-0400.
Washington Crossing Historic Park , the site where George Washington crossed the Delaware River, also is free to active duty military. Call (215) 493-4076.