With sweet treats, thrilling rides, and amazing views, Pennsylvania makes a great neighbor.   Only a short drive from New Jersey, you can explore these top six attractions with things to do for the whole family.   See a new side of Philly from One Liberty Observation Tower.  Get grossed out at the DaVinci Science Center or get up close with dinosaurs at the Academy of Natural Sciences.   This fall is a great time to take a day trip or even weekend away

One Liberty Observation Tower 

As the tallest standing attraction within Philadelphia, the location presents a new view of Philly From The Top. The Observation Deck offers panoramic views of the city-scape, interactive technology designed to enhance and expand upon points-of-interest and artistic installations portraying the story of Philadelphia’s past, present and future.  Climb 57 stories up (via a state-of-the-art elevator experience) to the enclosed deck to get a top-down look at iconic sights like City Hall, the Ben Franklin Parkway, the Ben Franklin Bridge, the stadium complex, University City and the rest of Philadelphia.  https://www.phillyfromthetop.com/

Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University

At the Academy of Natural Sciences, you can wander among towering dinosaur skeletons or discover an indoor tropical butterfly garden. Explore ecosystems from around the world through their historic dioramas or be transported to the great outdoors through hands-on discovery center for children. Visit the Special Exhibits Gallery for the newest exhibit Dinosaurs Unearthed, or watch scientists at work in Science Live or the Fossil Prep Lab. http://www.ansp.org/

National Constitution Center

The Next President of the United States Will Be … You! Experience Headed to the White House the only exhibit of its kind, uniquely created to engage visitors of all ages with the excitement of the election season. Join the race, earn the nomination and win the election as artifacts, interactives and hands-on activities take you from the campaign trail and into the Oval Office – all in one visit.  http://constitutioncenter.org

DaVinci Science Center

Da Vinci Science Center exhibits and programs inspire kids to be interested in the STEM subjects by presenting them in a fun, playful way.  Animal Grossology is an all-out, impolite, unapologetic, and playful animatronic adventure of everything that is sticky, stinky, slimy, oozy, and disgusting about animals.  Coming Sept 14, Math Midway 2 Go is a suite of six interactive mathematics exhibits presented with a carnival-style playfulness from building a roller coaster to using a photo booth gone wild.  http://www.davincisciencecenter.org/

Hershey Park & Chocolate World

As you walk from the parking lot the smell of chocolate begins to fill the air.   Hershey’s Chocolate World offers a fun free ride that takes you through the special process of making that delicious candy.   There are even free samples at the end.  They also have a large gift shop full of yummy treats.  There is a food court as well offering everything from pizza to chocolate milkshakes.  

Hershey Park has the best of both world from roller coasters to water slides.   They have 13 coasters good for first-time riders to high-speed thrill seekers, there is something for everyone.  A popular favorite family ride is the Reese’s Xtreme Cup Challenge where chocolate and peanut butter go head to head in a fun laser tag ride.  They offer a wide variety of family friendly and kiddie rides that will keep everyone happy.  Save big before summer ends. Get 1 FREE regular admission ticket for every 2 full-price regular admission tickets purchased online by September 25.  http://www.hersheypark.com/

Dutch Wonderland

With over 30 fun-filled rides, Dutch Wonderland is designed for families with young children.   From Flying Trapeze swings to the Turtle Whirl, there are so many different rides perfectly sized for the little ones.  They also have Duke’s Lagoon, a fun tropical island themed water play area featuring kid-sized slides, tipping buckets, bubblers and more. Plus, there are plenty of shaded areas and seating.  They have the Pipe Line Plunge water slide where you can choose between complete darkness for the older kids or being able to see as you ride in a raft down fun waterslide.   They also have a variety of shows from Adventures of the Frog Prince, A Dragon's Tale, and Open Dive which feature really impressive high diving.  https://www.dutchwonderland.com/