When we were first approached to check out the Cumberland Valley Family Adventure Trail, we weren’t sure how much there was left to explore in a place so close to home. After all, this area is practically Ryan’s backyard. We wondered how much we could really be missing.
Well, it turns out quite a lot. This adventure opened our eyes to how, sometimes, the most memorable experiences are right around the corner, and you don’t even realize it.
Where is Cumberland Valley?
Located in the heart of south-central Pennsylvania, Cumberland Valley is a region known for its rich history, scenic landscapes, and abundant outdoor activities. Situated between the Appalachian Mountains and the Susquehanna River, the valley is home to charming towns, lush farmlands, and a host of cultural and recreational experiences.
Its central location is conveniently close to major cities like Harrisburg, Gettysburg, and even Washington, D.C., as well as Philadelphia. Consequently, it makes for an easily accessible destination for travelers seeking a mix of nature, history, and family-friendly fun.
The Trail Through a Child’s Eye
With Ryan’s six-year-old son joining us for the weekend, we knew the Family Adventure Trail would be a perfect choice. To make it more engaging for him, we dubbed him the kid reporter.
He not only rated each stop on a scale of 1 to 10 with thumbs up or down but also offered detailed suggestions on what to write about and how to frame our photos. At one point, he even asked us to film him, explaining how one of the hands-on museum exhibits worked. He truly embraced the role and is already excited for his next “assignment.”
The trail is packed with activities, and we couldn’t resist adding a few stops from the Beer Trail for ourselves. Of course, it had to be family-friendly breweries. The blend of family-friendly fun and some well-deserved grown-up indulgence made it perfect for everyone.
Cumberland Valley Family Adventure Trail Passport
We kicked off our adventure by activating the Cumberland Valley Family Adventure Trail Passport, which added a layer of excitement for Ryan’s son. The passport had us checking in at different stops, collecting points, and even winning prizes, turning the entire trip into an interactive game. The Passport is mobile-exclusive, instantly delivered via text or email, and does not require downloading an app.
What we appreciated was that we weren’t later getting frequent emails or texts to our phones from them. The passport kept our young reporter thoroughly engaged and made the trip even more enjoyable. Plus, some stops offered discounts when we mentioned the virtual passport, such as a two-for-one ice cream special, which was a sweet break for our wallets.
Our Adventure Begins
Our first stop was in the picturesque town of Boiling Springs, where we visited Children’s Lake. It was a breath of fresh air to start the day in such a tranquil setting.
We took a peaceful stroll around the lake as we watched ducks and geese glide across the calm waters. Boiling Springs’ natural beauty was the perfect contrast to the more interactive stops we had planned later. It gave us time to appreciate the serenity of the region’s outdoor spaces.
Next, we headed to Destiny Dairy Bar, a charming farm experience that delighted all of us, especially Ryan’s son. Destiny Dairy Bar has a barn dedicated to baby farm animals, where guests can interact with animals like calves, goats, piglets, and bunnies. Watching Ryan’s son bond with the baby animals was heartwarming, and it reminded us of the simple joys of connecting with nature. You can also visit the dairy cattle and watch the milking process.
All pictures are from the Destiny Dairy Bar © Joelle Machia
After spending time with the animals, we treated ourselves to some of their homemade ice cream, which lived up to its reputation. Destiny Dairy Bar has cows that produce the A2 protein, which allows for the milk and ice cream to be friendly on the stomachs of those with dairy intolerances. Next to the ice cream store, there was a kid’s play area with baby piglets among the play equipment. The farm’s fresh dairy products and family-friendly atmosphere made it one of the highlights of the day.
Connecting Generations and Honoring History
Our next stop was particularly meaningful for Ryan. We visited the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, which includes a museum that brings military history to life through interactive displays and extensive exhibits.
As a member of the Army Reserves, Ryan found it particularly meaningful to share this experience with his son. We explored tanks, helicopters, and timelines that mapped out military history in intricate detail. Ryan added a personal touch by explaining many of the exhibits to his son, making the visit even more meaningful. Walking along the one-mile Army Heritage Trail, we had the chance to reflect on the Army’s history and how it’s intertwined with Ryan’s career, making the experience resonate even more deeply.
Tapping that Inner Child
Next, we craved a bit of adventure and headed to Carlisle Sports Emporium. Ryan and his son took on the go-kart track for some father-son racing, and it was clear they were having a blast zooming around the course.
After the race, we played mini-golf, which brought out everyone’s competitive side, and then we finished up in the arcade. The variety of activities at the emporium offered the perfect balance of fun for all of us, ensuring that the day included some laughter and excitement.
Family Adventures in History: Cumberland County Museum and Carlisle
© Joelle Machia
© Joelle Machia
Later, we visited the Cumberland County Historical Society Museum. As fans of history, we knew this stop would be a real treat for us but worried it might not be as much fun for our kid reporter. To our relief, the museum is packed with well-curated exhibits about the region’s history, appealing to both adults and kids.
While Ryan’s son enjoyed the interactive displays, we immersed ourselves in the rich historical narratives that the museum has to offer. It was fascinating to see how much history is packed into this region. We left with a fresh appreciation for Cumberland Valley’s unique role in shaping the area.
After our museum visit, we decided to explore Carlisle, a town rich with history dating back to before the founding of our nation.
Roaming its streets felt like uncovering layers of history. The architecture, historical markers, and old-world charm of Carlisle invite visitors to imagine life during the Revolutionary era. From its delightful shops to notable historic buildings, Carlisle offered an excellent extension of the historical lessons we’d learned earlier, adding another layer of depth to our trip.
Beyond Our Stops: Discovering More on the Family Adventure Trail
Though we managed to explore many places, there were many spots on the Cumberland Valley Family Adventure Trail we wished we had time to visit, such as the Middlesex Diner, Paulus Farm Market, Midway Bowling, and the Cumberland Drive-In Theatre.
These stops would have added even more variety to our trail experience. Offering everything from classic diner food, fresh local produce, group games, and the chance to watch movies under the stars. They’re on our list for the next visit.
Exciting Activities Beyond the Cumberland Valley Family Adventure Trail
Cumberland Valley offers a wealth of activities beyond the Family Adventure Trail. If that’s not your style, there’s plenty to explore. With 30 breweries, cideries, distilleries, and wineries, the Beer Trail will keep you refreshed. The region boasts some of the best trout fishing in the country at Yellow Breeches Creek. Hiking and biking are also popular here.
This area is rich in agriculture. As a result, you will find exceptional seasonal produce from local farm stands and farmers markets, along with vibrant harvest festivals. Car enthusiasts will love the local car shows that draw visitors from all over the USA. For those who enjoy motorsports, the Williams Grove Speedway hosts thrilling sprint car racing events.
Looking to enjoy some fun in the water? Colonel Denning State Park and Pine Grove Furnace State Park feature beautiful lakeside beaches, perfect for a relaxing day in the sun. Additionally, Cumberland Valley’s community swimming pools and mountain lakes provide great options during the hot summer months.
Key Takeaways
Overall, our trip along the Cumberland Valley Family Adventure Trail left us with a newfound appreciation for this region. Between the rich history, outdoor beauty, and family-friendly fun, we discovered that there’s much more to the area than we initially expected. We also created lasting memories of an adventure we’ll always treasure. The big smiles on our kid reporter were the most significant reward we could have asked for.
We can’t recommend the Cumberland Valley Family Adventure Trail enough. Whether you’re into history, outdoor exploration, or just looking for some good old-fashioned fun, this trail offers something for everyone. It is a great way to spend time as a family and make wonderful memories.
Cumberland Valley offers several passport trails, such as an Ice Cream Trail, Beer Trail, and Foodie Flavor Trail. Some are run seasonally only. We’re already planning our return, and we are eager to see what new experiences await us in this beautiful part of Pennsylvania.
To learn more about Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania, head to their official tourism website, Visit Cumberland Valley.
We extend our thanks to Visit Cumberland Valley for hosting us.
You might also enjoy reading:
A wine trail in an unlikely place: The Tiny Pennsylvania Wine Trail You Need To Visit
A food tour in the City of Brotherly Love: Philadelphia-Discovering Its History Through Flavors
Read more from Joelle and Ryan at their travel blog Wanderers Compass
