Visit a State Park | Summer Fun Guide

Do you like to picnic, hike, swim, camp, bike, bird watch, canoe, fish, and spend your free time exploring the great outdoors?

You can enjoy all of these activities and more at a state park!

Pennsylvania is home to 120 state parks or conservation areas.  None of the PA state parks charge an entrance fee into the park. Campsite rentals start at $15/night. Lake swimming, hiking, and bicycling the trails are all free. Picnicking is also free unless you are renting a pavilion. Some parks have pools and those fees range from $3-$7, depending on your age. A day at a state park is family friendly, fun, adventurous, and inexpensive.

As I was poking around PA's state park website, I found the First Time Camper program where $20 gets you two nights of camping, equipment rental and hands-on instruction on how to camp by state park expert campers. That's a fantastic opportunity and price!

Not from PA? Then head to Google and look for a list of state parks within your state.

My family spent an afternoon at the beach at Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA recently and we didn't spending a dime. We brought our own picnic lunch and drinks and the kids had a blast. Next time we want to take our bikes to ride on the bike paths around the park.

Have you visited a state park recently? Where did you go? What did you do? Let us know in the comments.

For more frugal summer fun ideas, Visit my Summer Fun Guide.

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Go Bowling | Summer Fun Guide

When the weather hits 90+ and the pool feels more like bath water or a summer storm seems to last for days, I'm looking for indoor activities that are inexpensive, yet entertaining for my kids.

Go Bowling! It's indoors, air-conditioned, entertaining, competitive, and often inexpensive. Bowling offers just about everything I'm looking for in an indoor activity.

I've found coupons in our community's Bonus book and Clipper magazine for Buy 2 Games, Get 2 FREE.

Or check out KidsBowlFree.com and register your kids at a local, participating bowling center to receive certificates to bowl 2 FREE games a day all summer! Shoe rental is not included.

It's indoor fun for those less than desirable days to be outside.

Do you go bowling with your family? Let us know in the comments.

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Our First Official Day of Summer

Yesterday we walked our oldest daughter to the bus for her last day of first grade.

We ended the day outside enjoying the nice weather and that feeling of freedom that summer brings.

But this morning, our first official day of summer, we awoke to a thunderstorm and it will most likely rain all day.

At least we're not running to the bus stop, so we'll take a little rain.

Has your summer started yet? Let's make it a fun one!

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Sign Up for your Library's Summer Reading Program | Summer Fun Guide

I have had more than one teacher tell me how important it is for kids to continue to read over the summer, especially the early readers like my two girls. They work so hard during the school year and without practicing their skills over the summer, they will regress.

Last summer's schedule was very hectic for my family so we didn't participate in a Summer Reading program. I just didn't make it a priority to head to the library.  While my kids had a fun and active summer spent outside with their friends--which is also important--our oldest started first grade last September forgetting some of the skills she had learned in Kindergarten.

This summer will be different. We will continue to spend as much time outside as possible, but we WILL participate in our library's FREE Summer Reading Program. It's just foolish not to.

We are fortunate to live very close to two top notch libraries who make reading & learning fun with a variety of weekly activities. There are movie nights, summer plays, visits from the local zoo, and other fun & educational activities for all ages. And both libraries offer prizes when the students reach their weekly reading goals, like free cones at Dairy Queen or free slices at a local pizza joint.

They're basically bribing our kids to read, but it works!

This past weekend, our local library held its Summer Reading Kick Off party and many of our favorite story characters showed up to par-tay.

Don't walk---RUN---to your local library to sign up for their summer reading program. The more our kids read over the summer, the easier the next school year will be for everyone.

Do your kids participate in a Summer Reading program? Have you participated in the past? Did it help your kids' reading skills? Let us know about it in the comments.



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Explore Harrisburg PA This Summer

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Are you making plans to visit the Pennsylvania state capital of Harrisburg this summer?

I grew up in central PA, home to the state capital city of Harrisburg. Harrisburg and its surrounding communities offer a variety of summer activities that will make your trip exciting, fun, and educational, but not expensive. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

Historical and Educational Activities

Take a tour of a National Historic Landmark, the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Built in 1906, the "Capitol's centerpiece is a spectacular 272-foot, 52 million-pound dome inspired by Michelangelo’s design for St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome".

Not far from the Capitol is the State Museum of Pennsylvania. The State Museum offers "four floors of exhibits that represent Pennsylvania's story, from Earth's beginning to the present", a Planetarium and the 'hands on' play area, Curiosity Connection, for children 5 and under. Admission is $4-$5.

Also located downtown is the Whitaker Center , that offers an IMAX theater, Science Center, and a performance theater. The science center is 3 floors of exhibits, experiments and programs. It also offers a play/imagination area just for kids under 5. Prices for the IMAX theater range from $8 - $13.75, depending on your age and the movie. Prices for the science center range from $12.50 - $16, depending on age as well. If you are local, consider buying a year long membership for unlimited access to the Science Center and other benefits. The performance theater is an intimate venue that hosts everything from national acts to local performers. Prices vary depending on the act.

The National Civil War Museum, as stated on the website, is "the only museum in The United States that portrays the entire story of the American Civil War. Equally balanced presentations are humanistic in nature without bias to Union or Confederate Causes." Admission prices range from $8-$10, depending on age. There is a $35 family pass available for 2 adults and up to 3 students(immediate family members).

For more Civil War history, the historic town of Gettysburg, PA is about 38 miles south of Harrisburg.

For more military history, visit the Army Heritage and Educational Center located west of Harrisburg, in Carlisle.

The Oakes Museum of Natural History is located at Messiah College, just outside of Harrisburg. It houses a collection of Smithsonian-quality African and North American mammals, bird eggs, fish, seashells, minerals, insects and fossils. An anchor of the museum is the 200-specimen collection of African mammals, the largest of its kind in Pennsylvania, which features 75 full mounts, including an elephant, hippopotamus, zebra, giraffe and forest nyala. It is only open on Saturdays from 1 - 5pm. The admission is $6 for adults, $3.50 for ages 4-12, and children 3 and under are free.

Visit The Pennsylvania National Fire Museum in Harrisburg to view a collection of artifacts from the hand-drawn equipment of yesterday to the modern tools of today. The museum is housed in an 1899 Victoria fire house.

Outdoor Festivals

2013 Patriot-News Artsfest - This juried arts festival runs May 25-27 over the Memorial Day weekend at Harrisburg Riverfront Park, along the Susquehanna River. Walk along the river and peruse the artists' booths, choose from a wide variety of food vendors and enjoy live music throughout the three days. There is no admission charge, but you might have to pay to park at a nearby parking garage.

85th Annual Jubilee Day - the largest, longest running one day street fair on the East coast. Date: June 20, 2013 from 10 am to 9 pm. Location: downtown Mechanicsburg. Admission: FREE. The event features wares from local artists and craftsmen, as well as great food, fun games, and  amusement rides.

The Kipona Celebration runs over Labor Day weekend and is right along the Susquehanna River. Admission: FREE. Activities include Artfest featuring 150 different artists and craftspersons, live music and entertainment, Chili Cookoff, Classic Canoe race, a traditional Indian Pow Wow, and SO much more.

Amusement Parks and Zoos

Hershey Park -Located about 14 miles east of Harrisburg. From roller coasters and water rides to kiddie rides and music shows, there really is something for every one at Hershey Park. Other attractions at the Park are ZooAmerica and Chocolate World. Tickets are pricey, but discounted ones can usually be found at Giant Food Stores. Or head there later in the day and purchase a Sunset Admission ticket. You'll save money, yet still have 4 hours to enjoy the park. Picnic lunches and food are not permitted inside the park.

Dutch Wonderland is located about 40 miles east of Harrisburg, the heart of Amish Country/ Lancaster County. It is a great park geared more towards children ages 12 and under. Food is not permitted inside the park, but there is a Family Picnic Pavilion right outside the park. Old Mill Stream campground is also right outside the park, within walking distance. We had our first camping experience at Old Stream a few years ago. The Amish visit on Saturday mornings with a horse drawn carriage filled with delicious baked goods for sale.

If you're in the mood for some shopping, 2 large outlets, Tanger Outlets and Rockvale Outlets are just down the street from the Dutch Wonderland.

Twenty five miles north of Harrisburg resides Lake Tobias Wildlife Park , a home to herds of wild and exotic animals from all over the world. From a Safari tour to a petting zoo and reptile exhibit, this park is a fun destination for the whole family.

Another park north of the city is Knoebels Amusement Resort. It is the largest free-admission park in America; you pay by the ride and the rides range from .75 - $2.25. Along with over 50 rides, the resort also offers a campground, a 900,000 galloon pool with water slides and diving boards, and a golf course.  Personally, we have never been there, we have heard nothing but good things about the park, the campground and the whole experience.

The Great Outdoors

If you are looking for a place to walk, run, bike, or bird watch, visit Wildwood Park on the outskirts of downtown Harrisburg. The park features 6 miles of trails and a nature center.

Are you a sports fan? Visit Harrisburg's City Island, right in the middle of the Susquehanna River, and catch a Harrisburg Sentators game, the city's AA pro baseball team. Or check out a professional soccer game with the Harrisburg City Islanders, a member of the United Soccer League. The island also offers other activities, such as an arcade, batting cages, miniature golf, a train, and The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat cruises.

The Hershey Gardens is spread over 23 acres and includes the Butterfly House, Children's Garden, and many other themed gardens. Tickets range from $7 to $10, depending on age, but children under 3 are free.

Gifford Pinchot State Park is located south of Harrisburg. It offers hiking trails, swimming, boating, picnicking, camping and so much more.

Have you visited Central Pennsylvania? What are your plans this summer? Will you be traveling or staying close to home? Let us know in the comments.

Are you headed somewhere else this summer? Find more ways to enjoy your destination on a budget.

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Our Weekend in Pittsburgh {2013}

My family took a mini vacation last weekend to Pittsburgh for the half marathon. One reason why I ran the Pittsburgh half marathon again this year was because my family had such a wonderful weekend in 2012.

And we also had a hankering for a Primanti Bros. sandwich again. That beastly sandwich is packed with meat, fries, and cole slaw; it is a Pittsburgh landmark.

But the weekend wasn't all about the race and that sandwich. Saturday was a free day and we wanted to explore some different attractions that we didn't get to see last year.

Our first stop was the Senator John Heinz History Center, which conveniently was right across the street from our hotel. The center is the Smithsonian's home in Pittsburgh and there are six floors of exhibits that span over 250 years of Western PA's history.

Did you know that Lewis & Clark's expedition started in Pittsburgh? That is one fact from high school American History that I did not remember.

The exhibits at the center included:

• Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation
• Western PA Sports Museum
• Discovery Place - hands-on exhibits for kids
• Clash of Empires: The British, French & Indian War, 1754-1763
• Rediscovering Lewis & Clark
• From Slavery to Freedom
• Glass: exploring Pittsburgh's reign as America's Glass City
• Art of the Steelers
• and many others

My favorite exhibit was 1968: The Year that Rocked America. The center's website describes it as an exhibition that "chronicles the pivotal year in U.S. history that saw assertions of Black Power at the Olympic Games, the national launch of Pittsburgh-produced "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," stardom for Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, the debut of locally made cult classic "Night of the Living Dead," and the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The year began with the Tet Offensive, the deadliest period of an increasingly divisive Vietnam War, and ended with hope for the future, as the Apollo 8 capsule beamed back images of "Earthrise" from the far side of the moon for the first time."

I didn't grow up in the 60's, so it never occurred to me that 1968 was such a pivotal year in our country's history. The exhibit was very enlightening, entertaining, and interactive. Our kids really enjoyed it too.

My favorite part of the 1968 exhibit was having a photo op with Mr. Rogers, who debuted in 1968. I grew up in the 70's and he was very much a part of my childhood and he happens to be a Western PA native.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the museum, my kids were a bit over it by the end. They are 7 & 5 and are not quite as interested in Western PA history as their parents.

So we took them for a little adventure: a trip up The Duquesne Incline.

The cable cars have been in operation since 1877. It's open everyday until 12:45 AM. Parking is free and the fare is $2.50 each way.

The view from the top is breathtaking.

The beautiful weather helped us see for miles.

On Sunday, I spent the morning running the half while my kids cheered me on.

As we were heading out of town later in the day, we stopped at a cute little donut shop in the strip district, Peace Love & Little Donuts.

To celebrate another awesome weekend in Pittsburgh, I picked up a dozen for the road and I promise you that I didn't eat ALL of these mini donuts.

I did share a few with my family, but I ate about 4 or 5...okay...maybe I ate 6 or 7, but it was worth every mini bite!

Some related links:

• Senator John Heinz History Center
• Duquesne Incline
• Primanti Bros. Restaurant
• Peace Love & Little Donuts
• Hampton Inn - downtown Pittsburgh

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Merry Christmas...From My Family to Yours

My husband, girls and I are wishing you and your family the Merriest Christmas and the Happiest New Year!

I'm taking some time off between Christmas and New Years. I've got my annual Top 10 post recaps planned for that week. Although, I'll probably still be lurking on Facebook.

I'll be back in 2013 with new content, new series ideas, and lots of money-saving tips.

God Bless. I'll see you in January!

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Edwards Dessert & FREE Holiday E-Cards

This post is brought to you by Edwards. All opinions are 100% mine.

I like dessert. I really like to make dessert, but there are times when I just don't have time to pull something together. Recently, I had the opportunity to try Edwards Desserts and I was quite impressed.

There are many varieties to choose from: Herhey's Special Dark Creme Pie, Key Lime Pie, Boston Cream Pie, Hershey's Creme Pie, Reese's Creme Pie, Strawberry Creme Pie, Turtle Pie, Cookies and Creme Pie, and Georgia Pecan Pie. And they are all conveniently located in your grocer's freezer section.

I left the decision up to my daughter, because I couldn't decide. She chose the Hershey's Creme Pie.

We had a family game night last weekend and the Edwards Dessert was our treat. We all enjoyed every bite. I can't wait to try the other varieties.

Check out HolidaysMadeMemorable.com for the opportunity to send your loved ones a free personalized e-greeting card. You have a choice of two e-cards to send to up to 50 people.

Plus, with every e-card sent, both you and the recipient will receive up to (2) $1 off any Mrs Smith's or Edwards Frozen pies via an email link. (2 coupons max per IP address)

Also, this holiday season, Edwards Desserts will be donating $1 to Toys for Tots for every Edwards Desserts product purchased during the months of November and December (up to $50,000).

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Our {Artificial} Christmas Tree

I hesitated to put the word, artificial, in the title of the post. It seems that word when associated with Christmas trees provokes much debate. Part of me was embarrassed to admit it, but here goes:

We have an artificial pre-lit Christmas tree.

I feel so much better now that that is off my chest.

Here's another secret. Our tree doesn't have a theme. It also doesn't have fancy garland or matching ornaments like the beautiful trees that you see in Better Homes & Garden magazine. And if you look closesly most of the ornaments are at the bottom of the tree, because that's as far up as the kids can reach. But our tree is filled with ornaments that reflect significant events, preschool crafts, and handmade love.

Such as our "First Christmas Together" ornament given by a great aunt as a wedding gift.

or an ornament from my 1980's childhood...

or my all time favorite ornament that was made for me by my great-grandmother. She crocheted one for each of her great-grandchildren back in 1980. My mother left the hand-written gift tag on the ornament all those years ago.

But the kids' ornaments really dominate the tree.

My oldest baby's first Christmas:

Every year, our girls find an ornament in their stocking that reflects their current interests, such as Elmo

or smurf girl.

I love the hand prints that each of my girls made two years ago. I found the molds on a clearance rack at Target and turned them into Christmas ornaments. It's amazing how much their hands have grown in two year.

So I guess there is a theme to our tree, our family, and there is nothing artificial about that!

Have you put your Christmas tree up yet? Real or Artificial? Let us know in the comments.


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I Achieved at Least One 2012 Goal

Back in January of this year, I made a bold list of personal goals. Today, I'm happy to report that this past weekend, I achieved one of those goals. In January, I committed to running two half marathons this year. This past weekend, I ran my second one in Hershey, PA. Mission accomplished!

Side note...we won't get into the status of the other goals, that is not important at this time...

Back in 2011, I made a goal to run a half marathon. Actually I think it was my only goal for 2011. Anyway, I ran the Hershey Half Marathon in October 2011 and I was immediately smitten with the distance. I had a blast, which I realize is a completely ridiculous statement to say about 13.1 miles. But I had such a good experience that in 2012, I made a goal to run TWO half marathons.

In May 2012, I ran my first one for the year, the Pittsburgh Half Marathon. We had an awesome weekend exploring the city and my kids were pretty much convinced that our family should move into a hotel. They were in awe that someone other than themselves made the beds, replaced the towels, and tidied up the room in the morning. The hotel also offered popcorn, lemonade, and cookies in the afternoons. My kids were in heaven.

Anyway, the race was expansive with 25,000 runners and it weaved us across bridges and through the Pittsburgh neighborhoods where the residents cheered us along. It was a hot, but gorgeous day and I beat my previous time by 2 minutes.

After that race, I continued with my training and signed up for the Hershey Half marathon to fulfill my goal.

At 6AM this past Sunday, October 21, I dragged my family out of bed and off to Hershey to run. The weather was brisk, but thankfully sunny. My legs felt good the entire race and at mile 10, I was on pace to beat my Pittsburgh time. At mile 11, I was overcome by a severe side cramp and I thought I was going to hurl Gatorade on the poor soul running next to me, but I suffered through the stitch (without hurling) and willed myself to the finish. The last mile was brutal, but I am happy to report that I beat my Pittsburgh time by 4 minutes with a time of 2:03. I was thrilled.

But I'm ready for a break. Except for three weeks in July when I took off to nurse my over-worked right hip, I have been running fairly consistently since January 2012.  The 5:45 AM training runs have been getting harder to make now that it is darker and colder in the morning. My bed calls out to me, "it's warmer under the covers." And now I can listen. Aside from the Turkey Trot 5k on Thanksgiving morning, I'm going to take the rest of this year off from running. I'll do some other form of exercise, like Pilates or Yoga, but I'm hanging my running shoes up until January.

And I'm okay with that, because I achieved a goal that I wasn't so sure I could accomplish back in January. Mission accomplished!

Where else, but Hershey, PA, can you hang out with candy bars?

What 2012 goals have you accomplished? Let us know in the comments.

This post is linked to Motivation Monday at A Life in Balance.

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