Stauffers of Kissel Hill Fall Fest

I just want to start this post by saying, when I started this blog I never expected that it would last as long as it has, even though it has only been a few months. I also never really expected many people to read it. I more saw it as a way to document all the fun things Javon experiences, so he can look back at it someday, and maybe it would help some other families along the way. This weekend I saw first-hand how in a small way my blog has indeed helped other families have some fun! I just want to take the time to thank everyone who has read my blog and followed along of Javons adventures!

 

Now on to the real reason for this post! This past weekend and also this coming weekend, multiple Staufffers of Kissel Hill locations are holding a Fall Fest! This Sunday we had the opportunity to stop in the Mechanicsburg store. After picking up some beautiful mums, Javon joined in on all of the free fun! Included in this event is FREE pumpkin painting, a straw maze, pumpkin bowling, corn box, tattoo station and more. The best part is it is all FREE!! For 12.99$ you could build a scarecrow to take home but otherwise you were free to roam and partake in any activity offered. Javon had a good time, and I now have a gorgeous mum and a painted pumpkin proudly displayed on our front porch!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you go:

 

Where:
Stauffers of Kissel Hill stores

multiple locations

 

When:

October 4th-5th
  

How much:

FREE!!!
 

 

More info:
http://skh.com

 

 



Paulus Farm Market

Monday morning I needed to pick up some fall décor, aka hay bales. Living in Central PA means that there is lots of options for this since we are surrounded by farm land. I could of easily picked them up at a few places closer to home, but why would I do that when there is fun to be had? Instead Javon and I headed to Paulus Farm Market in Mechanicsburg. Paulus Farm Market has been around since the year I was born, so about 23 years. I can vividly remember visiting with my mom and grandma as a child a few times, to pick up fresh produce. Paulus is not just a farm market though, they offer fun for the whole family!

 

 

As a working mother, with somewhat odd hours, I greatly appreciate Paulus being open not only on the weekends like most local fall attractions, but also during the week! I work on Saturdays, and have off on Mondays. There is not much for us to do on Monday's once summer ends. With that work schedule, and a upcoming Disney World trip cutting into our October timeline, being able to visit a place like this on our schedule is awesome! All you weekend working parents take note. This place is for you!

 

Paulus Farm Market also offers affordable family fun! During the week, 3$ per child gives you access to the farm. That includes visiting all the animals, the fall fun fort, and the hay play area! Weekends are a bit different, with a price of 4$ per person. This includes all the attractions mentioned above plus hayrides to the pumpkin patch and admission to the corn maze. Through my research I've found you cannot beat that price at any other local fall attraction!

 

So we arrived on Monday morning, We purchased Javons admision and also a bucket of feed for the animals. The bucket cost 3.50$ and included some kind of big leaves (Javon had already given them away by the time I noticed what they were), nacho chips, crackers, snap peas and 2 apples. Javon loved feeding the animals! As soon as they saw him approach with the treats they eagerly ran over, and after they were fed they even stuck around to be pet. We fed the goats and sheep, but our favorite was feeding the apples to the 2 pigs. You rolled your apples down a tube while 2 huge pigs waited, they then grabbed the apple and let out hearty snorts as they finished the apple in seconds!

 

 

 

 

 

I think this big guy liked me :)

 

After we had fed all the animals, we headed to the hay play area. The hay play area, is under a large white tent, and features 2 big slides, tunnels and more! This is Javon's favorite area, he loves climbing up all the hay bales and zooming down the slides!

 

 

 

We ended our visit with a stop at the Fall Fun Fort, which is a greenhouse type tent filled with corn boxes, a hay maze, a little slide and more. Every time we visit, this tent seems to be a hit with mom friends, they line the corn bales sipping coffee and gossiping while the little ones play together. Javon feels he is getting too old for this, but he noticed older boys playing and went right in.

 

 

Paulus Farm Market is a great place to spend a few hours this fall! I recommend it to anyone, but especially the weekend workers who have free time during the week. When you visit don't forget to stop in the market on your way out to check out the selections of fresh local produce, meats, baked goods, décor, flowers and more!

 

We headed out after grabbing a drink from the market, loaded up our hay bales and took off for the shoot I had that day. I must say, the hay bale shots turned out beautiful, and I cannot wait for my upcoming shoots now that I have them!

 

(Just a reminder, I am still booking outdoor fall shoots for 25$! email me at breann.malone@yahoo.com if you are interested)

 

If you go:

 

Where:
 1216 South York St.
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

 

When:

Open daily!
 

 

How much:

3$ per child on weekdays

4$ per person on weekends
 

 

More info:
http://www.paulusfarmmarket.com

 

 

 

 

The Ultimate Guide to Family-Friendly Fall Activities in Central PA

It is beginning to look and feel a lot like fall! Central PA is a great place to live or visit during the fall season, there is endless amounts of festivals and seasonal attractions, so much so that is can sometimes be overwhelming to pick just what to do. I have done the work for you this year, compiling everything I could think of! From places to pick your own pumpkins to Halloween parades and much more! I am hoping I can make your fall go smoother, even if its just a bit! Be sure to check back often as more events will be added, and share with your friends!
Now get out there and have some fun!

*Lists will be continuously updated as more info comes forward*

Remember to check all provided websites for the most accurate hours, admission rates and attractions

Our most recommend activities are highlighted in blue!

 

Trick or Treat times

TBD

 

Halloween Parades

 

 Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches and more!
This category is sorted in order of distance from Harrisburg.

*Paulus Farm Market*
corn maze, kids fun fort, hayrides, PYO pumpkins
*Perfect for fall birthday parties!*
1216 S York St, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 - 10 Miles
http://www.paulusfarmmarket.com

*Ashcombe Farm and Greenhouses*
 mini corn maze, kids play area, horse drawn hay rides, PYO pumpkins
906 W Grantham Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 - 12 miles
http://www.ashcombe.com

Paulus Orcards
corn maze, pedal karts, wagon rides, PYO pumpkins, PYO apples
522 E Mt Airy Rd, Dillsburg, PA 17019 - 15 miles
http://www.paulusorchards.com

Risser-Marvel Farm Market
corn maze, hayrides, corn sandbox, PYO pumpkins
2425 Horseshoe Pike, Annville, PA 17003 - 20 miles
http://rissermarvel.com/

Butchers Fun Farm
4 acre corn maze, hayride, pedal karts, PYO pumpkins
590 N 4th St, Newport, PA 17074 - 25 miles
http://www.butchersfunfarm.com

Sycamore Spring Orcard
corn maze, hayrides, bounce house, PYO pumpkins, PYO apples
2501 Heilmandale Rd, Jonestown, PA 17038 - 25 miles
http://www.sycamorespringorchard.com

Flinchbaugh Orchard and Farm Market
corn maze, pumpkin painting, wagon rides, kids play area, PYO pumpkins, PYO apples
110 Ducktown Rd, York, PA 17406 - 30 Miles
http://www.flinchbaughsorchard.com

Fields of Adventure at Smithfield Farms
7 acre corn maze, mini maze, pumpkin bowling, hayride, PYO pumpkins, PYO popcorn
64 Tree Ln, Aspers, PA 17304 - 30 miles
http://www.fieldsofadventure.com

Smyser's Farm
1 acre corn maze, hayrides, petting zoo, PYO pumpkins - CASH ONLY
2890 S Salem Church Rd, York, PA 17408 - 30 miles
http://www.smysersfarm.com

*Country Barn*
corn maze, pony rides, pig races, pedal carts, PYO pumpkins
211 Donerville Rd, Lancaster, PA 17603 - 35 miles
http://countrybarnmarket.com

Corn Cob Acres
hayrides, bounce house, jumping pillow, pedal karts, PYO pumpkins
191 College Ave, Mountville, PA 17554 - 35 miles
https://www.corncobacres.com

Seyferts Corn Maze
corn maze, hayrides, corn box
1800 E King St, Lebanon, PA 17042 - 35 miles
http://www.seyfertscornmaze.com

*Cherry Crest Adventure Farm*
5 acre corn maze, flashlight maze, petting zoo, pedal karts, wagon rides, hay slides, PYO pumpkins
150 Cherry Hill Rd, Ronks, PA 17572 - 50 miles
http://www.cherrycrestfarm.com

Maize Quest Fun Park
corn maze, flashlight maze, pedal karts, indoor play area, PYO pumpkins, PYO apples
2885 New Park Rd, New Park, PA 17352 - 50 miles
http://www.mazefunpark.com

Country Creek Produce
corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin cannon, PYO pumpkins
3746 Etter Rd, Chambersburg, PA 17202 - 60 miles
http://countrycreekproducefarm.com

Wilcox Farms
2 corn mazes, hay rides, kids play area, PYO pumpkins
1134 Reading Ave, Boyertown, PA 19512 - 75 Miles
http://www.wilcoxfamilyfarm.com



Theme Parks, Zoos and more!
This category is sorted in order of distance from Harrisburg.

Pumpkin Patch Train Rides on The Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad

Ride the train to a farm to pick your own pumpkins. 

136 Brown Steet, Middletown, PA 17057 - 10 miles 

http://www.mhrailroad.com

*HersheyPark in the Dark*

Over 50 rides, live entertainment, trick or treat trail, and Creatures of the night at ZooAmerica all included in admission price. 

100 W HersheyPark Drive Hershey, PA 17033 - 15 miles

http://www.hersheypark.com

S'more Fall Fun at Hershey's Chocolate World - *Just Added!*
S'more making, live entertainment, visits from Hershey character's
Sept 27-28th, Oct 4th-5th, 11th-12th 5-8pm
Prices vary
http://www.hersheys.com
 

The Turkey Hill Experience
On select weekends enjoy scarecrow making and pumpkin painting, along with a trick or treat stops!
additional charges may apply.
301 Linden St, Columbia, PA 17512 - 35 miles
http://www.turkeyhillexperience.com/

*Happy Hauntings at Dutch Wonderland*

Over 30 rides, costume contests, live entertainment, trick or treat trail included in admission price

2249 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602 - 40 miles

http://www.dutchwonderland.com

Hallo-fun at Knoebels

Over 50 rides, pumpkin painting, live entertainment, rates vary, all day ride passes available 

Knoebels Blvd, Elysburg, PA 17824 - 70 miles

Boo! Blast at Dorney Park
Pumpkin painting, petting zoo, Snoopy's treasure hunt, live entertainment featuring Peanuts character's and 15+ family friendly rides for one admission price.
3830 Dorney Park Rd, Allentown, PA 18104 - 75 miles
https://www.dorneypark.com

Hallowmarine at The National Aquarium

Halloween crafts, animal encounters, costume parade free with admission. 

501 E. Pratt St, Baltimore, MD - 80 miles

http://www.aqua.org

Monster Mania at the Crayola Experience - *Just Added*
trick or treat, Halloween scavenger hunt, Halloween crafts
30 Centre Square, Easton, PA 18042 - 100 miles
http://www.crayolaexperience.com

Boo at the Zoo - Philadelphia Zoo
Select weekends will feature trick or treat stops, live music, games, educational seasonal exhibits and more included in your admission price.
3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104 - 100 miles

The Counts Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place 

More then 20 rides, hayrides, dance party, a parade and live entertainment included in admission price.

100 Sesame Rd, Langhorne, PA 19047 - 120 miles

http://www.sesameplace.com

Fall Festivals 

*New Cumberland Apple Festival*

Saturday September 27th 2014 

9am-3pm

Borough Park, Bridge Street

Craft and food vendors, kids activities

Stouffers of Kissel Hill Fall Festival
September 27th-28, October 4th-5th

 Multiple locations, scarecrow making, FREE pumpkin painting and more
http://www.skh.com

Little Buffalo Festival - *Just Added*
Saturday October 4th
Noon - Dusk
live Entertainment, kids activities, food vendors
http://www.visitcumberlandvalley.com
 

East Pennsboro Pumpkin Fest

Saturday October 11th - Sunday October 12th

Adams-Ricci Park 100 East Penn Drive,  Enola, PA  17025

Live entertainment, pony rides, kids activities, food and craft vendors

 

National Apple Harvest Festival

October 4th-5th, 11-12th

615 Narrows Road, Biglerville, PA 17307 

hayrides, pony rides, food and craft vendors, petting zoo, scarecrow making, live entertainment

 

 

 

The York Fair

America's Oldest Fair is back in town!

For those who may not know, the York Fair began in 1765! The Fair is back again for its 249th year in 2014. The York Fair is held every year on the first Friday after Labor day, and runs for a little over a week. From pig races to elephant rides, you can find just about anything at the York Fair. We had an opportunity to visit the fair last night for opening day. This is one summer event that is not to be missed!

 

The York Fair is held at the York Fairgrounds, about a 30 minute drive from Harrisburg. We arrived on Friday night around 6pm, shortly before a large storm passed through. We typically visit the fair every year on the first day, because it is traditionally dollar day. 1$ admission and 1$ per ride, making it the best value all week in our opinion. The crowds are typically much lower as well, as there is no concert at the grandstand that day.

 

Our first stop this evening, was the Utz Arena, which houses the Animal Birthing Center. Here you can see animals that have just been born through out the week, including sheep, cows, pigs and more. If you come at the right time you may actually even see an animal being born! We were not that lucky this time, but we did see a calf born the day before, a lamb that was born hours before (mom still had the evidence of birth hanging from her backside...TMI?) and there was a pig in the birthing process. Also in this arena are other large animals that are on display and judged, like at the farm show. We waited out a quick heavy down pour of rain here before heading out.

 

 

After the grey clouds passed and the sun began to shine again, we headed for the most important part..the FOOD!!! I mean lets be honest, what else do you go to a fair for? You can find any kind of guilty pleasure you heart desires here, from fried oreos and red velvet funnel cakes, to blooming onions, slabs of BBQ ribs and tacos. There is food every where you turn, I'm not joking, food is every where here! I have the same thing every year despite all the tempting choices. Maybe next year I'll get something different....probably not.

(Yep those are fried cheese cubes if your wondering, they taste just like the ones at the farmshow!)

 

 

 

Next up was the rides! Again, it was dollar night. For 20$ Javon had enough tickets to ride all the rides he wanted with 4 tickets left over, and I even rode a few with him! There are tons of rides here, from fun houses and kiddie rides to roller coasters and thrill rides I would estimate that there is over 30-40 rides to choose from.

 

 

Last, we happened upon one of our favorite events at the perfect time! We got front row seats for the Hot Dog Pig Races! We try to catch these every year because it just too cute to miss. It's a small show featuring pig's and dachshund's with corny names racing around a small track. Javon was even picked to be a helper this year and cheer on the blue team!

 

 

This is not even a quarter of the things to see and do at the York Fair! Pack the family up and visit before it's over!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you go:

 

Where:
334 Carlise Ave

York, PA 17404

 

When:

Daily Friday September 5th - Sunday September 14th

Gates open 11am Friday-Sunday

Noon Monday-Thursday
 

 

How much:

Prices vary by day, different specials on admission and ride tickets each day. 

Parking varies between 5-7$
 

 

More info:
yorkfair.org