While home is most comfortable in the winter, I try to my best to avoid the cabin fever of staying in all the time. The Cumberland Valley region in south central Pennsylvania offers friends and family a number of entertaining options to explore. From history to educational to competitive, there’s always something fun to do, while staying warm!

Along I-81 in Carlisle, you’ll find tanks and helicopters along the outdoor path of the U.S. Army Heritage & Education (USAHEC), which is the premier research facility for U.S. Army history. As a veteran, it’s interesting to see the experiences of soldiers from other wartimes and battles. The interactive indoor exhibit allows the rest of my family to get a sense of those experiences through basic training, a skydiving simulator, and more.

For a thrilling indoor adventure, we like to visit the Carlisle Sports Emporium, which offers indoor go-karting, laser tag, virtual reality gaming, roller skating and an arcade. The space is great for families or just a date night, as they offer so much. In the spring and summer, they also have outdoor tracks, batting cages, and mini-golf.

Plan Your Trip…

For more information on indoor family fun, dining, and overnight accommodations, go to VisitCumberlandValley.com.

Aaron Jumper manages social media and travel PR for the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation. When he’s not exploring the Cumberland Valley, he loves to attend Yankees games, concerts, and spend quality time with his wife Jen and daughter Ella.