With Kids 
News flash! (Wait for it… it’s gonna be big…) Philadelphia is not the capital of Pennsylvania! I can’t tell you how many times people are surprised or confused by this. I get it: the Liberty Bell, the constitution, some of our earliest government buildings – it can all feel very misleading. Or maybe they’re just behind the times. I mean, it only moved in 1812 (from Lancaster, actually, but we won’t get into that).
Harrisburg is more than just a city with the label of “capital.” In addition to the capital building itself (worth the visit), the city is alive with history, culture, and… food (that’s pretty high on my list of most important reasons to visit a place).
Here’s everything you need to know before you go! As always, all tips are family friendly and wheelchair accessible!
When to Go
Harrisburg is pretty typical of a northeastern city. It’s warm in summer, cold in winter, and least crowded when not everything’s open. This throws it in with the bulk of similar places where late spring and early fall are the easiest times to do it all. That being said, the only place I’ve ever encountered unreasonable crowds is inside the Broad Street Market, which can be packed at any time of year! We do most of our travel during the summer, and a summer trip to Harrisburg is certainly worth it.
What to Do
State Museum of Pennsylvania
In addition to the expected exhibits of animals, dinosaur bones, and PA history, The State Museum of Pennsylvania also had a kids’ museum/play area. We ended up building, gardening, climbing, and playing for an hour before we even hit the main museum. It was neat to discover the fossils and national history specific to our state, and it was enough fun that it took a full “day” (we only last until nap time). We’ve been back twice since our first visit a year ago! Great fun and wheelchair accessibility.
$2 admission with your disability ACCESS card!
Capitol Building and Welcome Center
The Pennsylvania Capitol building certainly steals the show in looks, and the history within doesn’t disappoint. They offer a scavenger hunt to keep the kids engaged as you check out the interior art of this National Historic Landmark. The Capitol also houses a welcome center full of hands-on exhibits for all ages. Did you know the first building to install Edison’s light bulbs was a hotel in Sunbury, PA, or that the slinky was invented in Philadelphia? Don’t worry, there are plenty more fun facts to explore if you make it to the Capitol’s welcome center. You can even take part in some mock-legislation. Even with all the fancy steps, we never had to look far for wheelchair access.
Admission to both attractions is FREE.
City Island
City Island is home to the ball park; the Susquehanna Riverboat; a mini golf course; a cafe; train, carousel, and horse-drawn carriage rides; and plenty of space to play. Most of the attractions are only open during peak months, but at any time of year it also allows you to walk by the river, or across the bridge into (or from) the city. It’s that nice corner of non-city that every city needs.
Entrance to the island is FREE, unless you opt to park there.
Broad Street Market
So. Much. Yum. If you can dream it, you can eat it at the Broad Street Market. From local sweets to international treats, it’s all here. There are really too many quality spots for me to tell you where to eat. Instead, I suggest you walk it all, narrowing your options by your food preferences, and then on your way back stop at the stall with the longest line. You won’t be sorry you waited.
FREE… but worth the splurge for some treats!
Midtown Scholar
Midtown Scholar has an impressive collection of books, but it’s not fully wheelchair accessible. It works for us because the kids’ section, shows, and cafes are downstairs. Unfortunately, anything more adult is impossible to explore. Of course, the shop workers are happy to help you find anything you need. If you’re visiting the market anyway (which you must), it’s barely out of your way and worth the visit.
FREE.
Street Art
If you turn right when you leave the bookstore and walk down a block, there’s a pair of those classic Instagram wings (around the corner on the right) for your profile! The city is full of art for an outdoor gallery walk.
FREE.
Whitaker Center
The Whitaker Center houses the HARSCO Science Center, full of STEM activities for kids. There are a few different admission options, but if you really want to save you can head in after 3:00 Tuesday-Sunday for $5 admission.
$5-$19.75
Adventure Zone Playground
This one’s not in the city. It’s a 15 minute drive; but, I do so love an inclusive playground! Adventure Zone is a great spot for everyone to play.
FREE.
National Civil War Museum
Ok, we actually haven’t made it here yet because I didn’t think the age of my children (AKA two of them won’t be that intrigued) balanced the admission cost, but I just discovered children under six are free! The National Civil War Museum is at the top of my list for post-quarantine. It’s the only museum in the country that provides equal representation of both Yankees and Confederates.
$13 adult admission.
What to Eat
Ok, really, all your needs could be met while you’re at the market. So, keep Broad Street Market on the list for eats. Don’t forget you can also grab a giant cookie while you’re at the bookstore. Here are some other exceptional eats:
Tomato Pie Cafe
Unique atmosphere and menu. Classy enough for mom, chill enough for kids. Perfection. Tomato Pie Cafe is one of the few restaurants I repeat visit.
Urban Churn
In sticking with unique, Urban Churn offers traditionally churned ice cream in non-traditional flavors. They do have a stand at the farmer’s market, but you can find different (sometimes more appealing to the kids) flavors at their stand alone shop.
Millworks
Millworks features local farms and flavors. It’s a brewery atmosphere with delicious food. The prices are a little higher, as expected with a locally sourced brewery.
Lancaster Brewing Company
I’ve never thought of myself as a brewery gal before making this food list… I don’t even drink beer! It would be a shame, though, to leave Lancaster Brewing Company off the list. More locally sourced, fresh, sustainably grown yum. If you’re hitting Hershey on this trip, they have a location there, too!
Getting There and Around
Getting to Harrisburg is easy. With its own airport, train station, and bus station, you can get there from anywhere. Accessible transportation in the city isn’t amazing, but it’s an easy city to walk/drive. I suggest parking by the market (free 2 hour parking – 3 with a handicap placard) while you cover that half of the city. Everything is pretty much a straight shot down Third Street, including most of the street art. If you plan to do one of the museums, re-park outside the museum.
If you’re visiting Harrisburg, it only makes sense to extend your trip to the sweetest place on earth. Amish country is also well worth the short drive.
Let me know what you loved most after your visit!