Art & Gallery

Spring Break 2022: Last-minute ideas and trips around Centre County

March 5, 2022
Mable K. Sexton

The Discovery Space reopened April 9, 2021 after being closed for a year due to the coronavirus. It’s an option for those looking to have some fun over spring break.

The Discovery Space reopened April 9, 2021 after being closed for a year due to the coronavirus. It’s an option for those looking to have some fun over spring break.


Abby Drey

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Spring break is here for Penn State, as well as Centre County school districts.

As the weekend starts, downtown State College is clearing out as Penn State students head home and families set off for vacation. But there’s plenty to do for those sticking around.

Educational:

  • Centre Furnace Mansion historic site: The mansion is furnished to reflect the late 1800s, and house tours are available Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The property also has gardens available to visitors from dawn to dusk. Tours can be scheduled on the Centre County Historical Society website.

  • Discovery Space: This nonprofit science center has various exhibits and experiments, including a marine life exhibit. Hours and admission prices can be found on its website.

  • Pennsylvania Military Museum: Located in Boalsburg, this museum focuses on the commonwealth’s rich military history and has artifacts from various conflicts. Exhibits include tactics, small arms, sea power, air power and logistics. Tickets can be purchased on the website.

Outdoors:

  • Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park: This historic cave site offers daily tours in March. Tickets can be purchased at the visitor’s center or in advance online.

  • Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks: Take a one-hour tour of the caves, open Thursday through Monday. Tickets can be purchased on the website.

Adventurous:

  • Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland: See all sorts of exotic animals, including alligators, geckos and a komodo dragon. Tickets can be bought online at the website.

  • The Sky’s The Limit Ballooning: Take a ride in a hot air balloon over Happy Valley. Rides are offered twice a day and take approximately 3 to 4 hours. Advanced reservations are required and can accommodate groups up to four.

  • Ridge Soaring Gliderport: Rides can last from 10 minutes to half an hour, depending on the weather. Rides are $120, and gift certificates can be purchased on the website.

  • Central PA Tasting Trail: Grab your “passport” and travel around the county on a self-guided tour of the best ciders, beers and wine Centre County has to offer. Passports are $35 each, can be purchased at trail locations found on the website and offer one free gift or tasting at each venue.

This story was originally published March 4, 2022 3:24 PM.

Keely Doll is an education reporter and service journalist for the Centre Daily Times. She has previously worked for the Columbia Missourian and The Independent UK.