Family Fun

120 articles

Bellefonte Lights 315

Spend a day

Interested in exploring Happy Valley? If so you are in luck! This blog post highlights some of the unique experiences that Happy has to offer. Including the areas of Philipsburg, Bellefonte, State College, Penns Valley, and Bald Eagle Valley.

Boal Museum ecs0626201024c HDR

Happy Valley has a piece of history for every interest

Happy Valley is brimming with history — rich stories of daring do, enterprise, heartbreak, victory, mystery, intrigue, and adventure. There is truly something to suit every sort of historical interest and taste, right here in our own backyard.

Climb Nittany Photo climbnittany

How to plan a full year of family fun, Happy Valley-style

One of the most magical things about Happy Valley is the abundance of opportunities to enjoy every season. Even better, there is a big variety of fun and affordable activities that are perfect for families with kids of all ages.

Rev War Days Cannon fire 2021

Fort Roberdeau

Fort Roberdeau provides a revolutionary experience as a National Historic Site and conservation area with park grounds where educational and recreational opportunities abound.

HVWC Portraits 2022 Web Res 5

Tanya Campbell talks butts on bikes, East Coast gravel, and the gemstone of Rothrock State Forest

When Tanya Campbell was a little girl, her grandmother walked her dogs on Charcoal Flats, a trail in Shingletown. Tanya, her mother, and her daughter also enjoyed hiking along this same trail. The trail, just past Pine Grove Mills near the small town of Shingletown, is known for its series of four charcoal flats — large, circular flat areas where logs would be piled and allowed to smolder to create and one that was used to make iron ore. Or, in the words of little girl Tanya, it’s a place that is “rocky and awesome.”

Kate in kayak 2

Why locals love State College living

It’s no surprise State College was named one of the 2022 Top 100 Best Places to Live by

Livability.com, and in top communities on Niche. Here are just a few of the positive attributes that local residents love about their hometown.

Localhistoria3

Local Historia Makes Connecting with History Easy

Maris operates Local Historia along with partner (and fellow school teacher ) Dustin Elder. Local Historia is an educational platform that focuses on “engaging content, walking tours, and other unique experiences,” including “History Pub” — an evening of cocktails and historical conversation at Big Springs Spirits, and an annual “Spooky Speakeasy,” with ghost stories at the Gamble Mill

Discovery Space ecs IMG 9658

Family Friendly Tips for Happy Valley Sports Tournament Travelers

Happy Valley is best known for collegiate athletics–and no one in the country does that betterthan Penn State University. But the world-class athletic facilities also play host to tens ofthousands of sports families who descend upon the region for different tournaments.

Since the tournaments are regularly scheduled on weekends when the Nittany Lions are out oftown, it leaves many families looking for places to go and things to do around town. Whetheryou only have a few hours to kill on an afternoon,you’re in town with younger kids, or if youare just looking for the best takeout options for your hotel–we’ve got you covered.

Ralphs Majestic Vista AFT 2888 ps mf 1

Centre County’s Best Vistas – by car or hiking

We left Underwood Road in the Moshannon State Forest, walked up through the forest and then down a very rocky area – following a well maintained, but sometimes rugged trail. Lindera’s Siberian husky Timber led the way. We started to gain altitude again, and at about 25 minutes into our hike, we came upon a break in the trees overlooking a beautiful view to the valley below. It was aptly named Ralph’s Majestic Vista.

The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau publishes up-to-date event information at HappyValley.com/events