Our top personal picks to help you get out and enjoy Summer around Central PA.
The temps are rising, plants are blooming, and school is out (or close to being out depending on when you’re reading this). There’s nothing like enjoying the great outdoors. Here are 10 simple ways to make the most of summer here in Central PA.
1. Enjoy a Local Hiking Trail
There is an endless supply of hiking trails for all levels here in Central PA. From the famous Appalachian Trail in Cumberland County to Wildwood Park and Nature Center just minutes outside of Harrisburg, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Pro tip: Use an app like the AllTrails app to find trail heads and hiking spots that are off the beaten path.
2. Host Neighborhood Block Parties
Bring the community together by hosting neighborhood block parties. Have the grandkids or kids make some flyers inviting everyone to bring their favorite dish. Enjoy the evening listening to kids playing, laughing with friends, and soaking up all that summer in Central PA has to offer.
3. Picnic Lunches at the Office
Think you’re stuck inside because you’ve got to work all day? Think again! Pick a day of the week and enjoy your lunch outside. You can even bring a blanket to sprawl out on the lawn. Take it a step further and invite co-workers to join in on your time in the fresh air. It’s a great way to reset and recharge in the middle of your workday (and who knows– maybe even walk barefoot through the lawn for the ultimate work reset).
4. Catch a Harrisburg Senators Baseball Game
The Harrisburg Senators are our local minor league baseball team and a night under the ballpark lights is fun for date night, or enjoy with the whole family! The smell of the turf and taste of ballpark hotdogs is what summer memories are made of. Support the community and have fun while enjoying the beautiful summer air. At JHL Turf Pros, we’re huge fans, and proud to be the official lawn care provider of the Harrisburg Senators. See their schedule and buy tickets.
5. Make a Day Trip to a Nearby State Park
York County is home to the beautiful Pinchot State Park. With a 2,338 acre lake, hiking trails, and campsites, it makes a great family getaway. Put a pause to the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a breath of fresh air in this spacious state park.
6. Move Family Game Nights Outside
While the days are longer and the sun is warmer, put away the monopoly board and move game night outside! There are yard games galore to choose from, but some of our family favorites are cornhole, horse shoes, and a backyard game of baseball. No matter which games you choose, they are always more enjoyable when you’re not swatting mosquitoes or having to do a tick check at bathtime, so be sure to start your pest control services now to keep everyone safe.
7. Walk Barefoot in the Grass for Grounding & Recharging
Have you heard of grounding? It’s the idea that walking barefoot on the earth may help with things like inflammation, pain, mood, among other things. There’s not a ton of research on the topic, but we personally know how good it feels to be in nature and rub our feet against a healthy, green, lush lawn, so it feels worth a try. Take some time to relax and go barefoot in your backyard. Yet another reason to love and take care of your lawn! You can read more about grounding from this Healthline article.
8. Dinner on the Deck
Add a little zest to family dinners by moving them outside! You’ve heard of Taco Tuesday and probably have a designated pizza night. Why not designate a day of the week to enjoy a little family time and share a meal on the deck? We can’t wait to try these 101 best grill recipes from Delish.com. Grilled steak bowls, Mexican street corn, surf & turf foil packets… yum.
9. Enjoy Music in an Open Air Amphitheater
Pack up the family, a picnic basket, and head to Long’s Park in Lancaster County. Throughout the summer they host live music events in the amphitheater. So spend the day playing in the lake, walking the trails, or leisurely enjoying the sounds of nature. Then head to the amphitheater for an evening full of entertainment under the stars.
10. Go Stargazing
Whether you throw some blankets down in the backyard or take a trip to a local park for some camping, star gazing should be at the top of your summer bucket list. For some extra fun with the family, download a stargazing app that helps you identify the constellations and make a game out who can find them first.
No matter how you spend your summers in Central PA, one thing is for sure: we live in one of the most beautiful places in the United States. So, get outside and enjoy it! To ensure you aren’t battling mosquitoes and worried about ticks, make sure you remove standing water, mow your grass often during growing season, and ask JHL Turf Pros about the pest control add-on services we offer to all of our lawn care maintenance plan customers.