Amusement Parks within a tank of gas

In Southeast Pennsylvania lies three of my favorite amusement parks: Hershey Park in Hershey, Dorney Park in Allentown, and Knoebel's in Elysburg. All of them have world-class wooden coasters, carousels, and other classic rides. Hershey includes a zoo and chocolate factory ride. Dorney includes a massive water park and lots of great rides. Knoebel's is a classic kind of park that takes you back in time. Others may head for Jersey to hit Great Adventure, but these three remain classic parks brought up to date, and a lot of fun throughout the summer months.

Ringing Rocks State Park

This is fun, believe it or not. A giant field of boulders that, when whacked with a hammer, ring like bells. There's a waterfall nearby and it's a beautiful spot in the middle of state game lands in upper Bucks County.
You KNOW there's one day when what you really need to do is take a hammer and whack the crap out of something. Now you got a place to do it.

Valley Forge National Park

A beautiful spot of great historical interest nestled in the hills just outside the shopping mecca of King of Prussia. Preserved by the national government, you'll be amazed at how the hustle of the modern world falls away as you're here.

The Allentown Fairgrounds

Throughout the year, this site at 17th and Chew Streets in Allentown, PA, hosts a farmers market that's open from Thursday to Sunday. Delicious fresh food is available as well as some sit-down eating places.
Plus, at the end of summer, this same site hosts the Allentown Fair, one of the best fairs on the East Coast. Equipped with Agricultural Halls and stages throughout the area, there's lots of music, dance, and entertainment along with rides and craft shows of every description.
One of my favorite spots to while away an afternoon.

Hawk Mountain

A great place for hiking any time of the year, but during the spring and fall this is the place to go for watching the annual hawk and raptor migrations. All sorts of birds of prey move along this mountain ridge, adding to the already magnificent view. Not to be missed!

Tubing on the Delaware River

During the summer, there's nothing more relaxing on a hot day than bobbing down a river in a big inner tube. And these folks have it well organized to do so. They'll start from the central point, bus you upriver as far as you want and give you an estimated return time. That's it, easy and fun, and a great way to spend a summer day.