Top Summer Deals in Harrisburg & the West Shore for Families

Top Summer Deals in Harrisburg & the West Shore for Families (That Won’t Break the Piggy Bank)

If your wallet is already sweating and summer hasn’t even started, you are not alone. Between day camps, snack emergencies, and sunscreen that mysteriously vanishes after one use, summer break in Central PA can start to feel like a financial endurance test.

But fear not, fellow fun-seeking families—we’ve tracked down the top ten best summer deals for kids and parents in the Harrisburg and West Shore area, from passes that pay for themselves in two visits to punchcards, perks, and totally free ways to make memories (and burn off popsicle energy). These budget-friendly wins are so good, you might even splurge on that $9 lemonade at the splash park. (Might.)

Some of these are full-on articles packed with local tips—others are quick hits you’ll want to jump on fast. Either way, your summer just got a whole lot cooler (and cheaper).

Note from the Publisher (aka Deal Detective-in-Chief):
This is a dynamic article, which is a fancy way of saying: I’ll keep updating it as I discover more awesome summer deals—because the only thing better than a bargain is more bargains.

Some of the listings are sponsored, some are hand-picked by yours truly after too much caffeine and not enough child-free time, but every single deal here is something I truly believe in. If it’s not something I’d use for my own chaos crew, it doesn’t make the cut.

So check back often—and maybe even bookmark it (do people still bookmark things?). Your budget will thank you. Your kids will thank you. Your future self, mid-meltdown in August, will definitely thank you.

Let’s dive in...

4 Free Ways to Get Your Kids Outside in Harrisburg & West Shore

If your kids have started climbing the furniture and referring to the iPad as “my real best friend,” it’s time to get them out of the house. These four free outdoor adventures around Harrisburg and the West Shore will help you burn energy, avoid entrance fees, and maybe even sneak in some nature appreciation. Read more...

Kids Bowl Free All Summer Long

Your kids can roll strikes and throw gutter balls with zero cost to your bank account. This nationally beloved summer program lets registered kids bowl two free games a day—every day. It’s air-conditioned, low-effort fun that tires them out without requiring sunscreen. Read more...

Visit Central PA Museums for Free

Use your Cumberland County library card to unlock free admission to amazing museums across Central PA. From science centers to art exhibits, these passes let your family explore, learn, and play without spending a single cent—except maybe at the gift shop. Read more...

Unlock Adventure with the ASTC Passport

That one family membership to your local science center? It’s your golden ticket to free admission at *hundreds* of museums across the U.S. (and beyond). From dinosaurs to robotics to hands-on madness, the ASTC Passport Program turns every road trip into an educational win. Read more...

But Wait… There’s More (Deals. Always More Deals.)

Just when you thought your summer savings couldn’t get any sweeter, I’m here to tell you: we’re just getting started. Some of the deals below are already in the works (a few are so good I’ve basically promised my left shoe to get them), and others are still hiding out there in the wilds of Central PA, waiting to be discovered like the last popsicle at the bottom of the freezer.

Check out the teasers below, and keep checking back—because if there’s one thing I love more than finding a great family deal, it’s bragging about it in this guide. Bookmark this page, refresh it obsessively, and know this: the savings storm is far from over.