Students in Southern York County are planning their summers, and with everything from outdoor adventures to relaxing days outside, there is plenty to do close to home.
Freshmen Miriam Rojo-Fuentes, Summer Yingling and Carly Bosse are already figuring out their plans. Here’s a look at some of the most popular spots they are headed to this summer, whether they would like to relax, explore or just hang out with friends.
- Heritage Rail Trail
“If you want something active but still chill, the Heritage Rail Trail is a favorite. It’s a simple way to get outside, and the ice cream stops along the stroll in New Freedom make the adventure worth it. Rail Trail Shaved Ice, located right along the trail in Glen Rock, typically charges around $3–$6 depending on size and flavor, making it an easy, inexpensive cool‑down stop. Rojo-Fuentes said the trail is one of her favorite places to unwind with friends.
“The Heritage Rail Trail is such a cool place,” Rojo-Fuentes said. “… it’s really calm but still really fun. I like how you can bike, …walk for a long time and just talk about random stuff. I love the ice cream along the way; it’s so good. It makes the whole experience feel like a fun little trip.”
- Mini Golf at Hickory Falls or Adventure Park
For something more relaxed, mini golf is still a solid summer choice. It’s easy to plan, and it’s cheap and fun, whether they’re competitive or just messing around. Local options include Hickory Falls at 110 Hickory Lane in Hanover, PA and Adventure Park at 2500 Carlisle Road in York, PA, giving students a couple of easy spots to play. Yingling said the creative course designs make the experience more memorable.
“When I went mini golfing, there were a lot of cool things in the paths that made the game interesting,” Yingling said. “And since it was low intensity, it was very fun to play. I also like just playing around and having a laugh with how the golfing turns you.”
- Codorus State Park / Lake Redman
For students who enjoy being outside, the local lakes and parks are an easy go‑to. They’re close, free, and always offer something to do, whether it’s hiking, fishing or just cooling off in the water. Codorus State Park, which surrounds Lake Marburg, is a popular spot for all of these activities, while Lake Redman is located in William H. Kain County Park. Bosse said the natural scenery is what keeps her coming back.
“I like Lake Redmanh because the scenery is so beautiful, and it makes me feel connected with nature and the people I’m with,” Bosse said. “I also feel like I can be outside forever.”
4. Hershey Park
For anyone looking for a thrill this summer, Hershey Park is the way to go, as it offers everything from roller coasters to a water park. Tickets cost about $90 for ages nine and older, $50 for ages three to eight, and free for ages two and under. Rojo-Fuentes said the mix of excitement and variety makes it one of her type of summer destinations.
“Hershey Park is such an amazing place,” Rojo-Fuentes said. “here are so many fantastic rides that are really fun and scary at the same time. I also like how there is even a water park. I love water parks; they have really fascinating slides that I love to ride on, and I also love the little shops.”
- Volunteering at a Local Event
For students who would like to spend their summer doing something meaningful, volunteering is becoming more popular. Students can volunteer at local animal rescues or a local event, such as helping at Animal Rescue Inc. in New Freedom by signing up online to assist with animal care, or volunteering with the Glen Rock Hose & Ladder Co. by contacting the station to help during community events, which are always looking for help. It’s a good way to meet people while giving back. Yingling went to William H. Kain County Park to volunteer and said that volunteering there gave her a sense of connection and purpose.
“When I was volunteering, I was planting trees, and I really liked it because people came together….” Yingling said.”…we all pitched in to make things happen. It is also super cool to think about what will happen to that tree in the future or how long the tree will live.”
