Every family needs that special vacation to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and spend time reconnecting both with God and with each other. Located in picturesque Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (near both the attractions of Lancaster County and Hersheypark), Refreshing Mountain’s cabin rentals are the ideal location for just such a family getaway.
PA Family Cabin Rentals with Full Amenities
Families looking for an overnight escape can rent luxurious, fully-furnished cabins on the grounds at Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center. These beautiful cabins can sleep up to 8 guests, and include linens, air conditioning for the summer, heat for the winter, and a kitchens stocked with pots, pans, plates, utensils, a refrigerator, an electric range, and a microwave. All the cabins also include complimentary wireless internet access, so that guests do not have to be completely disconnected while on their retreat. Due to their picturesque location, amenities, and family friendly environment, the cabins at Refreshing Mountain are the perfect place for families to refresh and reconnect with each other.
Outdoor Activities for Everyone
Refreshing Mountain offers a wide variety of activities on their grounds so that campers are never bored. For the more adventurous, there are two different canopy zipline tours to choose from. Set high in the branches of the forest, the zip line course runs from platform to platform, and it is an activity that children and adults of all ages can enjoy. Originally, scientists used zip lines to study the natural flora and fauna of hard to reach places in the tropics and other forest environments. Now, the family can enjoy the thrill of a zip line ride while observing the beautiful Lancaster forests. These memories will certainly last a lifetime!
The retreat center has several other family-friendly activities as well, including a 34-foot climbing tower with four separate levels of difficulty to challenge climbers of all ages and experience. For those who prefer to stay on the ground, the archery and slingshot target shooting ranges can provide a bit of fun family competition while the paintball obstacle course gives more adventurous thrill-seekers a chance to test their speed and shooting accuracy by aiming at a variety of targets while navigating the course as quickly as possible. If you just want to relax for awhile, the pool is the perfect spot to beat the heat on those summer afternoons and features a slide, diving board and wet playground. The Refreshing Mountain grounds also features other recreational areas, including a beautiful hiking trail and a pond with a meadow areas that is perfect for an afternoon of games and recreation.
In the evening, enjoy a campfire or a cookout at one of Refreshing Mountain’s campfire rings where families can build their own fires or organize a cookout as the day winds to an end. Bring the marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate to make s’mores, or roast hot dogs over the open fire. The fire pits are the perfect location to unwind with the family after a long day spent in the sun, as well as an ideal place to meet cabin “neighbors” and make new friends.
Fun Things to Do in Lancaster & Hershey, PA
Beyond the large variety of onsite activities, Refreshing Mountain is ideally located for families to enjoy all the sights of both Lancaster and Hershey, PA. The property is nestled between these two main attractions, making it the perfect place to stay the night before heading off to explore of the fun things to do in the Hershey and Lancaster areas.
Lancaster County offers a variety of historical, modern, and faith-based activities for families. Many come to learn more about the Amish way of life by visiting the educational Mennonite Information Center, taking a drive through Amish countries to see the unique homes, buggies, and farms, or by taking a buggy ride themselves. Families can also shop for world-renowned Amish furniture, quilts, and other homemade goods, or enjoy Dutch cuisine and culture at local restaurants. Lancaster County also has a variety of picturesque covered bridges, perfect to explore during a lazy afternoon drive. Downtown Lancaster has many historical attractions, including tours of the Rock Ford Plantation and the Heritage Press Museum, along with unique shops and dining options. The nearby Sight & Sound Millennium Theatre brings Bible stories to vivid life in complex onstage productions that even involve live animals. These shows are a delight for family members of all ages.
Hersheypark, one of the areas most popular amusement parks and home to Hershey’s chocolate, is also located conveniently close to Refreshing Mountain. Families can take the day to enjoy the rides and sweet treats of Hersheypark before retreating back to their cabin. The park has rides for children of all ages, including roller coasters for the braver souls, kiddie rides, and water rides. The park features games, arcades, and amazing restaurants, as well as live shows featuring everything from California Sea Lions to dueling pianists. Beyond Hersheypark, families can also visit Hershey’s Chocolate World to learn more about everyone’s favorite treat and even receive a free chocolate sample. ZooAmerica is another attraction located right next to Hersheypark, and it features over 200 animals. Rent a cabin at Refreshing Mountain for the weekend, and make Hershey, PA one of your stops.
There are many other attractions and activities in the area to enjoy. See our list highlighting our favorite family-friendly area attractions.
Family-Friendly Environment
The wholesome, family-oriented environment at Refreshing Mountain is another reason it is an ideal spot for family retreats. Founded in 1983 by Marlin and Sharon Hamish, the camp became their ministry to families that needed to have a safe, refreshing getaway from the business of life. Refreshing Mountain is a Christ-centered camp that is committed to providing an uplifting spiritual environment for the families, groups, and individuals that use their grounds as a retreat center. This means that parents can relax while their children explore, knowing that Refreshing Mountain is a safe environment for the entire family.
From its onsite attractions and its luxurious cabins to its picturesque grounds to the exciting nearby attractions, Refreshing Mountain is the ideal family getaway. Enjoy all that Lancaster County and Hershey have to offer while retreating in the evening to your own private cabin, a refuge from the hustle and bustle of life. The next time you plan your family vacation, remember to give your family the time and space they need to reconnect with each other at Refreshing Mountain.