People frequently ask me what there is to do in Harrisburg in the winter? And while the appropriate answer feels a little like nodding along to the question as if in agreement, I’ve come to realize it’s a real question warranting a response.
The presence of winter can take on an antagonist role for our small northeastern city, seemingly limiting the few options for fun summer granted us. But that’s so far from the truth! You might have to get a little creative, or try something new, but there are plenty of things to do in Harrisburg during the winter months.
Check out the following 11 ideas for winter fun in and around Harrisburg!
- Arcades & Bowling
Only a short drive from downtown Harrisburg, you can find two blood-pumping options for fun. The Coliseum offers a double duo with bowling in its lower level and features an arcade in the upper. Close by you can find the newly opened Dave & Busters located in the Capital City Mall.
I can attest – both are arcades for adults and kids alike!
2. Book Stores
If you’re looking for a slower paced option, but still wanting to get out of the house for a little, you might find yourself at Midtown Scholar in Midtown, Harrisburg or Cupboard Maker Books in Enola. Both stores host events throughout the year – from author talks to Sunday evening events for book lovers to unite.
Keep a pulse on their calendars and see what events spark your interest!
3. Axe Throwing
Got an axe to grind? Try your hand at axe throwing at nearby Joe K’s brewhouse! Fun for a group, and wildly affordable, you can book online and show up ready to go! An instructor guides you the entire time and keeps score so you know who really has bragging rights.
Plus, you can bring your beer in the cage with you. Now that’s adult heaven!
4. Bottle Shops
Who says summer gets all the Biergarten fun? While outdoor biergartens are a no-go this time of year, I like to visit bottle shops while enjoying the indoor biergarten-type atmosphere they provide. Harrisburg doesn’t have a bottle shop – yet at least – but nearby cities Hershey and Lancaster offer shops by the name of Hershey Biergarten and The Fridge.
Fun for sitting down and relaxing with friends, or popping in and picking your own 6-pack, the variety of beers warms any cold day.
5. Escape Room
Located right on 2ndstreet, Outside the Box Escape Room is open throughout the week and perfect for a group of friends wanting to test how clever they really are. You can check their website for available time slots making booking in advance, or the day of, an easy feat.
Depending on where you’re located, you can also find escape rooms in surrounding cities like Lemoyne, Hershey and York. Each one offers its own spin on themes which makes it worth trying more than one.
6. Breweries
Harrisburg offers a few brewery options, each offering its own unique hideaway from the winter chill. Zeroday Brewery, for example, hosts trivia weekly on Wednesdays and boozy bingo once a month. Further, they have board games and card games to keep you busy any day of the week.
Newfangled Brew Works and Evergrain Brewery host indoor space for lawn games like corn hole along with others. Or if you make a trip to Hershey, plan in advance to take the Troeg’s brewery tour where you get an inside look and a keepsake glass at the end!
7. Wineries & Meaderies
Did you know wine tastes just as good in the winter as in the summer? I think I read that stat somewhere. And wineries don’t shut down just because the weather convinces us they do? SpringGate stays open year-round and continues their themed weekends well into the winter months.
You can find other local wineries only a short drive away, or for a change of pace try out Larsen Meadworks located in downtown Mechanicsburg or Meduseld Meadery in Lancaster where they have first come, first serve axe throwing as well.
8. Museums
Central PA holds its own in the history & culture departments – for both past and present. I’d encourage you to check out the State Museum located right next door to the Capital building or the Susquehanna Art Museum located only a few blocks north of that.
The art museum has constantly changing exhibits making it one to pop back into all winter long.
9. Market Days
Contrary to popular belief the Broad Street Market and The HBG Flea Market run all.year.long. You heard it right! The BSM continues to open its doors as scheduled Thursday through Saturday, and the HBG Fleas falls on the first Saturday of every month. For the winter months, you can find The HBG Flea Market inside of Strawberry Square.
Switch up your Saturday morning routines and take a stroll through the vendors at each! You never know what new goodies you might stumble upon.
10. Theaters
Do you prefer live action or a little cinematic excitement? Between Midtown Cinema, Gamut Theater and Open Stage, you’ll likely find something to spark your interest. Each theater is located near an awesome dinner spot or two making your dinner & a show date dreams a reality.
Or if you’re willing to travel a bit, Sight & Sound theater located in Lancaster absolutely never disappoints.
11. Art Classes
Thanks to Sprocket Mural Works, it feels like art is alive more than ever in Harrisburg. Stay in tune with your artistic side by spending an afternoon at Color Me Mine located in the Capital City Mall where you can paint ceramic pieces. Or for something a little more unusual, sign up for an art class at The Millworks with a resident artist!
And if you’re more into appreciating than creating the art, you can always check out the artist studios lining the Millworks’ upper level.
No More Excuses!
Now you can’t make up excuses and nag at Harrisburg’s winter reputation because I’ve laid out enough winter weather options to keep you entertained for at least the next three months.
But I’d love to hear your favorite things to do in Harrisburg during the winter months. Feel free to leave a comment below!
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