Things to do in Williamsport PA (besides the Little League World Series)
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Located in the heart of Pennsylvania, Williamsport is most famous for the Little League World Series. Understandably, this event attracts hundreds of thousands of people each August.
Beyond the baseball fields, though, this charming town has lots more to see and do. Whether you’re coming for the Little League World Series or visiting another time of year, don’t miss out on these great things to do in Williamsport, PA!
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Explore Downtown Williamsport
WIlliamsport is known today as the birthplace of Little League Baseball, but the city’s history goes much further back — and defines much of what you see there today.
Williamsport, Pennsylvania was founded in the early 1800s, a small town along the banks of the Susquehanna River. That river, which flows south from the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, helped Williamsport become the richest city in the world for a while. Before the industrial revolution, lumber was king. The lumber from Pine Creek Gorge floated downriver to Williamsport where it was processed and sent to cities far and wide to build homes, wagons and even early New York City. The businessmen who ran it made Williamsport their home. And the wealth came.
Today, Williamsport is a thriving city with a small town, friendly feel. Downtown is home to restaurants and breweries like you’ll find in Pine Square, boutique shops, street murals and the famous Bases Loaded Statues.
Here’s a map to the Bases Loaded Statues. Be sure to read the inscriptions on each one!
Guests who want an easy vacation can stay at downtown hotels and walk to many of the city’s attractions and activities. If it’s available, I highly recommend the City Hall Grand Hotel for your stay! Yes, it was the city hall. Now, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is repurposed as a hotel! It’s an incredible space, fitting for this grand old town.
Millionaire’s Row
With the history of the town in mind, take a stroll down Millionaire’s Row.
This stretch of lumber baron homes along West 4th Street is simply astounding. Some have been meticulously restored. Others have become apartment homes. For architectural beauty, this is one of the best things to do in Williamsport, PA.
Taber Museum has put together a self-guided walking tour so you can learn about the homes and the families who once lived in them.
Taber Museum
The Taber Museum, located at 858 W. Fourth Street in Williamsport, shares the history of north central Pennsylvania, from early Native American history to the 21st Century.
Your visit begins with “A Walk Through Time,” a gallery with exhibits like a frontier cabin, period rooms from the 1800s and more. There’s even a display showcasing the history of the telephone that will make kids chuckle — grownups, too. Other galleries focus on the lumber industry, farming, crafts, military history of the region and decorative arts.
The impressive Shempp Model Train Collection, which includes more than 2,000 pieces, fills most of the lower level.
PRO TIP: If visiting with kids or train enthusiasts, allow 20+ minutes for the model train exhibit. There’s a lot to see!
Plan your visit to the Taber Museum in Williamsport:
Address: 858 W. Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA. Free parking onsite behind the museum.
Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm, Saturday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, Sundays from May to October: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Closed Mondays.
Tickets: Adults: $12.00; Seniors (ages 65+): $10.00; Children (ages 3-12): $6.00; Children 2 and under: free; Families: $25.00 (2 adults +2 children ages 3-12). Taber Museum is a member of NARM and Time Travelers Networks. AAA and Military discounts are also available.
Special Events: Taber Museum offers special events throughout the year. Check their calendar for more information.
World of Little League Museum
Williamsport history is fascinating, but today’s visitors often come for all things Little League!
Understandably, the World of Little League Museum, located at 525 Montgomery Pike (U.S. 15)
South Williamsport, is a major draw.
I’ll be honest, I was surprised by how much I learned at the museum. I enjoyed learning about the Little Leaguers who went on to play Major League Baseball, the people whose contributions to society are highlighted in the Hall of Excellence and the inspirational exhibits throughout the museum.
Plan your visit to the World of Little League Museum:
Address: 525 Montgomery Pike (U.S. 15), South Williamsport, PA. Free parking onsite.
Hours: The World of Little League Museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tickets:
- $8 – Adults
- $5 – Seniors (ages 62 and over)
- $4 – Children (ages 4 – 16)
- FREE – Children Under 3
- FREE – Blue Star Museums, Museums for All, & Military
- FREE – Wearing an Official Little League® Patch
Williamsport Crosscutters
When you visit Williamsport in late spring and summer, try to catch a Williamsport Crosscutters game!
The Williamsport Crosscutters are a Draft League team, similar to minor league baseball except all players are eligible to be drafted by any major league team. The stadium is amazing with great seats everywhere, a fun mascot, great food and dedicated fans! It’s a fun night out for the whole family.
Plan your visit to a Williamsport Crosscutters game:
- Address: Journey Bank Ballpark, 1700 West 4th St, Williamsport, PA
- Schedule and Tickets: Use this link to purchase tickets that fit your visit.
- Clear Bag Policy: Like other stadiums and ballparks, the Williamsport Crosscutters have a clear bag policy. Here’s a link to what’s allowed in the park! For medical exceptions, please call in advance.
Kaos Fun Zone
Of course, there’s more to Williamsport than history and baseball! For families, a big attraction is Kaos Fun Zone located in the Liberty Arena Complex in downtown Williamsport. You don’t have to be a kid to have fun here — grown ups can go, too!
- Kaos Indoor Trampoline Park has 66 trampolines — where kids and grownups can jump, “fly” and defy gravity. Socks are required! Waiver required.
- Liberty Lanes at Kaos Fun Zone offers 12 bowling alleys and convenient, hourly pricing, good for up to six people. Fun computer graphics and different types of games make bowling fun for everyone, even if the skills aren’t the same. Food and beverage service is available as well.
- Laser Quest Laser Tag is another fun activity, though best for those 48″ and taller because of the weight of the vests. Enjoy lights, lasers and shooting targets in this exciting challenge. Waiver required.
- Level Up Arcade offers 50 fun arcade games (no traditional pinball games) where you can earn tickets to redeem for fun prizes.
For a laid back evening where kids can be kids or adults can feel like a kid again, Kaos Fun Zone is just the thing. AND, it’s a great option for rainy days or to beat the heat — but try to reserve your spot in advance!
Plan your visit to Kaos Fun Zone:
- Address: 315 Hepburn Street, Williamsport, PA
- Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 4PM – 9PM; Friday, 4PM – 10PM; Saturday, 11AM – 10PM; Sunday, 11AM – 7PM. Closed Monday and Tuesday
- Rates: Vary by activity. Pay as you go.
- SIGN A WAIVER! Save time and sign a waiver before you go. This link takes you to the waiver welcome screen.
Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat
First, a disclaimer. I was scheduled to take the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat ride, but we got behind schedule. I recommend it here because several of my friends have taken the tour and say it’s a lot of fun. Who can argue with an old fashioned paddlewheel boat ride on the Susquehanna?
The Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat ride is an hour-long cruise on the Susquehanna River. Through music and storytelling you’ll learn the story of the Hiawatha and the history of the early days along the river when the paddlewheel boat was queen.
Plan your riverboat cruise:
- Address: 2205 Hiawatha Blvd, Williamsport, PA. Ample, free parking is available.
- Season dates: May, September and October, weekends only. June, July and August, Wednesday-Sunday.
- Tickets: 2026 prices are $15/ages 13-60; $13/ages 60+; $10 ages 3-12. Under 3 is free. Tickets are available at the port when available. Or, purchase online to reserve your spot.
Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland
Just 15 minutes south of Williamsport, Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland has been educating and entertaining guests since 1964. This niche zoo, focused on reptiles (and birds), allows up close views of alll sorts of reptiles and amphibians.
Zoo staff want people to come away knowing more than when they arrived, and are great at answering questions. It takes about two hours to see all the exhibits, making this a great half day activity when visiting the area.
Plan your visit to Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland:
- Address: 18628 US-15, Allenwood, PA, just 15 minutes south of Williamsport.
- Hours, rates and show times: Vary by season, visit website.
- Tips for your visit:
- Allow 2 hours when visiting,
- Parking is FREE!
- Outside picnic areas are available, but food is not allowed inside the park.
Susquehanna River Valley Area
Stretch your visit to the Williamsport area by exploring beyond town borders. There’s so much affordable family fun in this region, it’s a true hidden gem!
Use these resources to explore nearby:
- Explore the Susquehanna River Valley where history meets family fun! Small towns, early industry and family owned Knoebels Amusement Resort provide a little bit of everything the family can want.
- Adventure galore at Pine Creek Gorge, just 30 minutes from town, dubbed the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon” offers horseback trail rides, hiking, biking and covered wagon rides through the historic gorge that built the northeast. It’s also a great “dark skies” area.
- See the waterfalls at Ricketts Glen State Park. Only 45 minutes east of Williamsport, you’ll discover my favorite park in the whole country! Ricketts Glen has an impressive 22 waterfalls, 21 of them on a 7.2 mile long hiking loop. But, there’s also camping, swimming, fishing, kayaking, birding and more to enjoy at this beautiful park.
- For even more ideas, check out the Lycoming County Visitor’s Bureau!
Williamsport welcomes the world every August for the Little League World Series. But with so many fun things to do in Williamsport, PA come visit any time of year for family friendly fun, good food and interesting attractions you can’t find anywhere else.