The sunny, carefree days of summer are so fleeting. Many of us spend the cold, snowy winter counting down the days until summer so we can make the most of every moment of this short but beautiful season. Whether you want to sit back and relax or are in the mood for an epic adventure, make this summer one of the best yet. Start with this Pennsylvania summer bucket list.

Laurel Hill State Park, 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA

We don’t have to head to the coast to enjoy a relaxing beach day. Pennsylvania is home to plenty of sandy beaches, including those at Laurel Hill State Park, Conneaut Lake, Poe Valley State Park, and Parker Dam State Park. Pack your beach towel or beach chair, umbrella, and all your gear for a day on the sand and cooling off in one of Pennsylvania’s lakes.

Raymondskill Falls, Dingman Township, PA 18337, USA

In the summer, we often spend as much time outdoors as possible, so a warm day is perfect for chasing waterfalls in Pennsylvania. The good news is that there’s a waterfall for everyone—from wheelchair-accessible cascades to waterfalls hidden along scenic hiking trails. You can even walk behind some waterfalls, including Cucumber Falls in Ohiopyle State Park and Buttermilk Falls in New Florence.

Hersheypark, 100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA

Can you think of a more relaxing way to spend an hour or a day than floating on a tranquil Pennsylvania river? From calm rivers winding through crystal clear waters at water parks to river tubing, we have plenty of ways to spend time on the water.

Knoebels Amusement Resort, 391 Knoebels Blvd, Elysburg, PA 17824, USA

Knoebels Amusement Resort is perhaps the most epic, old-fashioned amusement park in Pennsylvania. Admission is free and you can purchase tickets for rides just like in the good old days or an admission ticket. Pennsylvania is home to some must-visit amusement parks including Kennywood Park, Dorney Park & ​​Wildwater Kingdom, and Dutch Wonderland.

Renovo, PA 17764, USA

A summer weekend getaway is the perfect addition to any bucket list. Luckily, Airbnb makes it easy to find unique places to stay—from waterfront cottages and treehouses to yurts and sun-drenched A-frames.

Pymatuning State Park Office, 2660 Williamsfield Rd, Jamestown, PA 16134, USA

Even if we’re on a tight budget, we can have a fun day by visiting one (or more!) of Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks. Admission is free, and most state parks offer a full range of activities – hiking, swimming, boating, wildlife watching, picnicking, and camping. Our hardest decision is which state park to explore first.

The Jigger Shop, 202 Gettysburg Ave, Mt Gretna, PA 17064, USA

Remember when we ran after the ice cream truck as kids? Or went out for ice cream with our parents after dinner? Relive that childhood fun by visiting an old-fashioned ice cream shop in Pennsylvania. The Jigger Shop in Mount Gretna promises a healthy dose of nostalgia and a menu full of ice cream specialties. You can even start with dinner. The ice cream shop serves classics like burgers, fries, salads and wraps.

What fun summer activity will you check off first? What would you add to your Pennsylvania summer bucket list? Let us know in the comments! For even more summer fun, take a road trip to one of the most beautiful lakes in Pennsylvania.

Before you set off, take a look at our packing list of the most important things for your road trip.

These 7 lakes in Pennsylvania are perfect for a day of fun in the sun