Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is a destination that offers something for everyone. From historical landmarks to family-friendly attractions and craft beer breweries to beautiful outdoor spaces, there’s no shortage of activities here.
If you’re planning a family vacation and looking for a mix of family fun, craft beer, and kid-friendly travel destinations, Gettysburg is the perfect place to visit. In this blog post, we’ll highlight the top five places to stop with kids in Gettysburg, so you can plan your trip accordingly and make the most out of your time in this beautiful town.
The first stop we made after arriving in Gettysburg, was at the Children of Gettysburg 1863 museum. Located at 451 Baltimore Street, this hands-on, interactive children’s museum quickly became our family’s number one recommendation in Gettysburg. This one-level museum is jam-packed with engaging experiences for kids. We spent over an hour and a half touring the museum, and honestly, we could have stayed longer because of the many interactive experiences they offer for children.
After checking in at the front desk, we were invited to choose from one of six children who lived through the Civil War to follow their journey from the days leading up to the beginning of the battle to the days after. The museum provided a large book that narrates each historical child’s account of their experiences during this event. These books are displayed in each room of the museum, and each room that you enter represents a day lived by one of these children.
Some of our family’s favorite stops through the museum were the basement room, where we tried to find a good spot to hide from the Confederate soldiers. Unfortunately, most of the spots we chose were already taken. We also saw a giant tree stump that showed the size of the stump during the Civil War compared to the present day. They set up a play kitchen with items from a Civil War-era kitchen, including a Civil War-era bathtub, which we were told usually resided in the kitchen because it was the closest room to the water supply in those days.
They also had a number of Civil War-era handheld toys for us to try out, some of which were available for purchase. The day we were there, they had a hands-on rope-making demonstration on their porch. Our boys were given a piece of rope that they had made to take home with them! The staff was extremely kind, attentive, and very informative. We could not have asked for a better welcome into this amazing historic city!
Hoppy Parents Tip- Tickets for the museum can be purchased on their website, and there’s no need to print a physical ticket. Also, as of our visit, children aged 12 and under were admitted for free.
Fourscore Beer Co.
Our first brewery stop in Gettysburg was Fourscore Beer Co. This spacious taproom offers both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as both craft beer and food menus. 
There was no shortage of kid-friendly meal options on their menu. Our boys went with the Jumbo Soft Pretzel and Chicken Tenders and Fries (it was a tough decision, especially when they saw the Top Hat Mac & Cheese, also on the menu). We had amazing Carnitas Tacos, which were a great sharable option for us! They also have a self-serve water area, as well as several Beer-To-Go options.
For our beer selections, we started with Gettys Brau, a Pilsner, and Pitter Patter, a New England Style Pale Ale. Gettys Brau Pilsner is a perfect representation of the classic style with its crisp, clean taste and subtle hop bitterness. The refreshing and satisfying finish makes it a go-to choice for any beer lover looking for a delicious and easy-drinking option. Pitter Patter has a delightful balance of fruity and hoppy flavors that hit all the right notes on the palate. The smooth and refreshing finish leaves you wanting more, making this beer a perfect choice for any occasion. We rounded out our beer journey with Jahmba: Strawberry & Grape Gummy Worm. This fruited sour beer, quite nostalgic for childhood candy, is an absolute delight for the taste buds! The tartness of the sour is perfectly balanced with the sweet and juicy fruit flavors, making it a refreshing and enjoyable beverage.
Fourscore Beer Co.’s taproom and grounds are all located on one level, making them wheelchair and stroller accessible. Their bathrooms were clean and equipped with changing tables. They have a weekly trivia night, and there were several large-screen televisions affixed to the area above the bar, making it easy to watch sports and other events during your visit. They also offer complimentary Wi-Fi.
Hoppy Parent Tip-Highchairs are available for use in the taproom.
The Shriver House Museum is another great option for families interested in learning more about America’s Civil War history. This 30-minute guided tour takes you through the house and tells the story of the Shriver family, a Civil War-era family who once resided in the home.
George Shriver, the home’s original owner, converted part of the family’s basement into a saloon and built a bowling alley in the backyard. However, neither the saloon nor the bowling alley ever opened because shortly after they were built, George went off to fight in the war. During the war, he was taken captive and later killed. The saloon still stands in the basement, however the bowling alley is no longer there.
We loved this tour for a number of reasons. The tour guide was very kind and knowledgeable, providing us with an in-depth understanding of how the Shriver family endured during the Civil War while keeping the details of the events family-friendly. The house itself is beautifully preserved and offers a unique glimpse into life during this turbulent time in our nation’s history. Our family enjoyed delving deeper and expanding our knowledge of what a family similar to ours had experienced during the Civil War.
Mr. G’s Ice Cream
After a morning of exploring, you might be ready for a quick stop for something cold and sweet! Mr. G.’s Ice Cream is located on Baltimore Street, which is not too far from the Children of Gettysburg 1863 and the Shriver House Museum. They offer delicious “old-fashioned homemade” and soft-served ice cream, with traditional flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and French vanilla, as well as some non-traditional flavors like black raspberry, banana peanut butter, and cookie jar.
Hoppy Parent Tip- At times, the line at Mr. G.’s Ice Cream can become a bit lengthy. However, they have two old-fashioned ring games for kids (and adults) to play while you wait. Additionally, there’s a gift shop next door that you can peruse as well.
Gettysburg National Military Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Gettysburg’s battlefield history is a captivating attraction that draws visitors from all over. As a family, we sought an alternative to the traditional bus tour, which we felt might have been too exhaustive for our occasionally restless sons. We discovered the Gettysburg National Military Park, an exceptional destination within the U.S. National Park Service, and were provided with maps and information for a self-guided auto tour.
Curious about the self-guided option, we downloaded the NPS App and embarked on a remarkable journey. Along the tour, notable sights are marked with numbered red stars that correlate with audio recordings on the app, providing insightful information as we drove around the historic grounds. This allowed us to immerse ourselves in the significance of each location.
The self-guided tour was also ideal for our little ones, aged 7 and 4, as it gave us the flexibility to pause and explore at our own pace. This way of touring also enabled us to manage the content to which our kids were exposed.
Overall, the self-guided auto tour was an excellent choice for our family, allowing us to enjoy the battlefield history of Gettysburg in a way that was both educational and entertaining. It’s an experience that we highly recommend to anyone looking for an alternative to traditional tour options.
Looking for More?!
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is one of the five locations of the Appalachian Brewing Company. The ‘Appalachian Brewing Company Gettysburg Battlefield’ is located within walking distance from one of the city’s historic battlefields. This brewpub offers craft beers and delicious food selections. We highly recommend the Hoppy Trails IPA (6.2%), and You’re My Boy Blue Sour (4.3%).
Another amazing option for a quick craft brew stop during your travels through Gettysburg is Pilger Ruh Brewing. While their main brewery is located south of Pottsville, PA, this cozy taproom in Gettysburg offers some of their outstanding brews.
Our top picks were the Pottsville Pilsner (4.6%) and the Cool Sour Idea #27 (5%). The Pottsville Pilsner is a true gem! Its crisp and clean taste is both refreshing and satisfying, making it a perfect choice to end a long day of touring the battlefields. On the other hand, the Cool Sour Idea #27 beer with vanilla and blackberry is a flavorful delight! The tartness of the sour is perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the blackberry and the creaminess of the vanilla, creating a unique and enjoyable drinking experience.
Hoppy Parent Tip- Pilger Ruh has a wonderful outdoor area that would be an amazing stop to relax after a long afternoon of sightseeing. They also have a beer takeout window, making it easy to get a refill of your brew while still enjoying the sunshine!
If you’re looking for a quick sit-down spot for lunch or dinner, check out The Upper Crust located at 19 York Street. It was a great pick for our pizza-loving boys. Our meals came out hot and quickly, and they had many variations of red and white pizza, as well as some unique meal options. Additionally, they have a great craft beer selection and lots of kid-friendly drinks.
Another amazing stop for kids is Nerd Herd Gifts & Games, located almost directly across the street from The Upper Crust. This cool shop is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face, as it has everything from gifts to games for all ages. Without a doubt, it’s worth popping in to check out!
Hoppy Parent Tip-Outside, there’s an amazing giant chessboard set up for patrons to use!
The David Willis House in Gettysburg is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and families alike. This self-guided tour takes you through the home of David Willis, a prominent man who lived during the Civil War era. The tour is family-friendly, and you’ll get to learn about the history of the house and the people who lived there. This location gained notoriety after Abraham Lincoln resided there during his visit to Gettysburg. It was where he put the finishing touches on the Gettysburg Address, one of his most famous speeches.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is a wonderful destination for families looking for an educational and fun-filled vacation. From historical landmarks to interactive museums, outdoor adventures, and unique dining experiences, as well as an extensive craft beer scene, Gettysburg has something to offer everyone in the family.
So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones in this charming town. We hope this guide has given you some inspiration for your upcoming family trip to Gettysburg!
Keep crafting family memories, one hop at a time!
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