Things to Do in Carlisle

Contrary to cartoon portrayals, visitors to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Hagerstown need not fear having picnic baskets stolen by tie-sporting ursine bandits. Instead, they get to slip down a pair of 400-foot water slides in a heated pool with hydro-therapy jets, putt beneath the waterfalls of an 18-hole mini golf course, and zip through the 1,000-foot pedal-cart track of the Cindy 500 Speedway. Families can hone their soaking skills in preparation for laundry day at a pair of balloon-launcher battle stations, or master stealth with outdoor laser tag. Throughout the campground, visitors kindle excitement at facilities as varied as an outdoor theater, koi pond, and an arts-and-crafts center with ceramic painting and a stuff-it-yourself Create A Critter shop.

Campfire rings at each campsite—from big-rig spots with hookups to wooded tent zones—make it easy to roast s'mores without summoning the family dragon from his kennel. Cabins and cottages range from basic structures to luxury cabins with kitchens and cable TV. Nearby Boonsboro and Shepherdstown make historic and charming day trips, and campers can drive just over 75 miles to get to Baltimore or Washington, DC for big-city exploration.

Hidden throughout the 6-acre corn maze at River Valley Ranch are nine map fragments. Using these clues, lucky visitors can find the hidden bridge to exit the maze, only to discover a whole host of fall-themed activities to get lost in. From hayrides and pony rides to a moon bounce and a classic pumpkin patch, Maizefest takes advantage of every aspect of the fall harvest. Adults and older kids can race each other towards victory in an inflatable obstacle course, while smaller kids have their own corny fun inside homemade corn boxes, that are kind of like sandboxes, but with more corn. Should all that fall-themed fun kindle an appetite, the ranch also offers snacks or full meals at the concession stand, with options including homemade chili, barbecue, and funnel cakes.