Army Heritage Trail and Carlisle Splash Pad

 ARMY HERITAGE TRAIL AND CARLISLE SPLASH PAD

Ringing Rock Park

Chickies rock

This week we decided to find a FREEBIE adventure.  We have been extremely successful with these in the past: Ringing Rock Park, Hawk Mountain (almost free)/ Cabelas, Chickies Rock, tubing and so many more. Sometimes the wallet just needs a break and our area is surrounded with great free attractions.  

Ringing Rock Park- waterfall

PLANNING:  There was not a lot of planning that had to go into this adventure.  We checked out the website (http://www.carlisle.army.mil/ahec/ahm/heritage.cfm), packed lunches and a lot of water, dressed to be outside, packet swim wear/ towels for later and set off.

THE DRIVE:  The Heritage Trail is about 20 minuted from our neighborhood and the drive is an easy one- with options. We chose the back roads as it is a prettier drive. The GPS took us exactly where we wanted to go and the entrance was easy to find.

ARRIVAL:  After parking we were presented with the option of going into the HUGE Army Heritage Museum building or heading straight for the trail.  We opted for the latter.  Seeing an EZ UP shelter with some Army guys in it near the entrance to the trail we stopped and they asked if we were there for the scavenger hunt. JACKPOT!  We were not, but this felt like a huge win.  There were different packets for elementary, middle and high school levels.  We needed 2 el. ed, 1 middle, and 1 hs.  The kids took their packets and were off!

WWI trench

THE ADVENTURE:  The trail is a mile(ish) loop that covers the different eras of the Army, with 14 large exhibits.  About 10 steps into it I was happy that my family was wearing socks and sneakers, while Kim was perpetually shaking rocks out of her very cute sandals as the trail is dirt and a billion tiny rocks.

WWII trench

After taking a picture at the first tank (see above), the kids quickly disappeared into the trenches- literally.    Scavenger hunts in hand they ran, dipped, and ducked their nuts through the trenches looking for answers to the scavenger hunt questions  on the placards that were placed throughout the trench.   Even for the elementary level, the hunt was hard and Kim and I stepped in to try to help out (read: we took the papers and tried to do it and still struggled).  The kids really enjoyed all the different aspects of the trench and there were MANY things that everyone learned about where the people slept, the animals that were kept and safety features.

Exiting the WWI trench we realized we had gone in the exit ( no one was really surprised) and we headed off to the WWII trench- a metal tunnel with air holes. The difference was amazing!  and stifling- it was quite warm and sticky outside and that was exacerbated in the metal tunnel.  Really made me think about what it would be like to be in complete uniforms with helmets.

En route to the  next exhibit- the Korean War, the kids slowly lost interest in their scavenger hunts- they were all incredibly difficult- yes even the elementary school one.  Luckily there were trash cans throughout the route and (somewhat) sadly we dumped them. Towers and trenches dotted this exhibit and provided a stunning view of the entire park.

Once free of the tediousness of the scavenger hunt, we were able to move more freely and quickly throughout the park.  We did also make frequent stops at the well stocked, well cared for water stations that were scattered through out the trail.  Frequently, the water was extremely cold and refreshing. and one could see the men driving around refilling the water containers.

One of the favorite stops for the kids was the obstacle course- an area where they could tryout their own skills.  They climbed, crawled, jumped and more to prove their Army prowess.   They probably spend about 10-15 minutes here working on their skills.  Luckily, there was a water station right around the bend.










From there we took a short cut to some barracks that showed us living quarters, sleeping quarters, repair shops and how incredibly sweltering it must have been (have I mentioned it was hot?).  The kids certainly seemed to have been able to last longer, but Kim and I are delicate flowers and we were wilting quickly.  We still manage to wonder through more buildings and exhibits and take just a few more pictures.

As we rounded the bend from the barracks, the pull of the large Heritage Museum building and its inevitable AC drew all of us to it.  We entered a stunningly beautiful, well air conditioned haven complete with a snackery, gift shop and museum.  The museum looked really nice- but we did not go in (it too was free).  I have heard that you pick a person and follow that person's journey through the museum.  I can't confirm nor deny this notion, but I like the idea of that (unless it is as difficult as the scavenger hunt).

Things we did do- use the rest rooms and visit the gift shop-  both were stunning and clean.  We had the kids change into their swimsuits their and spent a few cents on some snacks from the gift shop (who can resist 15 cent old fashioned candy???).  The kids all loved this and said they would go back- when it was cooler out.

We hopped back into the car and were ready for the Splash Pad.  A 5 min drive (ok 10, but we had to reroute due to a closed bridge) took us to the Carlisle Splash Pad- which would have been amazing if our kids were 4 or younger. Cue sadness.  It was approximately 5 ft x 5 ft and had a few sprinklers from the ground.  I think my yard sprinkler is more exciting.  With 4 sad children we went home and let the girls play in the sprinkler so I could use my waterproof camera bag.

TIPS/TRICKS:  As usual, pack food and drinks- although, as stated, the trail did a great job keeping the water stations full and cold. Make sure you are ready for the outside weather.  Wear sneakers or closed shoes- no heals. Skip the splash pad, unless you are 4- in which case, I really think it would be great.