We received free lodging at this resort. All opinions are my own.

Some families have beach trips. Others head to the mountains.

For us, summer doesn’t feel complete without a few unforgettable days at Jellystone Park —and this year marks our fourth trip!

When the boys were very little (4 and 2) we wanted them to have a camping experience. We made our first trip to Maryland and stayed at a Jellystone Park there. The experience was amazing and for the following summer we found a location even closer to home in Quarryville, PA. 

What started as a “let’s-try-this-once” kind of getaway has turned into a cherished annual tradition that our kids (and us parents!) look forward to year after year.

Here’s why this camping experience keeps calling us back:

It’s the Perfect Balance of Adventure + Comfort

Let’s be real, camping with kids can be a challenge. Packing a bunch of camping supplies, plus having to think about sleeping arrangements  and all the kitchen utensils makes you think twice. But Jellystone makes it easy. From cozy glamping cabins to amenities like AC, mini kitchens, and bathrooms, we get the outdoor vibe without having to “rough it.” It’s camping without dragging the whole house with us.

We always stay at the Trailblazer cabin. It’s so spacious and feels perfect for our family. It includes a separated bedroom, bunk bed, loft area and full bathroom, with sink, toilet and shower/tub. It has a kitchen with oven, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, pots & pans, dishes, silverware, and more! 

Renting towels and linen makes my packing so much easier. I only have to worry about clothes, toiletries, food/ grilling and pool essentials. 

The Kids Are Obsessed

Each year, our kids dive right into the fun like it’s the first time. Whether it’s racing down the water slides, joining the daily wake up with Yogi Bear pledge, competing on the mini golf course, or filling up their schedule with crafts, gem mining, playground , and fishing —there’s no shortage of things to do.

And every year, they discover something new, which keeps it exciting even after four summers.

It’s Familiar—But Never Feels Boring

We love that certain things stay the same: the smell of campfires, the friendly staff, the familiar layout of the park. But we also love that Jellystone updates the experience regularly. Whether it’s new themed weekends, upgrades to the splash zone, or even expanded food options, there’s always a little surprise waiting for us.

This year we tried again the VIB pass which is the new The Fun Pass add on that includes camper-favorite activities, tasty treats, take-home souvenirs, games, and more. It’s great if you are staying during peak season and kids would like to take advantage of many activities. You pay $72 + taxes for a Fun Pass to unlock many activities, so thats a deal.

It’s a Tradition That Brings Us Together

In our day to day life it can be hard to stop and connect every day. With work and out of school activities, summer days end up passing by so quickly. But at Jellystone, we slow down. We roast marshmallows. We laugh until we cry during giant pillow jumps. We crash on the couch or even on the picnic table after a full day playing and enjoying each others company. 

It’s become our reset button, our moment to pause and be fully present as a family.

We’re Already Planning Next Year

We leave with full hearts and already start talking about “next time.” That’s the kind of magic Jellystone brings to our family. It’s more than a trip—it’s a memory maker, a tradition builder, and a highlight of our summer year after year.

The boys always bring home a camping map and they talk about the things they didn’t have time to do and that they want to add to their list of things for the following year. 

If you’re looking for a place where the kids will be endlessly entertained and you’ll finally get to sit down with your coffee and a book and say, “This is what summer’s about,” I can’t recommend Jellystone Park enough.

Have you ever been to a Jellystone Park? Or do you have a summer tradition that your family returns to again and again? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear!

📍 We visit the Quarryville, PA location the past 3 years, but there are Jellystone Parks across the country.

To check our previous years posts for more information and help on how to plan your next camping trip visit these posts: 2021, 2022 and 2024