Happy Valley influencer shares top-10 things to do around State College during spring break

Even if you’re not heading out of town this spring break, there’s still plenty to do in Happy Valley. To find some of the best things to do for those still around Centre County this spring break, the Centre Daily Times reached out to local social media influencer Hannah Morris.

Morris has been documenting her life as around the area since October under the screen name Happy Valley Hannah. In the past six months, she’s documented her favorite local restaurants, Penn State parades and Christmas tree shopping with her family as part of her social media journey.

Morris, a mother of two, was inspired by a friend to start her Instagram page and post the activities she was already doing with her kids online to help inform and inspire other parents.

“I just sort of created my Happy Valley Hannah account on a whim, and it took off a lot quicker than I had anticipated,” Morris said. “And it’s just been really fun meeting so many new people and learning about things that I had no idea existed. I’m having a blast doing it.”

Morris said that her account has changed how she sees her life and local community, making her more curious about the new experiences and places across Centre County.

The CDT asked Morris about her top-10 things to do in Happy Valley. Here’s what she said:

Discovery Space

The nonprofit science center offers dozens of hands-on exhibits around science and math for kids to explore. Discovery Space (1224 N. Atherton St.) is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

“That’s a great hands-on, play-based learning space that we have in town,” Morris said.

Schlow Library and Chew Chew Bun

Even with kids out of school, Morris suggested a stop at Schlow Centre Region Library (211 S. Allen St.) in downtown State College and something sweet afterward at the Taiwanese-inspired bakery (115 E. Beaver Ave.).

“My kids really like when whenever we go downtown,” Morris said. “It’s always “Where are we gonna stop and get our cookie or our doughnut?”

Picnic lunch at a local park

Morris suggested picking up lunch at a local restaurant and taking it to one of Centre County’s many local parks for a midday break, especially as the weather starts to warm up.

Country Inn & Suites

Even if not heading out of town, Morris said families can still make the most of spring break in Centre County with a staycation. She suggests the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson (1357 E. College Ave.). Hotel room prices and availability can be found at the hotel’s website.

“They have a really nice indoor pool and they’ve got a nice breakfast,” Morris said. “And they’ve got cookies in the lobby.”

Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center

As the weather starts to warm up, Morris recommends getting outdoors and exploring nature outside State College. Shaver’s Creek (3400 Discovery Road, Petersburg) has a Kid’s Corner program on select Wednesdays in March for toddlers and pre-K kids. Learn more about the trails and programs at Shaver’s Creek’s website.

“It’s always a good time of year to look for signs of spring,” Morris said.

Dinner downtown at Allen Street Grill

While many of the Penn State students are away, Morris said it’s the best time to take advantage of the restaurants downtown, such as Allen Street Grill (100 W. College Ave.).

The Arboretum at Penn State

Open dawn ‘til dusk, the Arboretum (East Park Avenue & Bigler Road) is one of Centre County’s most beloved outdoor spaces. With its acres of trails, botanical gardens and children’s garden, Morris said it was one of her top-10 places to visit.

Get Air Trampoline Park

Get Air Trampoline Park (2252 E. College Ave.) in College Township is a great place to give kids space to jump around and get some energy out. Morris said she goes often for Toddler Time, when kids under 46 inches can jump safely. Toddler Time is from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday and Thursday, and 8-10 a.m. Sundays.

Ticket costs vary from $10 to $28, depending on height and length of stay.

Taste Buds Kitchen

Taste Buds Kitchen (331 Benner Pike) in College Township offers several types of cooking classes for kids and families, including kid-only. Some upcoming classes include Easter Bunny cupcakes, Chinese takeout, cookie decorating and making your own pizza. Class schedules and booking information can be found at Taste Buds Kitchen’s website.

2000 Degrees

For something more crafty to do downtown, Morris suggests 2000 Degrees (202 W. College Ave.), the downtown paint-your-own pottery studio. Pottery ranges from $4 to $79 with studio costs of $4 an hour for children younger than 12 and $6 for adults. For groups larger than five, 2000 Degrees asks parties to call ahead for reservations. The studio is open all week and suggests at least an hour and a half to finish most projects.

This story was originally published March 7, 2024 at 1:47 PM.