Children's Lake
A historic gem with a natural artesian well, perfect for family picnics, duck feeding, and exploring local charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds
Children's Lake
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic gem with a natural artesian well, perfect for family picnics, duck feeding, and exploring local charm.
"A beautiful lake for family picnics, outdoor games, and a wonderful dose of nature."
Bring Duck Feed! 🦆
Toddlers love feeding the ducks. Bring bread or appropriate feed for a fun experience.
Watch Your Step! 💩
Be mindful of duck droppings around the lake for a cleaner visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Artesian Well
Behind the Boiling Springs Tavern
Witness a pristine stream bubbling from the earth, a natural wonder for all ages.
Duck Feeding
Around the lake
A beloved activity for toddlers and families, with plenty of geese and ducks eager for a snack.
Historic Iron Furnace
Near the lake
Discover remnants of the Carlisle Iron Works, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Duck Feeding Fun
Historic Charm & Nature
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Advice needed; picking up fishing as a hobby for myself and my four boys..
Bring Duck Feed! 🦆
Toddlers love feeding the ducks. Bring bread or appropriate feed for a fun experience.
Watch Your Step! 💩
Be mindful of duck droppings around the lake for a cleaner visit.
Quality duck ponds in the area
Best trout fishing spot in southcentral PA (year round) and is it catch and keep or catch and release?
Explore Historic Sites 🏭
Don't miss the artesian well and the historic iron furnace for a dose of local history.
Picnic Perfect 🧺
Great spot for family picnics with open spaces for outdoor games.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Duck Feed! 🦆
Toddlers love feeding the ducks. Bring bread or appropriate feed for a fun experience.
Watch Your Step! 💩
Be mindful of duck droppings around the lake for a cleaner visit.
Explore Historic Sites 🏭
Don't miss the artesian well and the historic iron furnace for a dose of local history.
Picnic Perfect 🧺
Great spot for family picnics with open spaces for outdoor games.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Children's Lake for its beautiful, historic setting and family-friendly atmosphere, especially for toddlers who enjoy feeding the ducks. The artesian well and surrounding charm add to its appeal, though some note the need to be mindful of duck droppings.
"The Children’s Lake is a Beautiful historic place for a wonderful dose of nature.
Remember, as a kid in school, you learned about artesian wells bubbling out of the earth? Here, behind the closed Boiling Springs Tavern, is such a pristine stream.
How about there is the historic Carlisle Iron Works Furnace and the ironmaster’s mansion?
And a place for Appalachian hikers to stop, rest, and get water.
How about the charming homes located around the Children’s Lake?
I must not forget the geese and birds congregating around the water, waiting for their next meal."
Eugenia Russell Hargrove
"This is a beautiful lake for family picnics, outdoor games, they often have events here that are fun to attend. We saw Anything Floats, it was great!"
Michael Copenhaver
"This one of our family's favorite places to visit for a fun little outing with our toddlers! Our two year old absolutely loves feeding the ducks and I love the walking trail around the pond! It is a peaceful place and we will return many times, Lord willing!"
Alisa Martin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Children's Lake in Boiling Springs is about a 30-40 minute drive from Hershey. While there are ponds closer to Hershey, many find Children's Lake to be a superior spot for duck feeding and a more scenic experience.
Yes, there is typically parking available near the lake, especially around the Boiling Springs Tavern area.
Absolutely! There's a lovely walking trail around the pond, perfect for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Children's Lake is a public park and generally does not have an entrance fee, making it a free and accessible destination.
As a public park, Children's Lake is typically accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day for the full experience.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can feed the ducks and geese, enjoy family picnics, walk the trail around the lake, and explore the historic artesian well and iron furnace.
Yes, it's a favorite for toddlers! They love feeding the ducks, and the walking trail is manageable for little ones.
Yes, the area often hosts events like 'Anything Floats,' which can be a fun addition to your visit.
You'll see plenty of ducks and geese congregating around the water, often waiting for visitors to feed them.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the charming homes, the natural beauty of the artesian well, the historic iron furnace, and of course, the ducks and geese. Autumn foliage also provides a beautiful backdrop.
The lake, surrounding trees, and historic elements offer pleasant scenes for landscape photography, especially during different seasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Toddlers
Consider bringing a small blanket for a picnic. While the lake is beautiful, be mindful of duck droppings on the paths and around the water's edge to keep your little ones clean. The historical elements like the artesian well can also be a gentle introduction to local history for curious young minds.
Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
The autumn foliage is particularly stunning, offering vibrant colors that enhance the visual appeal of the lake and its surroundings. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to sketch, read, or simply enjoy the outdoors, Children's Lake provides a beautiful and historically rich setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Blend of Nature and History
Adjacent to the lake, you'll find remnants of the Carlisle Iron Works Furnace and the ironmaster's mansion, offering a tangible connection to the area's industrial past. For hikers on the Appalachian Trail, it's also a known stop for rest and replenishment. The charming homes surrounding the lake add to the idyllic atmosphere, creating a scene that feels both historic and lived-in.
Family-Friendly Activities
Beyond duck feeding, the area is perfect for family picnics and outdoor games, with ample space to spread out. A walking trail encircles the pond, providing a pleasant route for a leisurely stroll, suitable even for little ones. The combination of accessible nature, engaging activities, and a peaceful environment makes it a go-to destination for a fun day out with the family.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit