Some new grizzly bear cubs and lion cubs were born last spring. Other new additions included Tanzy, the spotted hyena and Thor, the African spotted leopard; plus ring-tailed lemurs, a two-toed sloth and wolf pups Hunter and Sable.

For details, call (724) 924-9571, or visit LtAnimalPark.com.

Art lovers will want to browse The Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts, a museum housed in two 1917 mansions. Details are available at (724) 652-2882, and online at HoytArtCenter.org.

With 83,000 miles of wilderness streams and rivers, 160,000 acres of inland waters and the 470,000-acre Lake Erie, there's no shortage of vacation hotspots for you to consider.

Or wander through the Scottish Rite Cathedral, a gorgeous stone structure overlooking the city. This monolith was built in 1925 at a cost of $1.7 million. The building was first occupied in 1926 as a meeting place for Masonic groups and was originally the largest such facility between New York and Chicago.

At the front of the cathedral rise six 32-foot stone columns, each weighing 32,000 pounds!

These days, the building is used for weddings, weekly bingo and tours for visitors. Call (724) 654-6683 for details.

The Harlansburg Station Transportation Museum exhibits a wide array of transportation memorabilia. Its gift shop offers one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Call them at (724) 652-9002.

For a change of pace, visit the Castle Hills Golf Course, or just hit the driving range. Call (724) 652-8122 for information.

Your family will enjoy a visit to McConnell's Mill State Park, where rock climbing and whitewater rafting provide plenty of thrills for the adventuresome. Details are available at (724) 368-8811.

For a more sedate commune with nature, head to the West Park Environmental Center, a 108-acre park full of blooming flowers, mature trees and a small stream. Details are available at (724) 652-4512.

For evening entertainment, check to see what's showing at the New Castle Playhouse at (724) 657-9369, or visit Clik.to/ncp.

Each July, New Castle becomes "The Fireworks Capital of the World," with breathtaking displays, children's activities, a Ducky Derby and a Fireworks Idol contest. Call (724) 645-5593 for details.

While in the New Castle area, don't miss the chance to explore the Old Order Amish villages of Volant and New Wilmington. To learn more, go to VisitLawrenceCounty.com, or call 1-888-284-7599.

In Volant, north of New Castle, check out the 30 unique Volant Shops, a historic mill and a winery. Offerings include Tole 'N Trinkets, The Kitchen Shoppe, 1906 Mercantile and Doll Company, Rumors Café, the Bulk Food and Candy Company, the Dumplin' Haus Restaurant and Gifts, plus a number of shops featuring local crafts. To learn more, go to VolantShops, or call (724) 533-3272.