I agree, Pituophis (bull, pine, gopher, & fox snakes) are known to put on a big show (Hiss and false strike) but are very calm once out of their cage. I have a 6' pine snake that I would let a 2 year old handle- once he stopped hissing at me... They would be my first suggestion to someone who wants to watch an active snake. Corn snakes and king snakes also move around but boas and pythons often end up being pet logs (especially ball pythons).
Most corn snakes and pituophis can be kept right around room temp (at least in the south, in PA they will probably need a small heat source) and are very hardy when it comes to husbandry mistakes. They will rarely miss a meal and do not mind being handled on occasion. They are not demanding in their humidity or water requirements as long as there is enough to drink and it is clean. You should definitely look into these.
