Pennsylvania, a state known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture, offers a treasure trove of family-friendly activities that cater to children and adults alike. From expansive national parks to interactive museums, thrilling amusement parks, and year-round events, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or seasonal festivities, Pennsylvania has it all.
Exploring Pennsylvania’s National and State Parks
One of Pennsylvania’s greatest assets is its natural beauty, which is showcased in the state’s national and state parks. These parks offer opportunities for hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities that appeal to families with children of all ages.
1. Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park, located in southwestern Pennsylvania, is a favorite destination for families who love outdoor adventures. The park is home to the beautiful Youghiogheny River, where families can enjoy activities like white-water rafting, kayaking, and fishing. For families who prefer staying on land, there are over 79 miles of hiking and biking trails, including the popular Ferncliff Peninsula and Great Allegheny Passage.
Ohiopyle also offers kid-friendly educational programs and interactive nature activities, making it an ideal spot for a weekend camping trip. Children will love playing in the natural waterslides at Meadow Run and learning about the park’s ecosystems through guided ranger programs.
2. Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Pine Grove Furnace State Park is a family-friendly park located in south-central Pennsylvania. It features two lakes, Laurel Lake and Fuller Lake, where families can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing during the warmer months. There are also several easy hiking trails that wind through forests and past historical landmarks, such as the Appalachian Trail Museum, which offers insights into the famed Appalachian Trail that runs through the park.
For a unique experience, take the kids on a short hike to Pole Steeple, a rock outcrop with stunning views of the surrounding area. After a day of exploring, families can relax at the park’s picnic areas, or even stay overnight at one of the park’s campgrounds or cabins.
3. Hickory Run State Park
Hickory Run State Park in the Pocono Mountains is a must-visit for families who love nature. The park’s Boulder Field, a National Natural Landmark, is a favorite attraction, where kids can hop from rock to rock in a massive, glacier-formed boulder field that stretches for acres.
In addition to the Boulder Field, Hickory Run has miles of family-friendly hiking trails, including the Hawk Falls Trail, which leads to a picturesque waterfall. The park’s sandy beach at Sand Spring Lake is another highlight for families, offering swimming, picnicking, and a playground area for younger children.
Amusement Parks and Theme Parks for Families in PA
If your family is seeking excitement and fun, Pennsylvania is home to several world-class amusement parks and theme parks. These parks offer everything from thrilling roller coasters to water rides, live entertainment, and kid-friendly attractions.
1. Hersheypark
Hersheypark, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is one of the most iconic family-friendly destinations in the state. This chocolate-themed amusement park offers something for everyone, from heart-pounding roller coasters to gentle rides designed for younger children. Families can spend an entire day (or two) exploring the park’s many attractions, including Chocolate World, where visitors can learn about the history of Hershey’s chocolate and take a virtual chocolate-making tour.
The park also features a large water park, The Boardwalk, where families can cool off on hot summer days with water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. In addition, Hersheypark offers seasonal events, such as Halloween-themed attractions in the fall and a dazzling Christmas light display during the winter.
2. Knoebels Amusement Resort
Knoebels Amusement Resort, located in Elysburg, is a classic family-owned amusement park that has been delighting visitors for generations. What makes Knoebels unique is that it is free to enter, and families can pay as they go for individual rides or purchase an all-day ride pass.
The park offers a wide variety of rides for all ages, from wooden roller coasters to classic bumper cars and kiddie rides. Knoebels is also home to a large water park and a scenic campground, making it an ideal destination for a family vacation. The park’s old-fashioned charm and affordability make it a favorite among Pennsylvania families.
3. Dutch Wonderland
Dutch Wonderland, located in Lancaster, is specifically designed for families with young children. This “kingdom for kids” features over 35 rides, shows, and attractions that cater to smaller children, including kid-friendly roller coasters, merry-go-rounds, and interactive shows.
One of the highlights of Dutch Wonderland is Exploration Island, where kids can dig for fossils, walk through a prehistoric forest, and see life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. The park also has a water play area, Duke’s Lagoon, which is perfect for cooling off during the summer months.
Interactive and Educational Museums for Families
For families who enjoy learning and discovery, Pennsylvania offers a variety of interactive museums that combine education with hands-on fun. These museums cover a wide range of topics, from science and technology to art and history, providing plenty of opportunities for children to engage their curiosity.
1. The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute, located in Philadelphia, is one of the most popular science museums in the country. It’s a perfect destination for families who want to explore the wonders of science in an interactive and engaging way. The museum features hands-on exhibits in areas such as space exploration, physics, biology, and technology.
Kids will love climbing through the giant heart exhibit, launching rockets, and learning about electricity in the “Electricity” exhibit. The Franklin Institute also features a state-of-the-art planetarium, an IMAX theater, and live science shows that provide exciting demonstrations of scientific concepts.
2. Please Touch Museum
The Please Touch Museum, also in Philadelphia, is a dream come true for younger children. As its name suggests, this museum encourages kids to touch, play, and explore in a variety of interactive exhibits designed just for them. Exhibits include an imaginative world where kids can become builders, doctors, or chefs, as well as a water play area where they can experiment with boats and dams.
The museum is housed in a beautiful, historic building in Fairmount Park and offers plenty of space for kids to run, play, and discover. It’s an ideal destination for families with toddlers and preschoolers, providing hours of entertainment and learning.
3. Carnegie Science Center
The Carnegie Science Center, located in Pittsburgh, offers a wide range of interactive exhibits that explore the world of science and technology. Families can explore four floors of exhibits, including the popular “Roboworld” exhibit, which features the largest permanent robotics exhibition in the world.
Kids will love experimenting with hands-on activities in the “Science Playground” or exploring the mysteries of space in the planetarium. The museum also offers live demonstrations, an Omnimax theater, and the USS Requin, a retired submarine that families can tour.
Seasonal Events and Festivals for Families in PA
Pennsylvania is home to a wide variety of seasonal events and festivals that celebrate everything from local culture to holiday traditions. These events are perfect for families looking for fun and entertainment at different times of the year.
1. Philadelphia’s Christmas Village
During the holiday season, Philadelphia’s Christmas Village is a must-visit for families. This traditional German-style holiday market is located in Love Park and features over 60 wooden booths selling everything from handmade gifts to delicious holiday treats.
The Christmas Village offers plenty of activities for children, including carousel rides, visits with Santa, and holiday crafts. The village is beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and festive displays, making it a magical experience for the whole family.
2. The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Held each fall at Mount Hope Estate in Manheim, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is a lively event that transports visitors back to the 16th century. Families can enjoy live jousting matches, watch comedic performances, and browse through a marketplace filled with artisans selling handmade goods.
Children will love interacting with costumed performers, participating in games and crafts, and exploring the fantasy world of knights, dragons, and princesses. The Renaissance Faire is a fun way to experience history in a way that is entertaining and engaging for all ages.
3. Bloomsburg Fair
The Bloomsburg Fair, one of Pennsylvania’s largest agricultural fairs, takes place every September in Bloomsburg. It offers families the chance to experience carnival rides, live entertainment, and delicious fair food, all while learning about Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage.
Kids can visit the petting zoo, watch livestock shows, and explore the exhibit halls filled with crafts, homemade goods, and agricultural displays. The fair is a fun way to introduce children to farming and rural life, while also providing plenty of entertainment.
Family-Friendly Zoos and Animal Parks
For families who love animals, Pennsylvania has a variety of zoos and animal parks that offer the chance to see exotic animals up close and learn about wildlife conservation.
1. Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo, America’s first zoo, is home to over 1,300 animals from around the world. It’s a perfect destination for families who want to spend the day exploring animal exhibits, learning about conservation, and participating in interactive animal experiences.
One of the zoo’s highlights is the “Zoo360” exhibit, where animals can roam overhead in mesh walkways, allowing visitors to see them from a unique perspective. The zoo also offers a children’s zoo area, where kids can pet and feed farm animals.
2. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is another great destination for animal lovers. The zoo features a variety of exhibits, including the “African Savanna,” where families can see lions, elephants, and giraffes, and the “Tropical Forest,” home to gorillas and other primates.
The PPG Aquarium, located within the zoo, offers an opportunity to explore marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, and colorful fish. The zoo’s layout makes it easy to navigate with children, and there are plenty of picnic areas and play spaces for breaks between exhibits.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania offers a wealth of family-friendly activities that cater to a wide range of interests and ages. Whether your family loves exploring the outdoors, learning about science and history, experiencing the thrill of amusement parks, or attending seasonal events, there’s no shortage of options in the Keystone State.
With its mix of national and state parks, interactive museums, exciting amusement parks, and cultural festivals, Pennsylvania is the perfect destination for families looking to create lasting memories. So pack up the car, gather the kids, and start planning your next family adventure in PA!
