Things To Do In The Poconos With Kids

I lived in New york City growing up, and I just loved going to the Poconos when I was a kid.

The Poconos, located in northeastern Pennsylvania, is a popular destination for families looking for a fun-filled vacation. With its picturesque mountains, lakes, and forests, the Poconos offers a wide range of outdoor activities that kids will surely enjoy. From hiking to water parks, there's always something to do in the Poconos.

One of the best things to do in the Poconos with kids is to visit its many water parks. Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark and Great Wolf Lodge are just two of the many water parks in the area that offer a variety of water activities for children of all ages. For those who prefer outdoor water activities, Lake Harmony and the Delaware Water Gap offer swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities.

Aside from water parks, the Poconos also has a lot of other attractions that kids will love. Claws 'N' Paws Wild Animal Park and Pocono Snake & Animal Farm are great places to see and learn about different kinds of animals. For those who love adventure, Bushkill Falls and Costa's Family Fun Park offer exciting activities such as zip-lining, go-karting, and mini-golf. Whether you're looking for indoor or outdoor activities, the Poconos has something to offer for everyone.

Family Fun in the Poconos

The Poconos is a perfect destination for a family vacation, offering a wide range of family-friendly activities and attractions. Here are some of the top things to do with your family in the Poconos.

Water Parks and Slides

The Poconos is home to several water parks and slides, providing endless hours of fun for the entire family. Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark in Tannersville is a popular choice, offering 13 water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. Great Wolf Lodge in Scotrun features an indoor water park with a variety of water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. Another option is Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Pocono Manor, which boasts America's largest indoor water park, with over 20 water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.

Go-Karts and Mini-Golf

For families who enjoy a little friendly competition, the Poconos has a number of options for go-karts and mini-golf. Costa's Family Fun Park in Hawley offers a variety of activities, including go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boats, and batting cages. Pocono Go-Karts & Play Park in East Stroudsburg features go-karts, mini-golf, and an arcade. At Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, families can enjoy mini-golf and a ropes course.

Bowling and Batting Cages

When the weather isn't cooperating, families can still have fun with indoor activities like bowling and batting cages. Summit Lanes in Pocono Summit offers bowling, laser tag, and an arcade. Wallenpaupack Bowling Center in Hawley features bowling, an arcade, and batting cages. At Callie's Candy Kitchen in Mountainhome, families can enjoy a game of mini-bowling and visit the candy store.

Overall, the Poconos is a great destination for families looking for a fun and memorable vacation. With a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Wildlife and Nature

The Poconos region is home to a diverse range of wildlife and nature, providing a great opportunity for kids to learn about and appreciate the natural world. Here are some of the best places to visit for an up-close look at the local flora and fauna.

Claws ‘N’ Paws Wild Animal Park

Claws ‘N’ Paws Wild Animal Park is a popular destination for families with kids. It features a variety of animals, including tigers, lions, bears, and monkeys. Visitors can also see reptiles, birds, and other exotic animals. The park offers educational programs and interactive exhibits that teach kids about conservation and animal care.

Promised Land State Park

Promised Land State Park is a beautiful natural area that offers a range of outdoor activities for families with kids. The park features several lakes and ponds, including Promised Land Lake, which is a popular spot for swimming and fishing. Visitors can also hike on one of the park's many trails, go boating or kayaking, or just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Pocono Snake & Animal Farm

Pocono Snake & Animal Farm is a small family-owned zoo that features a variety of animals, including snakes, lizards, and other reptiles. Visitors can also see monkeys, birds, and other exotic animals. The farm offers educational programs and interactive exhibits that teach kids about the animals and their habitats.

Overall, the Poconos region offers plenty of opportunities for kids to learn about nature and wildlife. Whether you visit an animal park, a state park, or a farm, there are plenty of fun and educational activities to enjoy.

Water Sports and Adventures

The Poconos offer a variety of water sports and adventures for families to enjoy during their visit. Here are some of the top destinations for water-based activities:

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for families looking for water-based adventures. The area boasts over 70,000 acres of land and water, including the Delaware River, which is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and rafting. Families can also hike the numerous trails in the area and take in the stunning views of the waterfalls and natural scenery.

Camelback Lodge and Resort

Camelback Lodge and Resort is a popular destination for families looking for a waterpark experience. The resort's indoor waterpark features over 125,000 square feet of water attractions, including water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. The outdoor waterpark, Camelbeach, offers even more water-based activities, including a surfing simulator and a variety of water slides.

Landers River Trips

Landers River Trips offers families the opportunity to experience the Delaware River from a different perspective. Families can rent kayaks, canoes, or rafts and spend the day exploring the river at their own pace. The company offers a variety of trip lengths and difficulty levels, making it accessible for families with different skill levels.

Overall, the Poconos offer a variety of water-based activities for families to enjoy during their visit. Whether it's exploring the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, experiencing the waterpark at Camelback Lodge and Resort, or renting a kayak from Landers River Trips, families are sure to have a memorable experience.

Indoor Activities

When the weather is not cooperating, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep kids entertained in the Poconos. Here are a few options to consider:

Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor waterpark resort that offers a variety of activities for kids of all ages. The waterpark features water slides, pools, and a lazy river, while the resort also offers other amenities like a game room, mini-golf, and a ropes course. Families can also take part in organized activities like story time and dance parties.

Klues Escape Room

Klues Escape Room is a fun and challenging activity that will test the problem-solving skills of kids and adults alike. Participants are locked in a room and have to solve puzzles and clues to find their way out before time runs out. The escape room offers different themes, so families can choose the one that best suits their interests.

American Candle

American Candle is a unique shopping experience that offers something for everyone. The store features a large selection of candles, as well as other gifts and home decor items. Kids will love the candy section, which offers a wide variety of sweets and treats.

MagiQuest

MagiQuest is an interactive game that takes place in a fantasy world. Players use a wand to cast spells and solve puzzles as they navigate through the game. The game is located at the Pocono Mountains Family Fun Center, which also offers other activities like laser tag and mini-golf.

Overall, there are plenty of indoor activities in the Poconos to keep kids entertained, no matter what their interests are. From indoor waterparks to escape rooms to shopping, there is something for everyone.

Museums and Education Centers

The Poconos offer a range of museums and education centers that are perfect for families with children who are looking for an educational and fun experience. These centers offer interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational programs that are designed to inspire and educate visitors of all ages. Here are some of the top museums and education centers in the Poconos:

The Shawnee Playhouse

The Shawnee Playhouse is a historic theater that has been entertaining audiences for over a century. The theater has a rich history, having hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment over the years. Today, the theater offers a range of performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts. The theater also offers educational programs for children, including theater workshops and summer camps.

The Schisler Museum and McMunn Planetarium

The Schisler Museum and McMunn Planetarium is a great place for families to learn about science and astronomy. The museum features a range of exhibits, including a collection of fossils and minerals, as well as interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the natural world. The planetarium offers a range of shows that allow visitors to explore the wonders of the universe.

Pocono Indian Museum

The Pocono Indian Museum is a fascinating museum that explores the history and culture of the Native American tribes that once inhabited the Pocono Mountains. The museum features a range of exhibits, including artifacts, tools, and weapons that were used by the tribes. Visitors can also learn about the customs and traditions of the tribes through interactive exhibits and educational programs.

Overall, the Poconos offer a range of museums and education centers that are perfect for families with children who are looking for an educational and fun experience. These centers offer a range of exhibits and programs that are designed to inspire and educate visitors of all ages.

State Parks and Natural Attractions

The Poconos are known for their natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities, and the state parks and natural attractions in the area are no exception. Visitors can explore the stunning landscapes and enjoy a range of activities, from hiking and biking to swimming and fishing.

Hickory Run State Park

Hickory Run State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park covers over 15,000 acres and features a variety of natural attractions, including the Boulder Field, a National Natural Landmark. Visitors can hike, fish, swim, and camp in the park. There are also several picnic areas and playgrounds for families to enjoy.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a stunning natural area that spans over 70,000 acres. Visitors can explore the area's many hiking trails, go fishing or boating on the Delaware River, or take a scenic drive along the Delaware Water Gap. The park is also home to several historic sites, including the Van Campen Inn and the Dingmans Ferry Bridge.

Bushkill Falls

Bushkill Falls is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Poconos. Known as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," the falls are a series of eight waterfalls that cascade over rocks and through lush forests. Visitors can hike along several trails that lead to different viewpoints of the falls, and there are also several picnic areas and a gift shop on site.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful hike or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, the state parks and natural attractions in the Poconos have something for everyone.

Unique Attractions

The Poconos offer a wide range of unique attractions for kids to enjoy. From indoor waterparks to animal parks, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the top unique attractions to check out:

Camelback Resort

Camelback Resort is a popular Poconos family resort that offers a variety of activities for kids of all ages. The resort features an indoor waterpark called Aquatopia, which has over 13 waterslides and a wave pool. In addition to the waterpark, Camelback Resort also has an adventure park with zip lines, a mountain coaster, and a treetop course.

Blue Lightning

Blue Lightning is a go-kart track located in the Poconos that offers a unique experience for kids. The track has a spiral and a corkscrew, which are sure to provide an adrenaline rush. Kids can race against each other and compete for the fastest time.

Lake Harmony

Lake Harmony is a beautiful lake located in the Poconos that offers a variety of water activities for kids. Kids can go swimming, boating, or fishing. There are also several restaurants and shops located near the lake, making it a great place to spend the day.

Lake Wallenpaupack

Lake Wallenpaupack is another popular lake located in the Poconos that offers a variety of water activities for kids. Kids can go swimming, boating, or fishing. There are also several restaurants and shops located near the lake, making it a great place to spend the day.

Overall, the Poconos offer a variety of unique attractions for kids to enjoy. Whether you're looking for an indoor waterpark or an outdoor adventure, there is something for everyone.

It looks as if there are many things for families with kids to do when visiting the beautiful Poconos.