Are you looking for the best things to do with kids in the Poconos? We’ve got you covered!
The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania offer so many amazing things to do! In the winter, there is skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, you can go whitewater rafting and go-karting. And year-round, there are beautiful hiking trails, indoor waterparks, and scenic train rides.
We love visiting the Poconos for outdoor fun. Some of our favorite hikes are in the Poconos. And we always love visiting Camekback’s Aquatopia!
If you’re looking for some of the best activities for kids in the Poconos, the list below has tons of options. These are some of the most fantastic and unique things to do that the whole family can enjoy. So, let’s dive in!
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The Poconos Region
The Pocono Mountains region in Pennsylvania is enormous and encompasses 2400 square miles. One of the best ways to divide the regions of the Poconos is by county, as there are four that make up the area: Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne.
The list below will share the best things to do in the Poconos with kids in each county, making it easier to narrow down the activities closest to you.
Activities For Kids in the Poconos: Carbon County
Carbon County is in the southwestern corner of the Pocono Mountains. There are so many fun things to do with kids in the area, including riding the train at Jim Thorpe, waterfall hikes at Hickory Run State Park, and snow tubing at America’s largest snow tube park.
1. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe is especially popular as a fall foliage train ride. But it’s fun to ride any time of year!
You have the option to sit in an open-air car, a dome car, or a standard car. We think the open-air car is the best in the fall, and the dome car is very pretty in the winter.
You can purchase tickets ahead of time on their website or at the ticket window on the day of the trip if they still have seats available. Train rides are about 70 minutes during the regular season and 45 minutes during the month of October.
2. Hickory Run State Park
A popular state park in Pennsylvania, Hickory Run is fun for day hikes, overnight camping, and other activities.
Our favorite trails include the Hawk Falls and Shades of Death trails. They are two of the best family-friendly hiking trails in the area. You can also hike or drive over to Boulder Field, one of the largest in the Appalachian region. It’s fun to climb around on the rocks!
If you visit the Poconos in the summer, you can swim at Sand Spring Lake, which features a lovely sandy beach. There is also disc golf and fishing. If Sand Spring Lake is thick enough in the winter, you can go ice skating!
3. Blue Mountain Ski Resort
Winter is a popular time to visit the Poconos, especially with the many ski resorts in the area. Blue Mountain in Palmerton is one of those popular resorts, but it offers more than just skiing or snowboarding!
If you’re visiting the Poconos during winter, you’ll want to try the country’s largest snow tube park! There are 52 lanes to slide down, and they have a laser light show music at night.
Blue Mountain still has plenty to do when it’s not skiing weather. They have mountain biking, rock climbing, archery, an adventure obstacle course, and ziplines, to name a few. And in the fall, you don’t want to miss their Octoberfest and scenic chairlift rides.
4. Country Junction: World’s Largest General Store
Maybe it’s the world’s largest general store, maybe it isn’t. But no matter what, Country Junction in Lehighton is still worth a visit when you’re in the Poconos.
This massive store features everything and anything you could need. Plus, silly singling animatronics throughout the store.
But that’s not all! They have an arcade, bowling alley, petting zoo, and even more fun. It’s the perfect place to visit when the weather outside isn’t ideal.
5. Bike the D&L Trail
Believe it or not, you could bike from Mountain Top to Jim Thorpe along the D&L Trail! Though, at almost 40 miles, that might be a little much to tackle with kids. However, the D&L trail is a great place to bike in the Poconos. The trail has several entrances, including some in White Haven, Rockport, and Jim Thorpe.
You can also take the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to White Haven and then ride your bikes back to Jim Thorpe. There are special trains for the occasion, and they offer bike rentals if you need them.
6. Family Style Whitewater Rafting
Another fun summer activity in the Poconos is white water rafting on the Lehigh River.
You can choose from a few companies, but we love that Pocono Whitewater in Jim Thorpe offers a family-friendly trip. The 8-mile trip lasts about 3-4 hours and is perfect for beginners and even kids as young as 4 years old. The cost even includes a FREE all-you-can-eat barbeque, so you don’t have to worry about packing lunch.
7. Old Jail Museum
Jim Thorpe has plenty of cool things to see and do, but we especially enjoyed a tour of the Old Jail Museum.
The tour isn’t long, about a half-hour, but it’s full of fascinating history about the Molly Magures, seven Irish coal miners who were hanged at the jail. Although the tour isn’t graphic, it might be too intense for little ones. We recommend this tour for kids 8 and older.
The Old Jail Museum is open from late spring through the fall. You must purchase tickets on-site.
8. Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary
What kid doesn’t love butterflies? The Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary in Jim Thorpe is a fun place to visit in the Poconos with kids during the spring and summer. They have not only butterflies but also reptiles and amphibians like axolotls.
Kids will love watching the butterflies fly around and doing some of the puzzles and activities. All of the main exhibits are inside, so it’s a perfect rainy-day activity in the Poconos.
9. H2Ooohh!! Waterpark
H2Ooohh! at Split Rock Resort is a fun indoor waterpark in the Poconos. The park is over 53,000 square feet and features multiple waterslides, a wave pool, and a water play structure.
It’s not nearly as large as the other indoor water parks in the Poconos, but it’s perfect if you want a leisurely morning or afternoon splash with your younger children.
You can visit for the day or stay overnight at the family-friendly resort.
10. Eckley Miners’ Village
A fun and unique thing to do in the Poconos with kids is to visit Eckley Miner’s Village. The village is fun to explore, but the buildings are only open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, so it’s a fun summer activity. If you visit, plan to spend at least 2-3 hours there.
Visiting Eckley Miners’ Village feels like stepping back in time to the coal mining era. There are more than 150 well-preserved structures and outbuildings along the one-mile street in this 19th-century village. It feels like it’s been frozen in time and gives you an idea of how the coal miners and their families lived.
Things To Do in the Poconos For Kids: Monroe County
11. Camelback Resort
Of the many indoor waterpark hotels in the Poconos, Camelback Resort is one of the best, with many things to do!
Of course, you can visit Aquatopia, the waterpark at Camelback Lodge. You can either stay overnight or visit for the day. Camelback Resort has lots of fun options in the summertime, like its outdoor waterpark, zip lines, and mountain coaster, to name a few.
In the winter, Camelback offers skiing and snow tubing in addition to its waterpark. There are so many things to do!
12. Kalahari Resort
Like Camelback Resort, Kalahari Resort offers many fun things to do with kids in the Poconos without even staying over.
Kalahari is another indoor waterpark hotel that offers day passes. It boasts the largest waterpark in the Poconos, so it’s an excellent option for a fun day in winter or summer.
Kalahari also has a zipline and tree adventure park, Gorilla Grove Treetop Adventures, and outdoor laser tag. There are plenty of ways to fill your day with fun.
13. Great Wolf Lodge
Of the three waterpark hotels in the Poconos, Great Wolf Lodge has the least amount of extra activities. You can enjoy the waterpark whether you’re staying overnight or for the day. In addition, they have some fun indoor activities like bowling and an outdoor ropes course.
If you are staying at Great Wolf Lodge, make sure you pack everything you need.
Even though Great Wolf Lodge doesn’t offer as many options as the other resorts, it’s an excellent choice for fun in the Poconos with the kids.
14. Pocono Go-Karts
Another fun thing to do in the summer in the Poconos is Pocono Go-Karts in East Stroudsburg. They are the largest go-kart park in the area and also features other fun activities like mini golf and paintball.
Pocono Go-Karts is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
15. Pocono Snake & Animal Farm
Pocono Snake and Aninmal Farm is a unique attraction in East Stroudsburg. It is home to many rescued exotic animals that were donated to the farm.
In addition to an extensive reptile collection, including a King Cobra and many rattlesnakes, the farm also houses bears, sloths, lemurs, and raccoons.
Depending on the weather, you can visit Pocono Snake & Animal Farm from the spring, usually through the end of November.
16. Mountain Creek Riding Stables
If your kids are interested in horseback riding, Mountain Creek Riding Stables in Cresco is an excellent place for them to try it out for the first time. They offer guided horseback rides that don’t require any previous experience. The leisurely ride lasts 45-50 minutes and is provided for anyone 7 years old and older.
Mountain Creek Riding Stables is open year-round, depending on the weather. Visit their website for up-to-date information regarding ride times.
17. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
We love a living history museum, and the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm is a fun one in the Poconos.
The 19th-century Pennsylvania German agricultural heritage farm showcases dozens of historic structures on its property in Stroudsburg.
From mid-June through Labor Day, you can tour many of the buildings on the property, including the barn, farmhouse, and schoolhouse. You will also see weaving, hearth cooking, and animal husbandry demonstrations.
They host festivals at other times of the year, like Spooky Days on the Farm in October and Old Time Christmas in December. They also have workshops throughout the year where you can learn how to make a basket or experience a Victorian tea party, as a few examples. Visit their website for more fun and information.
18. Schisler Museum and McMunn Planetarium
Discover the only science center in the heart of the Pocono Mountains!
Located on East Stroudsburg University’s campus, at the Schisler Museum, kids can explore and learn about 130 wildlife specimens from across the globe, check out the insect display, and enjoy the Delaware River aquarium. The McMunn Planetarium has a state-of-the-art SPITZ digital projection system where kids can learn about the solar system.
Admission includes both the museum and planetarium, so it’s a fun and affordable Poconos activity.
19. Blue Lightning / White Lightning
If you love snow tubing in the winter, you’ll love it even more in the summer! Blue Lightning tubing at the Pocono Mountain Villas in East Stroudsburg gives the whole family a fun way to enjoy tubing when the weather is warm.
But that’s not all! In the winter, the hill is transformed into an actual snow tubing park with the help of some snowmaking machines, turning it into White Lightning!
No matter when you visit, you will indeed have a great time. Tubing is available to anyone 4 years and older and at least 40 inches tall.
20. Shawnee Playhouse
Right next to the Shawnee Inn, a fabulous family resort, is the Shawnee Playhouse, where they perform popular musicals and plays. It’s fun to do with the Poconos kids because they have shows for kids, like Disney’s Descendants and Legally Blonde Junior in 2024.
Shows are performed throughout the year, so visit their website to see what’s on stage next!
21. Pocono ATVs
There is something alluring about riding on an ATV across muddy creeks or through the snow. You can do both at Pocono ATV in Mt Pocono. Open year-round, Pocono ATV offers hour-long tours that are fun for the whole family.
You must be 18 years old to operate an ATV, and children as young as 7 can ride as a passenger.
Family Fun in the Poconos: Pike County
22. Bushkill Falls
Bushkill Falls is such a fun activity in the Poconos if you want to see eight waterfalls in one trip!
This private company charges an entry fee that varies depending on the day. However, the entry fee is worth it as the trails easy boardwalk and are nicely maintained. The Red Trail is a little more challenging and is a mixture of dirt, rocks, and boardwalk.
Bushkill is open seasonally and generally closed from November into April. Their website has updated hours.
23. Waterfalls at Delaware Water Gap
Right down the road from Bushkill Falls are even more beautiful waterfalls!
We loved the short hike to Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall, Raymondskill Falls. It’s less than a 1/2-mile total and features dirt trails and wooden steps.
If you want more waterfalls, follow the Hackers Falls Trail to Hackers Falls. It’s about 1.5 miles out and back and isn’t too difficult except for a few steeper sections.
The easiest waterfall to see at the Delaware Water Gap is Dingmans Falls. The short trail from the visitor center to the 130-foot waterfall is accessible to all, with a boardwalk making up the trail. The trail to Dingmans Falls closes in the winter and opens in mid-April.
24. Labyrinth Garden
Built on a sloping hillside in Greentown, the Labyrinth Garden allows guests to wander and wonder as they walk through the stone paths. It’s the largest labyrinth in the area and took five years to build!
Its creator, Carol Cannon-Nesco, allows visitors by appointment most days. However, some events throughout the year, like World Labyrinth Day and the Secret Garden Tour, do not require advance reservations.
25. Woodloch Resort
Woodloch Resort is one of the best family resorts in the Poconos. Thanks to its many activities and all-inclusive packages, it’s easy for families to enjoy a week or weekend away in the Poconos.
Woodloch guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, nightly shows, horseback riding, and archery, to name a few. It’s such a fun place to enjoy all of what the Poconos has to offer.
26. Costa’s Family Fun Park
Costa’s Family Fun Park has so many fun activities for kids. Located in Hawley, one of Pennsylvania’s best small towns, Costa’s offers tons of entertainment from their water slides, bumper boats, and virtual reality games.
Costa’s Family Fun Park is open from mid-May through Labor Day, making it a fantastic summer activity in the Poconos. They don’t charge general admission. You can pay per attraction or purchase a wristband for the best deal. It’s perfect if you have someone in your family who wants to be with everyone but not do any of the rides.
27. Grey Towers National Historic Site
Grey Towers is the former residence of Gifford Pinchot, the visionary founder and inaugural Chief of the US Forest Service.
Located in Milford, Pennsylvania, this historic estate was constructed in 1886 under the supervision of James Pinchot, Gifford’s father, who was both a prosperous businessman and a dedicated philanthropist.
Now, Grey Towers is a fun place to visit in the Poconos, with tours of the historic building and surrounding gardens. Tours are offered from spring through mid-December. Visit the website for the best information.
Take a short drive across the river to visit a beautiful wolf sanctuary
Poconos Attractions for Families: Wayne County
28. Claws N Paws
Experience the wonders of the “zoo-in-the-woods” in the Pocono Mountains, perfect for a family-friendly adventure.
Claws N Paws, in Lake Ariel, has over 120 diverse animal species in its animal park. You can engage with the lively lory parrots during feeding sessions and interact with some of the most amiable creatures in the petting area.
For the little ones, the excitement continues with the Dino Dig, where they can search for dinosaur bones. They can also feed giraffes.
Claws N Paws is open from the spring through October.
29. Pennsylvania Rail Bike
As one of the most unique things to do in the Poconos, Pennsylvania Rail Bike offers fun for the whole family. The electric pedal assist bikes will take you along an old coal transportation railway past the Lackawaxen River from Hawley, where you will board your bikes.
You can choose from a two-seater or four-seater electric rail bike. There are several different tours, lasting from 2-3 hours. Tours run from Memorial Day through Halloween.
Family-Friendly Resorts in the Poconos
There are several places you can stay in the Poconos with kids that are more than your standard hotel. We noted many of them above, and they include Camelback Resort, Great Wolf Lodge, Woodloch Resort, Shawnee Inn, and more.
There are also several major hotel chains in East Stroudsburg, White Haven, and Lehighton. Depending on what activities you want to do will determine where you stay.
Wrapping Up Things to Do With Kids in the Poconos
The next time you’re looking for a winter getaway or some summer fun, the Poconos will be ready for you. With everything from hiking to swimming to animal fun, the Pocono Mountains has a ton of family-friendly things to do that everyone will enjoy.
