Who knew there were so many amazing things to do in Erie PA with kids?
Erie has so many family-friendly things to do you could easily spend a week in town and still not see everything. From the beaches at Presque Isle State Park to the rides and slides at Waldameer Park and Splash Lagoon, there is something for every kid (and adult) in Erie.
Some of the best things to do include taking in the views, like climbing the Bicentennial Tower at the Bayfront or the tower at Tom Ridge Environmental Center. And don’t forget the simple pleasures, like the Griff Hill slides. Your kids won’t want to leave!
The guide below shares even more fun things to do with kids in Erie, including some good food options. So, let’s plan your next family vacation!
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Things to Do With Kids in Erie PA
1. Bicentennial Tower
Standing 187 feet high (to the top of the flagpole), the Bicentennial Tower is a top thing to do with kids in Erie. Enter at the bottom to purchase tickets (there is also a snack stand and small gift shop) and take the elevator to the second viewing platform. Here, you can see Presque Isle State Park, the bay, and, on a clear day, Long Point in Ontario, Canada!
2. Mini Golf at Oliver’s Bayfront
Erie’s Bayfront has plenty of family-friendly things to do, including miniature golf. This fun 18-hole course emulates a traditional golf course, including fake sand and water traps. The mini golf course is right next to Oliver’s Beer Garden, so you can grab a meal or snack after the game. You might also get to enjoy some live music while you play.
3. Scallywags Pirate Adventure
Aargh, matey! It’s time to take to the seas on a pirate adventure! You and your kids can enjoy a 90-minute cruise in Presque Isle Bay while participating in an immersive and interactive pirate story. Kids will take the pirate oath and share any treasure they find. Plus, there is dancing, water cannons, and more!
4. Erie Maritime Museum
The Erie Maritime Museum is another fun family activity right along the Bayfront in Erie. Here, you can learn about Lake Erie’s importance in the War of 1812, including the Battle of Lake Erie. You’ll even get to explore the US Brig Niagara, a reproduction of Oliver Hazard Perry’s relief flagship used during the battle.
5. Victorian Princess Sightseeing Cruise
The Victorian Princess is a gorgeous riverboat that is anchored next to the Bicentennial Tower. They offer several different cruises throughout the day, including a brunch cruise and a sunset cruise. However, one of the best options for kids is the one-hour sightseeing cruise. You’ll learn more about Erie and get a bit of history in a short time. Perfect for kids with shorter attention spans!
6. Waldameer Park & Water World
Of course, one of the best things to do with kids in Erie is to visit the fourth-oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania! Waldameer is a free entry park where you can either purchase points or an all-day wristband to enjoy the rides. You definitely don’t want to skip the Ferris Wheel. You’ll get amazing views of Lake Erie from the park!
Unlike Waldameer, everyone who enters Water World needs a paid pass. But it’s worth it! There are tons of water slides and splash areas for the kids, and even a giant wave pool.
7. Rent Bikes at Presque Isle State Park
There are so many things you can do as a family at Presque Isle State Park, including biking around the park. Thanks to the park’s flat terrain, biking is easy for most people!
Presque Isle Yellow Bike Rental offers several biking options around the park. You can go traditional with a two-wheeler or opt for the Surrey bike for families. If your child can’t quite pedal on their own, they even have a kids’ trailer you can rent.
8. Presque Isle Lighthouse
One of the stops to make at Presque Isle should be the lighthouse. Here, you’ll get to climb up 78 steps to the top of the 57-foot tower and get gorgeous views out over Lake Erie. After you’re done, you can tour the house and learn what life was like for the lighthouse keepers before electricity and automation.
It’s important to note that the last few steps are very steep, so even the littlest kids might have difficulty climbing them.
9. Swimming at Presque Ise State Park
Swimming in Lake Erie is a bucket list activity when at Presque Isle State Park. There are several beaches at the park, but only a few are open for swimming. As you enter the park, the signs will indicate which beaches are open. Typically, Beach 8 and Beach 11 will have lifeguards to allow swimming.
Beach 11 faces Thompson Bay, which is shallower and more protected than Beach 8. It also has a large playground, making it a popular choice for families.
Both Beach 8 and 11 have restrooms and changing areas.
10. Tom Ridge Environmental Center
Before you enter Presque Isle State Park, stop by the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. This newer facility has a large, beautiful exhibit about the park’s ecology and geology.
During your visit, you can take the elevator or stairs to the top of the 75-foot tower to enjoy views of Lake Erie and glimpses of Waldameer Park across the street.
There is a fun children’s area and also a natural playground outside. And all of this is FREE for everyone to enjoy.
11. Erie SeaWolves AA Baseball
An Erie SeaWolves baseball game is affordable and fun for families in Erie. Several games are played at home in their Downtown Erie stadium from April through September. And if you visit on a promo night, you might go home with a bobblehead or enjoy discounted hot dogs!
12. experERIEnce Children’s Museum
experERIEence Children’s Museum in Downtown Erie is a small but fun children’s museum. Its exhibits include an outdoor playground, learning about Lake Erie, and a focus on community. In 2024, they’ve expanded to include other fun exhibits like a contstruction zone and art studio.
13. ERIE Sign and Splash Park at Bayview Park
A fun photo op and opportunity to cool off make Bayview Park worth visiting. First, stop along the Bayfront Promenade to grab a photo of the Erie sign with the beautiful harbor in the background.
Then, walk over to the other side of the park, where you’ll find a small splash pad with bucket dumpers and sprayers. The splash pad is ADA-accessible.
14. Griff Hill Slides at Frontier
When pulling up to the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park parking lot, you won’t see these slides right away. But just past the playground are the Griff Hill Slides, three 40-foot-long metal slides built into the side of a steep hill. The slides are fast and fun, and your kids will want to go on them again and again!
15. Asbury Woods
For a beautiful and easy walk through the forest, you’ll want to visit Asbury Woods. The 234-acre park offers over 5 miles of trails, including an easy boardwalk trail 1/3 mile long. Visitors can also stop in the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center to learn more about the animals and plants in the region.
Don’t forget to check out their events, like Monday Music in the Woods during the summer months and Winter Wonderland when they light up the park in December for the holidays.
16. Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens
The Erie Zoo is a perfect stop for families in Erie. With hundreds of different animals, kids will love seeing kangaroos, alpacas, leopards, and more. After looking at the animals, don’t forget to ride on the train and carousel. You can also wander around and enjoy the botanical gardens.
17. Splash Lagoon Indoor Waterpark
If you’re visiting Erie during winter, or maybe the weather isn’t cooperating, you’ll want to check out Splash Lagoon. This indoor waterpark has several rides and slides that every kid will enjoy. They even have hot tubs for the adults.
In addition to the waterpark, visitors can climb around on a ropes course or have fun in the huge arcade. It’s a great option for families in Erie!
Where to Eat With Kids in Erie, PA
There is no shortage of great food and restaurants in Erie! Here are some of the best places to eat with kids.
- Sara’s Restaurant is right next to the entrance of Presque Isle State Park and serves kid favorites like hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers, and milkshakes
- You can grab dinner at the Sloppy Duck Saloon (they have options like Kraft mac and cheese for kids) and then walk over to the Liberty Park playground to enjoy views of the bay.
- In Downtown Erie, stop by the Flagship City Food Hall. There you’ll find various cuisines that include tacos, empanadas, pizza, and even traditional hot dogs and hamburgers.
- Woody’s Backwater BARGe & Grill is a great casual option on the harbor, close to fun activities like the Bicentennial Tower and Oliver’s Mini Golf.
- Romolo’s Chocolates is the perfect sweet stop after visiting the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park. Here, you can grab some delicious homemade chocolates or ice cream.
Wrapping Up Things to Do in Erie PA With Kids
Erie, PA is a wonderful, family-friendly destination, especially during the warmer months when you can enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities at Presque Isle State Park. But there are still plenty of things to do with kids in Erie during the other seasons, especially Splash Lagoon and the expeERIEnce Children’s Museum.
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