Fun Things to Do in Pennsylvania for Families

Pennsylvania is a state full of family-friendly fun and adventure, from amusement parks to museums to outdoor activities. Whether you’re exploring western Pennsylvania with its beaches to the north and rafting in the south, central Pennsylvania’s train rides and chocolate factories, or eastern Pennsylvania’s waterfalls and immersive adventures, the Keystone State is perfect for families. These are our favorite fun things to do in Pennsylvania for families.

Fun Things for Families in Pittsburgh & Western Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh is a great city for families looking for a fun, memorable getaway. The Carnegie Science Center and Children’s Museum make learning fun, while the many parks and trails make it easy to enjoy some outdoor fun.

For those seeking thrills, Kennywood Park is an amusement park located just outside of the city that offers rides like roller coasters and carousels that will make your heart race. 

Enjoy Erie’s Presque Isle State Park Beaches

Presque Isle State Park is a great destination for families looking to enjoy the beach. Located just outside of Erie, Pennsylvania, this park offers miles of sandy beaches and breathtaking sunset views of Lake Erie.

Families with smaller children will want to check out Beach 11, which is more shallow with calmer waters. Beach 1 is a great spot to search for beach glass and interesting rocks, while beaches 6 and 7 are perfect spots to build a sand castle, play a game of sand volleyball, or ride boogie boards.

The park also features hiking trails, picnic areas, fishing spots, and plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities. If you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to check out the lighthouse and marina – climb to the top of the lighthouse for bird’s eye views of the lake!

If you have an extra day to spend in Erie, also check out Waldameer Park and Water World, which feature amusement park rides and water slides, providing fun for all ages. It is conveniently located just south of the entrance to Presque Isle.

Experiment and Learn at the Carnegie Science Center

If you’re looking for a fun and educational day out with your family, the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh is the perfect place to explore. This science museum has both interactive exhibits and hands-on experiments.

Whether you’re interested in robots, space exploration, or underwater life, plenty of activities keep you and your kids entertained. Plus, the admission price is reasonable, so it won’t break the bank either!

Make sure you check out some of their special events, too – like stargazing nights and science demonstrations.

Experience a World of Play at the Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is an amazing place for families with younger children to explore and learn together. Your kids will be entertained for hours with plenty of interactive exhibits, hands-on workshops, and educational activities.

They can explore a mini-cityscape complete with playhouses, create art projects in the Art Studio, scramble through the Kid’s Climber maze, and make a splash in the Waterplay area!

The museum also has special events throughout the year. From live music performances to film screenings, there is always something new going on and a reason to keep coming back.

If you have children with disabilities or special needs, don’t worry – the museum also accommodates them.

If your family prefers art, you can also visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Visit Storybook Characters at Idlewild & Soakzone

Located in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, Idlewild & Soakzone is the ideal destination for families who want to experience a world of adventure. From thrilling roller coasters to get your adrenaline pumping to gentle rides and attractions perfect for little ones, visiting this amusement park is fun in Pennsylvania for families of all ages.

Begin your visit to Idewild with a walk through the Storybook Forest, where children will experience scenes from their favorite fairytales.

Your kids will love getting up close and personal with their beloved characters. After wandering through the Storybook Forest, the entire family can enjoy the theme park rides or cool off in the waterpark.

Go Rafting at Ohiopyle

If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to explore Pennsylvania’s outdoors, try rafting down the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle State Park. The rapids here are mild enough for most ages and skill levels, so everyone can enjoy the adventure.

Plus, it’s a great way to take in some of Pennsylvania’s beautiful scenery.

The experienced guides at Ohiopyle will make sure you have an enjoyable experience as they provide all the necessary safety instructions before you hit the water. There are two rafting routes, perfect for families with children of different ages.

Rafting in Ohiopyle is one of the most fun things for families in Pennsylvania.

Fun Things to Do for Families in Central Pennsylvania

Central Pennsylvania is full of exciting and unique experiences for families to enjoy, and it’s a little more off the beaten path than areas near Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

From exploring the wilderness to discovering the region’s rich history and culture, central Pennsylvania has fun things to do, too.

Take a Historical Train Ride on the EBT Railroad

Take a trip back in time with the East Broad Top Railroad! This historic narrow-gauge railroad is America’s only surviving railroad of its type east of the Rocky Mountains.

A one-hour round trip on this majestic old train will take you through some breathtaking scenery, including rolling hills, farms, forests, and more. Enjoy a peaceful ride while learning about the history of this unique part of Pennsylvania.

Construction began on the East Broad Top Railroad in 1872 but had a lapse in activity for many years. Now, the new owners of the railroad offer a variety of fun special events throughout the year.

Riding on this historic train is fun for kids, and adults can enjoy learning its history simultaneously.

Learn about Chocolate Production at Hershey’s Chocolate World

Hershey’s Chocolate World is the perfect place to take your family for a sweet and fun day. You can start by taking a free tour of the Hershey factory, where you will learn all about the process of making chocolate from bean to bar. The tour is a cartoonish ride, which is fun for even younger kids.

After that, it’s time to get creative and make your own candy bar! Each member of your family will be able to customize their own candy bar with their favorite ingredients.

Once you’ve created your masterpiece and watched it roll down the conveyor belt, you can have it wrapped up in an official Hershey’s wrapper – the perfect souvenir!

The best part is that this experience is accessible to everyone. You can also enjoy the other area attractions, including the amusement park.

Support a Family Business at Delgrosso’s Amusement Park

Delgrosso’s Amusement Park & Laguna Splash Water Park is the perfect place for families to cool off in the summer heat. This small amusement park is a must-visit, with over twenty attractions just north of Altoona.

Delgrosso’s has everything from thrilling slides and fast-paced rides to the relaxing lazy river and kid-friendly pools!

At the Italian-themed water park, enjoy being engulfed by huge waves that will make you feel like you’re at the beach! If your little ones need a slower pace, they can enjoy one of the park’s two kid-friendly pools – with shallow depths and fun water features.

Don’t forget to take a break from all the water fun and refuel at one of their many concession stands. Be sure to check out their freshly made funnel cakes, too – they’re absolutely delicious! If that wasn’t enough, Delgrosso’s day pass is more budget-friendly than other nearby amusement parks.

The Delgrosso family has been a staple in central Pennsylvania for generations, and they’re well-known in the area for their pasta sauces.

Spot Elk near the Elk County Visitor Center in Benezette

Located in Pennsylvania’s beautiful Elk Country in north central Pennsylvania, this spot is the perfect place to view one of nature’s most majestic creatures up close and personal.

The best time to visit Spot Elk is during the early morning or late afternoon, when they often come out into the open fields to feed. There are plenty of viewing areas throughout Elk County near Benezette, where you have the chance to see these animals in their natural habitat.

The best time of year to visit Benezette and the Elk County Visitor Center is during the fall when the elk are in their rut. They’re much more active during this time and often can be heard bugling to attract their mate.

This is a fun thing to do in Pennsylvania for families that kids and adults will love because visiting the viewing areas is free.

Fun Things to Do for Families in Eastern Pennsylvania and Philadelphia

Eastern Pennsylvania and Philadelphia are great places for families to explore, learn, and have fun. From the bustling city life of Philadelphia to the peaceful countryside of Eastern PA, there are a variety of experiences to explore.

For those looking to explore some history in Philadelphia, the iconic Liberty Bell is a must-see experience. Take a guided tour of Independence Hall and closely examine where our nation was born.

While you’re in town, be sure to check out the National Constitution Center, which offers interactive exhibits and activities for all ages.

In Eastern Pennsylvania, families can go camping at one of the many state parks, such as Rickets Glen or French Creek State Park. There are also plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and fishing that kids will love! For a more cultural experience, visit Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Hike Waterfalls at Ricketts Glen

Hiking is a great way to explore nature, and what better place to do that than Ricketts Glen State Park? Located in Northeast Pennsylvania, this park offers the perfect terrain for an adventure.

The Ricketts Glen Falls Loop trail with cascading waterfalls is the main attraction here. Along this trail, there are 21 to be exact! Hike through Ganoga Glen and Glen Leigh, and you will get up close and personal with each of these breathtakingly beautiful falls.

Take a picnic lunch and enjoy it alongside one of the many scenic vistas as you take in the natural beauty of Ricketts Glen.

You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy these trails, but we wouldn’t recommend this activity for families with small children. There are steep drop-offs without any railings or guards along much of the Falls Loop Trail.

Spend the Night in the Cartoon Network Hotel in Lancaster

Calling all Cartoon Network fans! The Cartoon Network Hotel in Lancaster is perfect for letting your inner child run wild. Located in the heart of Dutch Country in Pennsylvania, this hotel offers a unique experience for kids and parents alike.

Each room has its own character theme, so you can choose a room clad with the decor of your favorite characters. Plus, you can take advantage of the various amenities offered, including outdoor movie nights and arcades.

You can even grab a bite to eat from the cafeteria, which also features cartoon-themed meals! Fully immerse your family in this hotel experience.

Create Ice Cream Flavors in a Turkey Hill Experience

The Turkey Hill Experience is the perfect destination for families who love ice cream and it’s a fun thing to do in pennsylvania.

Located in beautiful Lancaster County, the Turkey Hill Experience offers both learning and tasting. Take a journey through time as you learn about the history of Turkey Hill Dairy, explore interactive exhibits, and even create your own ice cream flavor at their Taste Lab!

The entire family can take photos in their vintage milk truck, milk a mechanical cow, or star in your very own commercial. 

The Turkey Hill Experience is a fun family learning experience.

Visit the Please Touch Museum for Interactive Fun

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive way to spend time with the family, check out the Please Touch Museum. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, this museum is designed to spark your little one’s imagination and creativity.

Kids can really get hands-on as they explore the river play experience or pretend to be a princess in their indoor garden.

With so much to explore, it’s no wonder why families with young children enjoy visiting the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia.

Get Creative at the Crayola Experience in Easton

Are you looking for a fun, creative way for your kids to explore and express their artistic side? Then head to the Crayola Experience in Easton, Pennsylvania!

Here, you can make your own crayons with the help of their friendly staff. Choose from a variety of colors and shapes to create one-of-a-kind crayons that are perfect for drawing and coloring.

Plus, with their interactive displays, you can learn all about how crayons are made. Get up close and personal with their vibrant color lab, or even design your own custom label for your crayon creation.

There are experiences for all ages, from toddlers to teens, to express themselves and get some creative energy going. This is one of only 5 Crayola Experience locations in the entire United States. There are plenty of things to do in Pennsylvania with kids. 

Climb the “Rocky” Steps in Philadelphia

While spending the day in Philadelphia with your family, take everyone to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Even if you don’t have a family of art lovers, this is still a great place to visit. 

The museum is an iconic Philadelphia adventure where you can climb the featured steps from the Rocky Balboa movies. Located at the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Sylvester Stallone made this attraction famous in his hit movie Rocky.

After taking a picture with the iconic Rocky sculpture, lace up your shoes and make your way up the 72 stairs just like in the movie scene.

Once you reach the top, take in the views of Philadelphia below while catching your breath. 

Climbing the Rocky Steps is a great free thing to do in Pennsylvania and a great way to get some exercise, too.

Pennsylvania is a large state that is full of fun things to do for families. Families of all ages can plan an adventure in Pennsylvania from amusement parks to hiking, beaches to museums. 

Whether you’d rather explore the outdoors or enjoy creative activities, we hope you enjoy all of these fun things to do in Pennsylvania with kids.