The Mountains of Poconos have always been an iconic tourist spot for many recreational areas and activities throughout the year. The idea of Poconos Family Vacation has been carved into the minds of many travel enthusiasts and families from all over the world for the past several decades. I’ve always preferred the mountains for a family getaway all the time because of the eccentric feel and the love of my family I receive while in the Poconos.
The Pennsylvania mountains remained as a popular tourist destination not just because of its scenic beauty but also the many fun activities in the Poconos especially for the children.
The distinctive array of activities such as skiing to horseback riding and many others in Poconos makes the children entertained and not feel bored during the vacation. So I’ll put out a few of my personal favorite attractions in the Pocono Mountains for all the parents confused about their family getaways. Make sure you go through them all.
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Family-Friendly State Parks in Poconos
Poconos is a mixed region of scenic beauty and entertaining activities for every visitor amidst their age. In my recent visit to Poconos, I came across some of the most beautiful outdoor recreational areas which are ideal for spending time with your family doing Picnicking, hiking through the woods, exploring the wildlife and a lot other things. Let give a brief idea of the various parks in the region:
Among the many places I discovered, Promised Land State Park was a jewel, with its clear lakes ideal for paddling and well-maintained trails perfect for family hikes. Another gem is Big Pocono State Park, which offers not just hiking, but also horseback riding and mountain biking trails with breathtaking views of the landscape. For families seeking a unique adventure, Bushkill Falls, often referred to as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," provides an impressive series of waterfalls and a variety of walking trails that cater to all ages and skill levels. Each park promises its own set of memories waiting to be made.
Beltzville State Park
Situated at Carbon County near Beltzville Lake, the park is included with recreational areas.
The park offers many activities for the families to enjoy a great day of vacation. Moreover, the hiking trails in the region are in various lengths and walkways. These are the key activities in the region:
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Picnics
- Biking
Beltzville State Park is a gem for families seeking both relaxation and adventure in the great outdoors. Children will be delighted with the sandy beach and swimming area during the summer months, while picnic spots scattered throughout offer the ideal setting for a family lunch. For budding naturalists, the park's diverse wildlife, including many bird species, provides a captivating educational experience. Boating and fishing on the clear waters of Beltzville Lake not only cater to enthusiasts but also to beginners eager to cast their first line or paddle their first strokes.
Delaware State Forest
Explore the wide region of Delaware State Forest which extends up to 80,056 acres of land, including above 100 miles of trails and natural areas for the families to discover and enjoy. Furthermore, there are 13 ponds and lakes inside the state forest in which six of them are even glacial. Some of the popular activities in state forest for families to have an amazing day of vacation are:
- Snowmobiling
- Picnics
- HIking
- Fishing
- Waterfalls
include hiking, picnicking, fishing, and observing the diverse wildlife. The forest's trails cater to various skill levels, ensuring that both little legs and more experienced hikers can find a suitable pathway. The Bruce Lake Natural Area offers a pristine environment for families to learn about local ecosystems, while Pickerel Point provides a perfect spot for a peaceful family lunch by the water. Remember to bring binoculars, as bird watching is a delightful activity here, with the forest serving as a habitat for numerous bird species. The clear glacial lakes also offer opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, creating memorable experiences surrounded by nature's tranquility.
WaterSports & Activities
The beauty of Poconos increases more and more as you explore the regions, like there are several water based activities in the regions which make you remember your family fun in the Poconos forever. I’ll list out a few water- based experiences in the region which were my family.
Lake Wallenpaupack
The lake that offers several activities extends up to 5700 acres and is a perfect spot for Poconos family getaway. Not just the water based activities, the lake is close to the alluring small town of Hawley in the north side and many other attractions. The lake also includes six other recreational areas for the families to explore. The key attractions in the lake for families are:
- Kayaking
- Water Skiing
- Wakeboarding
- Jet skies
- Boating
- Wildlife exploration
- Camping
Lake Wallenpaupack isn't just a paradise for those who love the water; it's a natural haven that beckons families to immerse themselves in the splendor of the outdoors. Children are spellbound by the wildlife — from majestic eagles soaring overhead to playful fish darting below the surface. Families can bond over a serene kayaking expedition, or partake in the exhilarating thrill of water skiing and wakeboarding. For a more relaxed pace, boating on the lake offers panoramic vistas, while the occasional jet ski adventure injects a dose of adrenaline. Beyond aquatic pursuits, the surrounding areas offer picnic spots and trails, perfect for a memorable family day out.
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Camelbeach Outdoor WaterPark
One of the ideal choices for things to do with family in Poconos, as the children usually falls in love with the waterpark adventures. The Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark is the largest outdoor waterpark in Pennsylvania with a ton of activities and watersports for families to have an amusing day in their vacation.
- Location: 301 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA 18372
- $60 on Monday to Thursdays
- $80 on Friday to Sundays
The many activities in the park includes:
- Zipliness
- Roller coasters
- Snowtubing
- Lifts
- Waterslides
- Indoor Games
Cultural & Historic Attraction in Poconos
Poconos is rich with its historic and cultural attractions with many educational programs for the visitors. This would be a perfect time to take your family and let them learn more about American history and its culture. From my family getaway in Poconos, the popular historic sites we’ve been to are:
include the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, where costumed interpreters demonstrate the daily life of the 19th century. The beautifully restored Asa Packer Mansion offered us a glimpse into the life of a powerful industrialist and philanthropist. For a more hands-on experience, The Old Jail Museum allowed the kids to explore cells and learn about infamous inmates. Each site told stories that fascinated both the adults and children in our group, truly bringing history to life in a memorable way.
Asa Packer Mansion
A majorly notable historic site in the regions of Poconos, which was built back in 1861 and named after Asa Packer, who was the founder of Lehigh University. Asa Packer’s daughter Mary Packer Cummings dedicated the whole mansion to the Borough of Mauch Chunk in the memory of her father in 1912. The 11,000 square feet mansion has been open to visitors since 1956 and was recognized as a national significance in the history of the United States in 1985 by the National Park Service.
- Location: Packer Hill Avenue in Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
The perfect journey into the past with history of the life experiences in the farm. This historical farm displays the Pennsylvania German Heritage during the 19th century. There are live demonstrations of the lives of the past farmers who lived in the farm from 1760 to 1913. Moreover, the farm offers live agricultural demonstration, summer tours and many fascinating events for the whole year.
- Location: 347 Quiet Valley Road in Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Pocono Indian Museum
Situated at the Easter part of Stroudsburg, the Pocono Indian Museum displays the exact past history of the residents during the early native Delaware Indian times. Some of they key attractions in the museum are:
- Displays ancient artifacts, tools and weapons
- Showcases the history of people in the Northern PA from 10,500 BC until the American Revolution
- Includes a book department with more than 650 titles based on the Native American history, customs, tribes and medicines
- Location: 5905 MIlford Road, Route 209, East Stroudsburg, PA 18302
Amusement & Theme Parks in Poconos
The greatest way to make your family, especially the children feel exciting, thrilling and entertained for a whole day filled with adventure and fun. There are some really amazing theme parks in the regions of Poconos that I’ve been to with my family during our family vacations in Poconos PA. So I’ll list out my favorite picks among them:
Exquisite Family Dining in Poconos
Pocono Mountains always have something in their bag for families to enjoy their beautiful Poconos family fun. Children will always get tired and hungry right after a day filled with adventure, so visiting a restaurant is essential. Lucky for us, the region offers distinct restaurants with a huge variety of dishes for children of all ages. Here’s a list of my favorite family friendly eateries in Poconos.
Seasonal Events & Activities in Poconos
Poconos is always ready with events and activities regardless of the season. During summer, the region is filled with several festivals, musical concerts, sightseeing, outdoor events, and many more. Here are some of my favorite things to do in family in Poconos:
- Whitewater Rafting: Experience a unique and thrilling yet exhilarating way during your time at Poconos. Your family will definitely love this experience, as one could even enjoy the surroundings while having an exciting time. There are some good places for experiencing whitewater rafting like:
- Kittatinny Canoes
- Jim Thorpe RIver Adventures
- Pocono Whitewater Adventures
- Horseback Riding: Perfect way to connect with nature and feel the peaceful aura of the animals. You may take your whole family for a horse ride and explore more into the depths of the forest through the many trails in the region. Some of the farms that provide these family-friendly adventures are:
- Daisy Field Farm
- Apollo Farms
- Hickory Run State Park: Just the ideal spot to spend a whole day enjoying the peace of nature. There are many hiking trails in the regions that’ll take you and your family into the greenery of the forests, lakesides and many other inspiring mountain views
However, the experience is completely different during the winter as the whole mountain transforms into something else. There are many ways to explore Poconos in winter as Poconos is also known as a ‘Winter Wonderland’. Let me brief you about the various things to do in Poconos with family during winter:
- Snowboarding and Skiing: Easily the best place for experiencing the joy of skiing is in Poconos. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner in skiing , as there are many skiing lessons available in the regions. The best part is, you may even teach your family about the basics of skiing. Let me list some of my favorite ski areas in the region:
- Big Boulder Ski Area
- Blue Mountain Resort
- Camelback Mountain
- Sleigh Rides: This would be my favorite choice for exploring the regions and taking in the beauty of nature while sitting in the back of a sleigh along with my family. You may warm yourself up in a blanket near to your loved ones and feel the breeze of the chilled air while you slide through the snow in a dog or horse-drawn sleigh. The best places for experiencing this activity are:
- Happy Trail Stables
- Daisy Field Farm
- Arctic Paws Dog Sled Tours
Epilogue
Poconos is one of the highest rated and popular tourist destinations for families to a large extent. Poconos has been at the top for the last few decades and it keeps growing more every year with its scenic beauty and the thrilling yet refreshing activities. Moreover, the multitude of activities for family fun in the regions makes the visitors fall in love with the beauty of the Poconos and makes them visit the place even more.
So, it is time for you to pack your bags and enter the most thrilling, exhilarating, adventurous and loving times of your life. Make your most memorable moments in the land of beauty and serenity.
