11 Best Family Vacations in Pennsylvania
Planning a trip to Pennsylvania with your loved ones but need a helping hand?
What was that? You will adore our recommendations for the top family vacations in Pennsylvania.
From daring activities to informative tours, these suggested family vacations in Pennsylvania will fulfill your group’s wanderlust.
In addition, we’ve added a few professional recommendations to make trip planning a breeze.
- The Poconos
Whether traveling with infants or teenagers, your family will have a great time visiting the Poconos.
Who should vacation here
Families who enjoy outdoor adventures and nature trips will find the Poconos a fantastic mountain escape.
This mountain range, which features several forests, streams, lakes, and waterfalls, is excellent for summer camping, swimming, hiking, and horseback riding.
With more than 180 trails and slopes, the Pocono Mountains are a winter destination for snowboarders and skiers.
The Poconos provide some of the finest family resorts in Pennsylvania.
Expert tip
We recommend staying at The Great Wolf Lodge Poconos to make your trip unforgettable.
It offers an indoor waterpark and numerous other child-friendly activities.
Our favorites are the kids’ club, gaming room, and bowling alley.
- Philadelphia
Philadelphia combines intellectual and family-friendly activities to provide a wonderful vacation.
Who should vacation here
Philadelphia is an excellent metropolitan destination for a family vacation filled with entertainment, culture, and history.
Bring your children to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall for an entertaining education on American history.
Visit the Smith Playground and Playhouse or the old Philadelphia Zoo afterward.
Expert tip
Consider purchasing a Philadelphia CityPASS before your trip to the city.
It allows you to bypass lengthy lines at museums, attractions, and ticket offices.
In addition, the pass provides discounts on transportation and admission to attractions.
- Pittsburgh
Are you looking for wonderfully entertaining activities for children in Pennsylvania?
With its amusement parks, museums, and art galleries, Pittsburgh provides your children with a world of entertainment.
Who should vacation here
From cartoons and sports to ketchup, Pittsburgh offers a variety of family-friendly things to offer.
Animal-loving children will enjoy the National Aviary and Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.
The Warhol Museum and Toonseum are excellent destinations for art lovers.
Expert tip
Are you fond of theme parks?
When planning a trip to Pennsylvania with kids, don’t forget to check out Kennywood Park in Harrisburg and Idlewild & Soak Zone in Pittsburgh.
With its spectacular attractions and rides, these parks will provide your children with a lifetime of memorable experiences.
- Hershey
The town of Hershey, nicknamed “The Sweetest Place on Earth,” has loads of fun things to do for the whole gang.
Who should vacation here
Hershey’s will satisfy your children’s sweet tooth with attractions that honor the renowned chocolate empire.
Hershey’s Chocolate World should be the first stop on your itinerary.
This attraction provides nonstop entertainment, from complimentary chocolate samples to interactive rides.
Then, proceed to Hershey Park, a park with games, entertainment, characters, and roller coasters.
Expert tip
Want a respite from the endless children’s attractions?
I recommend taking a break at Hershey Gardens or visiting ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park to see the adorable animals.
- Lancaster
Were you looking for unique and entertaining family vacation ideas?
I’m confident that you’ll like the age-appropriate activities in Lancaster.
Who should vacation here
Amish culture and an exceptional amusement park have made Lancaster a family-friendly attraction.
Lancaster’s farmer’s markets and Amish buggy excursions are popular with tourists of all ages.
Meanwhile, the Dutch Wonderland amusement park is lauded for its extensive attractions for children.
In addition, the hotel’s location provides easy access to some of the best family vacation destinations near Pennsylvania.
Expert tip
Visit The Amish Farm and House and The Amish Experience to understand the Amish culture and way of life.
- Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
The Nemacolin Woodlands Resort combines elegance with family-friendly activities.
Who should vacation here
Nemacolin is an excellent choice for parents seeking elegant weekend getaways for their families in Pennsylvania.
This resort guarantees a pleasant stay with its superior service and luxurious amenities.
In addition, it offers numerous family-friendly features, such as children’s activities and a spa.
Expert tip
Traveling with infants or younger children?
What was that?
You may request a complimentary cot if you are traveling with a child younger than two years old.
Similarly, you may request an extra complimentary bed if your children are at least three years old.
- Allegheny National Forest
The national forest in Pennsylvania is an inexpensive family vacation option with abundant outdoor activities.
Who should vacation here
The Allegheny National Forest is a low-cost vacation ideal for adventurous families with teenagers and children who like the outdoors.
This national forest offers limitless chances for cross-country skiing, horseback riding, biking, and hiking on more than 500,000 acres of land.
Expert tip
Visit the forest reservoir to engage in various water activities, including water skiing, windsurfing, and fishing.
- Lehigh Valley
Lehigh Valley enchants families with an abundance of age-appropriate museums, activities, and marvels.
Who should vacation here
There is an abundance of kid-friendly attractions and family-friendly destinations in Lehigh Valley.
At the Crayola Experience, you and your children can observe a live demonstration of crayon manufacturing.
In addition, you may visit the National Canal Museum and ride an authentic canal boat.
The Da Vinci Science Center features plenty of hands-on and interactive displays for children if you want something instructive.
Expert tip
The Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is where you should go to find amusement rides.
The park’s features and attractions attract families, ranging from roller coasters to kid-sized thrills.
- York
Despite being underappreciated, York is a family-friendly resort that will please you in various ways.
Who should vacation here
York is a beautiful destination for educational family vacations.
York dubbed the “Facility Tour Capital of the World,” offers dozens of informative tours of local facilities, such as the Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operations factory and the Sunrise Soap Company.
The Timeline Arcade, the York County History Center, and the York Revolution are also notable kid-friendly attractions in York.
Expert tip
The Central Market in York features an abundance of great foods for the entire group.
Additionally, parents may visit a Mason-Dixon Wine Trail winery for wine sampling.
- Presque Isle State Park
The only coastline in the state is teeming with entertaining family activities throughout the year.
Who should vacation here
Families who enjoy the beach will find paradise at Presque Isle State Park. Besides sunbathing and swimming, a family can enjoy rollerblading, bird watching, bicycling, kayaking, and boating.
The state park also features notable sights like North Pier and Presque Isle Lighthouse.
Expert tip
Surprisingly, Presque Isle State Park is also an exciting winter destination.
Families can engage in ice fishing, wind skating, and ice boating.
Additionally, you can enjoy wintertime strolls on inland and multifunctional routes.
- Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
There’s something for everyone at this elegant and clean Pennsylvania family resort.
Who should vacation here
Whether you want to spend your holiday practicing your golf swing or experiencing the great outdoors, you’ve found the right place.
In addition to its golf, archery, and skiing facilities, Shawnee Inn provides additional leisure activities for the remainder of the family.
From nightly campfires on the lawn to treks, the resort offers abundant enjoyable activities for all guests.
Expert tip
The Bed & Breakfast package is excellent for families seeking a stress-free vacation.
It features delectable meals, comfortable lodging, and a variety of activities.
