Pennsylvania Vacations Travel Guide

General Information

Baby Equipment Rentals - companies in Pennsylvania that rent baby gear and equipment including car seats, strollers, cribs and more

Family Resorts in Pennsylvania - resorts, hotels and other family friendly lodging

Pennsylvania Tourism - visitors information with maps, places to eat, accommodations, activities, what to see, calendar of events and more.

Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau - this site includes free travel information such as lodging information, guides, brochures, things to do and see, calendar of events, as well as coupons and savings opportunities on the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Zoos

Clyde Peeling's Reptiland
RR 1 Box 388
Allenwood, Pennsylvania 17810
Phone: (570) 538-1869
Giant alligators, deadly snakes, curious lizards and beautiful frogs await discovery on this zoological adventure. More than forty species from around the world are displayed in our indoor exhibit complex. During summer months tortoises, iguanas and aquatic turtles are exhibited in outdoor habitats. Reptile encounters and live shows give visitors a chance to touch harmless specimens and talk with friendly experts. Innovative interactive exhibits involve visitors in the learning experience.

Erie Zoo
PO Box 3268
Erie, Pennsylvania 16508
Phone: (814) 864-4093
The Erie Zoo is home to over 500 animals, representing more than 100 species, from around the world. Winding walkways take visitors through the beautifully landscaped grounds which feature 2500 specimens from 600 species of plant.

ZOOAMERICA - North American Wildlife Park
100 W Hershey Park Drive
Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
Phone: (717) 534-3860
This 11 acre walk-through zoo displays living plants and animals from five regions of North America and enables us to see first hand how animals live and interact with each other. The North American continent is home to a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish, many of which are found in ZOOAMERICA.

Elmwood Park Zoo
1661 Harding Blvd
Norristown, Pennsylvania 19401
Phone: (610) 277-3825
The Zoo features more than 15O fascinating wild animals of North America including, jaguars, cougars, wolves, bison, elk, prairie dogs, otters, bobcats, alligators, eagles, owls, and many more. All exhibits present the animals in their natural settings where they can be viewed at close range. There's a barn exhibit of domesticated farm animals including gentle, friendly cows, goats, and sheep. And, for the young cowgirls and cowboys there's a "Wild West" pony ride concession during the warm weather season. There's also large, shaded picnic groves, the Cougar Cafe food concession, and a Nature Shop for gifts and souvenirs.

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
One Wild Place
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206
Phone: (412) 665-3640
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is a 77-acre facility that is home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of diverse species. Committed to education, research and wildlife conservation, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is actively involved in 19 Species Survival Plans and proudly exhibits 38 threatened or endangered species. The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is one of only six major zoo and aquarium combinations in the country.

Philadelphia Zoological Garden
3400 W Girard Ave
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
Phone: (215) 243-1100
At the Philadelphia Zoo, you'll see all kinds of interesting animals — nearly 1,800 of them!

National Aviary in Pittsburgh
Allegheny Commons West
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212
Phone: (412) 323-7235
More than 500 residents birds in the Aviary, representing over 200 different species.

National Parks

Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
Beach Lake, Pennsylvania
Phone: (570) 685-4871
As a part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River stretches 73.4 miles (118.3 km) along the New York-Pennsylvania border. The longest free-flowing river in the Northeast, it includes riffles and Class I and II rapids between placid pools and eddies. Public fishing and boating accesses are provided, although most land along the river is privately owned. Wintering bald eagles are among the wildlife that may be seen here. This unit of the National Park Service is also home to John Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct and the Zane Grey Museum in Lackawaxen, PA.

Delaware National Scenic River
Bushkill, Pennsylvania
Phone: (570) 588-2451
In 1978, Congress designated the section of the Delaware River within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The river flows 40 miles through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and offers excellent opportunities for swimming, boating and fishing.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Bushkill, Pennsylvania
Phone: (570) 588-2451
This park preserves 40 miles of the middle Delaware River and almost 70,000 acres of land along the river's New Jersey and Pennsylvania shores. At the south end of the park, the river cuts eastward through a scenic water gap in the Appalachian Mountains. Canoeing, camping, fishing, swimming, hiking; viewing wildlife, geologic features and natural scenery - all this and more awaits visitors. The park includes historic Millbrook Village and several environmental education centers.

Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Phone: (717) 334-1124
Located 50 miles northwest of Baltimore, the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania was the site of the largest Civil War battle ever waged in the Western Hemisphere.  Gettysburg National Military Park incorporates nearly 6,000 acres, with 26 miles of park roads and over 1,400 monuments, markers, and memorials.

Independence National Historic Park
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Phone: (215) 597-8974
Independence National Historical Park, located in downtown Philadelphia, is often referred to as the birthplace of our nation. At the park, visitors can see the Liberty Bell, an international symbol of freedom, and Independence Hall, a World Heritage Site where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were created. In addition, the park interprets events and the lives of the diverse population during the years when Philadelphia was the capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800.

Museums

Glencairn Museum
1001 Cathedral Road
Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania 19009
Phone: (215) 914-2993
Glencairn Museum educates visitors about the history of religion, using art and artifacts from a variety of cultures and time periods.  Religious life throughout the ages is presented by means of a remarkable collection that illustrates regions as varied as ancient Egyptian, ancient Greek and Roman, medieval Christian, Islamic, Asian and Native American.

Childventure Museum
430 Virginia Dr.
Fort Washington, Pennsylvania 19034
Phone: (215) 643 3233
This great museum offers exciting activities for kids from around 3 to 8 years old. Children love to do things, and Childventure has created hands-on exhibits designed around thematic environments that develop interest through fun. Exhibits include artifacts from a wide variety of cultures, helping to expand children's view of our world.

Explore & More
20 East High Street
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325
Phone: (717)337-9151
In their 1860's vintage house they have created fun and developmentally appropriate activities at every turn targeted to children ages 3 to 8.

Crystal Cave Park
RD 3
Kutztown, Pennsylvania 19530
Phone: (610) 683 6765
Take a guided tour that passes a myriad display of stalactite, stalagmite and dripstone formations.

Hands On House (Children's Museum of Lancaster)
721 Landis Valley Road
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601
Phone: (717) 569-KIDS
Exhibits offer a treasure trove of shared educational experiences that delight parents and kids alike. All of the exhibits at Hands-on House are custom-designed and unique. Exhibits include a variety of activities appropriate for children ages 2-10 years. Each exhibit has a theme with a variety of activities to do that relate to the theme. All activities are designed for visitors to learn by doing and participating. Adults and children are encouraged to play and learn together.

The Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Phone: 215-299-1000
Stroll among live butterflies, pet a live snake or hissing cockroach, or dig for dinosaur bones in Dinosaur Hall. The Academy houses 23 millions specimens of plants, animals and other organisms, including rare library holdings that document scientific discovery from the 1500's to today.

The Franklin Institute Science Museum
222 North 20th Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Phone: (215) 448-1200
Great exhibits for all ages.

Please Touch Museum
210 North 21st Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Phone: (215) 963-0667
Wonderful hands on exhibits for the whole family.

United States Mint
151 North Independence Mall East
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Phone: (215) 408-0114
Touring the U.S. Mint is a fascinating experience for those of all ages and one that will be remembered for a lifetime. Tours cover both the present state of coin manufacturing as well as the history of the Mint. Learn about the craftsmanship required at all stages of the minting process, from the original designs and sculptures to the actual striking of the coins.

The Pittsburgh Children's Museum
10 Children's Way * Allegheny Square
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212
Phone: (412) 322-5058
Visitors can scale the Kids' Climber, build and launch airplanes from Flying Machines, riddle the Poodle Sphinx, raise themselves up into human-powered elevators, create silkscreen prints and paint in our multimedia Studio, learn about health and anatomy with our seven-foot tall blue-haired mascot Stuffee, learn the basics of street safety on Safety Street, put on a puppet show at one of four stages, enjoy the original puppets from Mister Roger's Neighborhood and much more.

The National Toy Train Museum
300 Paradise Lane
Strasburg, Pennsylvania 17579
Phone: (717) 687-8976
Toy trains are presented in a colorful and exciting turn-of-the-century setting. The Museum's vast collection of floor toys, electric trains and train-related accessories includes those from the mid-1800s through the present. See Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, Marklin, LGB and many, many others.

Theme Parks, Amusement Parks & Water Parks

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
3830 Dorney Park Road
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104
Phone: (610) 395-3724
Great rides for the whole family.  Splash into fun in Wildwater Kingdom; Blast off on Dominator; Enjoy the scenery from a replica steam-powered train; Chill out on a relaxing swan boat ride; Dare the twists and turns of a mega-coaster; Whirl and spin around on a classic ride; Saddle up on a steed on an antique carousel.

Lakemont Park & The Island Water Park
700 Park Avenue
Altoona, Pennsylvania 16602
Phone: (800) 434-8006 / (814) 949-PARK
Lakemont Park is home to over 30 rides and attractions, including the Island Waterpark, two rollercoaster's, two Go-Kart tracks, the kids Mini-Indy Go-Karts, Spins'n Grins Kiddieland, an 18 hole miniature golf course, arcade, games, delicious All-American amusement park food, and more.

Carousel Water & Fun Park
Route 652
Beach Lake, Pennsylvania 18405
Phone: (570) 729-7532
Water Slides, Bumper Boats, Go-Karts, Mini-Golf, Batting Range, Kiddie Kars, Game Room, Snack Bar and more.

Knoebels
RR 1 Rte 487
Elysburg, PA 17824
Phone: (800) 487-4386
With 47 rides and countless restaurants, games, and gift shops, Knoebels makes sure the fun never stops, day or night. Knoebels has 2 world-class wooden roller-coasters, the Phoenix and the Twister; the Grand Carousel, Skooter Bumper Cars, the Haunted Mansion, waterslide, pool, giant flume, bumper boats, an exciting assortment of kid-sized rides to laughter filled shows and parades, Knoebels has endless entertainment for children of all ages!

Waldameer Park & Water World
Erie, PA 16505
Phone: (814) 838-3591
This family-fun complex combines a beautiful amusement park with one of the greatest water parks in the entire country. Offering over 75 rides, slides, and attractions, Waldameer Park & Water World is specifically designed to provide entertainment for your entire family - no matter what age or thrill level. Ideal location for families and small groups to bring your picnic baskets and take advantage of our many picnic areas.

Hershey Park
100 West Hersheypark Drive
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Experience 110 acres of excitement and fun for every member of the family.  From the top of the Giant Wheel you can look through the treetops at over 60 colorful rides and attractions. There are eight big-time roller coasters. You can cool off on six drenching water rides, including the 90 ft. high TIDAL FORCE®.  There are more than 20 kiddie rides, 50 food stands and six restaurants, three video arcades, and one of the finest antique carrousels in the country. Plus, you'll find more old-fashioned fun and flavors in Midway America, our nostalgic five-acre celebration of great American amusement parks and country fairs.

Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park
2249 Route 30 East
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602
Phone: (717) 291-1888
A wonderful family park that has rides for the whole family; they even have them divided into three categories; Rides for little kids; Rides for bigger kids and Rides for families. They have them in slow, medium and fast. Big and small. There's so much variety, even Goldilocks and the 3 bears could have a good time here. And so will your family.

Sesame Place
100 Sesame Road
Langhorne, Pennsylvania 19047
Phone: (215) 752-7070
Family fun rides.

Bushkill Park
Located only minutes from Routes 22 & 33
Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
Phone: (610) 258-6941
With magnificent large trees offering summer shade to the nine pavilion areas, great rides for the whole family and kiddy land, Bushkill Park is a refuge of quiet excitement with a family environment.

Idlewild & Soak Zone
Route 30 East
Ligonier, Pennsylvania
Phone: (724) 238-3666
Exciting rides, 14 water slides, 2 roller coaster and 7 theme areas of family fun.

SandCastle Water Park
1000 Sandcastle Drive
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15120
Phone: (412) 462-6666
Water rides fun for the whole family.

Delgrosso's Amusement Park
Old Route 220
Tipton, Pennsylvania
Phone: (814) 684-3538
Family fun facility which includes more than 30 rides, an extensive water park, go-karts, a beautiful miniature golf course and America’s Best Amusement Park Food.

Kennywood Amusement Park
4800 Kennywood Boulevard
West Mifflin, Pennsylvania 15122
Phone: (412) 461-0500
The park features thirty-one major rides, including three wooden roller coasters, Phantom's Revenge steel coaster, the indoor Exterminator (a roller coaster in the dark), three water rides, and fourteen Kiddieland rides. Mini golf, paddleboats and Skycoaster are separate charges. Thirty-five various games throughout the park, as well as four gift shops and four arcades.

Family Activities

If you know of a family activity in Pennsylvania, let us know and we will add it here.

Summer - Family Vacation Hot Spots (Beaches, Lakes, etc.)

Woodloch Pines Resort
RR 1 Box 280
Hawley, Pennsylvania 18428
Phone: (800) 572-6658
Woodloch Pines Resort is a four season, family-oriented vacation destination in the Northern Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Located on a private lake, the seasonal offerings of the 250 acre resort are endless! Activities include: bumper boats, boat rides, bumper cars, canoeing, mini golf, golfing, water slides, go carts, ice skating, skiing and much more.

Presque Isle, Pennsylvania (NW corner of PA on Lake Erie) - Walk on seven miles of beautiful beaches (Presque Isle),  visit the animals at the Erie Zoo, check out a winter hockey game with the OHL-affiliated Erie Otters, take in live performances at the Erie Playhouse, listen to the outstanding Erie Philharmonic, visit the U.S. Brig Niagara or the Erie Maritime Museum, go shopping and much more.

Frederick Lake - Picnicking, fishing, boating, swimming and other recreational activities.  Located Just southeast of Harrisburg.

Allegheny River (Kinzua Dam) - Fishing, boating and camping.  Located in the Allegheny National Forest this is one of the most scenic and larger inland lakes in Pennsylvania, which also extends into New York.  Located off Pennsylvania State Route 59.

Alvin R. Bush Dam (Kettle Creek Reservoir) - Fishing, boating and camping.  Kettle Creek State Park offers camping facilities in this scenic area of the Susquehannock State Forest in central Pennsylvania. Located just off Pennsylvania State Route 144 in Leidy.

Crooked Creek Lake - Boating, fishing, swimming and camping.  Located 7 miles south of Kittanning off Pennsylvania State Route 66.

Youghiogheny River Lake - Boating, fishing, camping and more.  Located near Mckees Port along U.S. 40 just northeast of the Maryland / Pennsylvania / West Virginia state line.

Lake Arthur - A scenic lake that offers, boating, fishing, sailing, hiking, biking and camping.  Moraine State Park surrounds this lake.  Located southeast of New Castle at I 79 and U.S. 422 exit.

Zoos, Museums, National Parks listed above.  During summer months some of  the Winter Park links below will show you summer activities that are available at the parks.

Winter - Family Vacation Hot Spots (Ski Resorts, etc.)

Alpine Mountain
Route 447
Analomink, Pennsylvania 18320
Phone: (570) 595-2150
Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ski schools on a variety of great terrain.

Blue Marsh
Route 183 (10 miles north of Reading)
Bernville, Pennsylvania
Phone: (610) 488-6399
Blue Marsh is more than a ski area, it's a winter sports complex with something for the whole family. Our activities include: Skiing with 6 lifts and tows; Snowboarding; Half Pipe & All Terrain Park; The Original Tube Park; The Big Tube Park; Kinder Tube Park.

Jack Frost & Big Boulder
Route 115 North
Blakeslee, Pennsylvania
Phone: (570) 443-8425
During Winter: skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more.  During Summer: Biking, hiking, paintball and more.

Tussey Mountain Resort
301 Bear Meadow Road
Boalsburg, Pennsylvania 16827
Phone: (800) 733-2754
Several slopes with different degrees of difficulty.  In addition to skiing, they also offer a snowboarding park which has over 100 snowtubes and a specially designed lift to take you to the top. Once there you will be launched down a 1000 foot snowtube ride!

Liberty Mountain Resort and Conference Center
78 Country Club Trail
Carroll Valley, PA 17320
Phone: (717) 642-8282
During the winter you can think of skiing and snowboarding. With 16 slopes for all ability levels, a huge ski and snowboard rental shop and some of the best snowmaking around.  During the summer you can golf, shop, mountain board and more.

Seven Springs Mountain Resort
777 Waterwheel Drive
Champion, PA 15622
Phone: (800) 452-2223 / (814) 352-7777
Skiing, Snowboarding and tubing in the winter.  Golf, fishing, boating, treasure hunts, arts & crafts, Slipe-n-Slide and swimming in the summer.

Blue Knob
Ski Gap Road
Claysburg, Pennsylvania
Phone: (814) 239-5111
During Winter: Skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more.  During Summer: hiking, biking, golf, swimming and more.

Ski Denton
US Route 6
Coudersport, Pennsylvania 16915
Phone: (814) 435-2115
With slopes ranging from the steepest in the Eastern states to long, gentle beginner trails, Ski Denton has long drawn skiers of all levels. With the addition of a lighted Snowboard Park and new tube slide, Ski Denton offers fun for everyone.

Mountain View at Edinboro
10 minutes from Edinboro
Edinboro, Pennsylvania 16412
Phone: (814) 734-1641
Mountainview will offer you a variety of challenging runs that are sure to thrill and test your abilities. Best of all, you won't see those long endless lines you may be accustomed to at other facilities.  Skiing, tubing and ski school available.

Woodloch Pines Resort
RR 1 Box 280
Hawley, Pennsylvania 18428
Phone: (800) 572-6658
Woodloch Pines Resort is a four season, family-oriented vacation destination in the Northern Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Located on a private lake, the seasonal offerings of the 250 acre resort are endless! Activities include: bumper boats, boat rides, bumper cars, canoeing, mini golf, golfing, water slides, go carts, ice skating, skiing and much more.

Eagle Rock Resort
1031 Valley of Lakes
Hazleton, Pennsylvania 18201
Phone: (570) 384-6660 / (888) 324-5308
Eagle Rock Resort is a four-season resort, gently nestled within the spectacular Blue Mountain range of Pennsylvania. The resort's 4,200 acres of majestic, inspiring scenery is just the tip of the iceberg. Choose from golfing, skiing, hiking, fishing, or simply relaxing. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a place you can call home, Eagle Rock Resort provides an ideal setting.

Hidden Valley Resort
1 Craighead Dr
Hidden Valley, Pennsylvania 15502
Phone: (814) 443-8000
Four seasons of activities; skiing, snowboarding, swimming, golfing, hiking and more.

Split Rock Resort
1 Lake Drive
Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania 18624
Phone: (800) 255-7625
Family fun all four seasons of the year.

Ski Roundtop
925 Roundtop Rd
Lewisberry, Pennsylvania 17339
Phone: (717) 432-9631
Family fun all four seasons of the year.

Laurel Mountain Ski Resort
7 miles east of Fort Ligonier via U.S. Route 30 East
Ligonier, Pennsylvania 15658
Phone: (877) SKI-LAUR(EL) / (877) 754-5287
Skiing, snowboarding, tubing and great family fun.

Bear Creek Ski & Recreation Center
101 Doe Mountain Lane
Macungie, Pennsylvania 18062
Phone: (610) 682-7100
During Winter: skiing, snowboarding, tubing and more.  During Summer: Biking, hiking, paintball and more.

Whitetail Resort
13805 Blairs Valley Road
Mercersburg, Pennsylvania 17236
Phone: (717) 328-9400
Great skiing during the winter and great golfing and fishing during the summer.

Montage Mountain
1000 Montage Mountain Road
Scranton, Pennsylvania 18505
Phone: (570) 969-7669 / (800) 468-7669
Offers year round activities from skiing, snowboarding and tubing in the winter, to concerts, waterslides and festivals in the summer.

Shawnee Village
Shawnee-On-Delaware, Pennsylvania
Phone: (570) 421-7231
Shawnee Mountain offers spectacular skiing and snowboarding on 23 slopes and trails, a half-pipe and terrain park for riders, an exciting snow tube park, tremendous lift capacity, including a new "quad" lift, 100% snowmaking, one of the largest ski and snowboard rental facilities in the country and the closest Pocono ski resort to metropolitan New York and New Jersey.  Kids love Shawnee Mountain, the perfect ski resort for your family. Shawnee Mountain Instructional programs vary from beginner skiers to the more advanced or intermediate skiers.  During the summer, you can golf, fish, horseback ride and much more.

Spring Mountain
Spring Mount Road
Spring Mount, Pennsylvania 19478
Phone: (610) 287-7900
Skiing, snowboarding and tubing in the winter and hiking and biking in the summer.

Tanglwood
Tafton, Pennsylvania 18464
Phone: (570) 226-SNOW / (888) 226-SNOW
Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ski schools and great family fun.

Camelback Ski Area
Exit 299 I-80
Tannersville, PA 18372
Phone: (570) 629-1661
Camelback Ski Area, located 5 minutes off Exit 299 of Interstate 80 in Tannersville, Pennsylvania, is the biggest and best ski, snowboard and snowtubing area in the Poconos. You'll find 33 trails, 13 lifts including 2 high-speed detachable quads, halfpipe, 2 terrain parks, night skiing and 100% snowmaking.

Elk Mountain Ski Resort
RR 2
Union Dale, PA 18470
Phone: (570) 679-4400

Zoos, Museums, National Parks, Theme, Amusement and Water Parks and Summer vacation hot spots listed above.

Helpful websites and services

Trekaroo – A trip planning website with things to do, places to stay for families with kids of all ages.

If you know of a website or company that is helpful to families traveling to Pennsylvania, let us know and we will add it here.

Travel Specials & Vacation Packages