Nestled in northeastern Pennsylvania, the Pocono Mountains are a premier destination for a peaceful getaway with family. This region has earned its place as a favorite family getaway spot due to its dramatic landscapes, towering peaks, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery, with plenty of opportunities for adventures and outdoor activities suitable for all ages.
This blog will serve as a perfect toolkit, as we will uncover Poconos attractions for families with exciting activities according to the season and help you plan an unforgettable family getaway. Let’s begin!
Why is the Poconos ideal for a family retreat?
The Poconos are strategically located in proximity to major cities on the East Coast. Just a short drive from New York and Philadelphia, you are in for a blissful getaway, surrounded by greenery and tons of recreational activities. Along with all these, the four seasons of the Pocono Mountains are where the magic lies. Every season has its its own set of unique offerings and appeal, making this destination enjoyable year-round.
Top Things to Do in Poconos with Family
Let’s now take you through some of the popular activities that have made the Poconos a top destination for family vacations.
Indoor Fun at Waterparks
When in the Poconos, you shouldn’t miss out on exploring waterparks. These indoor waterparks provide you the sense of all-season tropical escapes. Delve into an array of experiences; hop on slides that are challenging yet refreshing. These waterparks are well regulated with all the safety precautions and have dedicated zones for adults, children, and even toddlers, so you don’t have to worry about them.
The Poconos has a lot of amusement and indoor parks to choose from; below, we have listed some of the best indoor waterparks in poconos,pa, along with their addresses.
| Waterparks | Location |
| Kalahari Indoor Waterpark | 250 Kalahari Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA 18349 |
| Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | 1 Great Wolf Dr, Scotrun, PA 18355 |
| Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark | 193 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA 18372 |
| Split Rock Resort Pocono | 428 Moseywood Rd, Lake Harmony, PA 18624 |
Fishing at the Pristine Waters
Fishing is the most popular Poconos Mountains family fun activity. The destination is home to many scenic lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams, which have abundant fishing spots. One can witness a variety of species like trout, bass, walleye, stripers, pickerel, and other species, which will make fishing a perfect leisure activity for your family.
Too lazy to carry equipment around? Worry not! There are plenty of rentals nearby to these spots, making it effortless to enjoy this exciting activity. Below is a list of top fishing spots all around the Poconos:
| Fishing Spots | Location |
| Lake Wallenpaupack | Route 6, P.O. Box 150, Hawley, PA 18428 |
| Promised land State Park | 100 Lower Lake Rd, Greentown, PA 18426 |
| Tobyhanna Lake | Coolbaugh Township, PA 18466 |
| Hickory Run State Park | 3613 PA-534, White Haven, PA 18661 |
| Mauch Chunk Lake Park | 625 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 |
| Bradys Lake | Coolbaugh Township, PA 18347 |
Boating, Kayaking and Canoeing
If you want to experience the ultimate Poconos family fun, then you should try boating with your family. Boating is a great way to enjoy the stunning scenic view of lakes, enjoy watersports, or simply unwind on calm waters surrounded by lush forests and mountain views.
The Poconos is blessed with more than 150 lakes all around, making it one of the top destinations to enjoy boating. One can also go kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating, and other refreshing water activities.
There are plenty of boat rentals near Lake Harmony that provide you with all the necessary gear and safety equipment for a peaceful getaway.
| Ideal for Boating | Location |
| Lake Harmony | 37 N Lake Dr, Lake Harmony, PA 18624 |
| Jim Thorpe River Adventures | 123 Lehigh Dr, Lehighton, PA 18235 |
| Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tour & Boat Rentals | 2487 US-6, Hawley, PA 18428 |
| Pocono Whitewater Rafting | 1519 PA-903, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 |
| Yeti Watersports | 1 Lake Dr, Lake Harmony, PA 18624 |
Chill Out With the Winter Sports
The winter season opens doors to tons of recreational activities in the Poconos every year. The season usually kicks off during the end of November and usually lasts till March. Let’s have a look at the must-experience winter sports and activities in the Poconos with family.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding are two of the most popular winter activities to enjoy in the snow. The Pocono Mountains turn into a winter wonderland during the season and have over 185 slopes and trails spread across miles.
There are a few resorts you can visit for a pleasant experience with your family. Even if you are a novice, or a beginner, there is nothing to worry about. These resorts make sure to provide you with necessary instructions and offer training as well. The trails are marked with colored cones, indicating if these are for beginners or experienced levels. Few trails are reserved for children as well. Have a look at the top resorts to enjoy skiing and snowboarding:
| Skiing and Snowboarding Spots | Location |
| Jack Frost Ski Resort | 434 Jack Frost Mountain Rd, White Haven, PA 18661 |
| Blue Mountain Resort | 1660 Blue Mountain Dr, Palmerton, PA 18071 |
| Shawnee Mountain Ski Area | 401 Hollow Rd, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 |
| Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain | 192 Karl Hope Blvd, Lackawaxen, PA 18435 |
Ice Skating
If you want to experience grace and beauty together, then ice skating is the ideal family activity in winter. The Poconos has a number of skating centers that offer both indoor and outdoor rinks. You can also enjoy this enthralling activity in frozen ponds, lakes, and streams as well.
Before starting, always be vigilant and check whether the spot is safe for your activity. Find out the best places to enjoy skating in the Poconos below:
| Perfect Spots for Ice Skating | Location |
| Toyota SportsPlex | 38 Coal St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 |
| Revolution Ice Centre | 12 Old Boston Rd, Pittston, PA 18640 |
| Big Wheel Roller Skating Center | 3226 N 5th St, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 |
| Edgemont Park Roller Rink | 4308 W Mountain View Dr, Walnutport, PA 18088 |
Visit Cultural and Places of Heritage
Discover the history of the Poconos with your eyes; visit famous places of heritage and historical interest on your trip.
Heritage Museums
While the Poconos are famous for outdoor adventures and waterparks, the region also offers a variety of museums that provide an engaging educational experience on the history of the region. Perfect for families, these museums highlight local history, Native American culture, the creation of railroads, art, and even unique oddities!
Here’s a list of must-visit museums in the Pocono Mountains:
| Museums | Location |
| Pocono Indian Museum | 5905 Milford Rd, East Stroudsburg, PA 18302 |
| Grey Towers National Historic Site | 151 Grey Towers Dr Drive, Milford, PA 18337 |
| Asa Packer Mansion Museum | Packer Hill Ave, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 |
| The Stabin Museum | 268 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 |
| Dorflinger Factory Museum | 670 Texas Palmyra Hwy, Hawley, PA 18428 |
Cultural Theaters
Along with the rich history, the Poconos have a vibrant cultural scene where live theater, music, and performing arts flourish. Whether you’re looking for a Broadway-style show, a classical concert, or a local community play, these theaters offer enriching entertainment, perfect for families.
Here’s a guide to some of the best cultural theaters in the Poconos:
| Cultural Theaters | Location |
| Pocono Cinema & Cultural Center | 88 S Courtland St, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 |
| The Mahoning Drive-in Theater | 635 Seneca Rd, Lehighton, PA 18235 |
| The Sherman Theater | 524 Main St, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 |
| Shawnee Playhouse | 552 River Rd, Shawnee on Delaware, PA 18356 |
| Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre | 537 N Main St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705 |
Wrap Up
The Poconos is where family vacations become heartfelt traditions. The region offers a vibrant blend of adventure, thrill, nature and cherished experiences. Whether you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of life or a weekend getaway. A winter vacation or a family reunion—the Poconos is the perfect place to make unforgettable memories.
Comfort is the core of a family getaway, and if solace is what you seek, Holidaykeepers is the right fit for you. We offer luxury vacation rentals in Poconos with exceptional amenities and world-class facilities. Our vacation rentals can also accommodate large groups, even up to 50 people at a time, and encourage you to host a party/event at your convenience.
Contact our team for further assistance. Happy vacation!
FAQs
Q: Are water parks open year-round?
A: Yes, Kalahari, Aquatopia, and Great Wolf Lodge operate year-round, with heated indoor slides, lazy rivers, and more.
Q: Which is the ideal time for a family vacation to the Poconos?
A: Summer and winter are the ideal seasons to go on a family vacation. During these seasons, you can enjoy plenty of seasonal retreats and outdoor activities.
Q: Is Poconos the all-season destination?
A: Yes, the Poconos is the year-round destination where every season offers you an opportunity to enjoy enticing activities.
Q: What is the best way to reach the Poconos?
A: The best way is to drive, as options for public transport are limited and the distance covered while driving would usually be under 2 hours from major cities nearby.
