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Searching for a nice place to take your family over the weekend? Regardless of where you stay in Pennsylvania, you have thousands of options. Whether you are searching for outdoor adventures, museums, or amusement parks, Pennsylvania has everything.
Pennsylvania has a rich history of industrial advancement, education, scientific discoveries, and more.
Home to two primary economic, historical, and cultural hubs, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has numerous smaller cities, charming metropolises, mountains, farmland, and forests. When in Pennsylvania, you will always have something to see and learn.
Most Pennsylvanians enjoy recreational activities close to other cities like Washington D.C or New York City.
Many families have made a tradition of going to the Jersey Shore during weekends to enjoy the waves and salty ocean air. In the western region of the state, Pennsylvanians can comfortably take a trip to various Ohio cities, including Columbus and Cleveland.
The fact that you do not have to leave the state when looking for something is the best thing about living in Pennsylvania. That means, when you need a family getaway, you will get one here. The list below includes three affordable and fun family weekend trip ideas that will satisfy your family’s travel cravings:
1. Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe is a charming mountain town situated in the Pocono Mountains area, northeastern Pennsylvania. It is one of the perfect places to relax and marvel at the beautiful scenery while keeping your children entertained.
Take your family shopping in one of the gifts or consignment shops, or give them an ice cream treat after a long day of hiking or biking the trails at one of the Pennsylvania state park campsites like Lehigh Gorge State Park. There are all sorts of cool outdoor accessories that can make camping more fun and comfortable for everyone involved. If not in the mood for outdoor activities, you can relax and enjoy the picturesque ride aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.
If it is raining, you can take your family to sightsee the historic Old Jail Museum and watch the mysterious cell-wall handprint, which never disappears, or learn about the butterflies found in the Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary, a perennial favorite for all.
Your teens can enjoy hiking in the Glen Onoko falls and take in the beauty of flowing water. Additionally, your family can tour Jim Thorpe River and Pocono Whitewater, which offer thrilling water rafting adventures suitable for families and other experienced adventurers. Both places rent kayaks, canoes, and cycles.
Who Should Vacation at Jim Thorpe?
Jim Thorpe is an inexpensive destination ideal for outdoorsy families. The region has all sorts of attractions, including historical museums, scenic railways, hiking trails, and nature and wildlife areas.
2. The Poconos
The Poconos has a whole world to adventure beyond Jim Thorpe. The Pocono Mountains are a renowned destination for families wishing to breathe the fresh mountain air and create memories that will never fade.
Outdoor recreation, as well as entertainment options, thrive in the Poconos. If you want to spend your day slashing away, you can tour the Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark in Tannersville or stay at the Great Wolf Lodge and enjoy their indoor water park games, slides, and hot slides. There are also many fun things to do in Dallas that you should try!
For a more outdoorsy experience, you can book a campsite at the KOA or Mountain Vista and go for a nature hike to enjoy the Bushkill Falls’ cascading waters. Older children might want to go biking biking, hiking, or trying zipline at the Skytop Lodge. Besides, you can make animal lovers in your family happy by taking them to the Pocono Snake and Animal Farm, East Stroudsburg, to get near animals like monkeys, bears, and reptiles.
Who Should Vacation at The Poconos?
The Poconos offer thrilling experiences for those who like outdoor family activities and nature trips. Home to many streams, forests, and waterfalls, this range is ideal for swimming, camping, hiking, and horse riding during summer. With about 180 slopes and trails, this range attracts many skiers and snowboarders during winter.
3. Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh offers a wide range of activities for families. The Carnegie Museums provide memorable experiences for adults and have children-friendly exhibits for children to have fun while learning about science and history. Animal lovers will enjoy a trip to the National Aviary and Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.
Kids who love dinosaurs will get fascinated by the dinosaur display in the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Additionally, your children will be mesmerized by the sparkling beauty of minerals and gems in the Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems.
For a day of great interactive fun, take your children to have fun and enjoy various hands-on exhibits at the Children’s Museum.
Who Should Vacation in Pittsburgh?
From sports and cartoons to ketchup, Pittsburgh offers activities suitable for both adults and children with its theme parks, art galleries, and museums.
While in Pennsylvania, you will never have a hard time finding ways to enjoy a weekend getaway with your family. The state has so much to offer visitors and residents of all ages and backgrounds. With a fascinating history and numerous world-class shops, museums, and attractions, you can always find something to do regardless of where you live.
