Classic Family Fun

The enduring joy of shared traditions and timeless activities make Erie the ideal setting to create new memories and pass down moments from generation to generation. At Waldameer Park and Water World, iconic rides such as Wacky Shack, Pirate’s Cove, and Dodgem Cars greet park guests with their whimsical décor and that nostalgic amusement park scent. In addition to its long standing status as a family summer destination, Waldameer offers free parking and admission, all while continuing to update and expand rides. Water World offers a perfect remedy to beat the heat with more than 30 slides, a 500,000-gallon wave pool, and two dedicated family areas. Home to more than 400 animals in a compact and streamlined design, the Erie Zoo is a refreshing departure from sprawling metropolitan zoos, allowing visitors to explore its array of exhibits and wildlife in a couple hours, perfectly suited for young children and limited attention spans. The Zoo hosts several annual events including ZooBoo (October), and the Egg-Venture Easter Egg Hunt (March). The crack of a bat and the eruption of cheers from a home run resonates through UPMC Park when the Erie SeaWolves take the field. The SeaWolves are the AA affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. The SeaWolves' season (April – September) is filled with special promotions, and family fun, including frequent fireworks nights and a designated Kids Fun Zone.

Outdoor Excursions 

Here in Erie there are a multitude of ways to spend time outside and discover Erie’s natural side. Nature and recreation come together seamlessly at Asbury Woods where families can explore more than five miles of winding trails set among 216 acres of lush fields, forests, and wetlands. Asbury Woods Nature Center has interactive educational programs complete with animal exhibits, a gift shop, and annual family-forward events such as Maple Festival (March), Scary Creature Feature (October), and Winter Wonderland (December). Set in the scenic foothills of Clymer, NY just across the Pennsylvania border, Peek’n Peak Ski Resort’s picturesque setting and wide range of activities is a great spot for families seeking relaxation and excitement in one location. From downhill skiing, tubing, and snowboarding in the winter to giant zip lines, aerial ropes course, swimming, and mini golf in the summer, the Peek is a year-round destination for outdoor recreation. With a charming rural farm setting, Port Farms is a delightful place to take the family for a variety of farmed-themed activities and seasonal attractions. From picking pumpkins, and winding through corn mazes to horse-drawn holiday carriage rides and visits with Santa, Port Farms provides a wholesome environment for everyone. Their newly opened Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales serves locally hand-crafted beer made with regional ingredients, including some from their own farm!

Hands-On Experiences

Engaging, hands-on activities combine entertainment and education to inspire creativity, strengthen family bonds, and make lasting memories. There’s always something imaginative, inventive, and immersive happening at the newly renovated expERIEnce Children’s Museum. The new three-story, 19,000-square-foot building features exhibits that pay homage to the Erie community: “Lake Life” celebrates Lake Erie and boasts the second-largest interactive water table in the country, featuring miniature versions of iconic Erie structures, and “My Town," a kid-sized town is packed with hands-on experiences from taking orders at a restaurant to changing the oil on a car. Inside the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC), find two floors of interactive exhibits where guests can learn about the history and formation of Presque Isle State Park as well as its inhabitants. The free facility is open year-round and also features a 75-foot observation tower offering spectacular panoramic views of Lake Erie. Located approximately 40 minutes from Erie in Jamestown, NY, the National Comedy Center uses state-of-the-art technology and interactivity to create personalized environments by way of laugh wristbands and custom Sense of Humor profiles., created via easy-to-use kiosks. Once created, begin interacting with more than 50 immersive exhibits tailored to comedic tastes as well as age-appropriate material.