Lake Wallenpaupack is about 40 minutes east of the city of Scranton, and countless miles from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Bring a boat or rent one at the marina, swim from your private dock, or go test your nerves with a parasailing adventure. This beautiful lake is a major vacation destination in the Pocono Mountains, and it forms part of the boundary between the counties of Pike and Wayne. Picture your family enjoying a stay at one of many quaint Lake Wallenpaupack vacation rentals such as a cabin in the mountains or comfy lakefront house. Take in the views and engage in these family-friendly activities for an unforgettable vacation.
1. Get a Bird’s-Eye-View While Parasailing
Someone said to go fly a kite; do it one better and go fly the kite at Lake Wallenpaupack in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. Take kids age five and older for the ride of a lifetime on a Pocono Action Sports parasailing adventure. This ride keeps you dry by slowly reeling you out from the flight deck at the back of the boat for your flight. When the ride ends, they reel you back into the deck. Expect incredible panoramic views of the lake and mountains, thrills, and a tranquility, unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
2. Feed the Giraffes at the Zoo
Thrill the kids with a trip to Claws “N” Paws Animal Park, about five miles from the lake. Let them experience feeding the giraffes and seeing the other 100 species of critters in habitats small enough for great viewing. Spend a few precious hours walking around to see the large cats, monkeys, apes, reptiles, and even an African porcupine. Check with the facility ahead of time about the feeding schedules.
3. Go Horseback Riding
While you’re already in the Poconos, you might as well experience an exhilarating trail ride at the highest point in the area, Triple W Riding Stables in Honesdale. Children age seven and up get to go on trail rides with parents, and there are pony rides at the stables for the younger kiddies. Triple W also offers overnight horseback camping trips, horse-drawn hayrides, and winter sleigh rides. Trained instructors accompany you on trail rides to teach and help along the way.
4. Take the Train
An awesome, historical train excursion waits to transport your family back in time on an exciting adventure by rail at Stourbridge Line Rail Excursions in Honesdale. Step onto the Stourbridge passenger train at the site of the birthplace of the American railroad, the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company’s boat basin. The first locomotive left that spot and ran three miles to Seelyville and returned, beginning on August 18, 1829. No worries. They will bring you back to the future.
5. Swim and Splash at the Indoor Water Park
Summer outdoor weather failing to cooperate? No biggie; just head over to Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Water Park in Scotrun where it’s 84 F all the time. Dress for a wet and wild adventure for everyone in the family. Experience thrilling rides such as the Coyote Cannon, a 40-foot drop into a water-jet-fueled vortex. After spinning in the vortex, you drop four stories in a matter of seconds. Kids must be at least 42 inches tall to participate, and anyone 48 inches tall must ride with a supervising companion. Let the tots splash around in zero-depth activities including Cub Paw Pool. Go ahead. Howl with excitement.
6. Hit the Slopes
Got snow? Big Bear has some even if you don’t. Take a winter break and ski Big Bear at Lackawaxen, about 30 minutes from the lake, depending on where your vacation rental is situated. Make some cool memories with the kids as they ride the Magic Carpet surface lift and learn to ski or snowboard for the first time. Patient professional instructors enjoy calming those nerves while helping beginners get started on easy terrains, letting more experienced family members enjoy more challenging slopes. It’s so chill.
7. Create Some Waves on a Jet Ski
Get an adrenaline fix on a jet ski rented from Rubber Duckie Boat Rentals on Lake Wallenpaupack. Select models that seat one, two, or three people, and get included in the rental price. They supply adult and child life jackets as well. Imagine stepping out the back door of your waterfront vacation rental cottage, sauntering down your private dock, and hopping on a jet ski for a few exhilarating turns on the lake. You feel the wind in your hair, mist on your face, and see the blue water before you—yeah, it’s like that.
8. Teach a Child to Fish
Share a relaxing and fulfilling hobby with your kids and maybe start a new family tradition when they get in on the fishing fun at the lake, right from the dock behind your vacation rental lake house. Stop by one of the marinas on the lake to pick up some bait and tackle and watch the joy light up their faces when they reel in their first fish. Put a hundred smiles between you and the daily grind as you watch your little anglers.
9. Cook On an Open Fire
Notice how great food cooking over a campfire smells, right in your own backyard by the lake. Look for vacation rentals that feature fire pits or BBQ grills and cook up something scrumptious. Toast some marshmallows and then tell a few stories as you bask in the soft glow of the embers after dark. Even your picky eater might taste a roasted onion. Then again, maybe just the hot dogs and marshmallows.
10. Hike Around the Lake
Get everyone up and moving with a refreshing walk by the lake. Check out any interesting trails, climb some trees, and look for signs of wildlife including deer, squirrels, and birds. Take along some bottles of water and healthy snacks for energy breaks to keep everyone hydrated and feeling peppy.