The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania offer year-round fun for vacationers of all ages. Whether you’re hiking through the natural beauty of the state parks, attending one of the many annual festivals, boating on Lake Wallenpaupack or spending the day at a family-friendly indoor attraction, you’re sure to fall in love with the Poconos area. There is no shortage of stunning Pocono Mountains vacation rentals, with housing options nestled in the mountains, on the water or in the heart of a bustling town. With so much to do and see in the area, narrowing down your plans can be tough. Here are nine of the best kid-friendly attractions to visit.
1. Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark
When you really want to beat the heat, there’s nothing better than a water park. Camelbeach is Pennsylvania’s largest water park, and it offers plenty of rides for all ages. Relax poolside with a drink and a meal, or hit the water slides if you’re feeling adventurous. Rides such as Kahuna Cove, Mummy’s Oasis and Pharaoh‘s Phortress are perfect for younger kids. Older kids and the young-at-heart are sure to enjoy thrilling rides and slides such as Sand Storm, Dune Runner, and Triple Venom.
2. MagiQuest
Take your child on an enchanted adventure at MagiQuest. This wonderful attraction is fun for young kids, teens, and adults. Your child is given a magic wand, and then you’re off to explore the Great Wolf Lodge. Whether your kids are making friends with the Treetop Pixies or battling the Goblin King, they’re sure to be delighted by this captivating experience. You can choose how long to play in the park, from 30 minutes to three hours. As an added bonus your young adventurers get to keep their magic wands as keepsakes.
3. Claws ‘N’ Paws Wild Animal Park
If you and your family love animals, look for vacation rentals near Claws ‘N’ Paws Wild Animal Park. It’s a charming zoo in the woods that features more than 100 animal species. In the petting zoo area, you and your kids can hug tame deer, goats, and lambs. The Wildlife Encounters show lets you get up close and personal with baby animals, colorful birds, and fascinating reptiles, including a safe alligator and python. Be sure to visit the Dinosaur Outpost area for a fossil hunt then stop by Turtle Town where you can hang out with African Tortoises.
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4. Costa’s Family Fun Park
Costa’s Family Fun Park is classic family-friendly fun through-and-through. It’s a fantastic place to visit, especially if your family includes kids from varying age groups. Kids under 12 can have a blast playing at Children’s Playland, an area that includes a ball pit, a mini-golf course, pedal karts with a track and plenty of playground equipment. The bigger kids and the adults are sure to love playing laser tag, riding go-karts, and playing mini-golf. There are also bumper boats, water slides, arcades, batting cages and a driving range.
5. Fairview Lake Miniature Golf
Playing mini-golf is such a timeless family pastime. Fairview Lake Miniature Golf is conveniently located near Hawley and Lake Wallenpaupack, so it’s a great place to visit if you select a vacation rental on the water. While it’s probably not suited for babies and toddlers, the fun music and gorgeous scenery are sure to please golfers of all ages. The vast course includes a full 18 holes and you get a free ice cream cone if you shoot a hole-in-one on the 18th.
6. The Shawnee Playhouse
If you want to enjoy some local theater, the historical Shawnee Playhouse is the place to go. Located in the welcoming Shawnee on Delaware community, this charming area is an excellent spot to look for vacation rentals. Talented local actors put on a wide range of performances at the Shawnee Playhouse, including plays for children. Past productions have included Winnie the Pooh, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, 101 Dalmatians and countless others. There are also plenty of other productions, but visitors of all ages should appreciate a magical night of family-friendly entertainment.
7. Kalahari
Spanning a whopping 220,000 square feet, Kalahari is the country’s largest indoor waterpark. Whether you’re traveling during a cold season or simply looking for a fun family-friendly place to spend the day, you won’t be disappointed. There are attractions for visitors of all ages and abilities. Young children and those who can’t swim love Coral Cove, a vibrant play area with shallow water, fountains and smaller slides. Older thrill-seekers can catch an adrenaline rush on high-octane slides such as the Screaming Hyena, the Sahara Sidewinder, and Kenya’s Korkscrew.
8. The Stourbridge Line
Enjoy a picturesque train ride on the historic Stourbridge Line. The train ride lasts for 25 miles, taking you through the Northeastern Pennsylvania region and the Lackawaxen River Valley. This is one of the most fun and relaxing ways to explore the Poconos area, and it’s great because it’s fun for kids and adults alike. The Stourbridge Line is also located in Honesdale, which is an ideal place to look for vacation rentals because of its central location.
9. Landers River Trips
The Pocono Mountains area is known for its exceptional rafting. Landers River Trips offers excellent options for river excursions that are safe for all ages. The rafts fit up to six people, and children get a discounted fee. There are five starting points to choose from, and trips range from 2.5 to five hours in length. If you don’t feel like rafting, Landers River Trips also offers canoeing, kayaking, and tubing.
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