The Ultimate Family Vacation: Exploring the Poconos’ Best Attractions for All Ages
Fancy experiencing the adventures, exhilarating activities and wilderness of the mountains of Poconos in the USA? Let me introduce you to the ultimate touring paradise for every family out there.
The poconos mountain is a great destination that offers a wide range of outdoor activities, adventures and family friendly vacation homes along with a lot of beautiful sceneries. If you are really into outdoor activities there are a ton of fun awaiting you at Poconos, like biking, hiking, zip lining, sightseeing, historic sites, waterparks and several others, there will always be something for everyone out there in Poconos regardless of age, skill levels and experience.
In this post I’ll write about everything you should know about various attractions in the Pocono Mountains. So make sure you stay with me until the end.
Must-Visit Family Attractions in the Poconos
The Pocono Mountains have always been a major recreational activity hotspot. You won’t believe how much there is to explore in the regions. However, this will take you to the must visit Pocono Mountains attractions.
Blue Mountain Resort
Perfect spot for a great day of adventure with your loved ones. The Blue Mountain Resort is the perfect family destination which offers fun activities all year around for the mountain lovers. They provide 40 ski trails, 16 lifts, 46 tubing lanes and five terrain parks at their own resort. They even provide a great mountain side restaurant known as Blue Mountains Slopeside Pub & Grill for the visitors.
Bushkill Falls
One of the most popular scenic attractions of the Keystone State and also known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania”, Bushkill falls is one of the best attractions in the Poconos. It is hiding deep in the Pocono mountains with a distinct eight waterfalls. The best part is hiking towards the falls through bridges and trails which displays many stunning views of the woods and falls.
Big Pocono State Park
One of the unique attractions near Poconos, The Big Pocono State Park extends above 1300 acres of land with rugged terrain along the slopes of Camelback Mountain. The Big Pocono State park is a scenic and rugged spot which offers a fabulous view of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York on the mountain top.
Moreover, the park provides an 8.5 miles of trail with steep ground. The Park closes to the public in December at the end of deer season and opens back in spring as per the conditions.
Adventures and Outdoor Activities in Poconos
The Pocono Mountains have always been the epitome for outdoor adventure activity. Now let’s take a look at the best spots for a great day of adventure at Poconos!
Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark
If you are seeking an adrenaline filled waterslide experience or if you wish to relax around the pool during the warm seasons, then you should definitely visit the largest waterpark in Pennsylvania, that is Camelbeach. They offer more than 37 rides and attractions like water slides, dousing buckets, water rides, beach sand, spraying water and many more which is ideal for every kid and adult.
Skytop Adventure Center
Located at the most scenic spot and high up in Poconos, with so much to explore for you. The Adventure Center is definitely one of the best places to visit in the Poconos as a family as it provides several outdoor adventures for the visitors such as Paintball, downhill skiing, treetop adventure course, golf course, arrow tag, and even snow tubing.
This adventure center is a perfect escapade for you as it extends above 5500 acres with a unique playground for an ideal family vacation.
Educational and Cultural Experiences in Poconos
Did you know the regions of Poconos became popular not just because of its scenic spots and adventures, but also because of its rich traditions and culture in history. Here are some of the most renowned historic sites and traditional art attractions of Poconos:
Pocono Center for the Arts
If you are seeking relaxing and calmful family activities in the Poconos, then head straight to Pocono Center for the Arts. A destination center that inspires and educates the people with the place filled with arts and traditions. Including theaters, galleries, studios and classroom spaces, the art center is a combination of education, personal enrichment, arts, community upbringing and many others.
Pocono Indian Museum
Situated at East Stroudsburg, the Pocono Indian Museum displays the rich history of Pocono’s early age and its residents, that is the Delaware Indians. The museum provides information about the cultural development and many ancient artifacts, weapons and tools from back in 10,500 BC. They provide details and showcase the story of Lenape and their traditions.
The museum is open all year except Thanksgiving and Christmas, which offers gift shops with treasures of their traditions and non traditions.
Steamtown National Historic Site
Among the various best attractions in Poconos, the Steamtown National Historic Site is the only national park which is devoted to showcasing the past of steam railroading. This must see historic site features above 60 acres of museums, exhibitions and historic buildings.
The visitors could experience and learn more about the engineers and workers who used to work for the railroad back in the day through their tour of the locomotive.
Seasonal Activities in Poconos
No matter what the season is, the Mountains of Poconos will always be ready with various adventures and attractions awaiting for its visitors. Let’s go through the various seasonal attractions of Poconos:
Winter Sports
The regions of Poconos were once known as the “Winter Wonderland” because of the multitude of winter attractions being offered in the region. Here is the best winter family fun in the Poconos and its destinations:
- Snow Tubing: Camelback Mountain, Blue Mountain Resort
- Cross Country Skiing: Beltzville State Park, Delaware State Forest, Gouldsboro State Park
- Sleigh Rides: Happy Trail Stables
- Ice Skating: Promised Land State Park, Tobyhanna State Park
Summer Fun
Summer is the perfect time for outdoor adventure enthusiasts to visit the mountains as it offers a wide range of attractions in the warm season. Here is some of the popular summer activities in Poconos:
- Explore the Beaches: Mauch Chunk Lake Park, Promised Land State Park, Tobyhanna State Park
- Boat Rentals: Beltzville State Park Boat Rentals, Edge of the Woods Outfitters, Shawnee River Trips
- Fishing: Mauch Chunk Lake Park, Promised Land State Park
Fall Activities
Witness the seasonal beauty and the fall foliage of Poconos and enjoy a whole day of autumn getaway in the Mountains. Not just the outdoor attraction, there are some really exquisite events during autumn in Poconos. Let’s take a look at some of the popular fall attractions to witness the fall foliage:
- Vineyard Tours
- Hiking
- Skydiving
- Camping
- Biking
- Fall Foliage Train Excursion
Entertainment and Leisure Time
As we stated earlier, it doesn’t matter what the conditions are, there will always be something to do in Poconos. Even if it’s raining or snowing outside you could always explore the fun indoors. Moreover, the mountains are hosts to many festivals and events throughout the whole year. Let’s take a look at the various entertaining activities and family things to do in the Poconos.
Indoor Water Parks & Theme Parks
Explore the great indoor parks when the outdoors are filled with rain or snow. Enjoy a day of splashing in the wave pool or explore the bowling alley or arcade gaming and even VR experiences. Here are some of the indoor parks and its highlights:
- Split Rock Resort: Movie Theater, Bowling Alley
- Kalahari Resorts & Conventions: Spa, Gaming Rooms, Arcades, VR
- Camelback Lodge and Aquatopia Indoor Water Park: Bumper Cars, Rope Courses Rock Climbing
- Great Wolf Lodge: Gemstone Mining, Magiquest Adventure
Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss
To whomever seeking a great entertainment time in Pennsylvania, there are some highly amusing festivals awaiting you among various family activities in the Poconos. Let’s take a look at the various events taking part in the land of Poconos.
- MusikFest: Known as one of the biggest music festivals of the US. Featuring more than 500 shows on various destinations in the month of August. The show is usually filled with around 900,00 people.
- Pocono Mountains Music Festival: Also known as Buck Hill Skytop Music Festival which displays and highlights musical performances ranging from opera to jazz to cabaret. VIsitors can also witness the theater performances.
Family-Friendly Cuisines
The regions of Poconos always welcome people to their exquisite restaurants to enjoy their delectables. There are all kinds of restaurants in the mountains which offer breakfasts, dinner, bbqs, and even kid-friendly fares. There is always something for everyone on the menu of Pocono restaurants. Here are some of the best diners of the regions:
- Apple Valley Restaurant
- B-Lux Grill & Bar
- Barley Creek Brewing Company
- Berrelli’s Italian Chophouse
- The Dock on Wallenpaupack
- The Barn Door Restaurant
Tips and Tricks to Enhance Your Pocono Journey
Now, before you head out to your amusing family getaway, make sure you have everything planned beforehand. Let me help you plan your journey with some tips and tricks:
- The very first thing to do before heading out is to make sure you have booked a place or a vacation rental for you and loved ones to stay at the end of the day.
- Make sure you have all the equipment and gears available for your adventures
- Follow this blog and plan your things to do with family in Poconos
- Plan your activities in day wise order
- If you are visiting in summer make sure you have the required items:
- Outdoor Gear
- Hiking Shoes
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Sunscreen
- First Aid
- Navigation
- Bug Spray
- Beach Towels
- If you are visiting the regions in Winter then make sure you have these with you:
- Puffer Jacket or Down Coat
- Gloves
- Thick Scarves and socks
- Snow Boots
- Skiboards
- First Aid
- Hats
Wrap Up!
The Mountains of Poconos have always been a prime destination for family adventures and getaways. I would suggest Poconos for a great vacation time along with your loved ones as that’s how unique and wide the regions are. No matter what your age is or how skilled you are, there will always be something for you to experience at Poconos.
Moreover, there are tons of activities to do as a family in the Poconos, picnicking, going for a hike, downhill skiing, going shopping together and many more. You just don’t get tired of visiting the regions more and more. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head straight to the Pocono Mountains and have a great vacation adventure with your loved ones.