The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Erie, Pennsylvania (PA)

December 7, 2021 Trinity Boughner

Located in the very Northwest corner of Pennsylvania, Erie is the State's only Great Lakes port city. The Lake is the main attraction in Erie, with the sparkling water giving Erie its nickname, "Gem City." The nearby peninsula of Presque Isle State Park provides residents and visitors ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as sailing, swimming, hiking, and biking. The city is also part of the Snowbelt, famous for the winter wonderland created by the lake effect.
Restaurants in Erie

1. Asbury Woods

4105 Asbury Rd, Erie, PA 16506-3642 +1 814-835-5356 http://asburywoods.org/
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 126 reviews

Asbury  Woods

Reviewed By S5756JIrobinb

We intended to hike at Presque Isle but was recommended Asbury Woods by our waitress at Zodiac Dinor. We’re so happy she did! It was beautiful woods with old trees, wonderfully maintained trails that lead to a large, clear creek— beautiful!! It makes me wish I lived in Erie so I could go here every day!

2. Pulakos Chocolates

2530 Parade St, Erie, PA 16503-2097 +1 814-452-4026 [email protected]
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 17 reviews

Pulakos Chocolates

A family tradition in Erie since 1903, Pulakos Chocolates has continued to create the finest chocolates while still honoring the methods of its creators. Our copper pots and marble slabs have seen 110 years of chocolate making, and have carried our traditions into the 21st century. During our years in business, we have created a unique selection of chocolates you will not find anywhere else

3. Erie Maritime Museum

150 E Front St, Erie, PA 16507-1594 +1 814-452-2744 http://www.flagshipniagara.org
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 308 reviews

Erie Maritime Museum

Multimedia exhibits and a 19th century U.S. Flagship are featured at this museum.

Reviewed By 727JimB

If you seek treasure, this is Erie's hidden chest. Erie is steeped in naval history and it comes alive here in this magnificent museum, so very well done (and well placed) and comes complete with a tall ship. Sad to say, even somewhat of a secret to area folks, this is a great take. Just a wonderful place well worth visiting.

4. Erie Zoo

423 W 38th St, Erie, PA 16508-2701 +1 814-864-4091 http://www.eriezoo.org
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 779 reviews

Erie Zoo

Reviewed By drbaker1994 - Waynesboro, United States

Our family of 4 (parents and young adult kids) had a great time here. Most of the animals were active and we were able to see them really well. The most amazing was the Tiger, because we weren't expecting him and we turned a corner and there he was walking toward us. We also really enjoyed the orangutans and so many more. Since we were there during Covid, there were a few areas that were closed off and animals we could not see (1 being the zebras, as I could see them when I peeked through a gate). Also due to Covid, you have to preorder your tickets on line and choose the time you will be arriving. This did help in keeping the crowds to a minimum and there were only a few areas where we had to wait for others to move out of the way to see. They do require you to wear your mask the entire time you are in the park. The online order was simple and the value for the tickets was reasonable. We did not do the carousel or the train ride.

5. Waldameer & Water World

220 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505-2036 +1 814-838-3591 [email protected] http://waldameer.com
Excellent
59%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,043 reviews

Waldameer & Water World

Give your family all the fun and excitement of more than 100 great rides, slides, and attractions at Waldameer. You’ll find thrilling rides and family classics, plus some awesome rides for the little ones! Then there’s Water World, a whole water park full of wet n’ wild fun for everyone. Plus, check out challenging midway games and tasty summertime foods. Waldameer & Water World is family-owned and family-friendly – we are proud of our Park’s major expansion in recent years, which has only improved upon the park’s long rich history of providing safe, clean and affordable summertime fun!

Reviewed By apen51 - Chesterland, United States

Very nice park.Not at all like Cedar Point. Many rides for young kids as wall as older people. Found it to be very enjoyable. My kids and My grand kids LOVED everything about it. We will visit the water park next summer , along with the the amusement park.

6. Tom Ridge Environmental Center

301 Peninsula Dr Presque Isle State Park, Erie, PA 16505-2042 +1 814-833-7424 [email protected] http://www.trecpi.org/
Excellent
56%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 470 reviews

Tom Ridge Environmental Center

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) is an educational center dedicated to teaching visitors about the unique 3,200 acres of Presque Isle and the many different forms of life that inhabit the peninsula. TREC also serves as a center for research -- contributing to conservation efforts and promoting environmental awareness, helping to preserve the unparalleled beauty of Presque Isle, the site of Pennsylvania’s only seashore. While some facilities along the Great Lakes offer environmental education and others do research, none offer research, education, and visitor services in one place, making TREC a unique destination for learning, wonder, and fun. TREC is open year-round and offers free admission to its changing interactive exhibits, glass-enclosed tower, and orientation movie. Learn about the history of Presque Isle and how you can contribute to keeping it pristine and beautiful.

Reviewed By LoriPaul42900 - Blue Grass, United States

We traveled to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center upon the recommendation of family with whom we were visiting. The Center offers a large and fascinating degree of historic information about the region, especially Lake Erie, and the great ongoing efforts to preserve the area's natural landscape and habitats. An observation deck allows a clear view of Lake Erie, Presque Isle, and the surrounding area. Gorgeous view in the fall!

7. Presque Isle State Park

301 Peninsula Dr Suite 1, Erie, PA 16505-2065 +1 814-833-7424 [email protected] http://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/PresqueIsleStatePark/Pages/default.aspx
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,128 reviews

Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie. As Pennsylvania’s only “seashore,” Presque Isle offers its visitors a beautiful coastline and many recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and in-line skating. The neck of the peninsula is attached to the mainland four miles west of downtown Erie. The park creates Presque Isle Bay, a wide and deep harbor for the city of Erie. The bay attracts many pleasure boats and worldwide freighters -- making Erie an important Great Lakes shipping port. A National Natural Landmark, Presque Isle is a favorite spot for migrating birds. Because of the many unique habitats, Presque Isle contains a greater number of the state's endangered, threatened, and rare species than any other area of comparable size in Pennsylvania. Open 5AM to sunset year-round, after sunset visitors must be in a vehicle.

Reviewed By daled732 - Erie, United States

P I state park offers an alternative to the long ride to the ocean Plenty of sandy beaches, warm and gentle waves, and world class sunsets. Activities are many- fishing, hiking, boating, having a picnic, ,biking. ,beach concerts, and more. An experience well worth the short drive.yes

8. Harbor View Miniature Golf

36 State St, Erie, PA 16507-1419 +1 814-874-3536 http://www.harborviewminiaturegolf.com/
Excellent
62%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 34 reviews

Harbor View Miniature Golf

Reviewed By J5089VWedd

A beautifully maintained course – one of the prettiest courses we’ve played. Views of the harbor, shady trees and beautiful landscaping, refreshing harbor breezes. Holes were nicely challenging but still fun for a family. Course included some unique holes we have not seen at other courses. Loved the small history lessons at each hole about the Erie Harbor.

9. Experience Childrens Museum

420 French St, Erie, PA 16507-1541 +1 814-453-3743 [email protected] http://www.eriechildrensmuseum.org/
Excellent
65%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 74 reviews

Experience Childrens Museum

The expERIEnce Children’s Museum is a place that has been inspiring creativity and imagination in children for over twenty years. The museum is a non-profit organization located in the historic cultural district of downtown Erie whose entire mission is to provide a safe, family-centered educational experience that inspires creativity, exploration, and imagination through play, interactive exhibits, and innovative programming. The museum is a place where children can race a boat, paint a painting, shop healthy, imagine a career, explore magnets and produce a play. Named Erie’s Choice for Museum in 2016 and the past 3 years, the museum welcomes over 60,000 guests annually. Three floors and a certified outdoor classroom including over 25 hands-on exhibits provide hours of fun for children ages 8 and under.

Reviewed By Kellymeisch - Erie, United States

My family loves it here we go once a week at least. Kids looove the water table and the mini wegmans. We spend at least 3 hours here each time we go. My kids have so much fun and there is so much to do. Definitely would recommend for younger kids mine are 2 and 4. We bring our lunch and eat there. It’s also very clean the staff are always going around disinfecting things and wiping surfaces down. The worst is there is no parking during the week. You have to find street parking and walk and then the meters are only good for two hours before you need to put more money in. But that doesn’t stop us from going every week. Lots of fun!

10. UPMC Park

110 E 10th St, Erie, PA 16501-1256 +1 814-456-1300
Excellent
75%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 61 reviews

UPMC Park

Reviewed By 111russellr - New Castle, United States

If you enjoy the game of baseball don't miss the chance to catch a AA minor league game at UPMC park. It is a beautiful venue located right in the heart of downtown Erie. It is very intimate and you sit very close to the action. The have activities during every break between innings that make it more entertaining. Games at this level are much more fun than that of attending a major league game, and much cheaper. Also you will find that you don't have to mortgage your home to buy a beer. It is a wonderful family atmosphere to go out with your kids on a warm night to a ball game here. The teams always give you their best efforts as they are working their way to the majors and big bucks Food and drinks are inexpensive for a cheap night out.

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