Best Things to Do in the Poconos With Kids

Things to do in the Poconos with kids can easily fill a day, a weekend, or an entire family vacation. Over the years, our family has spent time exploring the area in every season, from summer days on Lake Wallenpaupack and rafting on the Lehigh River to winter tubing trips and weekends at Kalahari and Great Wolf Lodge.

One of the reasons we’ve returned to the Poconos so many times over the years is that every trip can look completely different. Sometimes we’re looking for outdoor adventure. Other times we just want an easy family day filled with water slides, a boat ride, a hiking trail, or a walk through Jim Thorpe.

If you’re planning a trip and trying to decide where to spend your time, these are the Poconos activities our family has actually done and would happily do again.

You can also browse all of our Poconos family travel guides for more ideas, tips, and inspiration as you plan your visit.

Spend a Day at Kalahari Resort

Best Ages: Preschool through teens

Best Season: Year-round

Kalahari has been one of our family’s favorite Poconos destinations for years. In fact, I think my kids were still in preschool the first time we visited. We’ve returned multiple times since then, and it has remained one of those rare places that has worked well through every stage of childhood.

The indoor water park is the main attraction, but what makes Kalahari stand out is how well it accommodates such a wide range of ages. Younger kids have plenty to do, while older kids, tweens, and teens can spend hours on the larger water slides and thrill rides.

We’ve visited during both winter and summer. One of my favorite memories was visiting during a snowstorm and watching my kids sit in the outdoor hot tub while snow fell all around them.

During the summer, the outdoor pools and water attractions add even more options.

Between the indoor water park, outdoor attractions, and activities for a wide range of ages, it’s easy to see why we’ve returned to Kalahari so many times over the years.

If you’re planning a resort getaway may also enjoy reading about visiting the Franklin Institute with kids, another destination that has remained fun for my family from elementary school through the teen years.

Visit Great Wolf Lodge

Best Ages: Preschool through middle school

Best Season: Year-round

Great Wolf Lodge has been a favorite in our family for years. The indoor water park, family activities, and themed atmosphere make it an easy choice for a weekend in the Poconos, especially when the weather isn’t cooperating.

One thing that sets Great Wolf apart is MagiQuest, an interactive game that sends kids throughout the resort completing challenges with a magic wand. Many young kids spend hours playing, and it gives them something fun to do outside of the water park.

People often ask whether we prefer Great Wolf Lodge or Kalahari, and I think it depends a lot on the child. My more adventurous kid has always preferred Kalahari and its bigger thrill slides. My other child, who was a little more cautious about the larger rides when younger, always preferred Great Wolf Lodge.

Even as my kids have gotten older, Great Wolf Lodge has remained a family favorite. While Kalahari offers more of the bigger slides, Great Wolf still has plenty of exciting attractions for older kids and teens. Between the water park, MagiQuest, and activities throughout the resort, there is enough to keep families busy well beyond their time in the pool.

We’ve had several great stays here over the years. Check rates for Great Wolf Lodge Poconos.

If you’re traveling with kids, you may also enjoy my guide to Philadelphia museums for kids, tweens, and teens.

Go Whitewater Rafting on the Lehigh River

Best Ages: Elementary school through teens

Best Season: Summer

Whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River has been one of our family’s favorite Poconos activities for years. We started taking our kids when they were around 6 years old, but both were strong swimmers who were comfortable in the water and excited about adventure.

That doesn’t mean every 6-year-old is ready for rafting. Some children will love the excitement of the rapids, while others may feel more comfortable waiting until they are older. As a parent, I think swimming ability, confidence in the water, and willingness to follow directions matter more than age alone.

One of the things I like most about rafting on the Lehigh is that it feels like a real adventure without being extreme. You’ll paddle through rapids, get splashed along the way, and spend several hours outdoors together. My kids always loved the anticipation of the next set of rapids and the sense of accomplishment that came with navigating the river as a team.

If your family enjoys outdoor adventure, whitewater rafting is one of the most memorable experiences in the Poconos and something my kids still talk about years later.

Families who enjoy outdoor adventures may also like my guide to sports parent travel gear and essentials, especially if you’re spending lots of weekends outside.

Tip	Why It Matters
Check minimum age requirements before booking	Requirements vary by company and river conditions.
Be honest about your child’s swimming ability	Confidence in the water is often more important than age alone.
Wear water shoes that stay on your feet	Flip-flops and loose sandals can easily get lost.
Bring a change of clothes for the ride home	Expect to get wet, even on calmer trips.
Book ahead for summer weekends	Popular rafting trips can fill up quickly.

Things to Do in the Poconos With Kids in Summer: Lake Wallenpaupack

Best Ages: All ages

Best Season: Summer

Some of my favorite Poconos memories have happened on Lake Wallenpaupack. When I was growing up, my dad would load up our speed boat and take us there throughout the summer. Years later, it’s become a place my own kids have enjoyed too.

For us, a perfect day on the lake usually includes a little bit of everything. We’ve spent time swimming, fishing, cruising around the lake, and getting pulled behind the boat on rafts. While there are plenty of ways to enjoy Lake Wallenpaupack, I’ve always found that simply being out on the water is the best part.

One of the things I love about Lake Wallenpaupack is that it appeals to all ages. Younger kids usually enjoy the boat rides, swimming, and time spent on the water, while older kids and teens often love the excitement of rafting, tubing, and waterskiing behind the boat.

If your family visits the Poconos during the summer, this is one of the best ways to experience the area. Spending a day on the lake remains one of our favorite things to do in the Poconos with kids during the summer.

Planning a Day on Lake Wallenpaupack?

You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy the lake.

✅ Pontoon boat rentals
✅ Speed boat rentals
✅ Kayak rentals
✅ Fishing charters
✅ Public boat launches

Spend a Day Exploring Jim Thorpe

Best Ages: All ages

Best Season: Spring, Summer, and Fall

Jim Thorpe is one of those places that feels completely different from the rest of the Poconos. Instead of spending the day on the water or out on a hiking trail, you can slow down and enjoy one of Pennsylvania’s most charming small towns.

Over the years, we’ve visited Jim Thorpe for different reasons. We’ve taken the scenic train ride with the kids, explored the shops, grabbed lunch, and spent time simply walking around town. My husband and I also toured the Asa Packer Mansion, which offered an interesting glimpse into the town’s history.

One thing to keep in mind is that Jim Thorpe can get extremely crowded on nice weekends, especially during the summer and early fall. Parking can take some patience, and the sidewalks, restaurants, and shops often fill up quickly. If you can visit on a weekday or arrive early, the experience is usually much more enjoyable.

Even with the crowds, I still think Jim Thorpe is worth visiting. Between the train rides, local shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and beautiful mountain setting, it’s easy to see why so many families make the trip.

Planning a Jim Thorpe Weekend?

🏨 Stay at the historic Inn at Jim Thorpe in the heart of town.

👉 Check rates for the Inn at Jim Thorpe

Visit Blue Mountain Summit Adventure Park

Best Ages: age 9 through teens

Best Season: Spring, Summer, and Fall

Most people think of skiing when they hear Blue Mountain, but we’ve spent just as much time there during the warmer months. Between family visits and school field trips, I’ve been there more times than I can count.

The high ropes course has always been a favorite for our family. My kids loved the challenge of navigating the obstacles high above the ground, and I’ve completed the course myself several times. It’s the activity I would recommend first if you’re visiting Blue Mountain with older kids or teens.

We’ve also enjoyed the zipline, climbing wall, laser tag, and disc golf. One of the things I like about Blue Mountain is that families can choose how adventurous they want the day to be. Some kids will want to tackle every activity, while others may be perfectly happy picking a few favorites and spending the rest of the day exploring the resort.

Even if you don’t participate in the adventure activities, Blue Mountain is worth visiting for the scenery alone. Slopeside Pub and Grill at the top of the mountain offers beautiful views, outdoor fire pits, lawn games, outdoor bars, and plenty of outdoor seating. We’ve visited many times just to enjoy the atmosphere and mountain views.

Since our family enjoys outdoor adventures, Blue Mountain is one of our favorite things to do in the Poconos with kids during the warmer months.

Planning a Visit to Blue Mountain?

🧗 High ropes course
🪂 Zipline
🎯 Laser tag
🥏 Disc golf
🍔 Summit dining with mountain views

👉 Check Blue Mountain tickets and activity availability

Things to Do in the Poconos With Kids: Go Hiking

Best Ages: All ages

Best Season: Spring through Fall

No trip to the Poconos would be complete without spending some time on the trails. While hiking has never been my kids’ favorite activity, we’ve explored plenty of trails over the years and found that everyone enjoys it more when there is a reward at the end.

For our family, that usually means a waterfall, a scenic overlook, or a creek where the kids can stop and wade in the water along the way. Those little extras tend to make the experience much more enjoyable than simply hiking for the sake of hiking.

Families looking for scenic trails can also explore the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which offers hiking options ranging from short walks to longer adventures.

One thing I appreciate about the Poconos is that there are trails for every ability level. Whether you’re looking for a short family-friendly walk or a more challenging hike, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

Things to Do in the Poconos With Kids in Winter: Go Skiing or Snowboarding

Best Ages: Elementary school through adults

Best Season: Winter

The Poconos is one of the most popular places in Pennsylvania for skiing and snowboarding. While we don’t spend as much time on the slopes as I did growing up, we’ve still enjoyed plenty of winter days at the mountains over the years.

As a kid, I skied at most of the major Pocono ski resorts, including Blue Mountain, Camelback, Shawnee, and Big Boulder. More recently, my son has preferred snowboarding, which adds another option for families with older kids looking for a winter adventure.

One thing I like about skiing and snowboarding in the Poconos is that there are trails and lessons for a wide range of abilities. Whether you’re introducing kids to the sport for the first time or spending the day on more challenging terrain, there are plenty of options throughout the region.

If your family enjoys winter sports, skiing or snowboarding is a classic Poconos experience and a great excuse to get outside during the colder months.

Go Snow Tubing

Best Ages: School-age kids through adults

Best Season: Winter

Even though our family doesn’t ski as often as I did growing up, we still enjoy getting out to the mountains for snow tubing. It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy a winter day in the Poconos because there is almost no learning curve involved.

Unlike skiing or snowboarding, you don’t need lessons, equipment, or much experience. You simply grab a tube, head to the top of the hill, and enjoy the ride down. That makes it a great option for families with different ages and comfort levels.

We started taking our kids snow tubing when they were school-age. The rides can get surprisingly fast, so I personally think it’s better suited for kids who are comfortable with a little speed and excitement.

One thing I especially like about snow tubing is that it doesn’t have to take up your entire day. Most of our trips last about three hours, which makes it easy to fit into a weekend without committing to a full day on the mountain.

If you’re looking for a simple winter activity that the whole family can enjoy together, snow tubing is one of the easiest recommendations on this list.

Planning a Snow Tubing Trip?

❄️ No lessons required
❄️ Great for beginners
❄️ Fun for kids, teens, and adults
❄️ Easy half-day or full-day activity

Looking for more family travel ideas? Browse all of my Poconos family travel guides.

Final Thoughts on Visiting the Poconos With Kids

One of the things I appreciate most about the Poconos is how many different types of family activities you can find in one region. Whether your family prefers water parks, outdoor adventure, lake days, hiking trails, winter sports, or small-town exploring, there is no shortage of ways to stay busy.

Over the years, we’ve enjoyed everything from rafting on the Lehigh River and boating on Lake Wallenpaupack to tackling the ropes course at Blue Mountain and spending weekends at Kalahari and Great Wolf Lodge. If you’re planning a trip and looking for more ideas, be sure to browse my Poconos travel guides for families for additional tips, itineraries, and family-friendly destinations throughout the region.

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Our family travel photography © Stack the Miles. All family and attraction photos were captured during our Poconos trips. Select scenic and landmark images courtesy of trusted stock sources and tourism archives.

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