The Pocono Mountains Region in Pennsylvania, also known as The Poconos, has always been a great destination for a family vacation or a romantic getaway. Whether you’re sneaking away for a weekend getaway or planning that week long family trip, you’ll find some of the best things to do in the Poconos.
From the lush greenery to the waterfalls, waterparks to skiing, golf to outdoor adventures, the Poconos has been growing over the years, adding more activities and places to visit making this a perfect Pennsylvania destination.
Let me help you plan your next stress-free trip to the Poconos with this list of the best things to do in the Poconos!
1. Waterparks
Over the last few years, the Poconos has grown to include 3 indoor waterparks making it a popular destination for families.
Kalahari Resorts
Being America’s largest indoor waterpark, there is a Kalahari Resorts location in the Pocono Mountains region in Pennsylvania. And it’s the perfect place for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens to moms and dads. Everyone will enjoy this indoor waterpark especially in the winter when you’re want to escape the bitter cold of winter.
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge was the first indoor waterpark in the Poconos. When parents were looking to get away for the weekend with their kids, Great Wolf Lodge was the perfect place for that weekend family getaway.
Camel Back Mountain Resorts
Camel Back Mountain Resorts has had an outdoor waterpark for years. Then a few years ago they added their indoor waterpark and hotel. That makes this the third indoor waterpark in the Poconos. But with both the indoor and outdoor waterparks, you can switch between the 2, enjoying all those exhilarating water slides and attractions.
2. The Crossings Premium Outlets
Looking to do some shopping? The Crossings Premium Outlets is the perfect outdoor outlet mall. It has100 luxury brands and retail stores, and many premium dining options. You, mom’s, can definitely spend a fun-filled day here.
3. Skiing
The Poconos is definitely a popular winter destination to hit the ski slopes with many ski resorts and mountains to choose from.
Camel Back Mountain Resorts
At Camel Back Mountain Resorts, you don’t just get the enjoyment of the waterpark, you can also experience the adventure of the ski mountain. Voted #1 skiing and riding in Pennsylvania, Camel Back Mountain is a popular skiing mountain in the Poconos and one where you can enjoy a nice family vacation.
Shawnee Mountain
Whether you are a beginner just learning to ski or an advanced skier, Shawnee Mountain is a family-friendly ski area that makes it a perfect destination in the Poconos for that skiing trip your family is looking to take.
Tip #1 – If you are just learning to ski or snowboard, Shawnee Mountain has a beginner package where you can learn the basics.
Jack Frost – Big Boulder
Jack Frost – Big Boulder is broken up into 2 mountains, Jack Frost and Big Boulder Mountain, offering two discount experiences on the same lift ticket. You want to start out the season early, Jack Frost Big Boulder is the pace to visit as it is the first ski area to open and the last to close in the state every year.
Blue Mountain Resort
At Blue Mountain Resort, you will find some of the longest runs in Pennsylvania, With over 40 trails from beginner trails to expert trails, it is the perfect ski destinations for all level of skiers.
4. Cove Haven Resort
Now, if you are looking to leave the kids behind for a free kid weekend getaway, a romantic getaway to the Poconos may be right up your alley. And what better place to stay than at Cove Haven Resort. Cove Haven is a couples only resort and is most known for its heart shaped hot tub and seven-foot-tall Champagne Tower.
Tips #2 – A special offer going on right now where you can save up to 30% when you book a midweek stay.
5. Bushkill Falls
Bushkill Falls, also known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania, offers families, couples and any nature enthusiasts gorgeous views of eight waterfalls that can be accessed through thrilling scenic hiking trails and bridges.
6. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Delaware Water Gap offers many opportunities to learn and explore all about the nature and history of the park. You can hike, swim, boat, have a picnic, fish, or just take beautiful scenic drive.
7. Pocono Tree Ventures
Pocono Tree Ventures is an adventure sports attraction for all level of outdoor enthusiasts. It has outdoor aerial rope courses where you can climb, swing, zip across five rope course varying in level difficulty from ages 4 and up. It challenges you with aerial tightropes, swinging log steps, moving platforms, rope ladders, and zip lines.
8. Golf Resorts
There are a variety of different golf resorts located through the Poconos that all should be added to your bucket list if you are golfer.
Sky Top Lodge
This award winning golf course, Sky Top Lodge offers a mountain style track and is open to the public. Other than golf, Sky Top Lodge also offers a vast variety of outdoor adventures and activities such as hiking, archery, lawn games, rock climbing, fishing, boating.
You’ll definitely find something for everyone in your family at Sky Top Lodge.
Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort
This championship and legendary Pocono golf course located right on the property of Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort has 24 of their 27 holes and is located on an island on the Delaware River.
Looking for a weekend getaway golf trip, Shawnee Inn offers a stay and play package that includes an overnight stay, breakfast and a round of golf.
Pocono Manor Golf Course
Pocono Manor Golf Course is open for the public. And other golf amenities that you can enjoy during a day of golf are great practice facilities, fun practice holes available to you and a big driving range.
Pocono Manor has special rates for twilight golf, seniors and college students, as well as annual passes.
Split Rock Resort
You can enjoy some golf time at Split Rock Resort. If you want to make it a weekend golf trip, you can book one of their stay and play packages.
Or if you want to support a cause, you can play in one of their many tournaments at Split Rock.
9. Old Jail Museum
Located in Jim Thorpe, the Old Jail Museum is a two-story jailhouse that was built in 1871. It has a dungeon, gallows, and cell blocks and you can wander the cold hallways and listen to some of the strange happenings in the Old Jail. You can tour the jail and hear some fascinating stories of the jail and the prisoners.
There are also ghost tours offered that start in October.
10. Mount Airy Casino
Why go to Vegas when you can head to Mount Airy Casino in the Poconos. Mount Airy Casino Resort is a AAA Four Diamond Casino Resort. You can choose to play one of their 1800 slot machines, over 70 table games, or play a hand in their Poker room.
11. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm is an 1800’s living history museum. At this historical farm you will learn the lessons of an 1800’s working farm. Period dressed interpreters re-enact daily life on the farm. And you can find typical 1800’s farm animals such as rabbits, geese, chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, and cows.
It is a great experience for families and for your kids to feel immersed into the historical times of the 1800’s.
12. Claws n’ Paws Wild Animal Park
Claws n’ Paws Wild Animal Park is a zoo where you can get close to the animals. There are numerous activities that your kids can partake in such as digging for Dinosaurs, petting the Tortoises at Turtle Town, feeding the Parrots, and getting up close and personal with Giraffes to feed them some sweet carrots.
13. Promised Land State Park
Promised Land State Park is 3,000 square acres in size and is surrounded by 12,646 acres of Delaware State Forest.
This is a great park to enjoy a much needed relaxation family outing/trip. There are campgrounds and cabins where you can spend quality family time camping. Your family can certainly appreciate some of outdoor recreation fun, partaking in picnicking, hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, biking, hunting, and horse riding. And there are two beaches where your kids can enjoy playing in the sand and swimming around in the water.
14. Pocono Raceway
Pocono Raceway, also known as the Tricky Triangle, is a superspeedway car racing track. So if you like Nascar this is the place to visit in the Poconos.
But Pocono Raceway is more than just Nascar and racing, they actually have seasonal campgrounds that you can book as well as an infield RV park. The seasonal time for camping is April-October. Enjoy a nice camping trip with your family and revel in a Nascar race. What’s better than that?
Tip #2 – Nascar Doubleheader, June 25-27, tickets are now on sale.
15. Pocono Whitewater Rafting
Pocono Whitewater Rafting, a raft trip outfitter, has something for every adventure level. They have mild to wild rafting trips to family style trips. You can experience a Dam Release Whitewater trip which is 12 miles, 4-5 hour rafting trip where you’ll be surrounded by amazing scenery of state park protected mountains. Or you can try a milder Family Style Whitewater trip that is 8 miles, a 3-4 hour adventure and can be for children as young as 4.
But Pocono Whitewater Rafting doesn’t just offer whitewater rafting. You can partake in some rail trail biking or paintballing.
So grab your family or some friends and enjoy a half day, full day or a mini vacation at Pocono Whitewater Rafting.
16. The Sherman Theater
The Sherman Theater is a concert hall and community theater. It holds live music and events as well as festivals. Are you visiting the Poconos and would like a night out on the town listening to live music? The Sherman Theater is the place for you.
There is so much to do in the Poconos. And it is a great destination for a family vacation or a romantic, grown-up getaway. This list of things to do in the Poconos gives you some great choices of places to visit. So choose wisely!
Other Things to Do and Places to Visit in Pennsylvania
Looking for some great kid-friendly family trips to take in Pennsylvania, check out 18 Kid-Friendly Attractions to Visit in Pennsylvania.
Remember These Places to Visit and See in The Poconos
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Thanks for providing these interesting things to do in the Poconos! Next time I visit I will check out some of your recommended things to do.
Yes, make sure you check out some of these the next time you book a trip in the Poconos.
Thanks for sharing! I just booked my hubby an awesome surprise at the racetrack and I only found it because of your article!
That’s awesome! I hope he enjoys it. You’ll have to let me know how he liked it. Thanks for commenting!
Looks like there is a ton to do (and it’s not too far from where we live in Ohio)! Thanks for sharing!
Yes, there are lots to do in the Poconos. You’re welcome. And glad it was helpful for you.
I have a home in the Poconos. Thanks for supplying me with more fun things to do when I’m there.
You’re welcome! I’m glad it was helpful for you.