Family Fun in the Poconos

RECENT DISCOVERIES Family Fun in the Poconos

ENDLESS OUTDOOR ADVENTURES WITH EXCITEMENT AT EVERY TURN

Madison Meinel

FAMOUS FOR THE MANY campgrounds, scenic beauty and 150 clear lakes, the Pocono Mountains have attracted nature lovers and vacationing families for generations. Spend the weekend exploring the picturesque mountain slopes and hundreds of acres of state parks for tons of summer fun.

EMBRACE NATURE

Pack up the car, disconnect from devices, and commune with nature on a Poconos camping trip. Engage your inner adventurer with a visit to a campground and enjoy the fun of rustic camping—or with a few extra amenities.

Go old-school and pitch a tent in a campsite furnished with a fire ring, picnic table, water and electric or go off-thegrid at one of the bare bones campsites at Jim Thorpe Camping resort for a true “roughing it” wilderness experience.

For those desiring more luxurious accommodations, stay at the historic 1911 Shawnee Inn, now offering some modern twists like glamping (glamorous camping). Updated tents feature one queen bed, one daybed and a private deck overlooking the scenic Delaware River. New features also include a canoe trip, breakfast in the River Room and a recreation attendant to assist with fire making. All the beauty of camping with none of the hard work!

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Keep the family busy with plenty of Poconos fun activities—from laser tag and go-karts to animal parks and ziplining.

Soar through Skytop’s Treetop Adventure Course and discover an array of activities. This wooded course reaches over 1,500 feet in height with challenging obstacles, including elevated bridgeways, hanging logs, walk-across ladders and five different ziplines. Or give Skytop’s 33-foot climbing wall a try as you tackle six different sides with difficulty ranging from beginner to advanced.

Then unleash your wild side at Claws ‘N’ Paws Wild Animal Park. See over 100 varieties of animals with everything from roaring lions to swinging gibbons. Little ones can feed lory parrots and pet animals in a special petting zoo. And you can try your hand at an archeological adventure as you search for dinosaur bones in the Dino Dig.

Shawnee Inn Glamping

Skytop Treetop Adventure Course

Claws ‘N’ Paws Wild Animal Park

Round out the day at Costa’s Family Fun Park with activities like go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, mini golf, batting cages and more. Plus, you can finish the fun with family-favorite snacks including hand-dipped Hershey’s ice cream.

MAKE A SPLASH

Stay cool and explore the 150 lakes and 170 rivers the Poconos has to offer. Whether you prefer kayaking and canoeing, whitewater rafting and tubing, or just sunbathing and floating, you’ll find scenic waterways calling your name throughout the region.

Brave the rapids of the Lehigh River with Jim Thorpe’s River Adventures. Enjoy hours of exciting whitewater rafting with options for every experience level. Go fullforce dam release for a challenging ride or choose a calmer family-style trip and get a glimpse of the surrounding wilderness and wildlife. Be prepared for stops along the way for cascading waterfalls and swimming holes.

If you prefer a leisurely drift, head to the inlets of Lake Wallenpaupack and spend the day swimming and soaking up the sun. Paddle the lake with a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard and enjoy the serene waters. Plan to extend the summer by coming back for one last hurrah at the Wally Lake Fest, August 27–29, for live music, good food and even more lake-side fun.

And of course, spend a day at Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark for adrenaline-filled waterslides and poolside lounging. With over 37 rides, slides and attractions, Camelbeach Mountain offers thrills from mild to wild at the biggest waterpark in Pennsylvania. Just remember to pack your swimsuit!

EATING AND DRINKING

After a night at the campsite and a day in the water, it’s time to grab a bite to eat at one of the many Poconos restaurants. Explore the flavors of the region through farm-to-table dining, chef-designed tasting menus and family-friendly spots.

Indulge in signature burgers and handcrafted shakes made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients at B-Lux Grill & Bar. Even adults can get their sweet fix with one of their hard shakes, like the Kentucky Brain Freeze made with Maker’s Mark whiskey, caramel and peanut butter. Class it up at the Frogtown Chophouse, perfect for casual fine dining. This classic American chophouse, dating back to the early 1800s, is anything but old-fashioned. Choose delicious steak and seafood entrees like crispy duck topped with a raspberry sauce or barramundi filet with lemon garlic butter, plus artisan cocktails. Sip a Dirty Toad, A’Pear’ently “Frogtinis” or classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Chophouse Sangria.

Make a special toast to the night at one of the many area breweries and distilleries, including the Pocono Brewery Company with locally inspired craft beers available by the glass, flight and growler and served alongside wood-fired pizza.

Wherever you stay and whichever path you take, summer fun is always the destination in the Poconos Mountains! 

Costa’s Family Fun Park

B-Lux Grill & Bar Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark

For more info visit PoconosMountains.com