Pocono Mountains with Kids: The Ultimate Family Activity List
Traveling with kids changes everything about how you plan a vacation. Suddenly you need activities that hold the attention of a six-year-old and a twelve-year-old at the same time. You need backup plans for rainy days, restaurants that do not make you nervous about noise levels, and a place to stay where the kids can run around without you worrying about bothering other guests. The Pocono Mountains check every one of those boxes, and then some.
Our team at Pocono Pads hosts families all year round, and we have seen firsthand what works and what does not when it comes to keeping kids happy in the mountains. This guide covers the best family activities in the Poconos, organized by type so you can mix and match based on your kids' ages, interests, and energy levels.
What Makes the Poconos a Great Family Destination?
The Poconos sit in a sweet spot for family travel. They are close enough to New York City and Philadelphia that the drive is manageable with kids, usually under two hours from either city. The region offers a genuine mix of outdoor adventures and indoor attractions, so you are never stuck if the weather turns. And the vacation rental model means your family gets space: bedrooms, a full kitchen, a yard, and none of the cramped, two-queen-bed hotel room anxiety that comes with traveling in a family of five or six.
The price point works for families too. Compared to beach vacations in the Jersey Shore or Outer Banks, or theme park trips to Orlando, the Poconos deliver a fraction of the cost with just as much fun. When your kids can spend an entire day swimming in a lake, building a fort in the woods, and roasting marshmallows over a fire pit, you do not need expensive attractions to fill the time.
Best Outdoor Activities for Kids in the Poconos
Bushkill Falls
Bushkill Falls is one of the most family-friendly outdoor attractions in the entire region. Known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania, the park features eight waterfalls connected by a network of trails, bridges, and boardwalks. The Main Falls trail is the shortest and easiest, suitable for kids as young as four or five who are comfortable walking for about 15 minutes. The longer loops add more waterfalls and more challenge for older kids.
Admission is approximately $15 for adults and $7 for children ages 4 to 10. Children under 4 are free. The park also has a mining sluice where kids can pan for gemstones, mini golf, paddleboats on a small lake, and a native wildlife exhibit with fish and turtles. You can easily spend three to four hours here.
Pack snacks and water, as the on-site food options are limited. Sturdy shoes are important because the trails include wooden steps and some rocky sections that can be slippery when wet.
Camelback Mountain Adventures
Camelback Mountain in Tannersville operates one of the largest outdoor adventure parks in the Northeast during the summer months. The lineup includes:
A mountain coaster that runs over 4,500 feet through the forest. Kids must be at least 3 years old to ride with an adult and 48 inches tall to ride alone.
A zip line course with multiple lines, including one that runs over 4,000 feet. Height and weight requirements apply, so check the Camelback website before your visit.
A treetop obstacle course with different difficulty levels, including a junior course designed for younger children ages 4 to 7.
A climbing wall, bungee trampoline, and other activities suitable for a range of ages.
Camelback also operates Camelbeach, an outdoor waterpark with wave pools, water slides, a lazy river, and splash zones for little kids. Waterpark tickets typically run $40 to $55 per person, while adventure park activities can be purchased individually or as combo passes.
This is a full-day destination if you want it to be. For budget-conscious families, picking two or three activities rather than buying the all-inclusive pass keeps costs manageable while still giving kids an exciting day.
State Park Adventures
Pennsylvania state parks are free to enter and offer some of the best family outdoor experiences in the Poconos.
Tobyhanna State Park has a sandy swimming beach, a 5-mile flat trail around the lake that is manageable for kids who can walk or ride bikes, and picnic facilities with grills. It is an easy, no-pressure day where kids can swim, explore, and run around.
Promised Land State Park has two swimming beaches, boat rentals, and miles of trails through diverse forests. The nature center runs educational programs during summer months, including ranger-led hikes and wildlife talks that kids love.
Hickory Run State Park is home to Boulder Field, a geological wonder that looks like someone dumped a massive pile of boulders in the middle of the forest. Kids go absolutely wild climbing and jumping between the rocks. It is free, unique, and endlessly entertaining for children of all ages. The park also has a swimming beach at Sand Spring Lake.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Delaware Water Gap offers several family-friendly experiences. Smithfield Beach and Milford Beach are both popular swimming spots along the Delaware River with sand, calm water, and lifeguards during summer. Parking at these beaches is typically $7 per vehicle on weekends.
The Dingmans Falls trail is a flat, accessible boardwalk that leads to the second-highest waterfall in Pennsylvania at 130 feet. The walk is about half a mile each way and suitable for strollers. It is one of the most impressive natural sights in the Poconos and requires almost no physical effort to reach.
Fishing in the Poconos
Fishing is one of those activities that works for kids of almost any age. The Poconos have excellent trout streams, bass ponds, and stocked lakes. For families, the easiest option is to fish at a stocked lake in one of the state parks, where kids can drop a line from shore and are likely to catch something.
If you stay at our Creekside property, your kids can fish for trout right on the property without going anywhere. The creek that runs through the property is stocked, and there is something magical about a kid catching a fish 50 feet from the back door. Creekside also has a treehouse that kids treat as a second home during their stay, plus a bunkroom that makes bedtime feel like an adventure.
Pennsylvania requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older, which can be purchased online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for around $22 for residents and $52 for non-residents.
Best Indoor Activities for Kids in the Poconos
Rainy days happen, and in the Poconos summer, afternoon thunderstorms are practically a daily occurrence. Having indoor options ready keeps everyone happy.
Kalahari Resort Waterpark
Kalahari Resort in Pocono Manor operates the largest indoor waterpark in the Poconos. Day passes are available for non-resort guests, typically in the range of $50 to $80 per person depending on the day. The waterpark features water slides for all ages and thrill levels, a wave pool, a lazy river, a surf simulator, and an extensive splash area for toddlers and young children.
Beyond the waterpark, Kalahari has an arcade, bowling alley, mini golf, escape rooms, and a ropes course. A rainy day at Kalahari can easily fill an entire afternoon and evening.
The Crossings Premium Outlets
If the teenagers in your group need a shopping fix, the Crossings Premium Outlets in Tannersville have over 100 stores. It is not a traditional family activity, but for older kids and teens, an hour or two of shopping is a welcome break from nature. The outlet center is about 5 minutes from Camelback, making it easy to combine with other Tannersville-area activities.
Local Bowling and Arcades
Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg have several bowling alleys and family entertainment centers that are perfect for a low-key evening. Prices are generally reasonable, and the casual atmosphere is welcoming for families with kids of all ages.
Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg occasionally hosts family-friendly events, movies, and performances that are worth checking into during your visit.
Pocono TreeVentures
Pocono TreeVentures in Scotrun is an aerial ropes course set in the forest canopy. They offer courses at different difficulty levels, including options for younger children. It is an active, physical activity that gets kids off screens and into the trees. Prices are typically around $30 to $50 per person depending on the course level.
The course takes about two hours to complete, and the staff is patient and encouraging with nervous first-timers. This is one of those activities that kids talk about for weeks afterward.
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in the Poconos
Eating out with kids requires restaurants that are welcoming, fast enough to avoid meltdowns, and good enough that the adults enjoy the meal too. Here are our picks:
Smugglers' Cove in Tannersville has a pirate theme, a boat-shaped bar, and a menu that caters to both kids and adults. It is kitschy in the best way, and the portions are generous. Expect to spend $40 to $70 for a family of four.
Barley Creek Brewing Company in Tannersville is a brewpub with a solid kids' menu and a laid-back atmosphere. Parents can enjoy a locally brewed beer while kids work through chicken tenders and fries.
Callie's Candy Kitchen in Mountainhome is more of a sweet stop than a full restaurant, but it is a must-visit with kids. They make fudge, chocolates, and candy in-house, and kids can watch the candy-making process through a viewing window. Free samples are available, and you will not leave without buying something.
Sarah Street Grill in Stroudsburg offers a diverse menu that works for picky eaters and adventurous ones alike. The location on the main street in Stroudsburg makes it easy to combine with a stroll through town.
Planning Tips for Visiting the Poconos with Kids
Pack for Variable Weather
Mountain weather changes quickly. A sunny morning can turn into a rainy afternoon and back to clear skies by dinnertime. Pack a light rain jacket for every family member and keep it in the car. Layering is important too, as mornings can be cool even in summer.
Build in Downtime
The temptation on family vacations is to pack every minute with activities. Resist that urge. Kids need downtime, and honestly, so do parents. Choose one or two activities per day and leave the rest of the time open for spontaneous exploration, playing at the house, or just relaxing. The properties at Pocono Pads have enough on-site amenities like pools, hot tubs, game rooms, and fire pits that staying in for an evening is genuinely enjoyable.
Let Kids Help Plan
For older children, involving them in the planning process increases their excitement and reduces complaints. Show them the options and let them pick one or two activities they are most interested in. When kids feel ownership over the itinerary, the whole trip goes more smoothly.
Bring Outdoor Gear
If you have bikes, fishing rods, a football, or yard games at home, bring them. The open space at most Pocono rentals is perfect for outdoor play, and having familiar gear on hand gives kids something to do during the inevitable "I'm bored" moments.
Stock the Kitchen on Day One
Stop at Wegmans in Stroudsburg or Aldi on the way in and stock up on kid-friendly snacks, breakfast foods, and meal ingredients. Having food ready at the house means you never have to scramble to find a restaurant when everyone is hungry and cranky.
Where to Stay with Kids in the Poconos
Choosing the right property makes a massive difference in family satisfaction. Here is how our properties match up for different family situations:
The Green Monster (16 guests) is the runaway favorite for families with kids. The indoor slide is a hit with children of every age, and the bar area gives adults their own space in the evening. Being close to Camelback means the adventure park and waterpark are just minutes away.
Creekside (15 guests) is perfect for nature-loving families. Trout fishing on the property, a treehouse, bunkroom, and jacuzzi give kids and adults plenty to do without leaving. The natural setting makes it feel like a real wilderness experience while still having all the comforts of home.
Spring Getaway (16 guests) has a bunkroom that kids treat like a sleepover every night. The jacuzzi and fire pit keep adults happy, and the capacity works well for multi-family trips where cousins want to be together.
Cozy 5BR (12 guests) has a pool, hot tub, fire pit, and game room, which is basically a four-way tie for the kids' favorite feature at any given moment.
Every one of these properties has a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and enough space that family members can spread out when they need to. That alone makes the Poconos vacation rental experience fundamentally different from a hotel stay with kids.
Ready to plan the family trip your kids will not stop talking about? Browse our properties and book direct at poconopads.com. We love helping families find the perfect fit.
