Family Fun in Pennsylvania: Top Kid-Friendly Activities

Pennsylvania offers a fantastic range of experiences for families, ensuring that kids of all ages will have a memorable time. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills or educational adventures, the Keystone State has something to offer every family. From the excitement of amusement parks to the wonders of interactive museums, let's explore some of the top destinations for family fun in Pennsylvania.

Thrilling Amusement Parks

Hersheypark® Since its establishment in 1907, Hersheypark® has transformed from a relaxing park into a premier amusement destination. Today, it features 15 exhilarating coasters, including the Breakers Edge Water Coaster, and over 75 rides, water slides, and other attractions. Ride the sooperdooperLooper, the East Coast's first looping roller coaster, or the Cocoa Cruiser for younger children. Also check out Candymonium, one of their newest and tallest roller coasters!

Sesame Place® Specifically designed for families with young children, Sesame Place® provides a magical experience centered around the beloved Sesame Street® characters. Enjoy 17 land-based rides, nine water rides, and three live Sesame Street® shows. With a daily parade and a unique "Dine with Elmo and Friends" experience, Sesame Place® is the perfect destination for younger children. Importantly, Sesame Place® has been designated as a Certified Autism Center, with staff trained to provide sensory guides, noise-canceling headphones, and quiet rooms to ensure a welcoming environment for all.

Knoebels Amusement Park Nestled in central Pennsylvania, Knoebels Amusement Park has been a family favorite for nearly a century. The park boasts over 60 rides and 37 unique food and drink stands and has been voted as having the best amusement park food in the world 22 times. Don't miss the Haunted Mansion, regarded as one of the best dark rides, or The Grand Carousel, which won "Best of the Best" in 2018. Plus, admission to Knoebels is always free!

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom® Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom® offers a variety of thrills, water adventures, and kid-friendly activities. Enjoy over 100 rides, shows, and attractions. Seaside Splashworks features more than 75 play elements, including water slides and cannons, while Planet Snoopy offers PEANUTS-themed fun for younger guests.

Dutch Wonderland Designed for families with young children, Dutch Wonderland is known for its live entertainment, over 30 rides, and Duke’s Lagoon water play area. Explore Exploration Island, a land filled with lifelike dinosaurs, where young explorers can dig for fossils and learn about prehistoric creatures.

Kennywood Kennywood, celebrating over 127 years of innovation, provides a mix of classic rides and modern thrills. It features eight roller coasters, a 14-ride Kiddieland, and unique attractions. It is a Pennsylvania icon and a destination for generations.

Interactive Museums and Unique Experiences

The Crayola Experience® Ever wondered how Crayola® crayons are made? The Crayola Experience® offers a hands-on discovery center where children and adults can explore the magic of color and experiment with innovative art techniques. Toddler Town provides a dedicated area for preschoolers with age-appropriate activities. ### The Houdini Tour & Magic Show Located in the world's only building dedicated to Harry Houdini, The Houdini Tour & Magic Show presents a thrilling spectacle. Enjoy guided tours, rare film footage of Houdini's escapes, and performances by professional magicians.

The Hershey Story® The Hershey Story® allows visitors to explore the legacy of Milton S. Hershey, the town he created, and the history of chocolate making. Through interactive exhibits, visitors can learn about the unique qualities of chocolate and even participate in hands-on classes in the Chocolate Lab.

Please Touch Museum The Please Touch Museum provides a perfect venue for families with young children. Its interactive exhibits encourage learning through play, allowing children to explore and lead their parents through the exhibits.

Carnegie Science Center The Carnegie Science Center brings the world of science to life with hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a four-story IMAX® dome theater, and an interactive planetarium. Explore the Mars: The Next Giant Leap exhibit for a journey into space.

Elk Country Visitor Center Located within the heart of Pennsylvania's elk range, the Elk Country Visitor Center provides conservation education. Learn about Pennsylvania’s elk population through exhibits, 4-D theater presentations, and tours of the region to see the elk herd.

The Turkey Hill Experience At the Turkey Hill Experience, visitors can learn about dairy culture and the history of Turkey Hill®. Through interactive exhibits, discover how Turkey Hill® ice cream and tea are made, and even try milking mechanical cows or creating your own ice cream flavor.

The Franklin Institute With a mission to inspire a passion for science and technology, the Franklin Institute offers innovative, interactive exhibits. Experience BODY WORLDS, an engaging look inside the human body, and Wondrous Space, an immersive cosmic experience.

Hands-on House, Children’s Museum Designed for children ages two to ten, Hands-on House, Children’s Museum of Lancaster offers interactive and participatory activities. Connect dinner foods to local farms, steer tractors, and feed animals at the Little Valley Farm exhibit.

Woodloch Pines Resort Woodloch Pines Resort, a family-oriented resort in the Pocono Mountains, offers a range of activities, including a Pre-K activity center, boat rides, mini-golf, and nature trails. Parents can also relax in the award-winning spa.

Strasburg Rail Road™ The Strasburg Rail Road™ offers a unique opportunity to experience steam railroading while learning about its history. Take a trip on an authentically restored coal-burning steam train and tour the Mechanical Shop.