Did you know the Pocono Mountains used to be a popular honeymoon destination? The original heart-shaped tub even made its debut right here in the Poconos.
Flash-forward to today, and it has become known as one of the top family destinations across the United States! Recognized for its natural beauty and wide range of outdoor activities, it is no wonder tourists have begun flocking to this corner of the states.
If you're thinking of packing up the family or a trip to the Pocono Mountains, you'll want to check out this guide. Listed below are some of the best things to do in the Poconos!
Quick View: The 23 Best Things to do in Poconos:
- Pocono Whitewater Rafting
- Big Pocono State Park
- Asa Packer Mansion
- Shawnee Mountain
- Downtown Stroudsburg
- Promised Land State Park
- Poconos Go Karts and Play Park
- Pocono Indian Museum
- Quiet Valley Living Historical Farma
- Pocono TreeVentures
- Digmans Falls
- No. 9 Coal Mine Museum
- Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railroad
- Poconos Horseback Riding
- Shawnee Playhouse
- The Schlisler Museum and McMunn Planetarium
- Klingel's Farm
- Pocono Snake and Animal Farm
- Jack Frost Big Boulder
- Heckman Orchards
- Callie's Candy Farm
- Beltzville State Park
- Milford Beach
1. Pocono Whitewater Rafting
Ready to sprinkle a little adventure into your family vacation? Head over to Pocono Whitewater to experience some of the best outdoor getaways the region has to offer!
Choose from a wide variety of whitewater rafting adventures, from family-friendly excursions to moonlight rides. You can also opt for a combo adventure. Pepper in some biking, hiking and even paint-balling into your outing!
Source: Pocono Whitewater Rafting Facebook
2. Big Pocono State Park
Big Pocono State Park spans 1,306 acres across rugged terrain on the summit and slopes of Camelback Mountain. The park features over eight miles of trails, though there is a 1.4-paved drive for those looking for a lighter trek.
The summit features some amazing views of Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey!
Source: Big Pocono State Park Flickr
3. Asa Packer Mansion
The Asa Packer Mansion is located in the quaint and historic town of Jim Thorpe and was once home to the philanthropist and railroad magnate for which its named.
The mansion consists of 3 stories, 18 rooms and approximately 11,000 square feet of living space and is now open to the public. Visitors can tour the grounds and learn everything there is to know about the legendary Packer family!
Source: YouTube
4. Shawnee Mountain
If you're a fan of winter sports, you'll want to plan a trip to Shawnee Mountain, which features 23 slopes and trails, 2 terrain parks and a snow tubing park. There are also tons of area lounging and dining options throughout the area!
Source: Ski Shawnee Twitter
5. Downtown Stroudsburg
The Pocono Mountains offer tons of natural beauty, but there are also some amazing cultural spots to check out! Head over to downtown Stroudsburg if you're in the mood to check out some local boutiques, museums, galleries, murals, music venues and more!
Source: via Twitter
6. Promised Land State Park
A great summertime destination, the Promised Land State Park spans about 3,000 acres in size and is surrounded by over 12,000 acres of the Delaware State Forest.
The park features two lakes where you can fish, boat, swim, and more! There are also tons of hiking trails cabins and camping areas to check out.
Source: Flickr.com
7. Pocono Go Karts and Play Park
Need a break from the great outdoors? The Poconos Go Karts and Play Park offers the whole family an opportunity to enjoy a moment behind the wheel. The park, which serves as the area's largest and best go-karting park, contains both adult and kiddie tracks.
Source: Pocono Go Karts
8. Pocono Indian Museum
Looking for some things to do in the Poconos with kids? Head over to the Pocono Indian Museum where you'll learn the history of the Delaware Indian, starting from 10,500 B.C.!
Learn about their peaceful coexistence with other Indians, their initial contact with European settlers, and the short 100 years it took for the white man to virtually eliminate all trace of the Indian's existence. Guests can also explore displays of ancient artifacts, weapons and tools!
Source: via Facebook
9. Quiet Valley Historical Farm
Take a trip back in time! The Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm can introduce you and your family a dose of 19th century Pennsylvania German agricultural heritage.
Visitors can expect to find a 1850s bank barn, the original farmhouse, a cabin, springhouse, icehouse, smokehouse, dry house and assorted smaller barns. They'll also find dressed interpreters re-enacting daily life on the farm.
You'll also find a bunch of farm animals located on the 114-acre plot, including horses, cows, pigs, goats, ducks, rabbits and chickens.
Source: Quiet Valley
10. Pocono TreeVentures
Every wonder what the Pocono Mountains look like from above? Find out at Pocono TreeVentures, where you'll find a series of aerial ropes adventure courses and zip lines. Each platform stands 40 feet above the ground. Kids courses are also available for those 4-7 years old.
Source: Exploria Resorts
11. Dingmans Falls
Standing at 130 feet, Dingmans Falls is the second highest waterfall in the state! There are a few different trails that lead you to the falls, and all are doable with kids in tow. Don't forget the camera! This is definitely one pit stop you'll want to document.
Source: Pinterest
12. No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum
The No 9 Coal Mine was originally opened back in 1855 by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. Today, it operates as a museum to introduce visitors to the region's coal mining heritage.
Tourist can ride by rail 1,600 foot into the mountain before embarking on a 600-foot guide walking tour where they can examine the original 900-foot deep mine shaft, walk the “mule-way” where young men guided the mules between the different levels of the mine, and see a miner’s hospital cut into solid rock.
The museum houses the largest collection of mining artifacts in the area, including tools, blasting equipment, household goods, and more that belonged to the miners who worked the No. 9 Mine.
Source: No 9. Coal Mine Museum
13. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railroad
Hitch a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railroad! Here, you can take in the sites from vintage coaches built as early as 1917. The narrated out-and-back trip follows the majestic Lehigh River over bridges and into the Lehigh Gorge State Park.
The view along this magnificent route changes with the seasons. Special events, including holiday trains, are scheduled throughout the year.
Source: Pocono Mountains
14. Poconos Horseback Riding
Families who ride will want to head over to Poconos Horseback Riding for a guided tour, lesson and other stables-related activities.
The ranch caters to individuals of all levels so don't worry about not being able to keep up! Wagon, carriage and sleigh rides are also available!
Source: Instagram
15. Shawnee Playhouse
The Shawnee Playhouse was originally built back in 1904. Today, local actors and actresses continue to perform quality live theatre for the residents and vacationers of Shawnee. Children's shows included!
Source: Shawnee Theatre Twitter
16. The Schisler Museum and McMunn Planetarium
As the folks over at The Schisler Museum and McMunn Planetarium like to say, two adventures, one price! Spend the day exploring the natural world through a series of engaging collections, educational programs and diverse exhibits.
Source: Schisler McMunn Twitter
17. Klingel's Farms
Spend the day at the Farm! Klingel's Farm produces delicious local food and contains some of the best local entertainment around! Get lost in their 11-acre corn maze or poke around their famous pumpkin patch! Mountain slides and wagon rides are also available.
Source: Facebook.com
18. Pocono Snake and Animal Farm
Get up-close-and-personal with all kinds of animals at the Pocono Snake and Animal Farm. The family-owned facility has been in operation for over 30 years.
The "starter zoo" offers kid the opportunity to bottle-feed deer, goats and potbellied pigs. They can also feed the monkeys, pet the rabbits and admire a 23-foot python!
Source: Snakefarm Facebook
19. Jack Frost Big Boulder
Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, just a few hours from New York City and only about an hour from Philly, is one of the best ski, snowboarding and snow-tubing destinations around.
The Jack Frost Big Boulder features over 15 trails and 10 lifts for individuals of all levels to explore!
Source: from Facebook
20. Heckman Orchards
Planning a trip to the Pocono Mountains this spring? Make sure to stop by Heckman Orchards, where you can pick your own fruits and vegetables. Make sure to check out their official site to see what's in season!
Source: Heckman Orchards Facebook
21. Callie's Candy Kitchen
Have any chocolate addicts in the family? Well then Callie's Pretzel Factory will be a must-stop shop! Here you'll find all your favorite treats including potato chips, licorice, and cream cheese, covered in chocolate!
In 2015, they even opened up a museum to introduce visitors to the art and history of candy making. You can visit free of charge during normal business hours.
Source: Callie's Candy Kitchen Facebook
22. Beltzville State Park
Did you know that Pennsylvania has more covered bridges than any other state? Visit the Beltzville State Park for a better view of one of these regional staples.
The Harrity Covered Bridge, also known as Bucks Covered Bridge, is located in the middle of the park. Originally built back in 1841, the bridge spans 66 feet over Pohopoco Creek.
The park itself spans across 3,002-acres and features tons of hiking trails, picnic areas and a sandy beach, which also serves as a rest stop for migrating waterfowl and a popular destination for boaters and anglers.
Source: via Flickr
23. Milford Beach
Looking for a place to swim? Head over to Milford Beach during the warm weather months for a place to swim, sunbathe and engage in other forms of summer fun!
It's one of three lifeguarded beaches in the areas, so you don't have to worry about anyone getting in too deep! The area also offers a grassy area and comes complete with picnic areas, a pavilion, restrooms, a boat launch, a canoe launch, and access to the Joseph M. McDade Recreational Trail.
Source: via Pocono Mountains
How did you enjoy our list of things to do in the Poconos? Check out the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau for some more ideas. If you haven't yet figured out where to stay, think about spending a few nights with us!
Our Poconos lodge features over 401 suites for guests to enjoy. Our indoor water parks spans over 79,000 square feet, contains 3 pools as well as a host of dry-land activities. Check out our official site for more information our best deals. We hope to see you soon!
FAQ's
There are so many things to do in the Poconos. The Pocono Mountains are home to some of the most beautiful outdoor scenery and nature in the United States, with hundreds of hiking paths, trails, and more criss-crossing the region. It has also become known in recent years as a popular family vacation destination, featuring numerous tourist attractions, resorts, outdoor activities, and more. Combine those two elements—amazing outdoors fun and family-friendly cultural attractions and landmarks, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in the Pocono Mountains.
If you’re in Niagara and excited to tackle your list of “Poconos things to do,” the fastest drive from Niagara Falls to the Pocono Mountains takes roughly five hours and 15 minutes.
At 227 acres wide, Lake Harmony is considered the cleanest lake in the Pocono Mountains, thanks to the continually replenishing stream of fresh water from the nearby mountains.
The Pocono Mountains have been a popular residence for people looking to escape the fast pace of city living. It’s not hard to see why: There are so many things to do in the Poconos in summer, winter, and each season in-between. With great quality of life and the surrounding beauty of the natural landscape, it’s a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Poconos activities that will entertain every member of your family are easy to find. A number of the most fun things to do in the Poconos can be found on our list above of “24 Things To Do in the Poconos in 2024.” From a visit to Great Wolf Lodge, to the natural beauty of the forests and mountains, to the numerous parks, family restaurants, Poconos resorts, and other travel destinations throughout the region, the Pocono Mountains contain many popular attractions for tourists and families.