Fun Indoor Things to Do with Kids in Erie, PA
Wednesday Aug 27th, 2025
Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes
Erie is known for its affordable family attractions, with activities for kids of all ages and in any weather! Spending an afternoon at one of these locations will no doubt provide a day of laughs and fond memories of quality time spent together.
Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park
Splash Lagoon is consistently ranked one of the country's Top 10 Water Park Resorts by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice. It’s a tropical oasis with nine thrilling slides, a 200,000-gallon wave pool, FlowRider surf machine, the Tree Tops Ropes Course, arcade, food court, and a newly renovated Tiki Tree House complete with water sprayers, mini dumping buckets, Froggy Family splash pad for the little ones, and a giant tipping coconut! Day passes and overnight packages are available year-round.
Play Port Arcade and Family Fun Center
Relive fond memories of going to the arcade and share them with a new generation, where over 100 games are set to “free play”, no quarters needed! The bright neon colors and amazing collection of retro arcade games will transport your family back to the 80’s and 90’s with classic arcade games such as Pac-Man, Centipede, and Donkey Kong. Play Port also has laser tag, glow golf, virtual reality games, and glow pool. General admission includes all “free play” video games and one round of glow golf.
Five Iron Golf
Five Iron Golf is Erie’s newest indoor attraction, combining state-of-the-art golf simulators with high-tech interactive games in a fun and energizing space suitable for all ages. Seven simulators are loaded with games such as Slapshot Hockey and Zombie Dodgeball, perfect for beginners, kids, or a group looking to have some competitive fun. Spanning two floors, Five Iron Golf also features ping pong, shuffleboard, and a full menu with a variety of kid-friendly options including handmade 12” artisan pizzas, street tacos, and wings.
The expERIEnce Children’s Museum
The interactive museum completed a multi-year, $18 million renovation and expansion project in 2024, giving its littlest guests more room to unleash creation, exploration, imagination, and play. Many exhibits pay homage to the Erie community. “Lake Life” boasts the second-largest interactive water table in the country, featuring miniature versions of the Bicentennial Tower and the Land Lighthouse, two of Erie’s iconic structures. “My Town” is a kid-sized town packed with hands-on experiences from taking orders at a restaurant to changing the oil on a car.
ASCEND Climbing
Challenge your family to an indoor climbing adventure at this state-of-the-art gym, which features walls for all skill levels, ensuring everyone—from beginners to seasoned climbers—can enjoy the experience. Families can bond while tackling a 50-foot lead climbing wall, top-roping, auto-belay walls, and bouldering terrain. Individual day passes, multi-day or weekend passes, and 10-punch passes are available. Children under 18 climb for $10 with an adult climber, and kids 5 and under climb for $5. Shoe and chalk rentals are free for first-timers.
The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC)
Dedicated to teaching its visitors about the history of Presque Isle State Park, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (affectionately referred to as “TREC”) is a free facility with two floors of engaging and interactive exhibits, and a glass-enclosed observation tower offering panoramic views of Lake Erie. Through these exhibits, visitors learn about the importance of preserving and appreciating the natural beauty that is Presque Isle. A visit to TREC is incomplete without taking a moment to set the three towering whirligig structures near the main entrance in motion, bringing to life a multitude of hand-carved figures.
