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Port Farms provided by Port Farms

Summer Fun Things to Do in Erie, PA with Kids

Friday Jun 7th, 2024

Make the most of your Erie, PA family vacation and fill your days creating memories that will last a lifetime. Summers in Erie are synonymous with boundless fun and adventure, offering a variety of activities for any age. Whether your family seeks an adrenaline rush from amusement thrill rides or a leisurely bike ride at Presque Isle State Park, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.

Summer Days at Port Farms: Immerse yourself in five acres of vibrant sunflowers, cosmos, and zinnias during Port Farm’s annual Summer Days event. Running from August 3 through September 8, Summer Days features a different event each weekend including Sweet Summer Days (August 3,4,9-11) and Blooms, Bubbles and Butterflies (August 16-18, 23-25). Summer Days is also pet-friendly! Many of Port Farms’ regular attractions and the gift shop are included with admission. (Pictured below.)

Erie SeaWolves AA Baseball: The 2023 AA Eastern League Championship Erie SeaWolves are back in action! Throughout the season, the SeaWolves add an extra layer of fun to their home games with special promotions such as fireworks/Star Wars Night (June 28), and fireworks/Marvel Night (July 5). Kids can unleash their energy inside UPMC Ball Park’s Kids Zone featuring inflatables and interactive games, give high fives and hugs to SeaWolves’ mascot C. Wolf, or run the bases after the game. Between innings, the SeaWolves provide engaging activities such as cheer competitions, dance-offs, and trivia quizzes to keep fans entertained and energized. Every Sunday is a designated Family Fun Day, featuring concession specials and family-friendly activities.

Oliver’s Bayfront Mini Golf: The combination of beautiful waterfront views and 18 holes of unique challenges and terrain makes Oliver’s Mini Golf a great family activity. Share laughter and friendly competition while aiming for that elusive hole-in-one. Scattered throughout the course are a handful of educational placards that highlight fun facts about Erie’s maritime heritage. Oliver’s mini golf is conveniently connected to Oliver’s Beer Garden, so you can play a round and enjoy delicious food and beverages from the snack bar or Oliver’s Food Truck.

Summer Days 2023 provided by PortFarms

Biking at Presque Isle State Park: Presque Isle’s 13-mile multipurpose trail forms a loop around the park, offering families an excellent opportunity to explore nature by bicycle and enjoy the outdoors together. The mostly flat, paved trail is accessible to cyclists of all skill levels with numerous points of interest along the way for you to stop and explore including the Presque Isle Lighthouse and Perry Monument. Bring your own or rent from Presque Isle Yellow Bike Rental, near Beach 7 (Waterworks Beach). Adult and kid-sized bikes, tandems, and surreys (four-wheeled, covered quadricycles) are available.

Waldameer Park and Water World: Celebrating its 128th season this summer, Waldameer is filled with rides, slides, and endless smiles. Ranging from timeless classic rides such as the Grand Carousel and Thunder River to beloved family favorites like Water World’s Battle of Lake Erie and Kiddie Land, Waldameer is a cherished summer tradition for generations of families and friends. This season, Waldameer added six new cabanas plus shade structures to Water World, additional parking and free wi-fi, and an expanded Snack Shack with tempting hot apple pie logs and chicken sandwiches. Explore both parks for one low price through Waldameer’s wallet-friendly combo pass. As always, parking and admission are free. (Pictured below.)

The Erie Zoo: Featuring a compact user-friendly design, the Erie Zoo is a refreshing departure from sprawling metropolitan zoos, allowing visitors to explore its array of exhibits and wildlife in just an hour or two. With captivating attractions and a streamlined design, the Zoo is perfectly suited for young children and limited attention spans. The Zoo includes more than 400 zoo animals, 11 beautiful botanical gardens, a wildlife carousel, the Safariland train, and multiple exhibit areas. This summer, the zoo debuts its new River Otter exhibit, an upgraded red panda exhibit, a refurbished children’s zoo bridge, and a refreshed main entrance. 

Family at Waldameer Waterpark credit sarahkrisdee

Nature Hikes: Embarking on a nature hike is a quintessential family summer activity. The Greater Erie Regional Trail Network features more than 15 trails and public parks for you and the kids to connect to nature. Frontier Park (pictured below) is a beloved network park in the City of Erie and is home to more than 1,000 trees, a labyrinth, The Griff (40-foot steel slides), stone bridges, and Cascade Creek. Other parks and trails in the network include Harborcreek Community Park, Wintergreen Gorge, and Asbury Woods. In the charming town of Corry PA, Mead Park offers 48 acres of landscaped outdoor space with tree-lined pathways, a playground, basketball and pickle ball courts.

YMCA Camp Sherwin: Since 1912, Camp Sherwin has been entertaining children of all ages with a wealth of amenities including a heated and guarded swimming pool, spray and play park, catch and release fishing pond, air jump pillow, hiking trails, playground, and scenic views of Lake Erie from its perch atop the bluffs. Located in west Erie County, Camp Sherwin is a short drive from the City and is open for camping and non-camping families. Day passes are available for $10 per person or $30 per family.  

 

Frontier Park Slides at Night Gibbens

Partner Spotlight

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MIAC Live: Pink Martini

Erie’s favorite globe-trotting “little orchestra,” Pink Martini, brings its 30th anniversary tour to Mercyhurst University’s Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m. Led by pianist Thomas Lauderdale and featuring the captivating vocals of China Forbes, Pink Martini boasts a multilingual repertoire and a sound that mixes classical, tango, samba, pop, swing, and jazz.

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The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern

Set sail for an inspiring dining experience! Enjoy a unique casual dining experience on Erie's Bayfront. The Cove's nautically inspired decor and an unbelievable view of Presque Isle Bay will have you feeling the venturous spirit of those who live their lives on the sea.

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Fall Harvest at Port Farms

Happy Fall Y’all! Come enjoy the farm during Fall Harvest season September 14 – October 31. Grab your friends and family and enjoy a variety of fall themed activities for every age. With over 25 attractions, our guests create long-lasting memories worth repeating. General admission includes wagon rides, an 8-acre corn maze, slide mountain, ball zone, game garden, pedal carts, corn box, Kid’s Village, animal exhibits, mindbender mazes, trike track, tire fort and so much more! Plan a birthday party with a campfire spot! PLUS, enjoy themed events and character visits!

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UPMC Hamot - See What Makes Us Different

UPMC Hamot is a 458-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, offering a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services. The hospital serves as a regional referral hub and is the only accredited trauma center in the region.

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ASCEND Spotlight 400 x 300 1

ASCEND Erie - Climbing | Fitness | Yoga

NOW OPEN! ASCEND fosters a community-centered climbing, fitness, and yoga experience by serving individuals and groups of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Located in Downtown Erie, ASCEND welcomes Erie visitors to stop in and give climbing a try!

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Two45 Waterfront Grille Now Open!

Savor an exquisite waterfront dining experience at Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, where culinary excellence meets panoramic views. This signature restaurant invites you to indulge in a delectable journey with a menu showcasing locally sourced ingredients and global inspirations while overlooking the serene waters of Lake Erie.

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Now Open in Downtown Erie

Five Iron Golf is blurring the lines between indoor golf and entertainment. State-of-the-art simulators and world-class instruction meet premium events and amenities plus delectable food and cocktail menus.

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Visit Edinboro, PA!

Edinboro Community and Economic Development is a regional Edinboro area non-profit committed to fostering positive community-wide growth. Through economic and civic initiatives, the ECED seeks to empower the Edinboro community to effectuate targeted change to meet current needs and build regional resilience. Edinboro is a unique area where rural and urban values intersect, and the best "small town America" qualities shine.

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Exclusive Tourism Rewards

If you live more than 50 miles from Millcreek Mall, stop by the Customer Service Center to register. You’ll receive a Guest Rewards Tourism Program Luggage Tag. Scanning the QR Code on it will reveal special offers from participating mall merchants. If you spend $200 or more that day, take your receipts back to the Customer Service Center and you’ll get a FREE $20 Mall Gift Card. You get rewarded just for shopping!

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Dobbins Landing Spring 2022 EB 2

Dobbins Landing

Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the Port of Erie has been promoting industrial, commercial, and recreational opportunities on the waters of Lake Erie since 1959.

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U Pick 6 Craft Beer Pubs & Restaurants

Erie’s own local craft beer pubs are a must-visit! With 4 great locations, just pick one that’s convenient for you! A casual, family friendly dining experience with something for everyone! To view our menu, check out what’s on tap, or get to directions to our pubs, learn more now!”

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Erie Events

Erie Events manages a four facility entertainment complex that includes the Warner Theatre, Erie Insurance Arena, Bayfront Convention Center and UPMC Park. These four venues host a variety of events that include world-class entertainment, family friendly shows and sporting events.

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Tia Book Cellar

Tia Book Cellar is an independent bookstore offering new and bargain books, unique gifts, puzzles, and games for all interests and ages. Located across from Gibson Park in North East, their brand embodies the local business model and the local grape heritage. Tia's believes that "there is always … local, an alternative, and a story." They look forward to helping you discover your next read or gift here.

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mazza spotlight

Mazza Vineyards and the South Shore Wine Company

The Mazza family welcomes you to explore 3 unique locations in Lake Erie Wine Country. Sip and savor award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA, and be sure to visit their combination winery, distillery and brewery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, in nearby Westfield, NY.

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Soak in the fun!

Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.

Ante-up, Erie.

Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.

Award-Winning Compassionate Care

Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row

One stop convenience.

Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.

Just for fun!

Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!

Award-Winning Compassionate Care

Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row

Ante-up, Erie.

Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.

Just for fun!

Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!

Soak in the fun!

Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.

One stop convenience.

Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.