Summer Fun Things to Do with Kids in Erie PA
Wednesday Jul 20th, 2022
Family fun has never been this easy! There are so many fun things to do in Erie PA you’ll never run out of ideas! From picnics on the beach to racing around a go-kart track, Erie is definitely a kid-friendly, affordable, and easy to get around destination. Set your course for our welcoming shores and get ready for a stress-free, relaxing adventure. Here are some of our suggestions on the best ways to have fun with your kids in Erie PA. Photo credit: @macaronikiderie via Instagram
Have a Picnic at Presque Isle State Park
The sandy beaches and refreshing waters of Lake Erie set the perfect summer scene for a picnic. Pack your own goodies or stop at Sara’s Diner on the way in and fill your basket full of summertime food favorites. Sara’s offer family value meals that include burgers and/or hot dogs, your choice of a side and a drink. Presque Isle has a number of picnic facilities, tables and grills located throughout the park, including the beaches. Just remember to clean up after yourself and do your part to keep the park beautiful.
Make and Take Art at the Erie Art Museum and Board and Brush
The Erie Art Museum’s Second Sunday programs are a fun, educational way to spend the afternoon learning about and creating art. Each month features a different art making theme and project. Upcoming Second Sundays will be held July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13 and December 11. Put down the electronic devices and create your own homemade masterpiece with a do-it-yourself kit from Board and Brush. At an affordable $25 price tag, these kid-friendly signage kits come in many different designs such as holidays, seasons, welcome signs and fun sayings and are equipped with step-by-step instructions and related art materials. Photo of Second Sundays provided by the Erie Art Museum.
Check items off the EPIC Erie Summer Bucket List
VisitErie and Macaroni KID Erie have teamed up this summer with the “EPIC Erie Summer Bucket List” challenge. The challenge is a unique and entertaining option for families to explore Erie with 50 creative ways to make the most of your summer. Download the free ‘Hello Erie’ trip planner app, check in at five or more of the bucket list stops and be entered to win one of three Erie prize packages. Learn more and get started here! The contest ends August 30, 2022. Pictured: Scallywags Pirate Adventures
Eat for Free Kid Deals
Why worry about what to cook when you can take the kids out for a free meal! On any given Sunday kids under 12 eat for free at Dickey’s Barbecue with the purchase of a minimum $10 adult order. Perry’s Tavern inside the Flagship City Food Hall has Family Nights on Mondays after 4 p.m. where kids can enjoy a free personal cheese pizza (minimum $5 purchase). At all three Erie Applebee’s locations, small kid's meals are free and large kid's meals are 99 cents on Wednesdays, with the purchase of an adult meal.
Spend a Day at Waldameer Park and Water World
With free parking, free admission, and over 100 rides and slides set among beautifully landscaped grounds, Waldameer Park welcomes fun seekers of all ages! If you’re brave enough, join your older children on the exhilarating Ravine Flyer II wooden coaster or scream alongside them on Chaos or Liquid Lightning. Families with younger children can take a spin on classic rides such as the dodgems or the paratrooper and those with toddlers can enjoy Waldameer’s special kiddie ride section or Water World’s Kidz Zone area filled with fun sprayers and fountains.
“Drive” them Crazy at the Erie Sports Center
Challenge your family members to a friendly go-kart competition at the Erie Sports Center Fun Park. Race up to 30 mph and satisfy your need for speed while competing for “fastest lap” or “most likely to spin-out”. If your family is made up of thrill seekers, then this go-kart experience is the ride for them. The Fun Park’s fleet of go-karts includes gas-powered single karts, junior-sized karts and double-seated go-karts. Photo credit: @eriesportscenter
Flower Festival Fun
This year, Port Farms is celebrating their 125th anniversary and they are planning something fun and exciting for every season! First up is the annual Flower Festival, taking place August 6 through September 11. Pick one or pick a bundle of vibrant sunflowers or zinnias from their acres of blooming beauties. Look for more family-friendly events in the fall and winter including Port Farms’ Fall Harvest Festival and Christmas Tree Farm and Holiday Celebration.
Photo provided by Port Farms.
Be a Party Animal at the Erie Zoo
Go wild and celebrate your child’s birthday or special occasion with the animals at the Erie Zoo! The Zoo’s Adventure Center Party Room is available for two hour parties March through November. A Zoo party includes zoo admission, an animal presentation with two animal ambassadors, a carousel ride for all party guests, pizza, treat bags and more! Photo credit: Erie Zoo
Breathe in the Fresh Air!
While the weather is still picture-perfect, get everyone outside to take advantage of Erie’s outdoor parks, gardens and farms. Take a relaxing stroll among the natural beauty of Frontier Park then kick things up a notch with a whoosh down The Griff. Located on the north hillside of the park, The Griff is made up of three giant 40’ steel slides: a middle slide with two straight chutes and one curvy slide on each side. Throughout the summer months Goodell Gardens & Homestead holds kid-friendly programs, concerts and farmers markets. On Sundays, free guided afternoon garden tours are available.
