Day Trips from Philadelphia with Kids

Boasting some of the most incredible natural beauty in Pennsylvania, the Pocono Mountains are a true outdoor playground. There's something exciting to do here no matter what the time of year. Summer is perfect for hiking the trails in Lehigh Gorge State Park and splashing around at the Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark, while the snowy winter season invites visitors to ski at the Jack Frost Big Boulder Ski Area. No matter what the time of year, you can also stop by the Grey Towers in Glenside to snap a few photos.

Despite its tiny size, Lahaska is a great place to bring your kids for the day. The best place to visit here is Peddler's Village, a 42-acre 18th-century-style shopping village dotted with lovely gardens and crisscrossed with charming brick walkways. There are almost 70 shops selling everything from gourmet olive oil to locally made pottery, but if you're traveling with kids, be sure to stop at the nostalgic Skip's Candy Corner to pick up a few treats. After you're done shopping, stop by the Giggleberry Fair so your kids can ride the carousel, clamber around on the three-story obstacle course, and play arcade-style games.

Found just outside Palmerton, Blue Mountain Resort is a wonderful destination for outdoor fun no matter what the time of year. Visitors from all over the state flock here during the winter months to ski and snowboard, and there are approximately 40 slopes, with something for every ability level.

The resort also has a snow tubing hill, and it's one of the only mountains in the area that offers family-size tubes as well as individual tubes. During the warmer months, visitors can also enjoy mountain biking, playing disc golf, and testing their limits on the resort's exciting high ropes course.

1660 Blue Mountain Dr, Palmerton, PA 18071, Phone: 610-826-7700

One of the most popular outdoor attractions in the state, Bushkill Falls is a remarkable series of eight waterfalls sometimes referred to as the "The Niagara of Pennsylvania". A short 15-minute trail leads to a viewing platform overlooking the Main Falls, and there are several other longer trails that lead past the other waterfalls as well.

After admiring the falls, visitors can also play a round of mini golf, go for a paddle boat ride, or relax in the beautiful picnic area. The park is only open to visitors between April and November, and an admission fee is charged.

If you're looking for some good old-fashioned family fun, the Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is the perfect choice. The 300-acre farm can be found in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and it features a five-acre corn maze, a petting zoo, wagon rides, and plenty of fun games and activities.

During the fall, visitors can also come pick pumpkins right off the vine. The farm is open between the end of May and the beginning of November, and special events are often held in the summer and fall, including pig races, butter churning demonstrations, and live music performances.

150 Cherry Hill Rd, Ronks, PA 17572, Phone: 717-687-6843

Discovered in 1871 by two local farmers, Crystal Cave in Kutztown is a breathtaking underground cave known for its wondrous crystal-adorned rock formations. The cave was opened to visitors only six months after being discovered, and it's been one of the state's most spectacular natural attractions ever since. Visitors will be shown a short film before being led into the cave by a trained guide who will point out the cave's most impressive formations and explain how they were created. The cave is equipped with concrete walkways and steel railings to keep visitors safe, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

963 Crystal Cave Rd, Kutztown , PA 19530, Phone: 610-683-6765

As the home of the Crayola crayon factory, Easton is an excellent day trip destination for the young and the young at heart. The factory is no longer open for tours, but crayon lovers certainly need to spend some time at the Crayola Experience, a 65,000-square-foot amusement center full of colorful interactive attractions.

Your time here will likely be the highlight of your visit, but it's far from being the only thing there is to do in the city. Cycle along the Karl Stirner Arts Trail, stop by the National Canal Museum, or visit one of the city's beautiful waterfront parks.

Named for its location on the southern shore of the beautiful Lake Erie, the city of Erie is the best place in Pennsylvania to go if you want access to one of the Great Lakes. The pedestrian-friendly downtown boasts beautiful parks, excellent restaurants, and all sorts of family-friendly attractions, including the Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Waldameer Park & Water World, and the ExpERIEnce Children's Museum.

If you want to get out of the city, you'll also be right next to Presque Isle State Park, a sandy peninsula that offers plenty of opportunities to swim, fish, boat, and hike.

Best known as the site of one of the most iconic battles in American history, Gettysburg is an excellent destination for anyone who wants to learn more about the nation's heritage. Many of the city's top attractions revolve around this history, and visitors can take a guided tour of the Gettysburg National Military Park, visit the cemetery where Abraham Lincoln is buried, and even ride through the battlefield on horseback.

However, there are plenty of other things to do if you don't have an interest in history, including an apple museum, several state parks, and a special petting zoo with performing animals.