Outdoor Adventures and Farm Delights: A Perfect NEPA Day Trip for Kids
Get ready for an adventure-packed day full of fun, nature and tons of fresh air. Start your day at Frances Slocum State Park, where kids can be kids. Hike along scenic trails, explore the lake by paddleboat, take a refreshing dip in the pool, zip down slides at the playground, and enjoy a picnic lunch under a pavilion.
Then, take a short drive to The Lands at Hillside Farms, where kids can experience a working dairy farm up close. Meet adorable animals, pet a cow, splash around in the creek, and, of course, savor some homemade farm-fresh ice cream.
This day trip is all about blending the amazing natural beauty of NEPA’s state parks with cute animals, cold, creamy ice cream, and plenty of fun! So, pack a bag and a lunch and get ready for a day they’ll be talking about for weeks.
The first stop of the day has to be at the playground at Frances Slocum State Park, offering play areas for both toddlers and older kids. Highlights of the imaginative spaces include swings, slides, monkey bars, climbing structures, zip lines, and more. These challenging and adventurous features make for an inviting place where kids can let loose and have fun.
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With over 13 miles of hiking trails, there are plenty of chances to explore nature up close. The well-marked paths wind through lush forests, dense woods, and around the picturesque lake, with most trails suitable for all ages. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and migrating birds on your journey.
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A trip to the pool is a refreshing way to enjoy a summer day. Located next to the playground, the pool facility offers a large pool with shallow, one-foot entry for little ones and two thrilling, twisty slides for the big kids.
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The 165-acre lake is the centerpiece of the park and is the source of tons of fun activities. With plenty of convenient access points, you can enjoy fishing from the shore, a boat, or the ADA-compliant fishing pier. For those a little more adventurous, hop into a kayak, paddleboat, or rowboat and explore the park from the water — onsite rentals are available.
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The park is dotted with covered pavilions, picnic tables, and charcoal grills, making it super convenient to enjoy lunch in the park. Lakeside tables provide beautiful water views, while areas near the pool and playground offer a shady retreat on sunny days. Large open fields in these spaces allow kids to play ball or run around carefree.
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After an exciting day in the park, head to Hillside Farms. Just a short 10-minute drive from Frances Slocum, this working dairy farm is home to a variety of adorable farm animals. Visit with donkeys, horses, sheep and goats, and be sure to check out the newest calves born on the farm, housed in the barn across the street from the daily store.
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To wrap up your day, ice cream is a must – and boy do they deliver. Their creamy, homemade ice cream comes in a large variety of flavors, all made from Hillside’s fresh milk. Before you leave, be sure to stop by the dairy store and pick up a pint of ice cream and a bottle of chocolate milk to take home.
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From playgrounds to museums, find the most exciting activities for kids in NEPA right here.
