Skip to Main Content Jump to Main Content
Hero Background Dots
The Ultimate Family Bucket List For An Unforgettable Summer image
Family Fun
June 14, 2024
The Ultimate Family Bucket List For An Unforgettable Summer
Make the most of your summer using our ultimate family-friendly bucket list. Try mini golf, explore new hiking trails, hit the water in a kayak, attend local festivals and so much more with this handy guide to amazing things to do all over NEPA.
X
X
Lightbox Image
Shop For A Cause
NEPA Store is open
Spread NEPA pride and make a difference, one tee at a time! 100% of profits donated to charity.
Visit the Store

Sweet summertime adventures in NEPA

Summer in NEPA is all about exploring our great outdoors, embarking on awesome adventures and creating family memories. Whether you’re spending a weekend at Lake Wallenpaupack, finding new hiking trails in the Pocono Mountains or planning a family picnic at one of our 18 state parks, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do to make your summer one to remember.

Start working on that bucket list for your family and squeeze as much fun as possible out of your NEPA summer.

 

Summer Bucket List Activities in NEPA
Four people ride a 4-seat tandem electric railbike at Pennsylvania Rail Bike in Hawley, PA.
Ride a Rail Bike

Hop aboard an electric-assisted rail bike and take a 10 or 20- mile journey along the Lackawaxen River in the Pocono Mountains with Pennsylvania Rail Bike in Hawley, PA.

Learn More
People gathered around the pool at BerVaughn Pool
Go for a Swim

Escape the heat while splashing in the refreshing water. NEPA’s swimming spots appeal to kids of all ages, from tot pools and splash pads to diving boards and water slides.

Learn More
A little boy standing in front of the Tomato Mascot at the Pittston Tomato Festival.
Attend a Festival

Enjoy live music and entertainment, delicious food, carnival rides, games, and vibrant cultural activities at NEPA’s fairs and festivals.

Learn More
A young boy and his grandmother picking strawberries in the fields at Pallman Farms in Clarks Summit, PA.
Pick Your Own

Harvest NEPA’s latest seasonal sweets from fresh strawberries to plump blueberries and create a hands-on connection to nature with a delicious reward.

Learn More
A man and a young child tee off at Costas Family Fun Park in Hawley, PA, one of NEPA’s favorite Mini Golf Courses.
Go Mini-Golfing

Tackle fun obstacles, aim for the perfect shot and score some post-game ice cream on the mini-golf course during everyone’s favorite summer pastime.

Learn More
Four adults riding down a water slide on blue mats at Montage Mountain Waterpark in Scranton, PA.
Visit a Waterpark

Keep it cool all summer with exhilarating slides, wave pools, and splash zones, NEPA’s waterparks promise endless fun for all ages.

Learn More
A man kayaking on the Susquehanna River in Northeastern Pennsylvania, surrounded by lush trees and mountains.
Go Kayaking

Paddling together down scenic rivers or along the lake shore and exploring nature up close while kayaking is an unforgettable bonding experience.

Learn More
Strawberry and vanilla swirl soft serve ice cream melting in a cone at Curly Creme Soft Ice Cream in Plains, PA.
Enjoy ALL the Ice Cream

Whether you enjoy a tall waffle cone, a chocolate sundae or the largest milkshake on the menu, make some sweet memories this summer with our NEPA Ice Cream List.

Learn More
A woman walks on a wooden boardwalk through a grassy bog at Thomas Darling Preserve, Blakeslee, PA
Hike a New Trail

Discover new breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, mountain vistas and native wildlife while exploring NEPA walking and hiking trails.

Learn More
Two boys at a Railriders game leaning over the fence to catch a ball at PNC Field in Scranton, PA.
Catch a Baseball Game

Hot dogs, peanuts and the roar of the crowd make for a fun outing enjoying a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders game at PNC Field in Moosic, PA.

Learn More
A van parked at the Mahoning Drive-In as the sun sets behind the giant movie screen in Mahoning Twp., PA.
Watch a Drive-In Movie

Families can enjoy a nostalgic, cozy night of cinema under the stars from the comfort of their cars at one of NEPA’s four drive-in movie theaters.

Learn More
A group of friends enjoys some time around the campfire while camping at Shawnee Resort & Golf Course in Shawnee on Delaware, PA.
Go Camping

It’s a chance to unplug, connect with nature, and create cherished memories roasting marshmallows around the fire and stargazing under the open sky at NEPA’s campgrounds.

Learn More
A waterfall at Hickory Run State Park in Drums, PA.
Hike to a Waterfall

No matter your age, a cascading waterfall is always a site to behold. Find a trail that’s suitable for your whole family and witness its majestic beauty firsthand.

Learn More
Visitors enjoy a ride on a small roller coaster at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA.
Visit an Amusement Park

From heart-pounding roller coasters to whimsical carousels, carnival games and sweet treats, a day at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA is a day well spent.

Learn More
A view of the crowd and outdoor stage on the riverfront in Wilkes-Barre during the Rockin the River concert series in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Attend a Concert

From Rockin’ the River and Sunsets on Soma in Wilkes-Barre to Rockin’ the Mountain in Hazleton, summer concerts are a fun way for kids to enjoy live music in a relaxed setting.

Learn More
Two fishermen casting lines from kayaks on the Delaware River in Milford, PA.
Go Fishing

From chasing finicky trout in a small stream to big bass in the Susquehanna River, the thrill of fishing in NEPA is a mix of true excitement and relaxation.

Learn More
A group of rafters takes on the wild rapids of the Lehigh River with Whitewater Challengers in Weatherly, PA, a popular outdoor activity in the Pocono Mountains.
Try Whitewater Rafting

Take on the wild rapids of the Lehigh River or the calmer waters of the Delaware River with one of NEPA’s whitewater rafting guides.

Learn More
A young girl plays with an interactive exhibit at the Bloomsburg Children's Museum in Bloomsburg, PA.
Visit a Museum

NEPA favorites like the Everhart Museum in Scranton and the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum  in Bloomsburg offer hands-on exhibits filled with activities designed to engage young minds.

Learn More
A woman pushes a stroller on a flat wooded section of the Back Mountain Trail in Trucksville, PA.
Go on a Nature Walk

Find an appropriate trail from easy out-and-backs to flat loops that are suitable for each child’s level and explore streams, wildflowers, and wildlife.

Learn More
Two children explore a nature trail at Frances Slocum State Park in Wyoming, PA.
Picnic in the Park

Spread out a blanket or snag a picnic table and enjoy everyone’s favorite snacks at one of NEPA’s 18 state parks or a great local park while the kids play games and explore nature.

Learn More
A rider takes on a more difficult m ountain biking trail at Merli-Sarnoski Park in Fell Twp., PA.
Go on a Family Bike Ride

Whether it’s a leisurely ride on the Lehigh Gorge Trail or an energetic mountain-biking excursion, family bike rides offer a mix of adventure and exercise.

Learn More
A white alpaca poses for a headshot at Alpacas of Windy Haven Farm in Covington Twp., PA.
Visit the Farm Animals

From baby goats, adorable cows and silly alpacas, NEPA’s family-friendly farms offer an interactive and educational experience for kids of all ages.

Learn More
Horseback Riding - NEPA - Things to Do - Northeastern Pennsylvania - DiscoverNEPA
Go Horseback Riding

Saddle up and hit the trails the old-fashioned way for an unforgettable experience horseback riding through the scenic Pocono Mountains.

Learn More
A crocodile rises to the surface in his aquarium tank at the Electric City Aquarium in Scranton, PA.
Visit an Aquarium

A fascinating place for kids to learn about marine life, Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den has touch tanks for interacting with sea creatures.

Learn More
A young boy in red shorts and a black shirt is throwing a bowling ball down a lane at Chacko's Family Bowling Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Go Bowling

From twilight bowl to the concession stands and more, bowling is the ultimate family competition where all ages can participate and create lasting memories.

Learn More
A waterfall cascades over rocks at Ricketts Glen State Park in Benton, PA.
Explore a State Park

Discover the magic of nature, from serene lakes and towering, old-growth forests to wooded walking trails, vibrant wetlands and native wildlife at NEPA’s 18 state parks.

Learn More
People pick out fresh produce like potatoes and cucumber at the Wilkes-Barre Farmers Market in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Visit a Farmers’ Market

Enjoy the spoils of harvest season at one of NEPA’s local farmers’ markets. Buy fresh produce and artisanal goods while supporting local farmers, communities and sustainability.

Learn More
A vintage steam train at Steamtown National Historic Site, Scranton, PA. The train is primarily dark green and black, with the number
Take a Train Ride

There are few better ways to take in all of the natural beauty of NEPA and learn all about our fascinating railroad history than on a cool, scenic train ride.

Learn More
A woman sits at a table reading a book at the Osterhout Library in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Find a Good Book

Summer story time sessions are a wonderful way to encourage a love for reading in young children and NEPA’s libraries and book shops are a great place to find favorite books.

Learn More
Inside of a patch town company house in the Eckley Miners'Village in Weatherly, PA.
Check out a Historic Site

NEPA is full of unique history and amazing stories. Introduce your kids to the region’s culture and heritage in an engaging way by checking out some of our local historical sites.

Learn More
A crowd passes through the marketplace at Reading terminal Market in Philadelphia, PA.
Take a Day Trip

Load up the car and head out for an easy day trip to New York, Washington D.C. or Philadelphia. You can even explore the Crayola Factory, the Baseball Hall of Fame and more on a little journey outside of NEPA.

Learn More
A girl raises her arms in triumph as she nears the end of a waterslide at Camel Beach Outdoor Waterpark in Tannersville, PA.
Celebrate Summer in NEPA

From waterparks, roller coasters and local festivals to hiking trails, camping, baseball and so much more, we’ve got all the elements of an epic NEPA summer covered.

Article updated from its original version published on 6/14/24.