12 Fun Things to do in Pennsylvania for Families

These Fun Things to do in Pennsylvania for Families covers the best attractions for children of all ages, so you can plan a great family trip.

If you are looking for somewhere to go on holiday in the U.S. that has a multitude of fun things to do for the whole family, you should definitely consider the state of Pennsylvania. You will find amazing amusement parks, zoos, museums and much more.

Here are some of the highlights that you will want to consider adding to your itinerary.

Fun Things to do in Pennsylvania for Families

Indulge Your Inner Chocoholic at Hersheypark

Lovers of chocolate will adore exploring the delights at Hersheypark, located in Hershey.

This is one of our favourite fun things to do in Pennsylvania for families because you get to take home plenty of treats too!

The scent of chocolate will follow you around as you and your family explore this amazing amusement park that is full of exciting rides like roller coasters, waterslides and the Candymonium®, which is the tallest, longest and fastest ride in the park.

There is even a wildlife park at Hersheypark, which spans 11 acres and is home to a variety of animals, including Mexican beaded lizards, vampire bats and ocelots.

Also, kids and big kids alike will undoubtedly enjoy meeting Hershey characters, dining at the Chocolatier Restaurant and exploring Chocolatetown!

Marvel at the Animals of Philadelphia Zoo

There are lots of fun things to do in Pennsylvania for families and one place you will not want to miss is the Philadelphia Zoo.

In the heart of Pennsylvania’s largest city, your family can marvel at over 1,300 animals from around the globe, including rare and endangered species.

As well as seeing creatures like lemurs, sloth bears and flamingos close up, your kids can take a ride on the NEW SEPTA® PZ Express Train or the Amazon Rainforest Carousel.

Also, while in Philadelphia, you might like to visit the iconic Liberty Bell, which is a famous symbol of American independence. Seeing the Liberty Bell is considered to be one of the 100 best things to do in the United States.

Have a Wild Adventure at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

If you want to see exotic animals in more natural habitats while also gaining the expert knowledge of a tour guide, you will prefer visiting Lake Tobias Wildlife Park to visiting urban zoos.

The safari tours at this wildlife park, which is located four miles north of Halifax, enable you and your family to see numerous animals that are native to Africa and Australia first-hand and learn about their habitats.

The animals include lions, Bengal tigers, Burmese pythons, dromedary camels, and zebras, to name just a few.

If you want a really wild wildlife experience, look no further than Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, one of the best fun things to do in Pennsylvania for families.

Visit The Franklin Institute

The state of Pennsylvania has more to offer than just amusement parks, zoos and wildlife parks. There are also lots of fascinating museums that both adults and kids will enjoy.

In Philadelphia, make sure you do not miss out on visiting The Franklin Institute; one of the 10 best things to do in Philadelphia.

This renowned science museum presents a world of discovery with interactive exhibits tailored for children and adults alike.

Whether you explore the massive walk-through heart model or observe the night sky at the planetarium, this place offers rich educational fun that transcends age barriers.

Hang Out with Elmo at Sesame Place

Who would not want to dine with Elmo from Sesame Street?

Well, you and your family can do exactly that at Sesame Place, the theme park just outside of Philadelphia that celebrates the long-running children’s television series. This is one of the fun things to do in Pennsylvania for families, especially if you are visiting with younger children.

You can all meet many of the other characters besides Elmo. And you can enjoy a number of entertaining rides, interactive play areas, and water attractions.

There are also daily family-friendly shows that feature favourite Sesame Street characters like Big Bird and The Count.

Chill and Have Thrills at Knoebels Amusement Resort

It could be a good idea to plan some free things to do in Pennsylvania so that you have the cash to splash out on the other attractions you want to visit, in which case consider spending time at Knoebels Amusement Resort.

It is one of the best free attractions in the state. In fact, it is the largest free-admission park in all of the United States. This is one of the best fun things to do in Pennsylvania for families and doesn’t cost you too much (you will need to pay for rides once in the park).

Knoebels Amusement Resort, which first opened way back in 1926, is a family-owned amusement park, picnic grove and campground, located in Elysburg.

The amusement park is quaintly nestled in the woods and it boasts a unique blend of traditional amusement rides and modern coasters.

Perhaps the best thing about this park is that it provides both thrills and tranquillity. You and your family have the opportunity to engage in some high-energy activities and also relax in a soothing natural environment.

See an Amazing Show at The Land of Little Horses Performing Animal Theme Park

For our next fun things to do in Pennsylvania for families, head to The Land of Little Horses Performing Animal Theme Park.

This is an interactive animal experience, located in Gettysburg, that all families are sure to enjoy.

You will be amazed by the professionally produced performances featuring cute miniature horses that have appeared on the likes of America’s Got Talent.

Your kids even have the opportunity to meet a real-life (well, almost) unicorn!

Furthermore, your children can have lots of fun grooming mini horses, petting animals and watching pig races.

Please Touch at the Please Touch Museum

If you have young kids full of curiosity and creativity, then Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia is a must-visit spot for learning through touch-based experiences.

This interactive hands-on museum houses numerous creative exhibits where children can delve deep into their imagination as they explore trains, sculpt sandcastles or even pilot spaceships!

Enjoy the creative Crayola Experience

Unleash your child’s inner Picasso at the colourful Crayola Experience in Easton.

With over 25 creative activities, including designing and naming your own crayon, this interactive playground encourages creativity and hands-on artistic exploration.

Adults will also have fun unleashing their creative talents.

Go on a Tour with Mural Arts Philadelphia

Another artistic venture that you and the family could embark upon is participating in a public tour of Philadelphia’s street art, by foot, trolley or train.

Mural Arts Philadelphia provides tours to suit your preference for getting around and educates you about the artworks you see as you journey through Philadelphia’s diverse neighbourhoods that are full of colourful murals.

Explore the History of Trains at The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is located in Strasburg in Lancaster County. Here, you can ignite your family’s passion for trains through interactive exhibits.

You can even explore full-size replicas of historical locomotives and ride old-fashioned trains.

Choo-choo!

Cool Off at Sandcastle Water Park

If you visit Pennsylvania in the summertime, you and your family can cool down and have a fun-filled day at Sandcastle Water Park in Pittsburgh.

Brimming with water slides, wave pools and lazy rivers, it is stocked with plenty of splash-worthy attractions for everyone in the family to enjoy.

As you have seen, there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do in Pennsylvania for families – and we have only listed some of the best attractions. There are plenty more!

So, before you head off to Pennsylvania, it is a good idea to consider what you and your family would enjoy doing the most, research the places in more detail, and consider the route you will take and your budget to come up with an effective plan for having fun in The Keystone State.