Poconos with Kids — Best Family Activities & Indoor Waterparks
The Pocono Mountains (Pennsylvania) are a family destination famous for massive resort water parks. Unlike seasonal beach trips, Poconos resorts operate year-round with indoor water parks, making them ideal for families who want guaranteed activities regardless of weather. The region is 2–3 hours from major Northeast cities, making it a quick getaway.
This guide covers the major resorts, outdoor activities, and how to plan a Poconos family vacation.
Quick Facts: Peak seasons are summer (June–August) and winter holidays (Dec–Jan). Spring and fall are less crowded. Many attractions are resort-based; you don’t need to rent a car if staying on-site. A week-long family trip budget: $2,500–5,000 (lodging, meals, activities) depending on resort choice and what you do.
Major Resort Water Parks
Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains
The largest indoor water park in North America. Attached resort with rooms.
Water Park Features:
- MagiQuest Tower — 7-story interactive quest game while exploring the park (free with admission).
- Wolf Pack Cove — Shallow water area for ages 3–8. Zero-entry (no steps), fountains, small slides.
- Tornado Twist — Enclosed tube slide into dark tunnel. Thrilling. Ages 8+.
- River Racer Waterslide — High-speed slide with twists. $10 extra fee (optional).
- Lazy River — 25-minute float. Relaxing.
- Wave Pool — 3-4 foot waves. Fun and safe for swimmers.
- Hot Tubs & Saunas — Multiple relaxation areas.
Cost: Lodging + water park included (package pricing). Rooms run $200–400/night depending on season and room type. Water park access is included with lodging; day passes (non-guests) are $40–70.
Accommodations: Standard hotel rooms to suites with kitchenettes. Family packages are available.
Food: On-site dining at multiple restaurants and food courts. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Pricey but you don’t need to leave the resort.
Entertainment: Evening shows, arcade games, spa services (for adults), restaurants. Designed to keep you on-site.
Hours: 8 AM–10 PM daily (water park).
Best For: Families who want all-inclusive where you don’t need to drive anywhere. Ages 3–14 thrive here. Excellent for rainy or cold days.
Tip: Book mid-week or early in the season for lower rates. Summer weekends are most expensive.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Second-largest water park in the Northeast. Similar to Great Wolf Lodge but with a separate resort feel.
Water Park Features:
- Sunset Crater — Extreme spiral water slide. Ages 10+.
- FlowRider — Surfing on an artificial wave. $15 extra. Lessons available.
- Endless River — Lazy river with whirlpools and jets.
- Activity Pool — Diving board, basketball hoop, games. Interactive.
- Adventure Valley — Slides and water play for younger kids.
Cost: Rooms $150–350/night. Water park day passes $50–80.
Accommodations: Standard rooms to large family suites. Separate from the water park (you walk between them, but it’s enclosed).
Food: Food court, restaurants on-site.
Best For: Families who want water park with more separation between relaxation and activity areas. Similar to Great Wolf Lodge but slightly less crowded.
Hours: Water park 9 AM–9 PM daily.
Camelback Resort & Waterpark
Third major option. Smaller than Great Wolf or Kalahari, quieter, less expensive.
Water Park Features:
- Blackout Slide — Pitch-black enclosed tube (thrilling). Ages 8+.
- Wave Pool — 4-foot waves.
- Multi-level Slides — 15+ slides for all ages.
- Kids’ Area — Shallow pools and small slides for ages 3–7.
- Lazy River & Spa — Relaxation options.
Cost: Rooms $120–280/night depending on season. Day passes $40–65.
Accommodations: Hotel rooms and condos with kitchens.
Food: On-site dining. Less extensive than Great Wolf/Kalahari.
Best For: Budget-conscious families. Good quality, smaller scale, less overwhelming.
Outdoor Activities & Attractions
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
National park straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 70,000 acres. Hiking, canoeing, picnicking.
Hiking Trails:
- Dingmans Falls Trail — 1.2 miles round trip. Easy. Waterfall. Kids can do this.
- Waterwheel Trail — 2 miles round trip. Moderate. Historic waterwheel and waterfall.
- Pocono Ridge Trail — 3 miles. Moderate. Views of the valley.
Cost: Free (vehicle entrance fee $10/day or $25/week).
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Best For: Nature-loving families. Easy accessibility for younger kids if you pick easy trails.
Tip: Go early morning to avoid afternoon crowds and heat.
Bushkill Falls
A series of eight waterfalls in a preserved park.
What You’ll See: Main falls (200 feet), upper and lower falls, scenic trails, native flora. Walking paths range from 1–5 miles depending on which falls you visit.
Cost: $15 per adult, $8 per child (ages 4–14). Free under 4.
Hours: 9 AM–7 PM May–October; 9 AM–4 PM November–April.
Time to Spend: 1–3 hours depending on trails chosen.
Best For: Families who want a controlled nature experience (not backcountry hiking). Trails are well-maintained. Kids enjoy the waterfall views.
Tip: The main falls (short, easy walk) is photogenic. More ambitious trails lead to additional falls.
Crayola Experience (Easton, 30 minutes away)
Interactive art and creativity experience. Not a standard museum.
What You’ll Do:
- Paint artwork with provided paints and canvases.
- Design and create melted crayon mosaics.
- Digital art station — Use tablets to create digital art.
- Play area — Climb, slides, interactive games.
- Movie room — Short animated films.
Cost: $25–35 per person depending on add-ons.
Hours: 10 AM–6 PM daily.
Time to Spend: 2–3 hours.
Best For: Kids ages 3–10. Hands-on creativity. Great for a rainy day or art-loving kids.
Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort
Historic resort on the Delaware River. Golf, spa, fine dining, river activities.
Kid-Friendly Options:
- Tubing & River Sports — Tube down the river. Ages 8+. $30–50. Seasonal (summer). Thrilling and fun.
- Golf — Executive 9-hole course. Easier for kids. $35–50.
Cost: Varies by activity.
Best For: Families who want upscale resort amenities mixed with outdoor activities.
Winter Activities
Ski Resorts
Several ski resorts operate in the Poconos. Not major mountains like Vermont, but good for beginners and families.
Main Resorts:
- Shawnee Mountain Ski Resort — Most popular. 23 trails. Beginner-friendly. Lift ticket $60–80. Rentals $20–35. Lessons available.
- Big Bass Lake Ski Area — Smaller, quieter. 10 trails. Beginner-friendly. Similar pricing.
Best For: Families learning to ski. Beginner slopes and lessons. Not for advanced skiers.
Season: December–March (weather dependent).
Tip: Midweek is less crowded than weekends. Off-season (late Jan–Feb) is cheapest.
Other Winter Activities:
- Snowtubing — Several resorts offer tubing hills in winter. $25–40 per person for hourly sessions.
- Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing — Trails available in national recreation area. Equipment rental $15–30 per day.
- Ice Skating — Some resorts have ice skating rinks. $10–20 per person including skate rental.
Holiday Season Considerations
Thanksgiving & Christmas: Resorts are packed, prices are highest ($300–450/night for Great Wolf Lodge), and you need to book 2–3 months ahead. Activities run 24/7. Decorations, holiday shows, festive atmosphere.
Best Timing: Avoid peak holiday weeks (Dec 22–Jan 2). Go mid-November or early January for holiday atmosphere at slightly lower prices.
New Year’s: Resorts go all-out with countdown events and parties. Good for families; the energy is high.
Budget Planning for a Family Week (Summer)
Great Wolf Lodge: $250–350/night room + included water park = $1,750–2,450 for a week.
Kalahari: Similar to Great Wolf. $200–300/night = $1,400–2,100 for a week.
Camelback: $150–200/night = $1,050–1,400 for a week.
Food (all resorts): $150–250/day = $1,050–1,750 for a week.
Additional Activities (Delaware Water Gap, Bushkill Falls, Crayola): $200–400 total.
Total Family of 4 One Week: $3,200–5,400 depending on resort choice.
Money-Saving Tips:
- Book early (3–6 months ahead). Prices are 20–30% lower.
- Go mid-week or early season. Weekends and peak season are most expensive.
- Many resorts offer package deals (lodging + meals + attractions) that are cheaper than paying separately.
- Bring snacks from home. Resort food is pricey; mini fridges in rooms let you stock supplies.
Season Recommendations
Summer (June–August): Best for outdoor activities, warmest. Most crowded, most expensive.
Spring (April–May) & Fall (September–October): Fewer crowds, mild weather, lower prices. Indoor water parks are still open. Great balance.
Winter (November–February): Ski season, holiday atmosphere. Snow sports if you want them. Indoor water parks are huge draw when it’s cold outside.
Avoid Spring Break (March): Crowded, expensive, party atmosphere. Not ideal for young families.
Day-Tripper Option
If you don’t want to stay overnight at a resort, many offer day passes to their water parks ($40–80 per person). Drive up for the day, spend 4–5 hours in the water park, drive home. Works if you live within 2–3 hours.
Related: Things to Do in Poconos, Pennsylvania — Year-round activities and accommodations | Poconos Timeshare Promotions — Vacation ownership in the Poconos