Summer Things to Do in Erie PA with Kids June 17, 2024 by Visit Erie Make the most of your Erie, PA family vacation and fill your days creating memories that will last a lifetime. Summers in Erie are synonymous with boundless fun and adventure, offering a variety of activities for any age. Whether your family seeks an adrenaline rush from amusement thrill rides or a leisurely bike ride at Presque Isle State Park, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Summer Days at Port Farms: Immerse yourself in five acres of vibrant sunflowers, cosmos, and zinnias during Port Farm’s annual Summer Days event. Running from August 3 through September 8, Summer Days features a different event each weekend including Sweet Summer Days (August 3,4,9-11) and Blooms, Bubbles and Butterflies (August 16-18, 23-25). Summer Days is also pet-friendly! Many of Port Farms’ regular attractions and the gift shop are included with admission. Erie SeaWolves AA Baseball: The 2023 AA Eastern League Championship Erie SeaWolves are back in action! Throughout the season, the SeaWolves add an extra layer of fun to their home games with special promotions such as fireworks/Star Wars Night (June 28), and fireworks/Marvel Night (July 5). Kids can unleash their energy inside UPMC Ball Park’s Kids Zone featuring inflatables and interactive games, give high fives and hugs to SeaWolves’ mascot C. Wolf, or run the bases after the game. Between innings, the SeaWolves provide engaging activities such as cheer competitions, dance-offs, and trivia quizzes to keep fans entertained and energized. Every Sunday is a designated Family Fun Day, featuring concession specials and family-friendly activities. Oliver’s Bayfront Mini Golf: The combination of beautiful waterfront views and 18 holes of unique challenges and terrain makes Oliver’s Mini Golf a great family activity. Share laughter and friendly competition while aiming for that elusive hole-in-one. Scattered throughout the course are a handful of educational placards that highlight fun facts about Erie’s maritime heritage. Oliver’s mini golf is conveniently connected to Oliver’s Beer Garden, so you can play a round and enjoy delicious food and beverages from the snack bar or Oliver’s Food Truck. Meal Deals: Treat the family to delicious food without breaking the bank at the Flagship City Food Hall. Inside, Dina’s Dominican Kitchen offers a free la banderita (Mexican tortilla) on Mondays, complete with rice and a side with a regular purchase for children under 12. On Wednesdays, all Erie Applebee’s locations offer free small kids’ meals and 99 cents large kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult meal. Before or after a visit to Presque Isle State Park, swing by Sara’s for daily family value meals that include burgers, hot dogs, your choice of a side, and a drink. Biking at Presque Isle State Park. Presque Isle’s 13-mile multipurpose trail forms a loop around the park, offering families an excellent opportunity to explore nature by bicycle and enjoy the outdoors together. The mostly flat, paved trail is accessible to cyclists of all skill levels with numerous points of interest along the way for you to stop and explore including the Presque Isle Lighthouse and Perry Monument. Bring your own or rent from Presque Isle Yellow Bike Rental, near Beach 7 (Waterworks Beach). Adult and kid-sized bikes, tandems, and surreys (four-wheeled, covered quadricycles) are available. Waldameer Park and Water World: Celebrating its 128th season this summer, Waldameer is filled with rides, slides, and endless smiles. Ranging from timeless classic rides such as the Grand Carousel and Thunder River to beloved family favorites like Water World’s Battle of Lake Erie and Kiddie Land, Waldameer is a cherished summer tradition for generations of families and friends. This season, Waldameer added six new cabanas plus shade structures to Water World, additional parking and free wi-fi, and an expanded Snack Shack with tempting hot apple pie logs and chicken sandwiches. Explore both parks for one low price through Waldameer’s wallet-friendly combo pass. As always, parking and admission are free. Erie Sports Center Fun Park: Conveniently located to Interstate 90 and numerous hotels, the Erie Sports Center Fun Park is your spot for a little game of friendly competition. Who will claim the title for “fastest lap” on the go-kart track or get the first hole-in-one on the mini golf course? Let the games begin! The Fun Park is wallet-friendly, featuring a selection of money-saving packages such as a Go-kart and Mini golf combo pass and the Ultimate Family 4-Pass which includes four rounds of golf, go-karts, or batting cages, one pizza, four fountain drinks, and four ice creams. The Erie Zoo: Featuring a compact user-friendly design, the Erie Zoo is a refreshing departure from sprawling metropolitan zoos, allowing visitors to explore its array of exhibits and wildlife in just an hour or two. With captivating attractions and a streamlined design, the Zoo is perfectly suited for young children and limited attention spans. The Zoo includes more than 400 zoo animals, 11 beautiful botanical gardens, a wildlife carousel, the Safariland train, and multiple exhibit areas. This summer, the zoo debuts its new River Otter exhibit, an upgraded red panda exhibit, a refurbished children’s zoo bridge, and a refreshed main entrance. Nature Hikes: Embarking on a nature hike is a quintessential family summer activity. The Greater Erie Regional Trail Network features more than 15 trails and public parks for you and the kids to connect to nature. Frontier Park is a beloved network park in the City of Erie and is home to more than 1,000 trees, a labyrinth, The Griff (40-foot steel slides), stone bridges, and Cascade Creek. Other parks and trails in the network include Harborcreek Community Park, Wintergreen Gorge, and Asbury Woods. In the charming town of Corry PA, Mead Park offers 48 acres of landscaped outdoor space with tree-lined pathways, a playground, basketball and pickle ball courts. YMCA Camp Sherwin: Since 1912, Camp Sherwin has been entertaining children of all ages with a wealth of amenities including a heated and guarded swimming pool, spray and play park, catch and release fishing pond, air jump pillow, hiking trails, playground, and scenic views of Lake Erie from its perch atop the bluffs. Located in west Erie County, Camp Sherwin is a short drive from the City and is open for camping and non-camping families. Day passes are available for $10 per person or $30 per family.
Elevated Relaxation: Unique Spa Experiences in Erie, PA June 17, 2024 by Visit Erie Maintaining optimal health and wellness is an essential pursuit that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Nurturing a well-balanced lifestyle, which includes practices like massage therapy, becomes integral to a holistic approach, and can empower individuals to live fulfilling lives and unlock their full potential. In the Erie region, massage therapy centers and spas not only provide standard services, they also offer an array of unique experiences that are worth exploring. A Compassionate Hart Massage Therapy – The Art of Ashiatsu Typically, a massage is given by a therapist who rubs all of your aches and stress away with their skillful hands. But what if they are massaging you with their feet? That’s when it becomes the practice of the ancient art of Ashiatsu, a unique and transformative foot-centric spa experience. A Compassionate Hart Massage Therapy is the only place in the Erie region that offers this unique technique. Two of their licensed staff are Ashiatsu-certified to walk all over you, quite literally. Derived from the Japanese words “ashi” (foot) and “atsu” (pressure), Ashiatsu involves skilled therapists who use their bare feet to deliver a massage that goes beyond the conventional. This innovative technique not only offers deep relaxation but also taps into the body’s energy pathways, promoting balance and holistic well-being. The Ashiatsu room at A Compassionate Hart is an intimate space filled with soothing music and warm colors. The plush, comfortable massage table has more than enough space to accommodate you and your therapist so they can maneuver above and around you safely. Parallel bars are anchored on the ceiling above the table to aid the therapist with balance and support. Once you’re lying down and covered with a sheet, the therapist expertly hops up and begins delivering deep, broad, rhythmic pressure utilizing a combination of their feet and body weight. Working with gravity instead of against it, they are able to provide an effective therapeutic massage beginning with your neck and shoulders and ending at your legs and feet. At A Compassionate Hart, the Ashiatsu massages are available for one hour ($100) or 75 minutes ($115). The massage time is split between being on your back and your stomach. With closed eyes, it’s almost impossible to tell whether you’re being massaged by feet or hands. While she doesn’t have a regular Ashiatsu client base, Heather Hart, owner of A Compassionate Hart, believes that this unique spa service is beginning to catch on. “The mechanics of our therapists being able to just stand and put their whole body weight on you gets that depth of pressure that’s needed to really iron any knots out. If someone is having an issue where maybe their regular therapist just isn’t getting deep enough for them, then this is the type of technique to sign up for.” Other spa options at A Compassionate Hart include traditional massage therapy, Reiki energy healing, crystal and light healing, and even canine massage. Book your appointment here. Monacella Massage & Kinesiology – Thai Massage Thai massage, also known as “Nuad Thai” or “Thai yoga massage,” is a traditional healing practice that combines acupressure, yoga, and passive stretching to restore the body’s balance. The therapist uses hands, thumbs, elbows, knees, and feet to apply rhythmic pressure and stretches to promote flexibility, improve circulation, and relieve muscle tension. Thai massage induces deep relaxation and mindfulness, reducing stress and anxiety. Monacella offers 30, 60, and 90-minute Thai massage sessions. Book your appointment here. Bella Salon and Day Spa – Cupping The suction and negative pressure provided by cupping can loosen muscles, encourage blood flow, and calm the nervous system. Cupping is used to relieve back and neck pains, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines, and rheumatism and can help manage pain and circulation. Learn more about cupping and book your appointment. The Serenity Spa at Peek’n Peak – Himalayan Salt Stone Massage Himalayan Salt Stones allow for a detoxifying, naturally exfoliating massage while reducing inflammation, and relieving pain and joint discomfort. The Himalayan Salt Stones are heated and contain 84 naturally occurring minerals to increase a sense of peace and deep relaxation. Book your 50-minute salt stone massage here
Great Ways to Get Out on the Water in Erie, PA June 17, 2024 by Visit Erie The sparkling waters of Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay provide the perfect setting for you to get out and enjoy being on the water. Leave the confines of land behind and bask in the sheer joy of spending time on the water. Recently, Lake Erie earned top honors in three USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards: “Best Lake” (#1), “Best Lake for Water Sports (#1), and “Best Lake for Swimming” (#3). From thrilling jet ski rides to leisurely sunset sails, there is something for every water enthusiast to enjoy in the Erie region. Pontoon Lagoon Tours at Presque Isle State Park Free, one-hour interpretive pontoon boat rides through Misery Bay and Presque Isle’s lagoons are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from May 26 to September 10 at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. It’s a great way to get up close to the lagoon’s inhabitants and plant species such as turtles, water lilies, waterfowl, and beavers. Along the way, a park naturalist provides fun facts about the wetland habitat. Rides are first come first served. In-person sign-ups begin 15 minutes before the start time at the pontoon boat station. Each ride can seat up to 16 people. Watercraft Rentals No need to pack and haul your own gear! There are several locations in Erie County where you can rent various watercraft. Port Erie Sports, located on the city side of Presque Isle Bay, offers a selection of motorized boats, pontoons, jet skis, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks. Note that Jet skis are first come, first served. Hidden Harbor Water Rentals,off lower East State Street in Erie’s Bayfront District features 22’ or 24’ pontoon boats for rent with optional one and two-person towable water tube add-ons. Presque Isle Canoe & Boat Liveryat Presque Isle State Park just past Perry Monument, has an extensive list of rentals including canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, row boats, motorized boats, pontoons, and a 14’ Helm fishing boat. Edinboro Lake Resort offers 20’ or 24’ pontoon boats, canoes, and kayaks to explore the tranquil waters of Edinboro Lake. New to Edinboro Lake is the addition of a 24/7, eight-kayak library on Lakeside Drive. Simply scan the Fun app to your smartphone, pay, and check out a kayak. Rates are hourly and include life vests and paddles. Lettie G. Howard Tall Ship Sails Sail the waters of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie aboard the historic Lettie G. Howard tall ship for an unforgettable, step-back-in-time experience. The Lettie is a wooden Fredonia schooner built in 1893 and is the sole surviving example of a George Banks fishing schooner, a vessel that was designed to take dories and fishermen out to Georges Bank, a large elevated area of the sea floor near Cape Cod, Massachusetts. During your sail, you’ll meet the crew, learn a little about the Lettie’s history, and even help the crew set some of the larger sails. Day and sunset sail dates and times vary throughout the summer months. Please check the website for availability. Tours depart from the foot of State Street. The Lady Kate Narrated Tours Docked at Perry Monument inside Presque Isle State Park, the Lady Kate embarks on regular sightseeing and sunset cruises from May 18 to September 28. The tour is a 90-minute fully narrated educational excursion around Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie (weather permitting), highlighting Erie’s rich maritime history and points of interest including the Battle of Lake Erie and the War of 1812, the Gull Point ecosystem, Erie’s lighthouses, and the Bayfront District. Charter Fishing Erie’s fishing charters provide great opportunities to not only see the city and Presque Isle from the water but also to experience some of the best fishing in Pennsylvania. Both Tight Lines Sport Fishing and GypsyLyn Fishing Charters offer fishing charter trips for perch, walleye, trout, and steelhead. They can accommodate various-sized groups as well as fishing gear, bait, and coolers. Pennsylvania fishing licenses with a Lake Erie stamp are required. To learn more, click here. Whether you catch many fish or none at all, it’s still a fun venture on Lake Erie! Scallywags Pirate Adventures Spending time aboard the Scallywags pirate ship promises a swashbuckling good time! Guests can choose between a family-friendly adventure or an adults-only wobbly pirate voyage! The Pirate Adventure family fun cruise is a 90-minute fully scripted interactive show complete with ship-to-ship water cannon battles, pirate tattoos, and a share of the treasure (if you and the crew can find it!). The Wobbly Pirate happy hour cruise is a one-of-a-kind happy hour experience filled with drinks, DJ music, dancing, and pirate shenanigans. Tours run from May 18 to September 28 and depart from the foot of State Street near the Sheraton Hotel parking garage. Your Sailing Adventure – The Sotto Voce Witnessing Erie’s world-class sunsets from the deck of the luxurious 33’ sailboat, the Sotto Voce (loosely translated as “quiet voice”), is truly a magical experience. This 33’ Beneteau yacht is designed for optimal sailing comfort, promising a serene sail on Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. In addition to sunset cruises, the Sotto Voce offers daytime cruises, Sommelier and Sail, Cigar and Sunsets, and Sunrise/Sound Bath trips, romance and relaxation packages. Sailing lessons are also available. Find the Sotto Voce moored at Wolverine Marina on lower State Street. Sails take place from Memorial Day Weekend to September 30. The Victorian Princess Taking a cruise aboard the Victorian Princess three-level paddlewheel boat is a seamless blend of timeless charm and modern style. The gentle rhythm of the paddlewheel sets a soothing scene as you glide effortlessly across Presque Isle Bay. The Victorian Princess features sunset and moonlight cruises, sightseeing tours, lunch and early bird dinners, themed outings, and Sunday brunch throughout its sailing season. Tours run from May 19 to October 27 and depart from the foot of State Street.
The Best Golfing in the Erie Region July 29, 2022 by Visit Erie The Erie region is home to several golf courses that welcome every type of golfer from beginner to professional. Sharpen your game and test your skills across their sprawling fairways and beautifully landscaped greens. Whether you shoot a 72 or 144, there’s nothing like spending a couple hours, or even an afternoon, out on the golf course. Here are our suggestions for the best golfing in the Erie area. Peek‘n Peak Resort The Upper Course at Peek’n Peak is a championship-caliber, par 72 course and is perfect for players of all skill levels. The unique terrain and natural landscape creates an atmosphere that is unlike any other course. The panoramic views and mature woods give a serene experience to all who are on the course whether it be during spring, summer, or fall. Erie Golf Club Erie Golf Club is an 18-hole par 69 course, designed by the prolific American golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast. Enjoy lunch or dinner with a cocktail on their patio while watching the sunset and scenic views of the course. Erie Golf Club is a PGA operated facility with a fully stocked pro shop and a friendly staff of golfers. Riverside Golf Course Founded in 1915, Riverside Golf Course is one of the oldest courses in northwestern Pennsylvania. The 18-hole, par 72 course features rolling fairways, manicured greens, over 48 sand traps and 6 lakes spanning 242 acres. The newly renovated Rambler at Riverside restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine and overlooks the golf course. Photo by John Mangine Mound Grove Golf Course Mound Grove Golf Course features a beautiful scenic 18-hole, par 72 golf course set against the backdrop of an historic 1860’s barn/restaurant. Year-round private and online golf lessons with their Golf Academy and Professional Coaching program are available by appointment. Lake View Country Club Lake View Country Club is a private 18-hole, par 72 golf club that offers one of the most challenging and beautiful courses in the area, with an elite practice facility that golfers of all skill levels can enjoy. Lake View was built by legendary golf course architect and Donald Ross protégé James G. Harrison. The club has hosted several prestigious tournaments, including the West Penn Amateur Championship and the Pennsylvania State Amateur Championship. Harbor Ridge Golf Club Harbor Ridge offers an enjoyable round, for golfers of all ages and skill levels with expansive views of Lake Erie. It is a family-friendly public 9-hole, par 36 golf course, bar, and restaurant complex. Their course features bent grass tees, fairways, and greens from four sets of regulation tees. Bring young golfers out to their USGA slope/rated family tees.
7 Favorite Summer Activities at Presque Isle State Park May 31, 2022 by Visit Erie Designated as a National Natural Landmark and Erie’s top attraction, Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200 acre peninsula that reaches out into Lake Erie. There is always something fun to do at Presque Isle State Park, where you can easily spend an entire day enjoying the park’s many outdoor adventures. Bring your family and friends and make your escape to Presque Isle! Here are a few of our favorite summertime activities. Visit Presque Isle Beaches Presque Isle State Park features seven miles of sandy surf beaches, providing visitors with the only surf swimming within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The beaches of Presque Isle are great for sunbathing, swimming, picnicking and sunset gazing. Presque Isle beaches are open daily from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. The regular hours are Noon – 7:30 p.m. Parking and admission to the park is free. Go Biking or Rollerblading Presque Isle has miles of hiking trails, both paved and unpaved. The most popular and heavily used trail is the 13.5-mile Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose paved trail. Unpaved trails are located throughout the Park and include the Gull Point Trail, Graveyard Pond Trail and Dead Pond Trail. Rental equipment is available near the Water Works Beach area and includes one person bicycles, tandem bicycles, surreys, rollerblades and more. Explore the Presque Isle Lighthouse Built in 1873, the Presque Isle Lighthouse offers visitors the chance to climb its tower for panoramic views of Lake Erie, all while learning its vast history and function. Public tours of the Presque Isle Lighthouse are available May through September. Enjoy the Picnic Areas Numerous picnic tables can be found throughout Presque Isle and are perfect for a casual day at the beach or a gathering. If you prefer to reserve a table in a specific spot, there is a small fee, however there is no charge if a table is not in use. If you have a larger group such as a birthday party or reunion, there are various size pavilions available for rent. To inquire about picnic or pavilion rentals click here. Take a Ride Aboard the Lady Kate Enjoy a leisurely 14-mile, 90 minute tour of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie aboard the Lady Kate. This fully narrated sightseeing boat tour includes Erie’s lighthouses, Gull Point Nature Preserve, Presque Isle’s shores, Erie’s skyline, beaches, wildlife and more. Sunset tours are also offered. The Lady Kate is docked at Perry Monument. Tours are available May 22 – September 26. Learn about the Perry Monument Located next to Misery Bay, the Perry Monument is dedicated to Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, who was a prominent naval squadron leader during the War of 1812. Perry, along with Presque Isle, played a vital role in the victory over the British in the War. Interpretive panels detailing the story of the War of 1812 and The Battle of Lake Erie line the sidewalks surrounding the monument. Explore the Lagoons The lagoons of Presque Isle are perfect for exploring by canoe, kayak, paddle board or row boat. You can bring your own equipment or the park offers rentals for various watercraft. Throughout the summer, the park offers free guided lagoon by pontoon educational boat tours.
Five Ways to Spend a Spring Day on Erie’s Waterfront April 8, 2022 by Visit Erie Now that warmer temperatures are on the way, are you ready to “spring” out of the house and find some fun things to do? Here are our top suggestions on how you can enjoy Erie’s beautiful waterfront this spring! Experience New Heights at the Bicentennial Tower One of our area’s most recognizable landmarks, the Bicentennial Tower, is open year-round and offers birds-eye views of Downtown Erie, Presque Isle State Park, Lake Erie and on a clear day, Canada! You can access the 138-foot top level observation deck via stairs or elevator. From the top deck you can also get a unique perspective of the abstract mural entitled “Flotsam”. It is painted on the entire second-level observation deck and was created by internationally-known artist SatOne. Dig for Hidden Treasure at Presque Isle Bring a bag for beach glass hunting on the sandy beaches of Presque Isle State Park! Our friends at Relish Inc. tell us that the best beach glass can be found at Beach 1, located near the entrance to the Park. These sparkly, colorful gems are great for making crafts and gifts such as jewelry or picture frames. For tips of the trade, seminars and of course, tons of beach glass products, make plans to come back in October for The Great Lakes Beach Glass & Coastal Arts Festival. Order Lunch with a View One of Erie’s dining hot spots is the Bayfront Grille’s outdoor patio at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel. The Bayfront Grille is the top-rated Sheraton restaurant in the world, features American fare with flair! Enjoy your lunch amid the relaxing waters of Presque Isle Bay set in a casual atmosphere. We recommend their signature house salad or the chicken salad croissant with a side of truffle fries. Discover Erie’s Maritime Heritage at the Erie Maritime Museum Learn Erie’s role during the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie and how it helped shape the history of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The museum’s central exhibit is the U.S. Brig Niagara. It is home –ported just outside the maritime museum and serves as a floating exhibit and sail training vessel. During the summer, you can board this majestic Tall Ship for a day or sunset sail. Cruise Presque Isle Bay aboard the Victorian Princess Sailing the waters of Presque Isle Bay since 1998, this three-level Victorian-style paddlewheel boat is the Grand Dame of Erie boat tours. Sunset, sightseeing, dining and party cruises are available May to October. It’s the perfect way to enjoy life’s special events with friends and family.