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MATPRA is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C. and West Virginia.

Visit Erie

Exploring Erie’s Bayfront District: A One-Day Guide

Erie’s Bayfront District is located along the southern shores of Presque Isle Bay. This vibrant area is home to an array of diverse attractions, waterfront restaurants, comfortable hotels, and stunning waterfront views.  It’s also compact and walkable, so you’ll only need to park once to explore with ease, just remember to wear comfortable shoes. There’s metered street parking along Lower State Street and two public parking garages; one at the Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel and one next to the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel. If you’ve never explored this part of Erie, here are a few ways to spend a well-rounded summer or fall day.

Morning: Start Your Day Right

Fuel up for the day at the Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel’s The Bistro. With a variety of menu items including avocado toast, eggs prepared to your liking, fresh fruit, Starbucks® coffee, and specialty beverages, The Bistro has healthy options to give you the perfect start to your day. Dining is available inside or outside on the hotel’s spacious outdoor patio with views of Presque Isle Bay.

Mid-Morning: Iconic Landmarks and History

At the foot of State Street stands one of Erie’s most recognizable landmarks, the Bicentennial Tower, built in 1995 to celebrate Erie’s 200th anniversary. Towering at 187 feet, it offers stunning photo ops with a picturesque waterfront backdrop. Visitors can take the elevator or climb 210 steps to the top observation deck for panoramic views of Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie, and even the Canadian shoreline 27 miles away. From the top, you can also get a birds-eye view of the tower’s lower deck featuring “Flotsam,” a vibrant 12,000-square-foot mural. The Bicentennial Tower is open daily year-round. Accessing the upper deck costs a small admission fee, but it’s free on the first Tuesday of each month (excluding holidays and weather permitting).

The Erie Maritime Museum tells the fascinating story of Erie’s role during the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie through a diverse exhibit collection. Many of the museum’s exhibits refer to Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a naval commander who played a significant role in the War of 1812 and is known for his victory in the Battle of Lake Erie and coining the phrase “Don’t Give Up The Ship”. Additional museum exhibits speak to Erie’s commercial fishing history and the recreational importance of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie.

Lunch: Scenic Dining

Speaking of Erie’s famous Commodore, Oliver’s Rooftop, Beer Garden, and Mini Golf, an inviting trio of relaxation, entertainment, and fun named in honor of Perry—are located adjacent to the Maritime Museum. Oliver’s Rooftop Restaurant is found on the top floor of the Hampton Inn & Suites Erie Bayfront Hotel, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, giving diners breathtaking views of Presque Isle, Lake Erie, and the Bayfront District. Their signature dish, a delicately-crusted parmesan Lake Erie walleye, is a must-try for lunch or dinner.

Afternoon: Relaxation and Fun

After lunch, challenge your family and friends to a friendly game at Oliver’s Mini Golf. The 18-hole, 57-par course features unique obstacles and terrains, making each hole an adventure. Between rounds, relax with refreshing craft beverages and enjoy the lively atmosphere at the adjacent Oliver’s Beer Garden.

Dinner: Waterfront Dining

Steps away is Hidden Harbor, a waterfront collection of restaurants including Woody’s Backwater BARge & Grill, Erie’s only floating restaurant! With open-air seating, beautiful waterfront views, and a Key West-themed atmosphere, Woody’s is a favorite summertime spot for perfectly cooked Angus smash burgers, loaded fries, and creative cocktails such as the citrusy Wobbly Worm or tropical Mermaid Marina. During summer weekends, Woody’s and nearby establishments are buzzing with the sounds of local music and the lively chatter of patrons.

Evening: Sunsets and Serenity

End your day with a unique experience of the city and one of Erie’s world-class sunsets aboard the Lettie G. Howard. Built in 1893, this National Historic Landmark departs from the foot of State Street for daytime and sunset sails from mid-May through October (weather permitting). Passengers can relax and listen to the ship’s history or help the crew set the sails, offering a memorable step back in time on one of the last surviving wooden Fredonia-style fishing schooners.

Fun Indoor Things to Do with Kids in Erie, PA

When traveling to Erie, you’ll find affordable fun for every member of your family regardless of what the weather does. Check out these suggestions for an afternoon escape or a full-day out in rain, sun, or snow.

Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park

Splash Lagoon is consistently ranked one of the Top 10 Water Park Resorts in the country by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice. It’s a tropical oasis with nine thrilling slides, a 200,000-gallon wave pool, FlowRider surf machine, the Tree Tops Ropes Course, arcade, food court, and a newly renovated Tiki Tree House complete with water sprayers, mini dumping buckets, and a giant tipping coconut! There’s also a new Froggy Family splash pad featuring a zero-depth pool, fun water sprayers, and colorful frog figures. Day passes and overnight packages are available year-round.

Play Port Arcade and Family Fun Center

Relive fond memories of going to the arcade and share them with a new generation at Play Port, where over 100 games are set to “free play”, no quarters needed! The bright neon colors and amazing collection of retro arcade games will transport your family back to the 80’s and 90’s with classic arcade games such as Pac-Man, Centipede, and Donkey Kong, among others.  Play Port also features laser tag, glow golf, virtual reality games, and glow pool. General admission includes all “free play” video games and one round of glow golf.

Erie Otters OHL Hockey

Erie’s minor-league Ontario Hockey League team has a major following, with home games at Erie Insurance Arena that entertain crowds both on the ice and in the stands with fun family promotions and giveaways. Fans of all ages are encouraged to cheer alongside fellow fans, pound on the plexiglass, and give high-fives and hugs to Otto, the Otters’ lovable mascot. The Otters are part of the Ontario Hockey League, a member league of the Canadian Hockey League, a premiere player development league for the National Hockey League. Otters alumni include NHL two-time scoring champion and 2017 NHL MVP Connor McDavid, and 2020 Stanley Cup Champions Anthony Cirelli and Erik Cernak. The Otters’ regular season starts in October and runs through March.

The expERIEnce Children’s Museum

There’s always something imaginative, inventive, and immersive happening at the newly updated expERIEnce Children’s Museum. The newly remodeled facility (which finished an $18 million expansion in 2024) gives its littlest guests more room to unleash creation, exploration, imagination, and play. Many exhibits pay homage to the Erie community. “Lake Life” boasts the second-largest interactive water table in the country, featuring miniature versions of the Bicentennial Tower and the Land Lighthouse, two of Erie’s iconic structures. “My Town” is a kid-sized town packed with hands-on experiences from taking orders at a restaurant to changing the oil on a car. “Erie Recycles” features a gallery of smaller exhibits focused on real-world steps such as sorting recyclables, shredding plastic, and watching it transform into new products.

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC)

Dedicated to teaching its visitors about the history of Presque Isle State Park, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (affectionately referred to as “TREC”) is a free facility with two floors of engaging and interactive exhibits, and a glass-enclosed observation tower offering panoramic views of Lake Erie.  Through these hands-on exhibits, visitors learn about the importance of preserving and appreciating the natural beauty that is Presque Isle. A visit to TREC is incomplete without taking a moment to set the three towering whirligig structures near the main entrance in motion, bringing to life a multitude of hand-carved figures.

5 Wits

It’s all about immersing yourselves into worlds of live-action adventures at 5 Wits, located on the southwest end of the Millcreek Mall. Participants choose from a variety of quests such as Espionage, Drago’s Castle, and Tomb and are placed in real-life sets that rely on hands-on tasks, puzzles, and challenges to finish. Each story has multiple endings, adaptable difficulty, repeatable challenges, changing solutions, and dynamic outcomes, complete with synchronized sound, lighting, and special effects. Unlike escape games where escaping is the objective, 5 Wits offers story-driven games where there are always different endings to each story. All ages are admitted, however, children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Arts and Culture

Taking the family to a theatrical performance at the Erie Playhouse or spending time surrounded by inspiring works of art at the Erie Art Museum can create opportunities for cultural growth, learning, and enjoyment. The Erie Playhouse has been entertaining audiences for more than 100 years and is one of the country’s oldest community theaters. Its intimate floor plan gives patrons the best seats in the house for musical extravaganzas, compelling dramas, light-hearted comedies, and inspired youth theater performances. Second Sundays at the Erie Art Museum is a recurring, pay-as-you-wish event that takes place on the second Sunday of each month. Families are invited to get creative and participate in activities such as painting, drawing, and sculpting. Second Sundays are held from 2-4 p.m.

Step into Serenity: Five Great Places to Hike in Erie County

Guest contributor: Heather Cass

Fifty-seven percent of Pennsylvania is forested. In fact, the state’s name translates into “Penn’s Woods,” Penn referring to William Penn who established the first colony, and “Sylvania,” which means woods or forest in Latin.  For those who like to hike and spend time in nature, there are numerous places to do so in the Erie area. There is a trail suitable for nearly any age or ability and most are just a short drive from the city.

Here are five great hiking spots to explore in Erie County:

Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park has several trails, ranging from very short connector trails to a 13-mile paved multipurpose trail that encircles the park. There are three good middle-of-the-road options for those who want to get off the beaten path and walk in nature a mile or so: Dead Pond Trail, 2 miles; Long Pond Trail, 1 mile; and the Sidewalk Trail, 1.25 miles. All three are out-and-back trails near the top of the park that are marked with signage and are easily accessible from the road/multipurpose trail. See a PISP trail map here.

Erie Bluffs State Park

Erie Bluffs State Park, 17 miles west of Erie, in Lake City, is Erie’s other state park. This 587-acre park is a wilder, less-developed area with a mile of shoreline and 90-foot bluffs overlooking Lake Erie.  The park has a total of 5.16 miles of trails that are made up of several short trails that connect at various points, so you can easily string several small trails together for a longer hike. The trails are well-marked. There is ample parking at the main entrance and portable toilets and lake access at the nearby Elk Creek access entrance. See an Erie Bluffs trail map here.

Tip: Pennsylvania State Park Rangers offer several free programs, hikes, and activities at both parks.

Asbury Woods

Asbury Woods is a 234-acre nature center in Millcreek, west of Erie, with acres of fields, forests, wetlands, and more than 5 miles of wooded and well-maintained trails that traverse through them. The longest, The Greenway Trail, 2.2 miles, connects a series of land parcels, with Asbury Woods Nature Center and Brown’s Farm anchoring each end. A highlight of this trail is a scenic steel walking bridge over Walnut Creek that offers access to the creek where you can cool your heels.  Asbury Woods Nature Center offers animal exhibits, information, restrooms, and a gift shop. There are also picnic pavilions and play areas for children.  See an Asbury Woods trail map here.

Headwaters Park

Headwaters Park is a hidden gem, an oasis of nature on thirty-five acres tucked into an industrial park in Millcreek. So named because it is the start of the headwaters of Mill Creek, you’ll find nearly three miles of trails on this parcel of nature covered with mature hardwoods, native grasses, wildflowers, and more.  There is interpretive signage, a boardwalk over the wetlands, an accessible stream for fossil hunting, ample parking, picnic tables, and portable toilets. See a map of Headwaters Park trails here.

Wintergreen Gorge

The Wintergreen Gorge is a 4,000-foot long, 250-foot-wide chasm on the edge of the campus of Penn State University Behrend Campus that is estimated to have been formed more than 11,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age as melting water formed a meandering path to Lake Erie. Wintergreen Gorge Trail is a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail that travels along Fourmile Creek in the gorge for the first half mile and then up through the woods for the second half mile before summitting at a picturesque overlook, known locally as the Devil’s Backbone. Though the trail is not blazed, it’s easy to follow the wide, main path. There are no restrooms, but there is interpretive signage and plenty of parking at the Cooper Road entrance. See a map of Wintergreen Gorge Trail here.

Trail Talk
A few terms that are helpful to know when choosing a trail:

Blaze: A colored mark, usually painted or nailed to a tree, to help you follow the trail.
Easy/Moderate/Strenuous: Trail descriptions that refer to difficulty. Easy is usually flat and grassy. Moderate includes some hills, roots, and rocks. Strenuous means serious uphills, rough terrain, and sometimes climbing.
Loop: The trail starts and finishes in the same spot.
Out-and-back: Trail goes to a certain point, and then you turn around and take the same trail back to the start.
Point-to-Point: The trail starts at one point and ends at another.

Great Ways to Get Out on the Water in Erie, PA

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 ParkFree, 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.

Elevated Relaxation: Unique Spa Experiences in Erie, PA

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

Summer Things to Do in Erie PA with Kids

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.