Family Activities in Erie, Pennsylvania

There's no reason to be bored in Erie, Pennsylvania. Their Children's Museum, Zoo, Planetarium and Splash Lagoon will keep your family occupied during fair or foul weather.

Children's Museum: On a recent trip to the Erie Children's Museum with my grandchildren, I saw first hand how the Museum provides an interactive and educational environment, where kids can learn and be creative while having fun. Various exhibits teach human anatomy, aerodynamics and magnetics. Kids can push buttons to make the Lordtown Model Train ride through the town, passing a spinning carousel, miniature homes, shops and people figurines.

Other exhibits include the Bubble Machine where kids can encase themselves in a giant bubble and the Kid's Corner Store where they can shop with fake money. The Bedrock Cave offers an exploration opportunity, and Recycle Michael tosses bottles into a recycle can. Admission is $5 for children and adults, free to Museum members and children under age 1. For more information, call (814) 453-3743,
or visit their website here.

Erie Zoo: The 15-acre Erie Zoo in the City of Erie has been in operation since 1930. It features animal and plant collections from around the world and its historic Main Zoo Building is home to western lowland gorillas, black and white ruffed lemurs from Madagascar and African waterbirds. Other animals who call the Erie Zoo home include polar bears, llamas, African mud turtles, alligators, penguins, African rhinos, Red pandas, Bornean orangutans, otters, giraffes and pythons. The Kiboka Outpost exhibit is staffed by an expert who can answer any questions about the African grassland, and the Wild Asia exhibit features a 40-foot tall Asian Temple surrounded by jungle mist. The Children's Zoo includes the indoor wildlife carousel, Wild Things Theater and Mystery Mountain.

A train runs through the zoo, providing a relaxing break for your tired feet and views of some animals you might miss on a walking tour. Watch a YouTube video here of the train ride. For more information, call 814-864-4091. For hours and fees, visit this page.

Erie Planetarium: The Erie Planetarium is located in the carriage house of the Watson-Curtze Mansion in downtown Erie. The planetarium features earth science exhibitions, history and science related shows, interactive stations and more. Experience a mission to Saturn and its moon Titan, examine the night sky, and become acquainted with friendly nocturnal wildlife native to Erie's Presque Isle State Park. The Planetarium features changing exhibits and special events throughout the year.

Adult admission is $5, Seniors and Students $4, and $3 for children under 12. Call 814-871-5790 for fees and information, or visit this site for a listing of upcoming shows.

Splash Lagoon: Six slides, three whirlpools and two activity pools guarantee something for everyone. The adventurous can enjoy rides like the Hurricane Hole, which reaches 40 mph before dumping you into a swirling bowl of water, the Big Kahuna, the Black Hole or the Cyclone. The Lava Pool and the Frog Pond whirlpools feature jets that will ease a parent's aching back while the children enjoy the splashing fountains. Paradise Cove provides an over 21-retreat.

Dry fun includes The Treasure Island Arcade, Laser Tag, and an activity center featuring movies, Wii and crafts. Two restaurants are included in the complex, along with two fast food grills in the water park. Three connected hotels let you splash and ride and wave to your heart's content, without having to go outside and brave Erie's fierce winters, and four off-site hotels provide free shuttle service to the waterpark.

Splash Lagoon's day passes are $34.95 for 48 inches and taller, and $24.95 for the tots. Or, take advantage of one of their many packages, which include hotel, water park passes and other amenities. Visit this site for reservations and more information, or call 866-3-SPLASH.

More Articles on Erie, Pennsylvania, by Patricia Sicilia: Presque Isle State Park, Historical Lake Erie Lighthouses, Erie Museums, Waldameer Amusement and Water Park;
Sources: Children's Museum; Erie Zoo; Erie Planetarium; Splash Lagoon