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Ultimate Pennsylvania Bucket List: 100 Things To Do With Kids in PA

Photo by j. Fusco for Visit Philidelphia
Photo by j. Fusco for Visit Philidelphia
2/21/25 - By Cait Sumner

Pennsylvania has so many great places to visit including Lancaster, Pittsburgh, and the state capital of Harrisburgh. Whether you're taking a trip to the Poconos, or heading out to the Philadelphia suburbs, we've got bucket list items for you! Pack your bags and check out all the amazing things that Pennsylvania has to offer.

Looking for more getaways within driving distance? Check out our roundup of 10 PA Weekend Getaways.

The Franklin Institute: Pennsylvania Bucket List: 100 Things To Do With Kids in PA
Curiosity meets discovery in Body Odyssey at the Franklin Institute, where the walkthrough Giant Heart is just the beginning. Photo by Cait Sumner
 

Things To Do in Philadelphia

The Franklin Institute

This can't-miss science museum is one of the oldest centers of science education in the country. Don't forget to walk through the Giant Heart while you're there.

The Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo is the oldest zoo in America, so you can't miss taking a trip here! 

Reading Terminal Market

Take a break from sightseeing and grab a treat at Reading Terminal Market, one of America's oldest and largest public markets.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Visit for the Rocky stairs and statue, stay for the incredible artwork!

Smith Memorial Playground

Six and a half acres of fun, plus a giant wooden slide? Everyone loves to play at Smith!

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Swing in the hammocks or take a walk down the boardwalk at Spruce Street Harbor Park.

Longwood Gardens: Pennsylvania Bucket List: 100 Things To Do With Kids in PA
Longwood Gardens hosts 400 events each year, including flower shows, gardening demonstrations, educational programs, children’s activities, concerts and musical theater. Photo by j. Fusco for Visit Philidelphia

Things To Do in the Philly Suburbs

Longwood Gardens—Kennett Square

Longwood Gardens is especially spectacular around the holidays. In summertime, check out one of their amazing fountain shows.

Sesame Place—Langhorne

Geared specifically towards preschoolers, kids will love taking a walk down Sesame Street and riding all the rides. 

Legoland Discovery Center—Plymouth Meeting

Brick lovers will have a blast checking out the 4D theatre, building race cars, and riding the Imagination Express.

Elmwood Park Zoo—Norristown

If you're looking for a smaller zoo experience, head to the suburbs where you can feed the giraffe, ride the carousel, and see all kinds of animals.

Dutch Wonderland : Pennsylvania Bucket List: 100 Things To Do With Kids in PA
Dutch Wonderland creates magical moments for parents and kids! Photo courtesy of Dutch Wonderland 

Things To Do in Lancaster

Dutch Wonderland—Lancaster

With a plethora of little kid rides, as well as a waterpark, and diving shows in the summer, Dutch Wonderland is a great amusement park for your little ones.

Lancaster Science Factory—Lancaster

Love hands-on, interactive science fun? The Lancaster Science Factory is for you. Kids from pre-K to 8th grade will love this science museum-- and so will adults!

Strasburg Railroad—Ronks

The oldest continuously operating railroad in America offers themed train rides and more throughout the year.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania—Strasburg

With more than 100 locomotives and rail road cars on display, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is a must-see.

Turkey Hill Experience—Columbia

Create your own ice cream flavor and enjoy tons of interactive fun at the Turkey Hill Experience.

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm—Ronks

This seasonal attraction features live animals, corn mazes, country road carts, and more for a full day of fun.

Things To Do in Lehigh Valley

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom—Allentown

Ride the rides and pay Snoopy a visit at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom.

Crayola Experience—Easton

See how crayons are made, create your own coloring pages, make drip art, and more at this colorful factory.

Lost River Caverns—Hellertown

Check out this underground attraction where it's always a balmy 52 degrees Fahrenheit.

Da Vinci Science Center—Allentown

Get curious at Da Vinci Science Center and learn more about the human body, the Lehigh Valley Watershed, and more. Don't forget to check out one of the daily otter chats!

Things To Do in the Poconos

Bushkill Falls—Bushkill

This beautiful, scenic hike is perfect for families. Kids can even mine for gemstones.

Pocono Snake and Animal Farm—Stroudsburg

This interactive mini-zoo is so much fun for the whole family! Bottle-feed the piglets, drop treats for a bear, and even feed an alligator at this unique experience.

Kalahari Waterpark—Pocono Manor

This 220,000 square foot park is the largest indoor waterpark in America. Ride the slides, surf the waves, and cool off in the lazy river.

Camelback Resort—Tannersville

From skiing and snowboarding, to wave pools and water slides Camelback has fun no matter the season!

Great Wolf Lodge—Scotrun 

Great Wolf Lodge never disappoints. The lodge offers tons of activities plus an indoor waterpark.

Hersheypark: Pennsylvania Bucket List: 100 Things To Do With Kids in PA
Hersheypark has no fewer than 14 roller coasters ranging from mild to wild.

Things To Do in Harrisburg

Hersheypark—Hershey

Visit the sweetest place on earth to ride the rides and make your own candy bar.

Knoebels Amusement Park—Elysburg

Buy a ticket book and ride what you want, or get a full-day wristband pass at this amusement park.

Indian Echo Caverns—Hummelstown

It's always 52 degrees at Indian Echo Caverns. Mine for gems, pet some animals, and explore the caverns.

Things To Do in Pittsburgh

Duquesne Incline—Pittsburgh

Ride an old-century cable car and check out the best view of Pittsburgh!

Carnegie Science Center—Pittsburgh

The Carnegie Science Center has a planetarium, a miniature railroad, laser light shows, and lots of other great exhibits.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens—Pittsburgh

Phipps' 15 acres features a 14-room glasshouse and 23 distinct gardens to roam through.

Children's Museum of Pittsburgh—Pittsburgh

Make, play, learn, and grow at the interactive Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium—Pittsburgh

This zoo includes a whole aquarium so there are tons of amazing animals to visit.

Places featured in this article:


Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Center

Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
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