Welcome, young adventurers, and parents too! Are you ready to discover the exciting world of Wilkes-Barre? This charming city in Pennsylvania has lots of amazing things to do for families like yours. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying a bit longer, you’re in for a treat! Let’s explore some super fun activities and attractions that will make your family vacation unforgettable.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Wilkes-Barre has over 40 parks? That’s like having a new playground to explore every day of the month!
Example: Imagine you and your family exploring a magical world filled with fascinating creatures. Wilkes-Barre is home to a fantastic zoo where you can see lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!). This zoo is like a real-life animal kingdom, and you can learn about animals from all around the world.
Now, let’s dive into the top family-friendly activities in Wilkes-Barre:
1. The Amazing Wilkes-Barre Zoo:
Wilkes-Barre is lucky to have its very own zoo, and it’s the perfect place for kids like you who love animals! This zoo is like a big adventure, with over 100 different species of animals. You can see giraffes with their long necks, playful penguins who love to swim, and even some cute red pandas. Don’t forget to say hi to the mischievous monkeys and the wise old owls. The zoo also has a petting zoo where you can get up close and personal with some furry friends. It’s a great place for the whole family to learn about the incredible world of animals.
2. Steamtown National Historic Site:
All aboard! If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to ride a big, old-fashioned train, you’re in for a treat at the Steamtown National Historic Site. This place is like stepping back in time. You can explore real trains, climb aboard the caboose, and even take a short ride on a historic locomotive. It’s a bit like a journey through history, and you’ll feel like a true explorer.
Example: Just imagine the excitement of hearing the train whistle and feeling the wind in your hair as you chug along the tracks. You might even get to see the big puffs of steam as the train goes “choo-choo”!
3. The Children’s Museum:
If you’re in the mood for some hands-on fun, head over to the Children’s Museum in Wilkes-Barre. This place is a wonderland for kids like you. You can be a scientist, artist, or astronaut for a day. There are cool exhibits where you can make music, build amazing structures, and even explore the mysteries of space. The best part is that everything here is designed for kids to touch, play with, and learn from. It’s a place where your imagination can run wild!
4. Montage Mountain Resort:
Do you love playing in the snow? If you visit Wilkes-Barre during the winter, you’re in for a snowy treat! Montage Mountain Resort is a fantastic place for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Even if you’ve never tried these winter sports before, the friendly instructors will help you have a blast on the slopes. And if you’re visiting during the summer, they have a waterpark with slides, pools, and even a lazy river! It’s a place for year-round fun.
Example: Imagine sliding down a big hill covered in fluffy snow, giggling all the way down. Or floating along a lazy river, feeling the warm sun on your face. Montage Mountain Resort is all about making amazing memories.
5. Frances Slocum State Park:
If you enjoy being outdoors and exploring nature, Frances Slocum State Park is a great place to visit. You can take a hike through the woods, have a picnic by the lake, or go fishing with your family. There are also playgrounds where you can run, jump, and play to your heart’s content. It’s a beautiful park where you can make the most of the fresh air and the wonders of nature.
6. The Mohegan Sun Arena:
Are you a fan of big concerts, sports events, or fun shows? The Mohegan Sun Arena is the place to be! This huge arena hosts all sorts of exciting events throughout the year. You can watch your favorite sports teams in action, see your favorite artists perform live, or even catch a thrilling monster truck show. It’s like stepping into a world of entertainment, and there’s always something exciting happening here.
Example: Just picture yourself in the middle of a cheering crowd, clapping and shouting as your team scores a goal or your favorite singer hits a high note. The Mohegan Sun Arena is where unforgettable memories are made.
7. Kirby Park:
Kirby Park is a super cool place to spend a sunny day. You can have a family picnic, go for a bike ride, or fly a kite in the wide-open spaces. There’s even a playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures for you to explore. It’s a park where you can run, play, and have lots of outdoor fun.
Example: Think about soaring a colorful kite high up in the sky, feeling the breeze as it dances through the air. Kirby Park is where your imagination can take flight!
8. The Luzerne County Fair:
If you’re visiting Wilkes-Barre in the summer, you’re in luck! The Luzerne County Fair is a fantastic event that’s all about fun. You can see farm animals, enjoy tasty treats like cotton candy and funnel cakes, and even go on thrilling rides. It’s like a big party with something for everyone in the family.
Example: Close your eyes and imagine the lights and sounds of a carnival, with the smell of popcorn in the air and the laughter of kids on rides. The Luzerne County Fair is where joy and excitement come together.
Conclusion
Wilkes-Barre is a magical place for family vacations, filled with exciting adventures waiting for kids like you. Whether you’re exploring the animal kingdom at the zoo, taking a ride on a historic train, or letting your imagination run wild at the Children’s Museum, there’s something special for every member of the family to enjoy.
So, pack your bags and get ready for an amazing journey in Wilkes-Barre, where family-friendly fun is just around the corner. Your adventure awaits!
