When you think of visiting Erie, PA, you might imagine yourself and your family hanging out on the beach on a hot Summer day. The sand between your toes while you take in the views of Lake Erie. So when you think about taking a day trip or extended weekend away that isn't too far from home in the Fall or Winter you might overlook Erie as an option. My family and I recently took a trip to Erie to discover all the Fall fun there is to have there, and we were not disappointed! There was never a lack of things to do to keep us entertained! The only issue we had is we wish we would've stayed longer! (Luckily, Erie is only 90 minutes away, so we will definitely be back!) Thinking about planning your Erie trip? Here are our top five places to check out while you're there!
The author was hosted by VisitErie to facilitate writing this article. All thoughts and opinions expressed are their own.
 Inside Splash Lagoon, by the lazy river. |
There is something so relaxing about spending a chilly day inside in 84 degree heat in a waterpark! Splash Lagoon was the perfect size for our family with so much to do to keep our three year old busy, while still having plenty for us to enjoy as well. My husband loved all the big water slides while myself and my daughter could've stayed in the wave pool or lazy river all day. My daughter also really enjoyed the splash pad, the family hot tub, and the kid sized water slides! Anywhere with water and little ones can put a parent a little on edge but I was impressed by Splash Lagoons safety measures. Everywhere you looked you could see a life guard (if not multiple!) and life jackets for kids were available for free in multiple locations!
While we were there we also had a chance to check out the arcade! If you're like my husband and you're more interested in playing the games then winning tickets they offer a discounted all-you-can-play card where you can play as many games as you would like in the time you pay for. Of course, if you're more like me and my daughter they also offer packages where you can win tickets (and prizes!)
(TIP: Make sure to bring your own towels! Also, Friday and Sunday were significantly less busy then Saturday, so if you're trying to avoid the crowds Saturday is the perfect day to explore other parts of Erie!)
2. Holiday Inn Express (Summit Township)
 Our room at Holiday Inn Express (Summit Township). |
Indoor Waterparks are great, but what really made visiting Splash Lagoon even better was staying at Holiday Inn Express (Summit Township)! The hotel is attached to Splash Lagoon so when we would need a midday break or we were done for the night there was just a short walk to our room. Anyone with little kids will agree, having somewhere close where your kids can relax or take a nap is so important. The suite we stayed in was perfect for us, with a stovetop, fridge and a separate room for when our daughter was napping. However, our favorite part was the huge jetted tub! We still had the feeling of staying in a relaxing waterpark even after our daughter was done for the night. We also had the perfect start to our day with the breakfast offered complimentary every morning with our stay!
(TIP: Book your stay at Holiday Inn Express through https://www.splashlagoon.com/ to get a bundle deal for your stay and passes to the waterpark!)
3. Presque Isle (Tom Ridge Enviromental Center)
 The Nature Playspace at Tom Ridge Environmental Center at Presque Isle. |
We couldn't leave Erie before visting Presque Isle and enjoying the views of nature! The trees were just starting to change colors when we visited, which was just beautiful. We stopped by one of the many beaches for a few minutes to take in the sights and play in the sand. The beach was definitely less busy then it would be in the middle of summer which was nice because we really got to just enjoy our time. While on Presque Isle, we stopped by the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, which was my husband's favorite place we went during our whole trip to Erie. Free to explore, the Environmental Center was not only entertaining, but educational. After looking around the inside of the center for awhile we ascended the stairs to the 75' foot observation tower (there's an elevator as well!). The views were unmatched, seeing Presque Isle from that height you really get to take in the beauty of it all.
The Tom Ridge Environmental Center also had two fun areas for kids. The indoor discovery center offered toys, books and other resources for kids to learn about the Isle and nature while still having fun while the outdoor Nature Play Space was a fun way for children to get some energy out. The Nature Play Space was a beautiful playground made from materials mostly found in nature. If you're going to Erie, we highly recommend stopping by and checking the center out for yourself!
4. Erie Zoo
 Having fun at the Erie Zoo! |
The Erie Zoo was such a fun spot for our three year old! She, of course, loved seeing all the animals, but there was so much more to do! About half way through the Zoo we came across a path that had fun Halloween themed exercises for our family to do, we had so much fun flapping our wings, walking like a mummy, balancing like a scarecrow and more! Shortly after, we found the kid's area where there was a big wooden tower, outside play kitchen and lots of areas for parents to relax while they watch their kids play! The Adventure Center also offered more places for kids to play while they learn about the animals they are seeing. We also got to ride on our favortie animals on the giant indoor carousel! However, even with all the fun inside the Zoo, my daughter's favorite was the train ride we took as we were leaving! If you visit the Zoo, it's worth it to visit the train first to get a little insider's tour before you go inside, however, we still enjoyed the mile long train ride on our way out. The Erie Zoo was a good size for our family and offered a lot to do!
5. Port Farms
 Playing at the pretend town at Port Farms. |
I really can not explain in words how perfect Port Farms was for Fall family fun! We could've spent all day enjoying the Farm. From a corn pit, a pretend town for kids, plenty of areas to get fun pictures, Fall treats, and so much more! They have so many play areas for kids that we didn't even end up visiting them all! You can also feed animals, take a hayride, and shoot an apple canon! We had fun playing on the ropes course as well as going down all the slides. For older kids (or adults!) they also had a sports area. There was plenty to eat there, but my favorite was the Smokey S'mores Milkshake! On our way out, we picked out a pumpkin to really make this the perfect fall day!
If you're looking for a vacation, a day trip or even an extended weekend you really need to look no further then Erie, Pa. The easy 90-minute drive to Erie from Youngstown really makes the trip worth it even if you're only there to stop by one of the many attractions Erie has to offer. The one place we regrettably did not have a chance to visit was The Erie's Children Museum but I believe is worth looking into if you are headed that way. (We plan on visiting soon!) The next time you are planning a winter or fall getaway I would highly recommend giving Erie a chance! Thank you to VisitErie for hosting my family for such a fun weekend!
 More fun at Port Farms! |
