9 Winter Attractions For The Family In Pennsylvania That Don’t Involve Long Lines At The Mall
By Beth Price-Williams|Updated on November 17, 2022(Originally published November 11, 2022)
×
Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Long gone are the simmering days of summer. Now we’re preparing for the long, snow-filled, and bitterly cold days of winter, to which we Pennsylvanians have certainly become accustomed. But just because daylight is shorter doesn’t mean we can’t have a ton of fun and adventure – both indoors and outdoors – during winter in Pennsylvania. Here are nine winter activities in Pennsylvania that will keep you moving all winter long.
1. Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide – Eagles Mere
Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide, PO Box 56, Eagles Mere, PA 17731, USA
Bundle up for your rides down Lake Avenue on the famous Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide. Of course, you're probably going to get a bit chilly when you keep flying down the hill. Sip a cup of piping hot chocolate as you snack on other goodies from the refreshment stand before heading back to the top of the hill for another ride. The Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide is generally open from Friday through Sunday. However, check to confirm it is operating for the season and its hours before heading over. Here's the official website of Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide.
2. Blue Cross RiverRink – Philadelphia
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Lace up your ice skates for a leisurely glide around the Blue Cross RiverRink in Philly for a truly unique winter experience. The ice skating rink provides a picture-perfect setting, boasting more than 100,000 twinkling lights and a 45-foot Christmas tree. Need a break? Warm up in one of the warming cottages. Or, grab a delicious snack or a meal at one of the rink-side eateries. Winterfest usually runs through early March each year. Stop by the official website of Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest for days, hours, and more information.
Advertisement
3. Camelback Mountain – Tannersville
Camelback Ski Resort, 301 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA 18372, USA
We don't have to stop playing outside in the snow just because we're adults, right? Spend a thrilling two hours zipping down Camelback Mountain on a snow tube. Even better? Camelback Mountain offers both day and evening sessions (sessions are two hours each). Billing itself as the largest snow tubing park in the United States, the mountain resort features 42 snow tubing lanes, promising an epic experience. Head over to the official website of Camelback Mountain Resort for days, hours, and more information.
Advertisement
4. Kalahari Indoor Waterpark – Pocono Manor
Kalahari Indoor Waterpark, 250 Kalahari Blvd, Pocono Manor, PA 18349, USA
Add a little summer fun to those long winter days with a visit to America's biggest indoor waterpark: Kalahari Indoor Waterpark. Spend a day or two zipping down slides; meander down the lazy river, and relax in the spa. The indoor waterpark also features several swim-up bars, a perfect escape for the adults. Stop by the official website of Kalahari Indoor Waterpark for more information.
Breathe in the fresh winter air with a vigorous hike at Moraine State Park (or any state park in PA, really). Moraine State Park boasts nearly 30 miles of trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to hard. If there's snow on the ground, you can do a little cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, or sledding after your hike. Find a full menu of amenities on the official website of Moraine State Park.
6. Street of Shops – Lewisburg
Street of Shops, North Water Street, Lewisburg, PA, USA
Stay toasty on those frigid winter days with a visit to the charming Street of Shops, a village of indoor shops. Meander through the indoor village that's home to 375 shops, where you'll find everything from vintage furniture and candles to glass work and original artwork. The Street of Shops also boasts a spectacular 40,000 square foot flea market. Then, when you need a break, stop by the old-fashioned Street of Shops Restaurant. Check out the official website of Street of Shops for days, hours, and more information.
7. Reading Terminal Market – Philadelphia
Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
Shopping and winter just go hand-in-hand. One of the most spectacular markets in the state is, arguably, Reading Terminal Market. In fact, you could wile away an entire day in this massive market that hosts a score of restaurants and shops. Take your appetite with you for a delightful snack or a meal at Spataro's Cheesesteaks, Little Thai Market, or Molly Malloy's. Then peruse the many shops - Contessa's French Linens and Amy's Place, for example. Plan your visit on the official website of Reading Terminal Market.
8. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – Pittsburgh
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is the ideal day trip destination, whether you want to spend time indoors or outdoors. During the holiday season, Phipps hosts a holiday lights show, with spectacular light displays outdoors. Indoors, explore the Garden Railroad and a variety of colorful gardens. Stop by the official website of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for days, hours, and to purchase tickets.
The kid-friendly winter activities continue at Skytop Lodge, which boasts plenty to do - from winter hiking and snow tubing to ice fishing and snowshoeing. Embark on one of the miles of trails on cross-country skis for a unique view of the landscape, or glide across the ice for an hour or two of ice skating. Here's the official website of Skytop Lodge.
What other winter activities in Pennsylvania would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments! And, if you’re looking for the perfect winter day trip destination, head to this charming shopping village, Kitchen Kettle Village.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Winter Attractions In Pennsylvania
Beth Price-Williams|December 17, 2021
What are the most fun things to do in the winter in Pennsylvania?
The most fun thing to do in winter in Pennsylvania is probably getting out on a hike, here are a few of our favorites: