Erie was made for family moments. Here, kids can race from coasters to water slides at Waldameer, and everyone has room to roam. In Erie, the simple things are the best things: fresh air, toes in the sand, space to splash, and time to pause. You’ll spend less time in traffic, and more time playing. Less time in lines, and more time laughing. Come with a plan, or let the moments guide you, and discover why Erie is known for effortless family fun.
Erie’s family traditions come alive at Waldameer Park & Water World, where the vintage charm of one-of-a-kind rides like the Whacky Shack and Pirate’s Cove spark nostalgia, laughter, and new memories. Free admission, parking, and ongoing updates keep the park fresh. When the heat rises, Water World cools things off with Battle of Lake Erie splash zones and the tri-state’s largest wave pool.
The Erie Zoo welcomes families to explore more than 400 animals in a compact, easy-to-navigate space that’s ideal for little explorers with big curiosity. Whether you’re interacting with the Zoo’s family of Bornean orangutans or watching adorable river otters Max and Mimi splash around, every turn sparks wonder. The Zoo’s smaller size allows kids to get close the animals, and the park can be completed in a few hours.
Minor League Baseball screams summer fun, and at UPMC Park, every seat feels close to the game as you root for Erie’s back-to-back Eastern League champs, the Erie SeaWolves. The AA-affiliate of the Detroit Tigers bring the action while beloved mascot C. Wolf hands out high fives and hugs. Check out the SeaWolves’ promotional calendar for some epic theme nights.
Consistently ranked as one of the top indoor water parks by USA Today’s 10Best, Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort is a year-round tropical escape where families race down thrilling slides, catch waves in a giant pool, or get soaked under a giant tipping coconut. It’s a water park escape that can turn a quiet day into a lively party.
At Erie Insurance Arena, the roar of the crowd rises as the Ontario Hockey League Erie Otters take the ice. Many current NHL stars got their start in Erie (including NHL All-Star and MVP Connor McDavid), and a night at an Otters game gives families the chance to see future stars up close. The season starts in September and runs through spring.
ASCEND Erie turns climbing into a shared adventure where every handhold sparks confidence and every climb builds connection. Multiple climbing walls and routes provide opportunities for all skill levels.
At the expERIEnce Children’s Museum, creativity and curiosity take center stage in a fresh, three-story space designed for kids to play their way through Erie- themed exhibits. Central to the renovated space is “Lake Life,” a massive water table dotted with mini versions of Erie landmarks, like the Bicentennial Tower and North Pier Light. On the top floor, kids will want to spend all day at “My Town,” a miniature community featuring a grocery store, auto shop, restaurant, theater, veterinary office, and so much more.
Just a short drive away in Jamestown, NY, the National Comedy Center brings laughter to life with cutting-edge tech and personalized exhibits. Visitors create custom “Sense of Humor” profiles that shape interactive experiences tailored to their tastes, ensuring fun that’s both clever and age-appropriate.
Asbury Woods offers a peaceful escape into nature’s classroom. Wander trails that weave through forests, wetlands, and meadows, then step inside the nature center to explore live animal exhibits and interactive displays.
School's out for summer! Let this playlist guide your family vacation in Erie County. For all of VisitErie's playlists, click here.
814-450-8553
652 West 17th Street
Erie, PA 16502
814-835-5356
4105 Asbury Road
Pet friendly (outside trails only)
Erie, PA 16506
582-228-9035
426 State Street
Erie, PA 16501
814-455-6055
1 State Street
Erie, PA 16507
814-392-3500
3330 West 26th Street
Village West Plaza
Erie, PA 16506
814-725-0747
9210 Sidehill Road
North East, PA 16428
814-315-9694
2061 West 8th Street
Erie , PA 16505
716-736-4418
5811 Welch Hill Road
Ripley, NY 14775
814-823-1591
814-459-5477
20 East 5th Street
Erie, PA 16507
814-392-4785
Home field is Erie Sports Center
8159 Oliver Road
Erie, PA 16509
814-453-7117
809 French Street
Erie, PA 16501
814-572-1407
Meets in front of Like My Thai 827 State Street
Erie, PA 16501
814-452-2744
150 East Front Street
Erie, PA 16507
814-455-7779
Erie Insurance Arena
809 French St
Erie, PA 16501
814-455-1375
23 West 10th Street
Erie, PA 16501
814-454-2852
12 West 10th Street
Erie, PA 16501
814-456-1300
Home games - UPMC Park/110 East 10 Street
Business Office - 831 French Street
Erie, PA 16501
412-852-7508
8159 Oliver Road
Erie, PA 16509
814-864-2022
4940 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16501
814-864-4091
423 West 38th Street
Erie, PA 16508
814-580-9905
4838 West Ridge Road
Erie, PA 16506
814-580-9905
23 W 10th Street
Erie, PA 16501
814-453-3743
420 French Street
Erie, PA 16507
8159 Oliver Road
Erie, PA 16509
724-316-2529
35 State Street
Erie , PA 16507
814-454-1813
356 West 6th Street
Erie, PA 16501
814-602-5846
12 East Dobbins Landing
next to Woody's Backwater BARge & Grill
Erie, PA 16507
814-453-5323
1501 West 6th Street
Erie, PA 16505
814-725-3303
10700 Delmas Drive
North East, PA 16428
1200 Lighthouse Street
Erie, PA 16507
814-823-6706
8159 Oliver Road
Erie, PA 16509
814-449-9012
150 East Front Street - Erie Maritime Museum
Erie, PA 16507
716-484-2222
203 W. Second Street
Jamestown, NY 14701
814-920-9666
130 E Front Street
Erie , PA 16507
716-355-4141
1405 Olde Road
Clymer, NY 14724
814-528-5257
2730 West 12th Street
Erie, PA 16505
814-452-2628
402 West Bayfront Parkway
Erie, PA 16507
814-796-4500
2055 Stone Quarry Road
Waterford, PA 16441
814-838-3938
Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle Canoe & Boat Livery
Erie, PA 16505
814-836-0201
Perry Monument at Presque Isle
Erie, PA 16501
814-833-3604
Presque Isle State Park, east of Beach 6
Erie, PA 16505
814-833-7424
Foot of Peninsula Drive
Erie, PA 16505
814-835-8900
Waterworks Beach area
Presque Isle State Park
Erie, PA 16505
814-217-1140
8071 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16509
814-453-2627
2 State Street
Erie, PA 16507
866-3SPLASH (77-5274)
8091 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16509
814-528-5005
3728 Liberty Street
Erie, PA 16508
814-734-5098
12270 Edinboro Road
Edinboro, PA 16412
814-833-7424
E Fisher Drive
Erie, PA 16507
724-880-1283
Captain John E. Lampe Marina, Foot of Port Access Road
Erie, PA 16507
814-833-7424
301 Peninsula Drive
Erie, PA 16505
814-459-9696
Foot of State Street/Dobbins Landing
Erie, PA 16507
877-817-1009
220 Peninsula Drive
Erie, PA 16505
814-315-0940
2167 W. 12th Street
B2
Erie, PA 16506
Wolverine Park Marina
34 State Street
Erie, PA 16507
The Mazza family welcomes you to explore 3 unique locations in Lake Erie Wine Country. Sip and savor award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA, and be sure to visit their combination winery, distillery and brewery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, in nearby Westfield, NY.
Welcome to The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant and Tavern. We invite you to enjoy a unique dining experience on Erie’s Bayfront with our nautically inspired decor, a carefully crafted menu, and an unbelievable view of Presque Isle Bay. With both indoor and outdoor seating right next to the bay, we want to be your destination of choice when you “just want to get away from it all” but without having to go far.
Dine. Sip. Enjoy the view. Admire the stunning views of the Lake Erie bayfront, either from Pier 6 Rooftop Bar or Bay House Oyster Bar. Pier 6 offers indoor and outdoor dining, with two rooftop decks. Bay House provides an upscale experience as Erie’s Only Fresh Oyster Bar & Wood-Fired Argentine Grill. All in one location, with two unique experiences.
UPMC Hamot is a 445-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is a regional hub for specialized health care, including advanced surgical services, private intensive care suites, and the area’s only accredited trauma center.
Erie Events plays a pivotal role in hosting a diverse array of events, including concerts, Broadway productions, family shows, and sporting events. Visit the five venues: Erie Insurance Arena, Waner Theatre, Bayfront Convention Center, UPMC Park and the Rebich Investments Amphitheater at Liberty Park.
$5 First Fridays through November, offering everyone a $5 Day Pass all day long! In town for a minute? Purchase a 3-Day Pass (for less than the price of 2 day passes) and visit up to 3 times in a 7-day span! Plus, shoe and chalk rentals are on the house for first-timers.
Located at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, Two45 pays homage to the precisde moment in history that Oliver Hazard Perry bravely led the US Navy on the path to victory during the Battle of Lake Erie. As a tribute to our fair city, the restaurant offers upscale, traditional American cuisines with a focus on seafood adn coastal fare. Chef's specialities include macadmania-crusted grouper filet, premium beef cuts, and bone in tomahawk pork chop. Private dining room available.
Tia Book Cellar is an independent bookstore offering new and bargain books, unique gifts, puzzles, and games for all interests and ages. Located across from Gibson Park in North East, their brand embodies the local business model and the local grape heritage. Tia's believes that "there is always … local, an alternative, and a story." They look forward to helping you discover your next read or gift here.
Five Iron Golf is blurring the lines between indoor golf and entertainment. State-of-the-art simulators and world-class instruction meet premium events and amenities plus delectable food and cocktail menus.
Get ready for another season of world-class performances as the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture returns with an electrifying 2025–2026 lineup spanning genres, generations, and global influences.
In honor of its Centennial year, the Erie Zoo invites guests to be part of a century-long legacy of discovery, conservation, and connection. Throughout this year’s celebration, visitors can enjoy special events, interactive keeper talks, and up-close animal encounters that inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Whether it’s a family outing or a day of adventure with friends, the Erie Zoo continues to be a cherished destination for fun, education, and unforgettable memories.
Experience the best of summer at Port Farms — where every weekend is packed with themed festivals, entertainment, and memorable moments for all ages! Stroll through 3 acres of vibrant u-pick flower fields, enjoy over 20 farm attractions, and treat yourself to delicious eats and handcrafted drinks. From bubble dance parties and character visits, to goats and hands-on fun, there’s always something new to discover. Located just 13 miles south of I-90.
Edinboro Community and Economic Development is a regional Edinboro area non-profit committed to fostering positive community-wide growth. Through economic and civic initiatives, the ECED seeks to empower the Edinboro community to effectuate targeted change to meet current needs and build regional resilience. Edinboro is a unique area where rural and urban values intersect, and the best "small town America" qualities shine.
Hop aboard the Presque Isle Water Taxi “Aquabus” for a scenic ride across the bay! Depart Downtown from the Landing Dock (5 State St, Erie, PA 16507) and be dropped off at the Public Dock on the Presque Isle Bike Trail.
If you live more than 50 miles from Millcreek Mall, stop by the Customer Service Center to register. You’ll receive a Guest Rewards Tourism Program Luggage Tag. Scanning the QR Code on it will reveal special offers from participating mall merchants. If you spend $200 or more that day, take your receipts back to the Customer Service Center and you’ll get a FREE $20 Mall Gift Card. You get rewarded just for shopping!
Join us on Erie’s beautiful bayfront for a new experience from the creators of Oliver’s Rooftop restaurant. Oliver’s Beer Garden is an outdoor facility with great views of the Erie Bayfront and the nearby Bicentennial Tower. Enjoy craft brews, signature cocktails, and refreshing drinks served alongside delicious food from our very own food truck.
Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.
Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.
Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row
Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!
Operating five unique venues right in the heart of downtown Erie’s entertainment and cultural district, there’s something for everyone.
VisitErie – 208 East Bayfront Parkway – Erie PA 16507 – (814) 454-1000 – info@visiterie.com
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