The author and her family were hosted by VisitErie to facilitate writing this article. All thoughts and opinions expressed are her own.
Erie, PA, just a 90-minute drive away from Cleveland, offers a plethora of family-friendly activities and attractions that make it an ideal destination for a memorable vacation. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway, Erie has something to offer every member of your family. Here are my top reasons why Cleveland families should consider visiting Erie, PA.
Presque Isle State Park - Nature's Playground
One of the crown jewels of Erie, Presque Isle State Park, is a must-visit destination for families. This 3,200-acre peninsula boasts breathtaking beaches, serene lagoons, and diverse wildlife. Families can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and building sandcastles along the 13 miles of sandy shoreline. For nature enthusiasts, the park's trails provide excellent opportunities for hiking and biking. Don't forget to bring your binoculars, as Presque Isle is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 320 species spotted throughout the year. Presque Isle is free to enter and has free parking. Presque Isle is Pennsylvania's most visited state park, welcoming more than 4 million visitors each year.
 |
We visited during the annual Discover Presque Isle Festival, held annually in July, and were delighted with all the park has to offer. We rented bikes from Yellow Bike Rental Company located inside the park and got to enjoy the beautiful bike paths along the shore. There are also Surrey rentals, trikes, and kids bikes and trailers available. If you’re looking for water sports, stop at Presque Isle Canoe & Boat Rental to rent canoes, kayaks, pontoons, and paddleboards. There is no shortage of adventure on Presque Isle!
Educational and Entertaining Museums
Erie offers a range of educational museums that blend fun and learning for the entire family. The expERIEnce Children's Museum provides hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that engage young minds in science, art, and technology. With their recent expansion, The expERIEnce Children’s Museum should be on the list for all families!
The Erie Maritime Museum, home to the U.S. Brig Niagara, delves into the region's rich maritime history, allowing visitors to experience life aboard a tall ship.
 |
We enjoyed a sunset cruise aboard Schooner Lettie G. Howard, one of the last surviving vessels of her kind! On our cruise, we were able to participate in raising the sails and assisting the crew as we sailed into the Lake Erie sunset. It was a truly memorable experience, and we all learned the history of the schooner and the rich history of Erie. As the captain reminded us as we were leaving, "You've now experienced sailing a tall ship, something not many people have done." A really unique and memorable experience for the whole family!
On your way into Presque Isle stop at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, with free admission it features interactive exhibits and an observation tower with spectacular views of Presque Isle and Lake Erie.
Waldameer Park & Water World - Amusement Galore
A family vacation wouldn't be complete without a trip to an amusement park, and Erie's Waldameer Park & Water World delivers on all fronts. This historic amusement park features a thrilling assortment of rides, including roller coasters, spinning rides, and classic kiddie attractions. Water World offers a refreshing respite during the hot summer months with its wave pool, lazy river, and water slides, promising hours of fun for the entire family. This year Waldameer is celebrating it's 127 season and is one of the oldest amusement parks in the country. It is also free to park and free admission, as it’s a pay-to-play park. A true Erie gem!
For your coaster fans - make sure to take a ride on the Ravine Flyer II - ranked one of the Top 10 Wood Coaster in the world, and is the tallest and fastest wooden coaster in Pennsylvania! If you love spinning thrills, head to the Mega Vortex which spins and soar up to 50' back and forth on a half-pipe track.
 |
Take a break from the heat and cool off in Water World featuring a 500,000-gallon wave pool, TWO family areas, and several exhilarating slides including the new Rocket Blast!
 |
Discovering Erie's Culinary Scene
Erie's dining scene offers a wide variety of culinary delights to satisfy every palate. From fresh-caught Lake Erie perch to mouthwatering pizza and artisanal ice cream, the city's diverse cuisine is sure to delight both adults and children alike. Make sure to visit Sara's, a charming 50s-style restaurant at the entrance of Presque Isle where families can indulge in delicious milkshakes and classic diner fare.
To find choices for all appetites, head to Flagship City Food Hall, where you’ll find a wide variety of food vendors from bagel sandwiches to ramen, pizza or even ice cream! This is not your mall food court, it features nine local vendors. For the adults, make a stop along the Lake Erie Ale Trail - 15 microbreweries, all located near the shores of Lake Erie. We stopped at Black Monk Brewery and sampled their beer and enjoyed live music in the back garden.
For all your planning head to the VisitErie website to find places to stay, events, things to do and more. It’s a wealth of information for Cleveland families to plan the perfect weekend road trip! Or download the Hello Erie app to make planning even easier! You’ll find activities, attractions and upcoming events right at your fingertips.
Only about 90 minutes from Cleveland, Erie provides an ideal family-friendly escape, with its natural beauty, educational attractions, and exciting activities. From the sandy beaches of Presque Isle State Park to the thrilling rides at Waldameer Park, there is no shortage of adventures waiting to be had. Whether you're seeking outdoor exploration, cultural experiences, or simply quality time together, Erie has it all. So pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on a memorable family vacation to Erie where lasting memories await you and your loved ones.
When you visit Erie, make sure to check out Macaroni KID Erie for all the family-friendly events happening during your visit!
