Summer in Erie, PA, offers endless opportunities for family fun and adventure. Whether you're frolicking in the waters of Lake Erie or strolling through the zoo, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here are the top five must-do activities to make the most of your Erie summer getaway, promising a memorable vacation for the whole family. Cover photo: Jeremy Bickling

Ride Coasters at Waldameer Park and Water World

Nothing says "classic family fun" quite like a day at Waldameer. The family-owned water and amusement park features more than 100 rides, slides, and attractions, and it's been providing families with affordable fun for more than 100 years. What makes Waldameer different? Admission and parking are free! At Waldameer, only pay for what you ride. For bigger kids, check out the staples, like the Ravine Flyer II coaster (ranked one of the top wooden coasters in the world!), the Wacky Shack, and Thunder River. There's tons of fun for the littles too, with more than 10 Kiddie Rides all grouped together for the littlest travelers. 

Then there's Water World, an impressive water park full of wet and wild fun including The Battle of Lake Erie family complex, and a Kidz Zone, perfect for smaller children. Water World's Giant Wave Pool and the addition of six new shade cabanas offer parents a relaxing retreat while the kids splash and play. Admission to Water World requires a fee.

Explore Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park arches into Lake Erie, providing families endless opportunities for outdoor fun. Spend your day swimming in the refreshing waters of Lake Erie at one of its sandy beaches, exploring the park’s scenic trails, or simply spending quality time together with a picnic. Picnic tables and charcoal grills are conveniently located throughout the park. Although the park itself does not have concession stands, you can pack your own snacks or get something to-go at Sara’s Restaurant, a colorful 50s diner-inspired restaurant near the entrance to Presque Isle State Park. Sara’s offers tasty summertime favorites including hot dogs (Smith’s brand made in Erie!), burgers, fries, milkshakes, and creamy orange/vanilla twist soft serve. 

Looking to spend a little extra time at Presque Isle? Check out this itinerary for a full family weekend spent at Pennsylvania's most-visited state park. 

Take a Pirate Cruise Aboard Scallywags

More than just a boat ride, swashbucklers of all ages can experience the thrills of being a pirate aboard Scallywags Pirate Adventures. The bright red galleon-style ship takes visitors on a 90-minute interactive cruise of Presque Isle Bay packed with engaging activities including a delightful storyline where passengers must help the Scallywags crew defeat the evil Captain Skull and his attempts to claim the pirate treasure. There are ship-to-ship water cannon battles, face painting, pirate costumes, pirate-themed activities, dance parties, and a kid-friendly sword fight guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. Once the treasure is found, each child leaves with a piece of the found treasure.

Create a Bouquet at Port Farms:

Spend a day on a real working farm with attractions for every member of the family at Port Farms. During its Summer Days event in late summer, Port Farms is filled with more than five acres of vibrant fields of flowers and family-friendly activities. Kids can play to their hearts' content in the Bubble Hut, where they can make gigantic, colorful bubbles, get up close to Port Farm’s goat family on Goat Mountain or have fun catapulting apples across a field with an apple cannon. It is also pet-friendly! In between watching the kids play, parents can sip a local craft beverage from Port Farms' onsite brewery, Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales. Poverty Knob features a full menu, features indoor and outdoor seating, and is a quick walk from all of the attractions. 

Meet the Animals at Erie Zoo

The Erie Zoo is a refreshing departure from sprawling metropolitan zoos, allowing families with young children to explore its exhibits and wildlife in just an hour or two. The Zoo features more than 400 animals and multiple exhibit areas. Families will love saying hello to the mother-son orangutan duo in Wild Asia or walking freely among a troop of kangaroos and wallabies inside the Australian Walkabout. Other Zoo favorites are the Wildlife Carousel and the Safariland Train. The North American River Otter exhibit is the Zoo’s newest addition, allowing visitors to get an up-close look at playful residents Max and Mimi.