Indulge in a summer filled with making memories and budget-friendly family fun on Erie’s beautiful shores. With an abundance of activities, from ballgames and free eats to thrilling rides and new explorations, the possibilities are endless! Here are some great ways for summertime fun with kids in Erie PA. 

Do some scenic cycling at Presque Isle State Park. Presque Isle’s Karl Boyes Multipurpose National Recreation Trail provides biking enthusiasts of all levels with picturesque and unique landscapes of scenic shorelines, lush woodlands, and diverse wildlife. The well-maintained, paved trail spans 13 miles and encircles the entire park, allowing cyclists the chance to experience the park’s natural beauty up close. During your ride, the park has several interesting areas that are perfect for taking a quick break to explore including the Perry Monument/Misery Bay area, the Presque Isle Lighthouse, and Kite Beach/Sunset Point.  Presque Isle Yellow Bike Rental offers a variety of bicycles, tandems, and surreys for you to explore the park in style.

Frolic in the “Summer Days” at Port Farms: Immerse yourself in five acres of vibrant sunflowers, cosmos, and zinnias during Summer Days at Port Farms (formerly known as The Flower Festival). Running from August 5 through September 10, Summer Days features a different event each weekend including Sweet Summer Days (August 5,6,10-12) and Blooms, Bubbles and Butterflies (August 18-20, 25-27). Summer Days is family and pet friendly. Many of Port Farms’ regular attractions and the gift shop are included with admission.

Play ball with the Erie SeaWolves: In addition to affordable ticket options, the Erie SeaWolves pride themselves on offering a multitude of special promotions and giveaways throughout the season that add an extra layer of fun and excitement to the game day experience. Kids can unleash their energy inside UPMC Ball Park’s Kids Zone featuring inflatables and interactive games, give high fives and hugs to SeaWolves’ mascot C. Wolf, or run the bases after the game. The fun continues between innings with engaging activities such as cheer competitions, dance-offs, and trivia quizzes. Sundays are designated Family Fun Days featuring concession specials and varying kid activities.

Eat for free (or almost free) kid deals: Treat the little ones to delicious food without breaking the bank at the Flagship City Food Hall. On Mondays and Tuesdays after 4 p.m., both Perry’s Tavern and Dina’s Dominican Kitchen offer deals for kids 12 and under. Perry’s features a free personal pizza with the purchase of ANY food hall vendor and Dina’s Dominican Kitchen has a free la banderita (Mexican tortilla) with rice and a side with a regular purchase. On Wednesdays, all Erie Applebee’s locations offer free small kids’ meals and 99 cents large kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult meal. Before or after a visit to Presque Isle State Park, swing by Sara’s for daily family value meals that include burgers, hot dogs, your choice of a side, and a drink.

Spend a Day at Waldameer Park and Water World: Celebrating its 127^th season, Waldameer is packed with more than 100 rides, slides, and endless smiles. With a blend of rides ranging from timeless classics to beloved family favorites, Waldameer is a cherished summer tradition welcoming generations of families and friends through its gates. Take a whirl on the Grand Carousel or Dodgem cars, cool off in Water World’s Battle of Lake Erie complex, or spend moments of sheer delight alongside your little ones in Kiddie Land. Waldameer’s new Rocket Blast water coaster takes off in mid-June and promises thrilling toboggan-style rafting adventures with 800 feet of flying saucer turns and uphill watery blasts. Enjoy access to attractions at both parks at one low price through the park’s budget-friendly combo pass. As always, parking and admission are free. 

Engage in friendly competition at the Erie Sports Center Fun Park: Challenge your group to an action-packed go-kart race or a mini-golf showdown at the Erie Sports Center Fun Park. Satisfy your need for speed and compete for “fastest lap” in a single, junior, or double-seated gas-powered go-kart. Put your golfing prowess to the test on one of two 18-hole mini-golf courses featuring exciting greens, water fountains, and waterfalls. The Fun Park offers a variety of money-saving combo passes such as the Ultimate Family Pass which includes four rounds of golf, go-karts, or batting cages, one pizza, four fountain drinks, and four ice creams.

Create lasting memories at Camp Sherwin: Located in Girard, PA off Route 5, YMCA Camp Sherwin is the perfect way destination for family and youth recreation and outdoor exploration. Since 1912, Camp Sherwin has been entertaining kids of all ages with a wealth of amenities including a heated and guarded swimming pool, spray and play park, catch and release fishing pond, air jump pillow, hiking trails, playground, and more. Day passes are available for $10 per person or $30 per family.

Be a Party Animal at the Erie Zoo: Go wild and celebrate your child’s birthday or a special occasion with all your favorite animals at the Erie Zoo. The Zoo’s party room is available for two-hour parties and includes zoo admission, an animal presentation with two animal ambassadors, a carousel ride for all party guests, three pizzas, beverages, treat bags, and a special Zoo gift for the birthday boy or girl.

Explore the Great Outdoors: The combination of warm weather and cool Lake Erie breezes set the summer scene for outdoor adventures. Wind your way through the meandering labyrinth, skip stones in Cascade Creek, and whoosh down 40-foot steel slides at Frontier Park. Explore Mead Park in Corry, PA where 48 acres of landscaped grounds are just waiting to be discovered complete with tree-lined pathways, fitness trail, playground, basketball and pickle ball courts, and a sparkling pond with a whimsical water feature.