Summer in Erie is all about tradition - the places we return to, the treats we crave, the memories we remake. But even the classics have something new to offer. With fresh exhibits at the Erie Zoo, updates at Waldameer, and new flavors popping up at Pulakos and Niagara Creamery, there’s no shortage of reasons to rediscover them all this season.

Family Favorites

• As part of the Erie Zoo’s 100th anniversary year, two new exhibit upgrades are set to debut this July:
  • A new African painted dog viewing structure will offer an up-close look at the pack dynamics, and a training space where guests can watch keepers perform various exercises.
  • A redesigned red panda habitat will include an interactive keeper training area and new climbing structures with elevated perches that mimic their natural tree homes.
• Twist and dive into summer on Waldameer Park & Water World’s new Time Twister family thrill ride, now open! It’s a mesmerizing experience where riders rise, float, fall, and dodge in every direction. Other new additions include an expanded entrance to Water World, new midway games, a refreshed Tasty Tater concession stand, and an upgraded Swim Shop selling an array of Waldameer merch.
• Hazards Mini Golf Social Pub is raising the fun factor in Downtown Erie. Visitors can enjoy a round of 18 Erie-themed mini golf holes while sipping drinks, snacking, and catching weekend live music. Multiple TVs also screen sports and movies for added entertainment. No tee time is needed, just stop by anytime. Guests under 21 must be with a parent or guardian and can stay until 8 p.m.

Food and Flavor

• Niagara Creamery offers small-batch, hard-packed ice cream made fresh on site, featuring a rotating menu of classic favorites alongside new summer flavors like peach cobbler and fudge brownie blast. For those wanting to try a little bit of everything, an ice cream flight serves up four two-ounce scoops in one visit. Non-dairy options and customizable toppings add to the experience, making it a sweet stop after a day of exploring the Erie region.
• Pulakos Chocolates is celebrating summer with its new Taste of Summer collection; sixteen handcrafted chocolates in milk and dark varieties, including rum truffle, French Marnier, and limoncello. A new location opening this June at Colony Plaza will offer a vintage, nostalgic atmosphere and access to an outdoor courtyard.
• Enrique’s Southeast Mexican Taqueria and Tortilleria is joining the lineup of local kitchens inside the Flagship City Food Hall. Known for its authentic, house-made Mexican dishes, Enrique’s offers barbecue quesadillas, steak fajita burritos, and a flavorful assortment of tacos.
• Mighty Fine Donuts is now bringing its classic handcrafted donuts to the Country Fair convenience store in Downtown Erie. That includes longtime favorites such as the chocolate-iced cream-filled and sugared raspberry jelly varieties.

Cultural and Heritage

• Nestled in Downtown Erie, The Brig Cigar Lounge offers a relaxed, welcoming space for cigar enthusiasts to unwind. With plush seating and a thoughtfully curated selection of premium cigars, it’s a gathering place for those who appreciate craftsmanship and tradition. Guests are welcome to bring their own beverages, adding a personal touch to the experience.
• The Presque Isle Lighthouse’s newly interpreted summer kitchen offers a look into the daily life of lighthouse keepers and their families. The space highlights everyday life from chores and meals to socializing and life on Presque Isle.
• After a six-year break, the Presque Isle Water Taxi is back—and it’s one of the most scenic and stress-free ways to get from Downtown Erie to the beaches of Presque Isle State Park. Operating Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day (weather permitting), the taxi offers a breezy ride across the bay with beautiful views and no parking hassles. Riders can hop on at Dobbins Landing (at the foot of State Street) and cruise to Waterworks Dock, conveniently located near Waterworks Beach and The Yellow Bike Rental Company. For ticket information, click here.
• Monacella Massage and Kinesiology's new location is just steps away from the Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel and Bay House Oyster Bar and Restaurant, striking the ideal balance between indulgence and convenience. Whether you’re visiting as a family, a couple, or on your own, it’s a peaceful place to pause and recharge. Monacella offers a range of services, including Erie’s only Vichy shower, a soothing treatment where warm water cascades over you from multiple showerheads.