Places to Visit in Pennsylvania with Families

Are you looking for a place for a fun-filled family adventure? Pennsylvania is the answer! The 5th most populous state in the United States, with over 13 million residents, is an ideal holiday destination for your family. Whether you are looking for a fun day at the park or an educational day at the museum, you will find the perfect places in Pennsylvania. Although the state is vast, with several places worth visiting, we have made a list of the 15 best places to visit in Pennsylvania. Without any delay, start reading our comprehensive blog to explore all the fun places to visit with your family.

15 Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania with Family

No need to worry if you’re out on a vacation in Pennsylvania, but wondering where to visit in Pennsylvania. We have gathered a list of top-known and fun-filled places here to get entertained with your family and kids.

Please Touch Museum

Please Touch Museum is one of the best museums in the city, offering a wide range of activities for children aged seven and above. This museum offers wonderful exhibits and special events for the children, allowing them to learn about things interactively. There are 18 permanent exhibits here that children can enjoy. If your kids love some fun rides, buy the unlimited ride ticket. Their carousal is one of the famous rides among the crowds, and it can bring a smile to your children’s faces. Following the carousal, take your kids to the River Adventure. Who does not like to play with water, right? Kids can do fun activities here, like switching locks and creating dams.

The Please Touch Museum hours are as follows:

• Monday: 9 a.m – 4:30 p.m
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wed to Sat: 9 a.m – 4:30 p.m
• Sunday: 11 a.m – 4:30 p.m

Take advantage of Please Touch Museum on your next trip to Pennsylvania, as children and adults can have a fun-filled experience here without any doubt. Start packing your bags and visit this museum for hands-on fun with your family.

Franklin Square

Are you into fun and adventurous rides? Then look no further than Franklin Square. Previously, it was known as ‘North East Publick Square,’ but later, the name was changed to honor Benjamin Franklin. This amusement park offers several family-friendly attractions for both kids and parents. Your kids can play in the playground and take the rides while you and your wife can enjoy a fun game of golf at the mini golf course. Franklin Square is known for hosting many festivals yearly with fun activities for all. One of the most popular festivals is the Chinese Lantern Festival, which has excellent lantern displays and stage performances.

The Franklin Square hours are as follows:

• Sun to Thurs: 10 a.m – 9 p.m
• Fri to Sat: 10 a.m – 10 p.m

Franklin Square is among Pennsylvania’s best places to visit if you are looking for a place offering activities for all age groups. Book your tickets and enjoy an exciting day with your family.

Liberty Bell Center

Are you into historical landmarks? The Liberty Bell Center is an ideal place for you and your family. People worldwide come to Philadelphia to click a picture in front of the historical monument. One of Liberty Bell Center’s biggest perks is that no tickets are required to visit this place. Anyone in favor of freedom and civil rights can enjoy this place as it holds significant importance in the history of Philadelphia. With the dramatic backdrop of the Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center provides a picture-perfect spot for tourists. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the iconic relic with your family.

Take a trip with your family to the Liberty Bell Center, one of the best historical places in Pennsylvania, to enjoy history and gorgeous views. No tickets are needed, so grab your kids and head to the historical landmark for a fun day.

Philadelphia Zoo

A trip with family is incomplete without a visit to the zoo. The Philadelphia Zoo is one of the finest in the country, with over 1300 animal species. One of the biggest attractions in this zoo is the first in the world animal travel and exploration trail system, Zoo 360, where primates and big cats can move across the main pathway. Visitors can enjoy looking at the tigers moving in mesh trails above their heads. Have an exciting experience of visiting the KidsZooU, where there is an interactive display of rare breeds. Kids can get hands-on experience petting and brushing the sheep, goats, and chickens here.

There are no specific Philadelphia Zoo hours, however, you are allowed to enter until 2:00 p.m. It’s the ideal spot to visit with your wife and kids to discover birds and other animals. Philadelphia Zoo is one of the most fun places to visit in Pennsylvania with your family. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets and have a fantastic time!

Longwood Gardens

Wondering where to have a refreshing experience in Pennsylvania, we have the perfect place for you. Longwood Gardens is the ultimate hub to fulfill your nature cravings. This marvelous garden has more than 9000 species of plants scattered in a 1000-acre area. Stroll on the bridges with your families and see wildlife moving in the gardens, including butterflies, deer, birds, and bees. Talking about Longwood Gardens hours, these are as follows:

• Wed to Mon: 10:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m
• Tuesday: Closed

The Meadow Garden, in particular, is known for its picturesque landscape with various flora and fauna. There are different flowers in each season in this garden. Present your wife with a beautiful flower from the garden to keep it as a memory. At the same time, the children can run off to the Indoor Children’s Garden to explore the jungle of tree-sized bamboo.

No matter what age you are, Longwood Gardens is a fun place to visit for anyone who loves nature and has a thing for horticulture. Don’t forget to put this place on your travel itinerary.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

The top must-visit destination in Pittsburgh is the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. This is the perfect place for exploring nature and history all in one place. If your children love dinosaurs, take advantage of this museum, as it is the home of three original fossils of the most famous dinosaurs from the Mesozoic Era. The World’s finest gems and minerals collection is at Hillman Hall. With over 1300 types of gems and minerals, tourists will be amazed to see this magnificent display of gems from all over the World.

Who doesn’t want to explore the history of ancient Egypt? Well, lucky for you, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History has Walton Hall carrying all the mysteries of ancient Egypt for you to explore with your family. Wondering about the Carnegie Museum of Natural History hours? Here you go:

• Tuesday: Closed
• Wed: 10 am – 5 pm
• Thurs: 10 am – 8 pm
• Fri to Mon: 10 am – 5 pm

What are you waiting for? This museum is not to be missed on your family trip. Explore the history of different parts of the World with your family at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

Kennywood Amusement Park

Are you wondering where to spend an adventurous and fun day with your family? Head straight to the Kennywood Amusement Park in Pittsburgh. This park is a great place to spend a sunny day with your family, doing all the fun and thrilling activities it offers for all age groups. From food and music to Kennywood Amusement Park rides, it has everything! If your kids are thrill seekers, check out the Steel Curtain, a roller coaster with nine inversions. You will surely get an adrenaline rush on this ride. If you are going with your toddlers, then don’t worry. Kennywood has got you covered. It has a Kiddieland for your little ones, offering rides like a merry-go-round. Enjoy a picnic with your family in the shaded areas and enjoy the beautiful view of the park.

Take an adventurous summer trip with your family and visit Kennywood Park for the ultimate thrilling experience. Kids and adults will love this place and have a wonderful time in the park.

Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum

If your kids are into sports, then the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum is where you should take your family. The sports of Pittsburgh are its defining feature, as it is known as the ‘’City of Champions.’’ Sports enthusiasts can visit this museum and experience the thrill of the city’s sports legacy. Enjoy the most memorable sports history moments on multiscreen theatres. We assure you that the whole family will be entertained by the 70 interactive exhibits in the museum. This museum keeps the glory of the Super Bowl, Stanley Cup victories, and high school football tradition alive. A baseball, football, or golf fan can have a one-of-a-lifetime experience in the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum.

Bring out your inner sports lover, and don’t miss this fantastic experience of visiting the sports museum with your family. Your kids will love you for taking them here on your next family trip to Pennsylvania.

Carnegie Science Center

Are your children interested in space and robotics? We have the most fantastic place for you to take your kids for an incredible space adventure. Carnegie Science Center offers interactive exhibits for children about space, science, robotics, and technology. Learn about life in space by visiting the 2-story replica of the International Space Station. The Carnegie Science Center hours are as follows:

• Tuesday: Closed
• Wed: 10 am – 5 pm
• Thurs: 10 am – 5 pm
• Fri to Mon: 10 am – 5 pm

Visit the largest exhibition of Mars, The Giant Leap, to explore all about the red planet and its future. There are several other exhibits for children, including the Highmark SportsWorks, where children can learn about their baseball bat swing speed and accuracy of hockey shots. Families can enjoy laser and galactic shows at the Buhl Planetarium. This part of the science center inspires visitors of all ages.

Plan your family vacay to Pennsylvania and put Carnegie Science Center on your checklist as this place is excellent for educational and recreational purposes. So, grab your bags and have an interactive day at the Carnegie Science Center, one of the most fun places in Pennsylvania.

Duquesne Incline

A ride on the Duquesne Incline gives a top view of Pittsburgh, making it a must-do for your trip to the city. Glide 400 feet above Pittsburgh’s beautiful landscape with your family and enjoy the breathtaking city view. If you’re concerned about Duquesne Incline’s hours, these are as follows:

• It is open throughout the year, from 6:30 am to 12:30 am
• There are no reservations, advance tickets, or any such formality to be done.

Red cable cars take you to the Observation Deck after climbing Mount Washington. At the top of the Observation Deck, experience the stunning skyline view of Pittsburgh. Once at the Observation Deck, visitors can get a telescope and take a closer look at the city’s remarkable landscapes, including Point State Park Fountain and the Andy Warhol Bridge. Explore the hoisting equipment, artifacts, and pictures of the city’s history in the Upper Station. Here’s a breakdown of the Duquesne Incline tickets:

• Children (5 and below): Free
• Children (6 – 11 years): $1.25 Each Way or $2.50 Round Trip
• Adults (Above 12): $2.50 Each Way or $5.00 Round Trip
• University of Pittsburgh Students: Free, with proper I.D.
• Carnegie Mellon Students: Free, with proper I.D.
• Chatham University Students: Free, with proper I.D.

Anyone with a thing for landscapes and history should visit Duquesne Incline on their trip to Pennsylvania. This picturesque place is a must-visit for your next family trip.

Hershey’s Chocolate World

Are you a chocolate lover? Who isn’t, right? The ideal place for all chocolate lovers is Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Enjoy the factory tour with your family and explore how tropical cocoa beans are transformed into the world-famous Hershey’s chocolate. People who were previously confused in if Hershey’s Chocolate World is free should be bursting with joy as it’s completely free.

The trolley tour is the most famous and educational experience at Hershey’s Chocolate World. Learn the amazing fun facts and history on the trolley ride and try the delicious chocolate samples. Take a ride on our train and explore the candy worlds, where giant screens display the dazzling effects of candy making. Your kids can turn their imagination into reality by making candy bars. They can choose the ingredients and wrappers and create their favorite candy. There is a theatrical show for the families where they can explore the science of chocolate tasting. But, if you wish to know Hershey’s Chocolate World’s hours of opening, the good news is, that it is open year-round with a fixed time, i.e., 9 am to 5 pm.

Hershey’s Chocolate World is a must-visit place for families visiting Pennsylvania. Don’t miss out on this memorable and fun-filled chocolate adventure!

Sesame Place

You must have heard the Sesame Street songs, quotes, and sayings if you have toddlers. The 50-year-old children’s show is famous worldwide, and who doesn’t like Elmo, Ernie, and Bert?

The Sesame Place is a dream destination for all the Sesame Street fans. From thrilling roller coasters to fun rides for toddlers, there is something for children of every age. Take pictures with the characters from the show. You will find all the characters throughout the park. Watch your favorite shows at the Neighborhood Theatre. If your children like to play with the water, enjoy the water slides and other water rides at Sesame Place. Families can dine in with the characters from the show and enjoy their favorite meal. Sesame Place hosts several festivals and parades for the New Year and Halloween. Make sure to check their schedule and enjoy the seasonal fun.

So what are you waiting for? Put Sesame Place on your go-to list, as it is the ideal holiday destination for the whole clan.

Dutch Wonderland

Dutch Wonderland is an amusement park for families full of fun and activities. You can discover rides at Dutch Wonderland. Moreover, there are shows and attractions for you to enjoy with your loved ones. Enjoy the live shows of a Dragon’s Tale, the Fantastical Flute, and the Adventures of the Frog Prince. Dino Dig is a beautiful spot for all dinosaur lovers to uncover fossils. There are Halloween-themed rides in the park and a Trick or Treat trail for your children with a spooky taste.

If you are visiting during the holidays, then Dutch Winter Wonderland is an excellent opportunity to see the park lit up and well-decorated. All the foodies can grab a bite at the park, and there are many options. Find delicious hot dogs, pizzas, and burgers in the Dutch Wonderland. Explore the water park within the Dutch Wonderland with a vast waterplay platform where you can take the thrilling water slides with your kids.

With so many fun activities and attractions, Dutch Wonderland proves to be an excellent holiday destination for families. So, grab your kids and explore this fun park.

The Crayola Experience

Explore art and technology at the Crayola Experience Easton in Pennsylvania. This family attraction offers colorful and creative activities for families. Kids can color, paint, and cut their masterpieces at the Activity Studio. Learn how Crayola crayons are made with the resident Crayonologist. You will discover some fun facts and the history of the crayons. There is a big playground where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the colorful vibe at the Crayola Experience.

At the Drip Art, you can load the crayon into the Drip Art machine and see it melt. The crayon wax will drip on your paper, creating colorful patterns. You can make anything you like by molding the melted crayon at the Melt and Mold. Be mesmerized by the view of the colossal candy carrying several crayons.

Have a colorful and wonderful adventure with your family at the Crayola Experience. Put this place in your travel itinerary, and don’t miss it!

The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

For an interactive and creative experience, visit the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, where children of all ages can enjoy. There are several exhibits at the museum to explore and enjoy.

At the Attic on the 1st floor, toddlers can enjoy the color bouncer, where balls bounce into the appropriate bin according to color codes. Children can participate in animated puppet shows where they can be the show’s star. Children and their parents can enjoy building race cars with magnetic blocks at the Garage. On the third floor, families can enjoy the indoor water park, where children can play with the water toys, pump the water out with a hand pump, and catch water bugs with a net. If your kids love plants and are interested in gardening, take them to the garden, which offers the opportunity to learn about the different plants and water them with various toys.

The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is the perfect family-friendly holiday destination with fun activities and experiences. Grab your kids and have a fantastic time at the museum.

Bottom Line

This detailed article was all about telling you the best places to visit in Pennsylvania for families, and I think, it was a wonderful time explaining all. This state has something for the whole clan, from the Philadelphia Zoo to Pittsburgh’s amusement parks. We hope our list of family places to visit was helpful for you to decide where you are going on your next family trip.

You can engage in plenty of fun activities with your kids at these fun places. Whether your children like an adventure or are interested in science and history, we provide you with a place of every kind for everybody’s taste. So, embark on a fun-filled journey to all the family-friendly destinations of Pennsylvania. Pack your bags, grab your loved ones, and have a wonderful holiday!