« PREVIOUS | NEXT »

Pocono Mountains Family Vacation

For the past five summers our family has been vacationing in the Pocono Mountains.  We keep returning because we are never disappointed and always (even in the rain) have a wonderful time.  We have stayed as far north as Lake Wallenpaupack and as far south as Bushkill.  The scenery is breathtaking, the weather usually delicious, and there is so much to do.

Man-Made Lake and Delicious Treats

Lake Wallenpaupack, which means “the stream of swift and slow water”, is a large (13 ½ miles long), man-made lake developed in 1927 for hydroelectric power.  There are all kinds of water activities on and around the lake, but we took a nice leisurely boat ride.  It was relaxing, the scenery was beautiful, and even the boys enjoyed it (John had his iPod).  I love doing factory tours, so while we were up by the lake we visited Callie’s Candy Kitchen and Callie’s Pretzel Factory in Mountainhome.  They were fun and delicious, but not really a “factory tour”.  Of course, we bought all kinds of pretzels and very tasty chocolate.  If you have young children, there is a really nice little water park called Carousel Water and Fun Park in Beach Lake.  My boys are too big for it now, but they loved it five years ago.  There are two nice water slides and a pool, bumper boats, racing cars, batting cages, and a nice picnic area, so pack your own lunch.

County Fair and Flea Market

One of our very favorite things to do on vacation in the Poconos is to attend the county fairs.  We have gone to the Wayne County Fair in Honesdale and the Carbon County Fair in Palmerton.  There is actually a web site you can visit to find out if there is a fair going on nearby while you are vacationing, (www.countyfairgrounds.net). There are rides for all, games and prizes, delicious home-made foods, livestock, and lots of entertainment.  Last year we saw a demolition derby and stock car racing, and this year we saw the trotters racing.  The boys love to play the games, but who needs another stuffed animal!  The fairs are very reasonably priced, only $8 per person this year.

We have also stayed twice at Fernwood’s (time share) in Bushkill, which is more south.  There are endless things to do near here.  For those who like to shop, there is a fantastic indoor/outdoor flea market in Marshall’s Creek on Route 9.  There are all sorts of bargains (sneakers, socks, video games, jewelry, handbags) and more good eats.  There is a pretzel guy there with freshly grilled pretzels and great, refreshing brewed iced tea.  We spent a fortune!

Water Park and Micro Brewery Restaurant

The kids will love Camelbeach Water Park in Tannersville.  In the winter it is the Camelback Mountain ski resort, but come summer they turn it into a huge water park.  We had a great time, even though I am not all that fond of walking around in my bathing suit! You can take the ski lift up to the top of the mountain for great views, but don’t forget your shoes, there are lots of rocks!  As you leave the water park you have to pass the Barley Creek Brewing Company, also in Tannersville, a micro brewery and restaurant.  It is worth stopping for.  Also in Tannersville (and all over the Poconos) is a pay-to-fish lake.  Our boys had a lot of fun.  You just pay for what you catch, and they will filet the fish (trout) for you.  Daniel caught a golden trout and won a t-shirt!

Animal Park and Indian Museum

We also visited Claws and Paws in Lake Ariel, a large animal park with 120 species of animals.  The kids can feed the giraffes; there is a petting zoo, lorry parrots, reptiles– you just name it.  Remember to pack a picnic lunch. There’s a nice picnic area available.  There is also a very reasonably priced gift shop that you have to walk through to exit.  We also enjoyed the Pocono Indian Museum in Bushkill which details the history of the Delaware Indians.  There are lots of artifacts, history, and hand made crafts.  I bought a beautiful pair of beaded earrings (of course).

Waterfalls and Rafting in the Delaware River

Make sure you visit “The Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania”, Bushkill Falls.  There are 8 waterfalls, excellent hiking trails and bridges, and breathtaking views.  There are also exhibits: the Pennsylvania Wildlife Exhibit, the Native American Exhibit, and you can even take a paddle boat ride.

And don’t forget to do a rafting trip on the Delaware River.  We had never done one before. I was quite nervous, but it was fantastic. I am so glad I did not chicken out.  There are many rafting companies; we used Kittatinny Canoes in Milford.  We took the beginners’ part of the river. Everyone wears life preservers.  Our leisurely trip down the river took about three hours, and John and I used the oars.  It was relaxing, a lot of fun, and when we came to the rapids, sooo exciting.  The boys jumped into the river at the calm parts and swam around a bit, and there are places along the river where you can stop and have a picnic.

I can’t say enough about the Pocono Mountains for a fun, family vacation.  It is never boring; there is always something to do for kids of all ages and their parents.  You can relax, you can be busy– you can do whatever you like!  We all loved it!

—–
About the Author: Karen McGlynn lives in Bethpage, NY and has two sons, 16 and 11 years old. Thank you Karen for sharing your story with the K12Genie community!

Discover More

Thinking about visiting the Pocono Mountains? Visit the websites below to view more information about the area and see specific places that Karen mentions in her article!

• Where are the Pocono Mountains: View the location on Googlemaps
• Lake Wallenpaupack: www.lakewallyfun.com/
• Bushkill Park: www.bushkillpark.com/
• Bushkill Falls: www.visitbushkillfalls.com and www.bushkillfalls.com/
• Callie’s Candy Kitchen and Callie’s Pretzel Factory: www.calliescandy.com/
• Carousel Water and Fun Park: http://carousel-park.com/
• Wayne County Fair: www.waynecountyfair.com/
• Carbon County Fair: www.carboncountyfair.com/
• County Fair Information: www.countyfairgrounds.net/
• Fernwood’s Hotel and Resort: www.fernwoodhotel.com/
• Barley Creek Brewing Company: www.barleycreek.com/
• Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark: www.skicamelback.com/Camelbeach/Home.aspx/
• Flea Market in Marshall’s Creek: www.poconobazaar.com/
• Claws and Paws: www.clawsnpaws.com/
• Pocono Indian Museum: www.poconoindianmuseumonline.com/shop/
• Kittatinny Canoes: www.kittatinny.com/

Get everything you need for your next trip at The K12Genie Store at Amazon!
Do you have a story to share? You can submit it to K12Genie just like Karen did.  Send it to us.