Beat down the heat with a perfect summer vacation in the Poconos. The 2,400 acres of pristine beauty attract thousands of visitors every summer. It is one of the most beloved summer vacation destinations in the US, thanks to the state and local parks, water parks, and other fun outdoor recreational activities. Find summer activities perfect for a relaxing getaway with family, friends, and partners.
Best things to do in Poconos during summer
To be more specific, summers provide the best weather for outdoor activities in Poconos, especially for water activities. To help you plan the best summer vacation in the Poconos, here’s a list of top recommended activities you can enjoy with your friends, family, and partner.
- Waterparks
There are many waterparks in Poconos – both indoor and outdoor. Most of the waterparks feature attractions and rides that are both indoors and outdoors and structured to suit all age groups. There are special zones with water rides that are perfect for kids.
Some of the best waterparks in Poconos
- Kalahari Indoor Waterpark
- Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark
- Camelbeach Mountain Outdoor Waterpark
- Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark
- Railway tours
Railway tours in Poconos are more than just scenic rides. They offer an immersive experience in the cultural history of the towns in Poconos while also taking the passenger through the beautiful foliage of the Poconos. Poconos was one of the first places to have a functioning railroad in the nineteenth century. The history is visited every day and lives in the minds of the travelers through these exciting train tours.
Some of the best railway tours in Poconos
- Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
- Soarin’ Eagle Rail Tours
- The Stourbridge Line Train Excursions
- No.9 Coal Mine and Museum
- Hawley Train Station
- State Parks
The fresh air, the mountain views, and the beautiful state parks around the region are unmatched like any other in the US. Get your adventure spirits high with different outdoor activity adventures to explore at the state parks across Poconos. Most of the state parks are engulfed with beautiful forests and hills. Many of which have reservoirs and lakes with diverse biodiversity. Some of the popular activities you can enjoy include hiking, biking, and recreational water activities.
Some of the best state parks
- Hickory Run State Park
- Tobyhanna State Park
- Big Pocono State Park
- Promised Land State Park
- Beltzville State Park
- Sanctuary and Wildlife
Poconos’ lush landscape of mountains and forests makes it an ideal place for biodiversity to flourish in the wild. The wildlife is protected in local wildlife sanctuaries in Poconos and can also be spotted in national and state parks. You can also enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding during winter.
Some of the best sanctuaries in Poconos
- Lacawac Sanctuary
- Claws ‘N’ Paws Wild Animal Park
- Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary
- Pocono Snake and Animal Farm
- Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge
- Waterfall hikes
Whether it is spring or fall, Poconos is blessed with the beautiful sight of waterfalls across the state parks, forests, and even hiking trails. You will experience beautiful cascades around the region, well-maintained, with marked trails and walkways for inclusive accessibility.
Some of the famous waterfalls in Poconos
- Bushkill Falls
- Waterfalls across Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Leigh Gorge Park Waterfalls
- Hawk Falls
- Shohola Falls
- Wineries
If you have not experienced the wineries of Poconos, we highly recommend adding them to your list. Many Pocono wine trails offer spectacular views along the deck. The famous wines are made from grapes that are locally grown in Poconos. There are also guided tours to help you visit all the famous wineries.
Some of the popular wineries and wine trails
- Antler Ridge Winery
- Rowan Asher Winery
- Maiolatesi Wine Cellars
- Blue Ridge Estate Vineyard
- Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vineyard
- Rafting
The Poconos Rafting facilities offer trips that meet every skill level. No experience is required to enjoy the beauty of Poconos while on an adventure along the waters of Poconos. You can enjoy glimpses of wilderness and inhabitants from your escape. You can opt for whitewater rafting for more thrill. You can try a slow rafting or tubing ride if you want a slower adventure.
Some of the best outfitters service in Poconos
- Pocono Whitewater Rafting
- Whitewater Challengers
- Jim Thorpe River Adventures
- Whitewater Rafting Adventures
- Ziplining
Step out from your comfort zone and experience the wilderness of Poconos like never before. There are ziplines with different intensities, making the experience accessible for everyone. The different ziplines offer a diverse and versatile view of the Poconos region, with differing lengths and steepness. It is recommended to choose and block the slot for reservation before the visit. Many resorts have their zipline courses for guests and visitors as well.
Some of the best ziplining courses in Poconos
- Pocono Zip Racer
- Gorilla Grove Treetop Adventures
- Camelback Mountain Adventure
- Pocono Outdoor Adventure Tours
- Racing
Racing in Poconos is an experience of its own. Many packages help visitors experience racing on their way. Some of the popular offers are that you can either ride or drive on the raceway. You can also rent a race car and stop for beautiful sightseeing. You can also move along the racing track if you have your race car. There are many group and individual plans that you can choose from.
Some of the popular race tracks in Poconos are
- Pocono Raceway (must visit)
- Stock Car Racing Experience
- S&S Speedways
- Watersports
Cool off from the summer heat with a fun-filled water adventure vacation in Poconos. Poconos is home to many pristine lakes in the treasured recreational areas of Poconos. You can enjoy whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, or have family fun outdoors with tubing and paddleboarding.
Some of the popular places for watersports
- Lake Harmony Watersports
- Yeti Watersports
- Pocono Action Sports
- Pocono Boat House
- Edge of the Woods Outfitters
What next? Find the best place to stay in Poconos for your next summer vacation.
Holidays are incomplete without a perfect vacation home. If you cannot do the activities listed above, you can still enjoy summer in the comfort of your stay. Find vacation rentals, homes and cabins with recreational facilities like pools, saunas and hot tubs.
