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11 Easy Day Trips From Erie Your Kids Will Love

Plus a bonus FREE event in Jamestown, N.Y., this weekend!

By Kara Murphy June 6, 2021

Looking for some easy day trip ideas over the long holiday weekend?

Here are 11 ideas for easy day trips outside of Erie County sure to entertain and exhaust your kids, all within a two hour drive. They are organized by location, and then by distance. Travel times are estimated from downtown Erie.

Chautauqua County, N.Y.

Peek n' Peak Resort

Travel time: 35 minutes

Skiing, snowboarding, tubing and indoor/outdoor pool complex! See how much fun my family had tubing here!

National Comedy Center

Travel time: 57 minutes

More than 50 interactive exhibits, including kid-friendly fun like a chance to "cartoon" yourself. See our review!


Buffalo, N.Y.

Explore and More Children's Museum

Travel time: 1 hour, 35 minutes

Every day is a play date at the Children's Museum! Exhibits introduce children to the magic of hands-on discovery.

Albright-Knox Gallery

Travel time: 1 hour, 43 minutes

This world-class art museum has tons of kid-friendly activities and interesting art. 

Cleveland, Ohio

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Travel time: 1 hour, 33 minutes

A can't miss spot for music lovers of all ages.

Children's Museum of Cleveland

Travel time: 1 hour, 38 minutes

The museum features innovative exhibits and programs designed for kids through age 8.  

Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Travel time: 1 hour, 39 minutes

From moon jellyfish to a Giant Pacific Octopus, you’ll discover more than 1,400 animals representing 250 species.


Pittsburgh, Pa.

Read about our trip to Pittsburgh!

Carnegie Science Center

Travel time: 1 hour, 56 minutes

Carnegie Science Center offers four floors of interactive exhibits that are geared for all ages.

Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

Travel time: 1 hour, 56 minutes

A hands-on interactive children's museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania including the MAKESHOP, Attic, Studio, Backyard, Garage, Garden, Theater, Waterplay, and Nursery areas.

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Travel time: 2 hours

You'll find more than 475 species represented by 4,000 animals at this combo zoo and aquarium.

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Looking for Erie-based family fun ideas over the holiday weekend? 

See our calendar for our full list of local events!