Looking to get out of the house with the kids in a safe way? Here are 11 local spots to take kids to let off some steam while still staying physically distant from others.
Important things to note before heading out:
- Many public facilities at these locations are closed, which means no public restrooms. Plan accordingly, especially with kiddos!
- Many playgrounds are considered closed for use, even if they are not marked as such.
- Bug spray is a great idea! Ticks are plentiful in this region so dress accordingly and use bug spray.
Most of these parks my family and I have enjoyed. I also used the Greater Erie Regional Trail page for ideas of family-friendly trails in the Erie region. Their site includes maps and more details about most of these locations if you'd like to research further. Locations are listed alphabetically and the addresses are linked to Google maps.
Asbury Woods
Asbury Woods has acres of fields and forests to explore. Our family's favorite hike is to the Grandmother Tree.
Brown's Farm
Brown's Farm is operated by Asbury Woods. There is a lot of open space and fields to run around in, plus paths down to the stream where you can walk to Buttermilk Falls.
Erie Bluffs State Park
11100 W Lake Rd, Lake City, PA
There are about five miles of trails to explore at this state park, near the Ohio line. Wooded paths lead to vistas with scenic views of Lake Erie from atop the 90-foot bluff wall. Some take you right down to the water's edge.
Frontier Park
The city's Frontier Park, with more than 1,000 trees, is full of treasures waiting to be discovered. Your kids can run through the labyrinth, climb trees and toss a ball.
Headwaters Park
Explore and hike this 35-acre park, which, as the home of the Erie County Conservation District, offers educational signage about conservation and ways to handle runoff and stormwater.
Lake Erie Community Park
The bluffs here offer spectacular views of Lake Erie and bald eagle sightings. The 125-acre park also has trails, including a walking trail that takes you down to the water edge.
Pleasant Ridge Park
Pleasant Ridge Park is an 80-acre recreational park on a wooden, country setting with kid-friendly trails and open fields.
Picnicana Park
9260 Old French Road, Summit Township
This park's 1.5 miles of trails take you over a stream and through a beautiful fern forest. You'll feel like you could run into an Ewok or elf at any moment!
McClelland Park
The 1.3 miles of trails in this 56-acre park were improved in 2016 and are fun for hiking and exploring.
Presque Isle State Park
It feels silly to put Presque Isle on this list as its Erie's top attraction! Unfortunately, many of the interior trails are closed due to flooding, but you can still explore many spots, plus the multipurpose trail is easy for kids to navigate -- we recently took our 8- and 10-year old on a bike ride for the full 13-mile loop and had a great time!
Scott Park
There are three trails here totaling about 3 miles. There are great views of Presque Isle Bay from the Bay Trail.
Have a favorite trail you'd like to see included? Drop me an email at karam@macaronikid.com.
