Are you looking for a day getaway with the family? Here are 17 easy day trips from Erie your family can take this summer.
Driving times are approximate from Erie.
New York
Chautauqua County, New York
All Chautauqua County attractions are an hour or less drive from Erie.
Panama Rocks
45 minute drive
Explore crevices, passageways, and caves hidden in an ancient forest among 60-foot high rocks.
Peek'n PeakResort
35 minute drive
Challenge the whole family on the Peek'n Peak Resort's Aerial Adventure Course. Kids as young as five allowed. (Read about Macaroni Kid's experience at the Aerial Adventure Course!) The Peak also has a great indoor/outdoor pool complex where you can purchase day passes.
National Comedy Center
55 minute drive
More than 50 interactive exhibits, including kid-friendly fun like a chance to "cartoon" yourself. See our review!
Buffalo, N.Y.
Buffalo is about a 90-minute drive from Erie.
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.
Ohio
Ashtabula County, Ohio
Covered Bridge Tour
About one hour driving time
There are 19 covered bridges in Ashtabula County. We explored some of them recently — it's an easy family road trip!
Kirtland, Ohio
Holden Arboretum
1 hour, 20 minute drive
A 120-foot tall tower to climb, hanging bridges to cross, and a secret garden around every corner to explore. Definitely worth the trip!
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland attractions are all about a 90-minute drive from Erie.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
A can't miss spot for music lovers of all ages.
Children's Museum of Cleveland
The museum features innovative exhibits and programs designed for kids through age 8.
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
From moon jellyfish to a Giant Pacific Octopus, you’ll discover more than 1,400 animals representing 250 species.
Heading to Cleveland? Check out our sister site at Cleveland Macaroni Kid for event listings and more ideas on family fun in the Cleveland area!
Pennsylvania
Crawford County
Linesville Spillway
1-hour drive
Where the ducks walk on the back of fish. Open daily. The Spillway Concession opens for the season Memorial Day.
Mercer County
Keystone Safari
1 hour, 15 minute drive
With both a walk-thru and a drive-thru park you'll find plenty of family fun here — especially if you don't mind a bison sticking his head in your car! There is also a zipline course for the extra adventurous.
Lawrence County
Living Treasures Wild Animal Park
1 hour, 20 minute drive
More than 400 animals, some of which you are invited to interact with some animals and feed others. This is also only about a 20-minute drive from Keystone Safari so you can do both in one day if you're feeling ambitious!
Cattaraugus County
Griffis Sculptural Park
1 hour, 40 minute drive
Open daily from dawn until dusk. (Read about Macaroni Kid Erie's trip to Griffis Sculputural Park here.)
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh attractions are all about a 2-hour drive from Erie.
Carnegie Science Center
Carnegie Science Center offers four floors of interactive exhibits that are geared for all ages.
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
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
You'll find more than 475 species represented by 4,000 animals at this combo zoo and aquarium.
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