50 FREE Things to Do in Erie This Summer With Kids (2026 Guide)

Trying to keep kids busy all summer without spending a fortune? Same.

The good news: Erie is packed with free things to do—from beaches and splash pads to festivals, live music, and hidden gems you might not even know about.

Here are 50 completely FREE things to do in Erie this summer.

Outdoor Adventures

1. Ride around Presque Isle and celebrate finishing the 13-mile loop
2. Take a family hike at Asbury Woods and find the Grandmother and Grandfather Tree
3. Explore trails at Erie Bluffs State Park
4. Visit Goodell Gardens & Homestead and walk the grounds
5. Pack a picnic and spend the day at a local park
6. Visit multiple playgrounds and make it a “playground tour” day
7. Head to the lake at sunset and search for beach glass
8. Go birdwatching at Presque Isle
9. Take fun selfies at the Erie sign at Bayfront Park
10. Ride the Griff slides at Frontier Park
11. Visit a new-to-you park or trail
12. Fly kites at the lake (or watch the pros at the beach)

The 13-mile loop around Presque Isle is flat enough that kids can do it without trouble and long enough that they'll feel accomplished when done!

Water Fun

13. Spend the day at the beaches at Presque Isle State Park
14. Cool off at the Bayview Park splash pad
15. Wade in shallow beach areas (Beach 11 at Presque Isle is a favorite for families)
16. Walk to Buttermilk Falls from Brown's Farm
17. Skip rocks along the lake
18. Explore the lagoons by pontoon with a free tour
19. Explore Wintergreen Gorge

Events & Entertainment

20. Attend a free outdoor summer concert (there’s something almost every night!)
21. Watch an outdoor movie at a community event
22. Explore local festivals (many are free admission)
23. Browse at a farmers' market
24. Check out monthly free days at the Erie Art Museum (typically held the first Thursday, second Saturday and second Sunday of each month)
25. Browse our full list of FREE Erie events anytime 

The big bonfire at Discover Presque Isle — Free!

Easy “Any Day” Activities

26. Visit your local library (storytimes, events, and AC!)
27. Join a summer reading program
28. Have a geocaching adventure 
29. Make a backyard picnic dinner just for fun
30. Create chalk art on your driveway
31. Start a “try every playground” challenge
32. Build sandcastles at the beach
33. Build a fairy house using sticks, leaves, bark, and stones.
34. Have a no-spend “yes day” with your kids
35. Go on a neighborhood color hunt
36. Take a trash bag on a walk and clean up a local park or trail — how many pounds can you collect?

Kids under 16 fish for free in Pennsylvania. The ponds at Presque Isle have never failed us!

Local Spots & Hidden Gems

37. Visit the Tom Ridge Environmental Center and explore exhibits + the nature playground
38. Be wowed by the oversized yard art at Schaefer’s Auto Art, 3705 Hershey Road
39. Visit the dinosaurs in the 700 block of Bartlett Road
40. Check out 100+ local murals around Erie
41. Check out fishing poles from Blasco Library (kids under 16 fish free in PA)
42. Watch boats come in along the bay
43. See if you can spot Canada from the Bicentennial Tower (free first Tuesdays of the month)
44. Visit the Erie Land Lighthouse (free days 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month May-Sept)

Just-for-Fun Erie Traditions

45. Spend a full day outside with zero plans
46. Watch a summer storm roll in over the lake
47. Count how many seagulls try to steal your snacks
48. Go for an after-dinner walk every night for a week
49. Volunteer as a family
50. Pick your favorite activity on this list and do it again

Before You Go

Deals, hours, and free offerings can change—so it’s always smart to double-check details before heading out.

Don’t Lose This List

Bookmark this page—new free events and ideas pop up all summer long, and you’ll want this list handy when you hear “I’m bored.”