Looking for indoor things to do with kids in Erie, PA? When it's raining, snowing, or just too cold to be outside, this is the list Erie parents rely on.
Erie winters are long, rainy days happen, and sometimes everyone just needs to get out of the house. Whether you're looking for a free storytime, a place to burn off energy, or somewhere warm to spend an afternoon, you'll find it here.
From free indoor activities and libraries to places where kids can actually burn energy, this guide covers indoor activities for families in Erie — all in one place. Bookmark it now so the next miserable-weather day is already handled.
Need a guaranteed rainy-day win? With three floors of hands-on exhibits, creative play spaces, climbing opportunities, and activities designed just for kids, expERIEnce Children's Museum is one of Erie families' favorite indoor destinations.
Plan your visit →Last updated: June 2026. We review this list regularly, but hours and offerings can change. Please check with each location before visiting.
FREE Indoor Options | Active Indoor Play | Destination Museums | Inclusive & Sensory-Friendly | Indoor Play + Food | Older Kids & Teens
Quick Age Guide
🧸 Toddlers & Preschoolers
| 🎒 Elementary Age
| 🎮 Tweens & Teens
|
FREE Indoor Things to Do with Kids in Erie, PA
Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC)
📍 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA
Interactive exhibits, a kids' play area, and a scenic tower near Presque Isle.
More info: trecpi.org
Asbury Woods Nature Center
📍 4105 Asbury Road, Erie, PA
Live animals, interactive kids' room, and a nature center you can visit during open hours.
More info: asburywoods.org
Millcreek Mall's Widget Kidz Zone
📍 5800 Peach St., Erie, PA
Indoor play area for kids under 42 inches.
More info: millcreekmall.net
Rainy-Day Reading Spots
Erie County Public Library (Five Branches) — FREE
📍 Blasco Library — 160 East Front St., Erie
📍 Edinboro Branch — 413 W Plum St.
📍 Iroquois Ave. Branch — 4212 Iroquois Ave.
📍 Lincoln Community Center — 1255 Manchester Rd.
📍 Millcreek Branch — 2088 Interchange Rd., Suite 280
Storytimes, activities, and kid-friendly spaces.
More info: erielibrary.org
Barnes & Noble
📍 Millcreek Mall area
A large children's section with regular storytimes and plenty of space to browse books together.
Werner Books
📍 3514 Liberty St., Erie
One of Erie's favorite independent bookstores, with a welcoming atmosphere and plenty to discover for young readers.
Pressed
📍 West Erie Plaza
Books, coffee, and a relaxed environment that's perfect for a slow rainy afternoon. Another independent bookstore.
Rustling Pages Book Cafe
📍 Waterford
A charming independent bookstore worth the short drive for families who love books. New to the scene in 2026.
Active Indoor Play (Burn Energy)
YMCA of Greater Erie
📍 Multiple locations
Indoor pools, open gym, sports programs, and family activities.
More info: ymcaerie.org
ASCEND Erie
📍 1950 Rotunda Dr, Erie, PA
Indoor rock climbing gym with kids' classes and open climb.
More info: ascendclimbing.com/erie
Elevate Trampoline Park
📍 7300 Grubb Rd., Erie, PA
30,000 sq. ft. trampoline park with multiple attractions.
More info: elevatetrampolinepark.com/erie
Erie Bank Sports Park
📍 8159 Oliver Rd, Erie, PA
Indoor ice skating, hockey, and sports programs.
More info: eriebanksportspark.org
Sinai Sports
📍 2311 W 15th St, Erie, PA
Indoor sports facility offering classes and open gym play.
More info: sinaisportserie.com
 |
Indoor play day at the Experience Children's Museum
Destination Museums & Attractions
Three floors of hands-on exhibits, imaginative play spaces, climbing opportunities, STEM activities, and interactive experiences designed especially for kids. The museum also hosts special events, camps, educational programs, and sensory-friendly play opportunities throughout the year.
Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-age kids — one of Erie families' most popular indoor destinations when the weather doesn't cooperate.
📍 420 French St., Erie, PA | eriechildrensmuseum.org
Erie Art Museum
📍 20 E. 5th St., Erie
Explore galleries, family-friendly exhibits, classes, workshops, and special events designed to encourage creativity. Occasional free days throughout the month — check our events calendar.
More info: erieartmuseum.org
Erie Maritime Museum
📍 150 E. Front St., Erie, PA
Home to the US Brig Niagara, this waterfront museum brings Erie's maritime history to life with interactive exhibits kids actually enjoy. A great pick for curious kids and history lovers.
More info: eriemaritimemuseum.org
Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort
📍 8091 Peach St., Erie, PA
Indoor water park with slides, pools, and a lazy river.
More info: splashlagoon.com
Inclusive & Sensory-Friendly Indoor Play
We Rock the Spectrum — Erie
📍 2141 W 12th St., Erie, PA
Inclusive gym with sensory-rich play for all abilities.
More info: werockthespectrumerie.com
Erie County Public Libraries — Quiet + Flexible
Library kids' areas are a great low-stimulation option for browsing, blocks, and calm playtime.
More info: erielibrary.org
Indoor Play with Food
Chick-fil-A
📍 7160 Peach St., Erie, PA
Smaller indoor playground, but a solid option when you need lunch and a little extra energy burn.
McDonald's
📍 7200 Peach St., Erie, PA
Large Play Place indoor playground.
Indoor Fun for Older Kids & Teens
Escape Game Erie
📍 23 W. 10th St. and 4838 W. Ridge Road, Erie, PA
Interactive puzzle rooms that work well for families with older kids.
More info: escaperoomerie.com
Round One Entertainment (Millcreek Mall)
📍 5800 Peach St., Erie, PA
Bowling, arcade games, karaoke, and more.
More info: round1usa.com
Play Port
📍 2730 W 12th St., Erie, PA
Indoor fun center with mini-golf, arcade games, and more.
More info: playporterie.com
Tinseltown
📍 1910 Rotunda Dr., Erie, PA
Sometimes the perfect rainy-day plan is simply popcorn, a movie, and a couple of hours out of the house.
More info: cinemark.com
Subscribe FREE to the Macaroni KID Erie newsletter for weekly updates on family-friendly events, activities, and guides all year long.
Have a favorite indoor play spot in Erie that we missed? Email us at karam@macaronikid.com.
