Located in northeast Pennsylvania, the Pocono Mountains (usually referred to as The Poconos) are a fun place for a weekend getaway or a full two-week vacation. Snowy winters and warm, sunny summers attract visitors all year long to enjoy the outdoor delights of this destination. Rivers, lakes, hiking trails, and ski lodges call loudly to weary workers ready to cash in their vacation days. It’s a great place to relax and read, get your adrenaline pumping, or have leisurely lakeside picnics.

Nature-lovers enjoy camping in Hickory Run State Park, which puts them right in the thick of hiking trails and canoeing opportunities. Boulder Field, located inside Hickory Run, holds onto the remnants of a glacier that once covered most of the region. You could get a day license to do some fishing or hunting. In the winter, seemingly endless cross-country ski trails open up as well as ice skating on Sand Spring Lake.

The Appalachian Trail cuts through the Poconos, too. Whether you’re hoping to hike for your whole trip or you just want to touch a toe to this famous hikers route, you can take beautiful day-hikes on short sections of the trail.

Fishing in Lake Henry, stock car racing at Pocono Raceway, roller coasters at amusement parks, and mini golfing are just of the few activities for kids and families in the Poconos. Pocono Raceway is on the NASCAR circuit, so you could plan a whole trip around the Pocono 400 or Pennsylvania 400. Camp at the track, dine on turkey legs and barbecue sandwiches, shop for new fan gear, and watch your favorite drivers as they race for a win.

In the Poconos, many resorts are family friendly. Some offer activities just for the kids and child care. Almost all of them offer swimming, acres of surrounding mountains for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter, and access to the Delaware River or a lake for boating.

For something a little different, check out Claws ‘n’ Paws Wild Animal Park - a zoo located in the forests of the Poconos. You’ll be able to show the kids exotic animals like tigers and giraffes and then let them pet some smaller, tamer animals like goats. Or head to Costa’s Family Fun Park where you can go head to head in bumper boats, chase each other on the laser tag course, or slip down some water slides.

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