Things To Do At The Poconos In The Summer

Close your eyes and picture a summer weekend that feels like summer. You know the one: pine air, lake water, and nowhere you need to be in a hurry. The Poconos deliver that feeling in joyful handfuls.

Make a Splash (Or Just Float There Looking Cool)

You do not need to be a paddler to love Pocono water. Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and drift across a lake that shines like a handful of nickels. Yes, you can just float and call it exercise.

For a bigger splash, head to a water park and let the kids drag you down a slide. Or claim a quiet swimming beach and do the ritual of reading two pages before dozing off. Either way, water is the Poconos' happy place.

Hike, Bike, and Pretend You're a Mountain Goat

The trails here range from "pleasant stroll" to "wow, my legs are singing." Choose a gentle path around a lake, or push yourself up a ridge for a view that makes your phone camera feel inadequate. Bring water, snacks, and a sense of humor—especially if you promised yourself this would be an easy hike.

Mountain biking is a thing here, with trails for beginners and dirt-loving daredevils alike. If you'd rather keep feet closer to the ground, try a rail trail and reward yourself with ice cream later. Balance is important.

Chase Waterfalls, Because Obviously

Bushkill Falls is nicknamed the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," and it earns the drama. Walk the boardwalk trails, feel the mist on your face, and take too many photos of falling water. You will not regret it, even if your shoes get a little damp.

Spots like Dingmans Falls and Raymondskill Falls offer shorter, sweeter waterfall walks. Go early, beat the crowds, and listen for that lovely roar through the trees. It's nature's white noise machine, and it's free.

13 Awesome Things to Do in the Poconos This Summer

Get Your Adrenaline Fix

If floating quietly sounds lovely but not thrilling enough, the Poconos have you covered. Zip lines, treetop adventure courses, and horseback rides turn an afternoon into a story you'll tell all winter. Yes, you might scream a little—that's part of the fun.

Golfers can sneak in a round at courses that range from relaxed to scenic. Race fans get their fix at Pocono Raceway, which brings the roar and the energy. Pick your speed: slow, fast, or somewhere wonderfully in between.

Eat, Stroll, and Soak Up Small-Town Charm

After the activity, wander through towns like Stroudsburg, Jim Thorpe, or Milford. Pop into local shops, grab a coffee, and let the afternoon unfold without a schedule. Unplanned wandering is highly underrated.

When hunger hits, dive into comfort food, farm-to-table plates, or a casual pizza slice. Many places have outdoor seating, so you can keep that vacation glow going. Pro tip: save room for dessert.

Poconos day trip ideas 60 photos - Guidebookbali.com

Sleep Under the Stars (or In a Cozy Cabin)

Camping in the Poconos is a classic for a reason. Pitch a tent, roast marshmallows, and tell ghost stories until someone chickens out.

Not into roughing it? Rent a cabin with a porch, a fire pit, and maybe a hot tub—then make s'mores while enjoying indoor plumbing. That's called winning at summer.

Make It a Family Thing—or a Solo Escape

Bring the kids for mini golf, animal parks, and endless energy-burning adventures. Bring your friends for lake days, live music, and late-night laughs. Or come alone and let the quiet trails do their gentle magic—the Poconos are wonderfully flexible.

Your Summer Is Waiting

You don't need a passport, a perfect plan, or a packed itinerary to have an amazing time. You just need a free weekend, a little curiosity, and maybe a swimsuit. The Poconos are ready when you are.

So poke around online, ask a friend, and pick one thing that makes you smile. Summer has a funny way of slipping by—why not fill it with mountain air, lake splashes, and stories worth repeating?