Things To Do In The Poconos In The Summer

Summer in the Poconos feels like someone turned down the volume on real life. You trade your inbox for a trail map and your car’s air conditioner for a lake breeze. It’s not fancy, and that’s exactly the point.

Water, Woods, and Wonderful Nonsense

Hit the Water Before You Hit the Snooze Button

Lake Wallenpaupack is the big, friendly boss of Pocono lakes. Rent a pontoon boat, pack sandwiches, and pretend you know how to dock. You will bump the pier; everyone will cheer anyway.

Kayaking is also popular, especially if you enjoy gliding peacefully until your arms file a complaint. The Delaware River offers gentle floats and occasional splashes that feel like a cold handshake from a friend. Just don’t stand up in the canoe to prove a point.

Hike, Bike, and Question Your Life Choices

The Poconos have trails for every mood, from “I wore sandals” to “I own trekking poles and a hydration vest.” Big Pocono State Park gives you views without a full-scale expedition. You can drive up, gasp at the scenery, and still make it back for lunch.

Bushkill Falls is called the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” which is generous but charming. The boardwalks and stairs will make your calves sing show tunes. Bring water, because the waterfall mist is not a hydration plan.

For bikers, the Lehigh Gorge Trail is a smooth, shady ride along an old railroad route. It’s flat enough to feel heroic and pretty enough to stop every five minutes for photos. Your phone storage will suffer, but your soul will thank you.

Family Fun That Doesn’t Require a Family Meeting

Camelbeach and Kalahari are the big waterpark names, and yes, you will wait in lines. But the lazy river is basically a human soup of relaxation, so it balances out. Kids will sleep like tiny logs afterward.

If you need a break from chlorine, try a mountain coaster. You control the speed, which means you can go slow and scenic or fast and mildly terrifying. It’s like a roller coaster and a go-kart had a summer fling.

Poconos day trip ideas 60 photos - Guidebookbali.com

Mini golf is mandatory. Every course has a windmill, a fake pirate, or a suspiciously difficult volcano. You will lose to a nine-year-old and act like it doesn’t bother you.

Small Towns, Big Snacks

Jim Thorpe is a favorite for strolling, shopping, and eating ice cream before noon. The streets are hilly, the buildings are historic, and the vibe is “Hallmark movie with better pretzels.” You’ll leave with a candle you didn’t need and zero regrets.

The Pocono outlets can satisfy your urge to buy a discounted hoodie in July. It’s air-conditioned, which counts as an activity when the humidity feels like a warm wet blanket. Just set a timer or you’ll emerge at dinner with six shopping bags and a new suitcase.

Local breweries and wineries offer a slower pace. Grab a flight, sit outside, and watch the mountains do their quiet thing. You don’t have to be a beer expert; you just have to be thirsty.

Rainy Days and Campfire Nights

Summer storms happen, and they’re dramatic in that “the sky is furious” way. Duck into a museum, an antique shop, or a diner with pie. A slice of blueberry pie makes the radar look less personal.

13 Awesome Things to Do in the Poconos This Summer

If you’re camping or renting a cabin, the evening fire is non-negotiable. Someone will burn the first marshmallow, someone will declare theirs perfect, and everyone will smell like smoke tomorrow. That’s the Poconos perfume.

Don’t forget bug spray. The mosquitoes are not polite; they’re tiny vampires with frequent flyer miles. Spray your ankles, your neck, and your pride.

A Few Practical Notes

Book popular spots ahead, especially on weekends. The Poconos are close enough for a day trip, which means everyone else had the same bright idea. Reserve boats, waterpark tickets, and that cabin with the hot tub.

Wear real shoes for hikes and keep a hoodie in the car. Mountain evenings get cool, and you’ll be smug while everyone else shivers. Also, gas up before you head into the winding roads.

Most of all, don’t over-schedule. The best Poconos summer day includes a little plan and a lot of sitting. You might not finish every trail or every scoop of ice cream, but you’ll come home relaxed, slightly sunburned, and already planning next year.