Family Fun in the Laurel Highlands

Adventures and Experiences for the Entire Family

Don't worry about finding activities that will keep the entire family entertained during your getaway to the Laurel Highlands. You'll easily fill your itinerary with unique and thrilling activities for everybody entertained, even toddlers, teenagers and grandparents! Start a new tradition and create lifelong memories during your cherished family vacation with the help of the following attractions.

Idlewild & SoakZone

Idlewild and Soakzone Rides

Idlewild & SoakZone has been named "Best Children's Park" by Amusement Today for nine consecutive years. Kiddos can explore Storybook Forest and meet characters from fairytales and nursery rhymes or take a trolley ride through Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. This section of the park is themed around the children's TV series inspired by Mister Rogers' Neighborhood! SoakZone, the water park at Idlewild has mild water slides, a lazy river and a wave pool, making it the perfect place for both little ones and parents to cool off after a long day of fun!

Animal Attractions

Living Treasures Feeding

There are three animal attractions in the Laurel Highlands that allow kids of all ages to get up close to furry friends and even give them a snack. Animals vary from domestic animals like goats, pigs, and donkeys to exotic animals like kangaroos, marmosets, tigers and more. You even have the option to meet, pet and take selfies with a two-toed sloth. Talk about a dream come true! Don't forget your camera, you never know what adorable or funny moment you might capture! 

Family-Friendly Whitewater Rafting in Ohiopyle

Lower Yough Rafting

Whitewater rafting in Ohiopyle isn't just for seasoned paddlers.The Middle Youghiogheny River features Class I-II waters, which makes for a gentle float for kids as young as 5. Your route will have a few small rapids that cause a bit of a splash, but nothing intimidating. Your guide will point out key landmarks on your trip, can organize lunch on the water for you and will tell you when you can hop out of the boat and go for a swim!

Jennerstown Speedway

Sheena Baker, Jennerstown Speedway, Jennerstown

Summer Saturdays in the Laurel Highlands are race nights! At Jennerstown Speedway, there are multiple races in one night, so you're not watching the same cars go around the track for hours on end! After the last race is finished, fans are welcome to meet the drivers and get up close to their cars in the pit for free.

Laurel Caverns

Laurel Caverns in Farmington is the largest cave in the Northeastern U.S.

A tour of Pennsylvania's largest cave is an educational experience for the entire family. At Laurel Caverns, you can go spelunking, take a guided tour, play a round of Kavernputt and pan for gemstones. P.S. This is a great spot for groups!

Four Season Resort Activities

Ski Lift at Seven Springs

Laurel Highlands resorts offer more than a great night's stay and special events. You can make an entire getaway without leaving the property!

Classic Family Fun

Jayne Campbell, Caddie Shak, Donegal

Family fun centers provide classic entertainment for multiple generations. Race go-karts, challenge each other to a round of mini-golf or practice your swing at the batting cages. Gather the entire family and enjoy a night of classic attractions like Evergreen Drive-In Theatre, Terrace Lanes Bowling Center, or Jake's Mini Golf (best paired with a cone from Molly's)​. If your little ones are into trains, take them to see an impressive model railroad at the Connellsville Canteen and Cafe. The possibilities for family adventure in the Laurel Highlands are endless!

Family Attractions

Want to see smiles for miles? Then a trip to the Laurel Highlands is what you and your family need. Home to the best family friendly amusement and water parks you'll ever find.

Idlewild & SoakZone

Looking for your ticket to family fun? Check out Idlewild and SoakZone, an amusement and water park nestled within the foothills of the beautiful Laurel Highlands, just outside of Ligonier.

Animal Attractions

Visit the animal kingdom and see exotic and domestic animals up close. Feed a giraffe, hold a baby kangaroo, or ride on a pony or camel! You may even discover or learn something new, with…

Roadside Attractions

From UFOs to the first banana split, find hidden locations, unusual attractions, unique sculptures, murals and other roadside oddities in the Laurel Highlands.