Before the kids have a chance to launch into a chorus of “there’s nothing to do this summer” or the classic “I’m bored, mom!” pack the knapsacks, cooler, and sunscreen to embark on a season full of family road trips across western Pennsylvania.  Throughout the summer, families will find a wide range of hands-on activities, special events, and unique attractions guaranteed to bring a smile and create fun family memories.   From day trips to weekend getaways, the state’s western counties provide a wide variety of experiences for all ages.

What is a summer without some time spent at the beach?  Pennsylvania’s shoreline on Lake Erie is a summer spot for families to check out for swimming, fishing, picnicking, and fun in the sand. The amenities at Presque Isle State Park make it a fun, affordable destination for relaxing in the summer sun or seeing how high you can get your kite to fly.  Also in Erie County, families will discover outdoor activities galore during Asbury Woods 2026 “Year of Exploration,” where families and visitors are encouraged to “Wonder-Wander-Discover” the 234 acres of preserved property. Visitors will find old-growth forests, landscaped gardens, wetlands, a boardwalk, and dirt trails. The park’s self-guided activities are a fun way for families to experience the trails while enjoying themed scavenger hunts, a compass course, and a geocaching challenge.

Photo by Jared Wickerham

SurfSUP Adventures, an award-winning guide and outfitter known for standup paddleboarding, river surfing, and other eco-adventures in the Greater Pittsburgh Region and throughout Western Pennsylvania, offers Sunset, Moonrise, & Glow Paddles throughout the summer at beautiful Moraine State Park in Butler County.  As part of a family camping trip or weekend getaway, these nighttime experiences are a great way to enjoy Lake Arthur’s pristine waters and starry skies.

Families looking to spend their summer exploring their creativity will want to check out the events and activities scheduled this summer at The Hoyt in New Castle, Lawrence County. Touring this fantastic museum as a family or enjoying one of the hands-on creative programs the museum educators produce throughout the year will leave you and your children inspired and captivated. The arts center has celebrated creativity for 50 years. The museum’s free Children’s Summer Arts Festival, in August, offers a day filled with creative activities, entertainment, and family fun, making it one of Lawrence County’s premier events for children.  Throughout the season, the museum provides a mix of free, low-cost, and ticketed events and showcases both the permanent collection and rotating exhibitions, offering visitors a chance to discover artists and their work. A museum tour combined with hands-on classes at the museum is a great way to offer e budding artist in your family exposure to the world of art.

Photo by The Hoyt

Western Pennsylvania is also home to several attractions that families can enjoy as a day trip or as “weekend warriors” looking to enjoy summer fun. Pittsburgh and the surrounding countryside will provide a summer road trip filled with events and activities for those seeking fun and adventure.  Tickets to a Pittsburgh Pirates home game are a nostalgic way to spend an afternoon or evening enjoying America’s favorite pastime.  Head over to Bicycle Heaven Museum to discover the world’s most extensive collection of bikes. Make sure you check out the famous movie bikes at the museum, including the bike from “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.”  For the full experience, rent bikes and enjoy time exploring the sights and sounds of Steel City.

Don’t forget the most popular summer activity that kids love – eating ice cream!  Across western Pennsylvania, there are locations galore that take part in “Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail,” which spotlights the delicious products of PA’s Dairy Industry.  Popular spots like Jerry’s Custard in Pittsburgh and Lower Burrell, Kerber’s Dairy in North Huntingdon, and Windy Ridge Dairy in Fombell are among the trail sites.  Want to combine ice cream and history?  Head to Latrobe, where in 1904, pharmacist David Strickler is credited with inventing the banana split at Tassel Pharmacy.  While the pharmacy no longer exists, a stop at “512 Coffee & Ice Cream” allows guests to enjoy the popular treat in its birthplace.

Photo by Go Laurel Highlands

A family road trip to explore the many activities, attractions, events, and outdoor resources across the western part of the Keystone State is an opportunity to put down phones and tablets and discover a vast menu of activities this summer.  From big cities to Pennsylvania’s only beachfront, the western part of the state has a wide variety of activities that are sure to delight you and yours as part of a summer family adventure.