Finding fun places to take your kids in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia
Note that trails can be closed due to conditions. Always check the park website before heading out. Stony Brook State Park is located at 10820 Route 36 South in Dansville, New York. Dansville is in Western New York state. It is just about an hour drive south of Rochester. The park features several waterfalls viewable […]
Keep in mind that waterfalls can run dry at Thacher State Park, so visit during a wet time in the season to see the waterfalls at their best. Thacher State Park visitor’s center is located at 830 Thacher Park Road in Voorheesville, New York. Voorheesville is just west of Albany. The park features cliff faces, […]
Cowans Gap State Park is a 1,085-acre state park located in Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania. Fort Loudon is between Chambersburg and Breezewood, located not far from the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The park is situated in a valley in Fulton County, with a 42-acre lake, campground, cabins, and hiking trails. There is no fee to enter this park, […]
Laurel Hill State Park is located at 1454 Laurel Hill Park Road in Somerset, Pennsylvania. Somerset is southeast of Pittsburgh and close to the Maryland border. This state park features a seasonal swimming beach, a beautiful man-made waterfall dam, and picnicking areas. The park consists of 4,512 acres which includes the 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake, […]
Disclaimer: Caution must be used at all times as natural hazards exist in bays and on beaches. Always check the park’s website or call them to ensure it is open before venturing out. Mayo Beach Park is located at 4150 Honeysuckle Drive, Edgewater, Maryland. Mayo Beach Park is a bay beach, as it’s located on the […]
Downs Park is a large, memorial park with historical significance. It’s situated along the Chesapeake Bay, and boasts a fishing pier, large playground, walking trails, a dog beach, and scenic views. There is an entrance fee for this park. The fee to enter Down’s Park is $6 per vehicle (subject to change). Annual passes are […]
Coopers Rock State Forest Park is located at 61 County Line Drive in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia. Coopers Rock is just east of Cheat Lake, and not too far from the Pennsylvania and Maryland state lines. Coopers Rock State Forest is known for their hiking trails, and most notably, their overlook called Coopers Rock. The […]
Letchworth State Park is located in upstate New York, east of Buffalo and south of Rochester. It makes a great place to stop on the way to Niagara Falls when traveling from the south, as it features several beautiful waterfalls. If you’re time at Letchworth State Park is limited, there are two large waterfalls located […]
Annmarie Sculpture Garden is located at 13470 Dowell Road in Solomons, Maryland. Solomons is located in southern Maryland, south of Prince Frederick, along Route 4 in Calvert County. The garden has specific hours, so be sure to check their website before visiting. Donations are accepted inside the main exhibit building, and at the Welcome Booth […]
Natural Bridge State Park is located along Interstate 81 in western Virginia. It can either be a destination or place to stretch your legs during a long road trip. The state park is just south of Lexington and north of Roanoke. Natural Bridge State Park’s main feature is the 215-foot tall limestone gorge with natural […]