PENNSYLVANIA - For Pennsylvania family travel, few states offer a better backdrop for hitting the open road. With an incredible mix of dense national forests, interactive history museums, and quirky roadside attractions, the Commonwealth is a playground for families who love to explore by car.
Whether your crew wants to spend the weekend hiking to waterfalls, posing next to mid-century Americana, or cruising through vibrant autumn canopies, here are three incredible road trip itineraries that will keep the whole family entertained.
1. The Pocono Mountains Outdoor Adventure
If your family is looking to burn off some energy, point your car toward the Pocono Mountains in the northeastern corner of the state. The ultimate hub for water-based fun is Lake Wallenpaupack in Pennsylvania. With 52 miles of shoreline, families can easily rent a pontoon boat for the afternoon, paddleboard along the quiet coves, or relax on the public beach at the Wilsonville Recreation Area.
Beyond the lake, the Poconos are packed with kid-friendly state parks. Just a short drive away, Hickory Run State Park features Boulder Field—a massive, 16-acre National Natural Landmark left over from the last ice age where kids can spend hours jumping between giant rocks [1]. Between the lake and the trails, a Poconos road trip perfectly balances high-speed fun with natural exploration.
2. A Vintage Cruise Down the Route 30 Corridor
If you want to combine a scenic drive with a heavy dose of quirky American history, take the family across the state's southern tier. Tracing the historic Lincoln Highway route—America's very first transcontinental road—is like stepping into a time machine.
Traveling along modern-day Route 30 offers endless opportunities to pull the car over for unique photo ops that kids will love. Must-do stops on this historic corridor include:
- The Haines Shoe House (York County): A literal 25-foot-tall house shaped like a work boot.
- Mister Ed's Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium (Orrtanna): A legendary pit stop featuring thousands of elephant figurines, roasted peanuts, and homemade fudge.
- The Coffee Pot (Bedford): A massive, 18-foot-tall novelty building constructed in 1927 to grab the attention of early motorists.
3. Chasing the Autumn Canopy
There is no better time to pack up the car than when the state's massive hardwood forests begin to turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. Taking a leaf-peeping road trip is a beloved autumn tradition, and the northern tier offers the best seat in the house.
For a spectacular weekend, try driving Route 6. This historic northern highway winds through the Delaware State Forest and past charming mountain towns, providing unparalleled views of the changing leaves.
If you are looking to map out a longer journey, be sure to cross-reference guides covering the best scenic drives for fall colors across Pennsylvania. From the winding curves of Bucks County to the steep, sweeping ridges of the Laurel Highlands, mapping out Pennsylvania fall foliage scenic road trips is the perfect way to combine breathtaking scenery with seasonal family stops like apple orchards and pumpkin patches.