Looking for the best things to do in the Poconos? The Pocono Mountains offer far more than a quiet cabin in the woods. Depending on the season, your trip can include waterfall hikes, scenic train rides, skiing, lake days, whitewater rafting, indoor waterparks, animal encounters, historic towns, or simply slowing down and enjoying the scenery.

The region is larger than many first-time visitors realize, so driving times can vary considerably. Choose a few activities near your vacation rental instead of trying to cover the entire region in one weekend.

A note about location: The Pocono Mountains span a large area across Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne counties. The attractions below are spread throughout the region and may be more than an hour apart. Check driving times from your specific vacation rental before building your itinerary.

Here are some of the best ways to experience the Poconos.

Our Quick Picks

• Best for waterfalls: Bushkill Falls or Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
• Best for younger children: Pocono Snake & Animal Farm or Claws ’N’ Paws Wild Animal Park
• Best for families: An indoor waterpark or Camelback Mountain
• Best for older children and teenagers: Skytop Adventure Center
• Best scenic day trip: Jim Thorpe
• Best for hiking: Promised Land State Park or Delaware Water Gap
• Best summer adventure: Whitewater rafting
• Best winter activity: Skiing or snow tubing
• Best relaxing day: Lake Wallenpaupack or a scenic drive

1. Explore Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Area: Delaware Water Gap / eastern Monroe and Pike counties

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area protects roughly 70,000 acres along the Delaware River. Visitors can hike, bike, paddle, picnic, watch wildlife, and enjoy scenic overlooks. The McDade Recreational Trail is a useful option for walking or cycling without committing to a strenuous mountain hike.

Popular parking areas can fill quickly. Visit before 10 a.m., after 4 p.m., or on a weekday when possible.

Best for: hikers, couples, families, photographers, and nature lovers.

2. See the Waterfalls at Bushkill Falls

Area: Bushkill / eastern Pike County

Bushkill Falls features eight waterfalls connected by wooded trails, bridges, and stairways. Several routes are available, allowing visitors to choose a shorter walk or a longer loop with more climbing.

This is a privately operated attraction with an admission fee. Check current hours, ticket information, and trail conditions before leaving your rental.

Best for: first-time visitors, families with school-age children, couples, and photographers.

3. Spend the Day at Promised Land State Park

Area: Greentown / northern Pike County

Promised Land State Park offers forests, lakes, beaches, picnic areas, boating, fishing, and approximately 50 miles of trails. It is a flexible destination where one group can hike while another enjoys the water or a relaxed picnic.

Best for: families, hikers, paddlers, anglers, and anyone seeking a quieter outdoor day.

4. Visit Jim Thorpe

Area: Jim Thorpe / Carbon County

Jim Thorpe is a historic mountain town with restaurants, shops, architecture, and seasonal events. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is especially popular with families and visitors who want to enjoy the landscape without a long hike.

Fall weekends can become crowded, so arrive early and allow extra time for parking.

Best for: couples, families, history lovers, shoppers, and scenic day-trippers.

5. Enjoy Camelback Mountain

Area: Tannersville / central Monroe County

Camelback Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing in winter. Warmer-weather activities may include ziplines, a mountain coaster, ropes courses, and other outdoor adventures. Aquatopia provides an indoor-waterpark option throughout the year.

Check schedules and reservation requirements because some activities sell out during busy travel periods.

Best for: families, active travelers, winter visitors, and groups with mixed interests.

6. Plan an Indoor Waterpark Day

Area: Tannersville and Pocono Manor / central Monroe County

The Poconos are home to several major indoor waterparks, including Kalahari, Aquatopia, and Great Wolf Lodge. Day-pass availability and admission policies vary, so verify access before building the day around a visit.

Best for: families, rainy days, winter trips, and groups seeking an all-day indoor activity.

7. Challenge Yourself at Skytop Adventure Center

Area: Skytop and Barrett Township / northern Monroe County

Skytop Adventure Center offers an outdoor treetop course with elevated bridges, ladders, logs, nets, and ziplines. Depending on the season, other offerings may include paintball, arrow tag, a climbing wall, skiing, and snow tubing.

Reservations are recommended. Review age, height, weight, footwear, and weather restrictions before booking.

Best for: older children, teenagers, adventurous couples, and active groups.

8. Visit a Petting Zoo or Animal Park

Area: Marshalls Creek in Monroe County and Lake Ariel in Wayne County

Families with younger children may appreciate a smaller, lower-stress outing at an animal attraction. Pocono Snake & Animal Farm is a compact starter zoo, while Claws ’N’ Paws Wild Animal Park offers a larger wooded setting where visitors may be able to feed goats and deer.

Offerings and operating schedules can change seasonally, so confirm conditions before traveling.

Best for: toddlers, younger children, multigenerational families, and shorter outings.

9. Go Whitewater Rafting

Area: Lehigh Gorge and Jim Thorpe / Carbon County

The Lehigh River offers guided rafting trips with varying difficulty levels. Many outfitters provide equipment, transportation, and basic instruction, making this an accessible adventure even for many first-time rafters.

River levels, dam releases, weather, and the season affect each trip. Review age limits, footwear requirements, and cancellation policies before booking.

Best for: active families, groups of friends, teenagers, and summer visitors.

10. Experience Lake Wallenpaupack

Area: Hawley and Lake Wallenpaupack / Pike and Wayne counties

Lake Wallenpaupack is a popular destination for boating, fishing, paddling, sightseeing, and relaxing by the water. Because it is a large lake, choose your exact launch point, trail, beach, or waterfront stop before leaving. The Wallenpaupack Lake Trail is one option for a walk with scenic views.

Best for: couples, families, boaters, anglers, and travelers seeking a slower day.

11. Hike Hickory Run State Park and See Boulder Field

Area: White Haven and Kidder Township / Carbon County

Hickory Run State Park features trails, streams, waterfalls, and the distinctive Boulder Field, a National Natural Landmark. Wear sturdy footwear because the rocks and trails may be uneven or slippery.

Best for: hikers, geology enthusiasts, families with older children, and outdoor explorers.

12. Explore Stroudsburg and Other Pocono Towns

Area: Stroudsburg / eastern Monroe County

When you want a break from outdoor activities, explore Stroudsburg and nearby communities for restaurants, independent shops, galleries, farmers markets, breweries, antiques, cafés, and seasonal events.

Best for: dining, shopping, rainy afternoons, and relaxed evenings.

Planning by Season

Spring

Look for stronger waterfalls, quieter trails, scenic drives, and less-crowded towns. Bring footwear that can handle mud.

Summer

Plan around hiking, rafting, lakes, animal parks, and outdoor adventure courses. Reserve popular weekend activities in advance.

Fall

Fall foliage draws heavy traffic. Start early, reserve activities and restaurants, and allow extra travel time.

Winter

Build the trip around skiing, snowboarding, tubing, indoor waterparks, and time by the fire. Check road and weather conditions before driving.

Before You Go

• Check official websites for current hours, closures, and seasonal schedules.
• Purchase tickets or make reservations for popular attractions.
• Review weather, trail, and road conditions.
• Bring suitable shoes, water, and layered clothing.
• Download directions before entering areas with weak cellular service.
• Do not leave food or valuables visible in your vehicle.
• Follow posted rules and leave natural areas as you found them.
• Allow extra travel time during summer weekends and fall foliage season.

Make the Trip Your Own

The best Pocono itinerary is not necessarily the busiest one. Choose one main activity for the day, leave time for an unplanned meal or scenic stop, and enjoy the vacation rental you selected.

Whether you spend the weekend chasing waterfalls, skiing, exploring Jim Thorpe, rafting the Lehigh, meeting animals, or relaxing near a fire, the Poconos offer plenty of reasons to return in another season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Poconos

What is the best time of year to visit the Poconos?

The best season depends on the trip you want. Summer is ideal for lakes, rafting, hiking, and family attractions. Fall brings colorful foliage but also heavier weekend traffic. Winter is popular for skiing, snow tubing, and indoor waterparks, while spring often offers strong waterfalls, quieter trails, and smaller crowds.

How many days do you need in the Poconos?

A long weekend is enough to enjoy one part of the region without rushing. Because the Pocono Mountains cover a large area, choose a vacation rental near your priority activities and plan one main outing per day. A longer stay gives you more flexibility for weather and travel time.

What are the best things to do in the Poconos with children?

Family-friendly options include indoor waterparks, animal parks and petting zoos, lake days, scenic train rides, beginner-friendly hikes, and the adventure activities at Skytop. Always check age, height, and reservation requirements before visiting.

What can you do in the Poconos when it rains?

Rainy-day options include indoor waterparks, cafés and restaurants, shopping in Stroudsburg or Jim Thorpe, and relaxing at your vacation rental. Conditions can change quickly, so keep one indoor option available when planning an outdoor-heavy itinerary.

Do you need a car in the Poconos?

For most trips, yes. Attractions, restaurants, and towns are spread across a wide region, and public transportation is limited. Check driving times from your specific rental before reserving activities or meals.

Continue Planning Your Pocono Stay

Browse our guest guides for safer, smoother vacation-rental stays. If your rental includes a wood stove, read our simple guide to starting a fire in a wood-burning stove before using it.