29+ Best & Fun Things To Do In Erie, PA | 2024
Are you thinking about going to Erie, Pennsylvania, and want to find some fun things to do to make the trip unforgettable? Don’t look any further! Thanks for coming. Today we’ll talk about the 29+ best and most fun things to do in Erie, PA.
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Erie, Pennsylvania, also known as the “Gem City,” is a lively tourist spot with lots of things to do and see. Erie has something for everyone, from beautiful natural scenery to a rich cultural history.
We will talk about 29+ must-see places and things to do in this detailed guide to help you get the most out of your time in this beautiful city. Get a pen and paper ready to make plans for a trip you’ll never forget to Erie!
29+ Fun and Awesome Things To Do In Erie, PA In 2024
1. Presque Isle State Park
If you’re going to Erie, Pennsylvania, you have to spend some time at Presque Isle State Park. The park, which gets more visitors than any other in Pennsylvania, has lots of fun things for kids, adults, and families to do outside.
On its 3,200 acres, the park has some of the most beautiful marinas, beaches, trails, and views for a fun day or night out.
Presque Isle is a beautiful sandy point that sticks out into Lake Erie. Enjoy the 13 miles of beautiful walks in the park, swim, have a picnic, or watch birds. The sunsets over the lake are beautiful, so don’t miss them.
Address: 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505
2. Erie Maritime Museum
The Erie Maritime Museum is one of the best places to see in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is right on the water. It is the home port for the U.S. This is Brig Niagara, a sailing school boat that has a busy sail training program in the summer.
During your trip, you can learn about the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie. There are also historical artifacts and hands-on displays in the museum.
150 E Front St, Erie, PA 16507
3. Tom Ridge Environmental Center
Check out the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. It’s one of the best things to do in Erie, PA. The Tom Ridge Environmental Center is in Presque Isle State Park and lets people learn about the different environments and natural wonders in the area.
Visit the interactive exhibits, watch a movie at the Big Green Screen Theatre, and go to the viewing deck to take in the breathtaking views.
This is the address: 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505
4. Erie Zoo And Botanical Gardens
Want to find fun things to do with your family in Erie, PA? Then go to the Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens with your family for the day.
One of the best places to learn about plants and animals is at the zoo, which has over 400 animals and 11 botanical parks. Look at the beautiful big cats, the fun monkeys, and the interesting animals. For people of all ages, the zoo also has educational events, tours behind the scenes, and hands-on exhibits.
423 W 38th St, Erie, PA 16508
5. Millcreek Mall
This weekend, shopping at Millcreek Mall is one of the most romantic things to do in Erie, PA. There are 195 stores in this one of the biggest shopping malls in the United States. It is southwest of downtown Erie.
There are many shops, bars, and kiosks in the mall that sell different goods and provide different services. JCPenney, DSW Shoe Warehouse, Old Navy, and Michaels are some of the shops that are in the mall.
There are also places like Smokey Bones Barbeque and Grill, Arby’s, and Outback Steakhouse where you can get food.
5800 Peach St, Erie, PA 16565
6. Waldameer Park & Water World
As the summer approaches, one fun thing to do in Erie, PA is to go to Waldameer, a family-friendly entertainment park.
Classic and new rides, like roller coasters, bumper cars, and a Ferris wheel, make this one-of-a-kind water park a great place to have fun. Adults and children can enjoy rides like the XScream Drop Tower, the Drop Tower, and the Merry-go-Round in the summer.
220 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505
7. Erie Art Museum
The Erie Art Museum, which opened in 1989, is one of the best places to visit in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is part of the downtown Discovery Square Corporation, which is home to a dozen shops, museums, and galleries.
Check out the changing displays of modern sculpture, photography, and art. The museum also has a fixed collection of over 8,000 works, some of which are by well-known artists.
20 E 5th St, Erie, PA 16507
8. Erie Playhouse
Erie Playhouse is one of the oldest community theaters in the United States. Tonight, seeing a play there is one of the best things to do in Erie, PA.
The 12,000-square-foot arena can hold 424 people and has bathrooms and seats that can be reached by wheelchairs. The playhouse puts on a wide range of shows all year long, from Broadway musicals to dramas that make you think. Both amateur and professional players perform in the shows.
13 W 10th St, Erie, PA 16501
9. Flagship Niagara League
An interesting thing to do in Erie during the summer is to board the old tall ship, U.S. Niagara Falls. It is a wooden-hulled snow-big ship called the Flagship Niagara. It was Oliver Hazard Perry’s backup flagship in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812.
Discover the ship’s long past and take part in fun sailing activities. You can live like a sailor and even help steer the ship or raise the sails.
150 E Front St, Suite 100, Erie, PA 16507
10. Lake Erie Wine Country
Lake Erie Wine Country has 53 miles of unique wineries and beautiful farms that are all close to Lake Erie. There are about 20 different private wineries there. The farms make tasty native Labruscas, as well as French-American and European-style wines. The fall is the best time to visit Lake Erie Wine Country.
You can try several award-winning wines, take a walk through the vineyards, and learn about how wine is made during your stay. Don’t forget to eat some tasty local food with your wine.
11. Children’s Museum of Experience
Want to find family-friendly fun things to do in Erie? After that, check out the Experience Children’s Museum. The museum is in downtown Erie’s old cultural area and has 50 different exhibits spread out over three floors.
Take your kids to the museum, which is a place where kids of all ages can learn through play. Let their imaginations run wild as they look at science experiments, make art, and connect with exhibits. The museum promotes imagination, interest, and learning through play.
420 French St., Erie, PA 16507
12. Erie Seawolves
If you like baseball, you should not miss the chance to see the Erie Seawolves play. The minor league baseball team plays at UPMC Park, which is close to downtown Erie.
Enjoy the lively atmosphere, eat some classic field snacks, and watch how passionate the local baseball fans are. You can enjoy exciting baseball with the Seawolves, who are the Detroit Tigers’ Double-A team. If you want to find cheap things to do in Erie, this is one choice.
831 French St., Erie, PA 16501
13. Warner Theater
The Warner Theatre is home to the Erie Philharmonic, the Lake Erie Ballet, and the Erie BROADWAY Series. It also hosts many other types of shows and talks. People can choose from any of these amazing shows, or they can go to one of the 150 other events that happen at Warner Theater every year.
Some of the best shows and events in the city happen at this theater, which opened in 1929. If you want to do the best thing in Erie, PA this weekend, think about going to Warner Theater to see a show.
811 State St., Erie, PA 16501
14. Asbury Woods
Asbury Woods is a 205-acre nature center and park in Millcreek Township. It’s a great place to enjoy outdoor sports.
Asbury Woods has a lot of free things to do outside, like craft classes, a native plants garden, a picnic pavilion, animal displays, and the Little Woods Nature Play area for kids. You can also go hiking, fishing, biking, cross-country skiing, or running.
To learn more about the ecosystem in your area, keep an eye out for wildlife, go on organized nature walks, or stop by the nature center.
This is the address: 4105 Asbury Rd, Erie, PA 16506
15. Erie Bluffs State Park
Today, one fun thing to do in Erie, PA is to check out the natural beauty of Erie Bluffs State Park. There are hiking trails in this 587-acre park that lead to stunning views of Lake Erie’s shoreline and scenic hills. The park is Pennsylvania’s biggest undeveloped land area with a view of Lake Erie.
During your trip, you can fish, watch birds, or just relax in the peace of nature.
11100 W Lake Rd, Lake City, PA 16423
16. Lake Erie Arboretum At Frontier Park
You can enjoy the beauty of nature for free in Erie, PA by taking a walk through the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park.
Over 225 acres of gardens, woods, and walking trails make up this urban oasis. Take in the peaceful atmosphere, sign up for gardening classes, and look at the beautiful flowers. The Arboretum at Frontier has a lot of bike paths, sledding hills, and labyrinths for people to enjoy during the summer.
1501 W 6th St, Erie, PA 16505
17. Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park
Want to find fun things to do with your family in Erie, PA? Then go to Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park, which is fun to swim in all year.
There are two hot tubs, nine water slides, a five-story activity tree house play structure, a baby play pool, a FlowRider, and an arcade that is 6,500 square feet big. The water park is about 80,000 square feet.
You can enjoy exciting water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and play areas where you can connect with the water. The park also has food stands, arcade games, and mini-golf, so you can have a full day of fun.
8091 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509
18. Eriez Speedway
There are exciting races at Eriez Speedway that you should not miss if you like racing. This Erie, Pennsylvania, track calls itself the “best dirt racing track in the area.” It gives high-speed car riders a chance to meet new people and do some dirty racing.
Stock cars, modifieds, and sprints are just some of the types of races that happen on this dirt track. Race at high speeds and feel the thrill of skilled drivers competing for the win.
This is the address: 9821 Sampson Rd, Erie, PA 16509
19. Hagen History Center
The Hagen History Center is a public museum that holds the rich history of Erie. It used to be called the Erie County Historical Society.
Look at displays that show the city’s marine history, industrial past, and famous people. The center is in several old buildings, such as the Watson-Curtze Mansion, which gives visitors a look into Erie’s past.
356 W 6th St, Erie, PA 16507
20. Bicentennial Tower
Want to do something fun in Erie? Then, go to the Port Erie Bicentennial Tower to enjoy a peaceful and charming view of the city skyline, Lake Erie, and Presque Isle State Park.
You can take tours of the tower every day. It has two viewing towers that give you different views of the city. You can take beautiful pictures, read plaques that tell you about Erie’s past, and enjoy the beauty of the area.
The address is 1 State St, Erie, PA 16507.
21. Erie Insurance Arena
The Erie Insurance Arena is an indoor venue that can be used for many different types of events. It has been the site of sports games, concerts, shows, and more.
The arena is where the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League play. It used to be where the Erie Bay Hawks of the NBA G League played. It opened in 1983 and is part of the Erie Center Complex Plaza, which also has the Warner Theatre and UPMC Park.
809 French St., Erie, PA 16501
22. Perry Square
Today, one free thing to do in Erie is to take a walk through Perry Square, a cute urban park in the city center.
Sit back on a park bench and take in the view of the sculptures and waterfalls, or just enjoy the lively atmosphere. In the summer, the square is where neighborhood events and live music happen.
571-601 State St., Erie, PA 16501
23. Great Lakes Seaway Trail
The 518-mile Great Lakes Seaway Trail is a National Scenic Byway in the northeastern United States. It is mostly in the states of New York and Pennsylvania. The trail is made up of a network of marked roads and routes that give wine lovers the perfect chance to see the wine country in the area.
As you drive east on Route 5, the trail starts. As you start to walk along the path, the view will take your breath away. Along this path, you can choose from 25 great wineries and vineyards to visit, taste, and enjoy.
24. Lake Shore Railway Museum
The Lake Shore Railway Museum has been around since 1956 and is one of the best places to visit in Erie, PA. It is housed in the old New York Railroad Passenger Depot and has a lot of interesting items and a steam locomotive.
Besides the locomotive that is on show, there are many other items and facts about railroads and trains that people can enjoy. There are many T-shirts, hats, coffee mugs, and other gifts in the gift shop. The museum stays open thanks to the money made from the gift shop.
31 Wall St., North East, PA 16428
25. Bayfront Grille
Tonight, one of the best things to do in Erie, PA, is to eat at Bayfront Grille, which is right on the water. This high-class restaurant is right on the water of Presque Isle Bay and serves delicious food like fresh seafood, prime steaks, and vegetables from the area.
Enjoy your meal with a craft drink or fine wine while taking in the view of the bay.
55 W Bay Rd, Erie, PA 16507
26. Kellar’s Modern Magic & Comedy Club
Want to do something fun tonight in Erie? After that, go to Kellar’s Modern Magic & Comedy Club and see a show. People enjoy going to this comedy club, and the helpful staff makes the whole night delightful.
The club has the biggest names in magic and comedy from TV shows like America’s Got Talent, Penn & Teller: Fool Us, The Tonight Show, and Last Comic Standing playing live on stage. Enjoy the show with current American food that’s good for the whole family.
1402 State St., Erie, PA 16501
27. Schaefer’s Auto Art
Visit Schaefer’s Auto Art. It’s one of the coolest things to do in Erie, PA. This tourist spot is pet-friendly and has statues made from auto parts, such as a Bumble Bee, Spider, Rocket Ship, Automan, Two-Headed Dinosaur, and more.
One of the interesting things to do in Erie, Pennsylvania is to visit this garden museum.
Here is the address: 3705 Hershey Rd, Erie, PA 16506
28. Liberty Park & Highmark Amphitheater
Want to find family-friendly fun things to do in Erie? Then go to Liberty Park and Highmark Amphitheater with your family and kids. There is a lot of new playground equipment in the park to keep kids busy.
The park also has music every Friday and Saturday night. You can get into the event for free, and there may be another show going on at the same time.
726 W Bayfront Pkwy, Erie, PA 16507
29. Harbor Ridge Golf Club & Grill
Do you like playing golf? After that, check out one of Pennsylvania’s toughest golf courses. They have a 9-hole golf course called Harbor Ridge that is fun for the whole family and open to everyone.
Golfers can play on the fields, greens, and trees with bent grass. You can get balls, tees, and other things you might need for your game at the golf shop on-site.
Harborcreek Township, PA 16510, 3730 Harbor Ridge Trail is the address.
30. Play Port Arcade & Family Fun Center
Want to do something fun with your kids this weekend in Erie? Then go to Play Port Arcade & Family Fun Center and have fun. Play Port Arcade and Family Fun Center have more than 100 video arcade games that you can play for free. They are always adding and changing games.
2730 W 12th St, Erie, PA 16505
In conclusion
This list of 29+ things to do in Erie, Pennsylvania, will make your trip to the Gem City one you’ll never forget. You can enjoy the natural beauty of Presque Isle State Park, get involved in the city’s lively arts scene, or savor the local food. Erie has a wide range of activities for people of all ages and interests.