There are so many fun things to do in Erie such that it’s hard to keep track of them all! From the outdoors (hiking, biking, and skiing) to museums, festivals and sporting events.
there are always more games going on than you can catch up with. We have got 52 great ideas for you to build your list of 52 best and fun things to do in Erie (PA)
Things To Do In Erie (PA)
1. Explore the Waldameer Park & Water World
If you dream of exploring several rides, then a trip to this park should be at the top of your list of best and fun things to do in Erie as this park has numerous Rides that cater for all ages.
Other fun features and activities the park has to offer includes, Merry-go-Round, XScream Drop Tower, the Drop Tower and the carnival-style games. A visit to this park is definitely one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA
2. The Watson-Curtze Mansion,
A trip to this hallmark will be awe inspiring as various scenic sites surround the ancient building. You can take pictures and go on a tour around the hallmark and before leaving.
You can start a conversation with one of the staff to know the deep history of this monument. You will find it truly interesting and fun. A tour of the hallmark is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA
3. Watch some live performances at Warner Theatre
This wonderful theatre has attracted a lot of people from different calibre to the city. The Warner Theatre hosts a variety of fun events and shows all year round.
Attending one of these events hosted by the theatre is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
4. Visit the Tom Ridge Environmental Centre:
The Environmental centre is for all ages so it is the ideal place for a family fun time. You can have picnics and explore the scenic sites in this environmental center.
The centre also has an IMAX theatre, where you can watch animal documentaries. Before leaving, check out the nature gift shop and get some souvenirs. Taking a tour of the center is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
5. Check out the Presque Isle Downs & Casino;
The Presque Isle Downs & Casino is a place you can test your luck and still have so much fun. There is always something interesting cooking up at this place, horse races casino features like blackjack table, craps table, and a fantastic poker room.
A visit to this place is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA
6. Visit the Erie Zoo & Botanical Gardens
If you love Nature, then this place is probably your best bet. You can take a stroll of the zoo and have a view of the variety of animal and plant species the zoo exhibits. You can also have some meditative time and relax in the garden. Visiting this zoo is among the best and fun things to do in Erie PA
7. Relax at the Erie Bluffs State Park
Are you looking to relax, get away from it all and do something fun? Then you should spend your time at the Erie Bluffs State Park.
The park sits along the shores of Lake Erie in the town of Allegany and offers visitors a wide variety of activities. A visit to this lake is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA
8. Visit the Lake Shore Railway Museum
The Lake Shore Railway Museum offers a great day out. The old-fashioned trains and steam engines, which run as nostalgic tours around the city make this place an ideal choice for anybody who is fond of trains and history. A visit to this Railway is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA
9. Go to Downtown Erie
If you want to enjoy some of the best things to do in Erie, I recommend you check out Downtown Erie. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, stores and more to enjoy in Downtown Erie.
It’s an amazing place with lots of historic features that keep it from being empty or boring! A tour in downtown is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA
10. Visit the Presque Isle State Park
The Presque Isle State Park is the perfect place to spend the day. The park offers camping, a visitors center, and over 300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, bird watching and more!
A visit to this park is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA
11. Enjoy some live performances at the All an Act Theatre Productions
Are you looking for some fun things to do in Erie? If so, look no further than All an Act Theatre Productions. Here, you can enjoy live performances by local artists and musicians.
Their goal is to offer the most talented local performers at reasonable costs. You will be surprised at what they have for you during your visit! Spending some time at this theatre is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
12. Go Golfing at Harbour Ridge Golf Club & Grill
On a nice sunny day in Erie, go golfing at Harbour Ridge Golf Club & Grill. It’s the perfect way to spend your leisure time in Erie. Time spent at this golf harbour ridge is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
You can also play a round of golf at any of the other great Erie public golf courses like Erie Golf Center and Audubon Country Club – Delaware.
13. Visit the Erie Playhouse
The Erie Playhouse is one of the most interesting places to visit in Erie. It brings together artists and audiences for a vibrant theatrical experience every time.
The performances are also superb, so you can’t miss out on seeing a play if you visit here. Spending some fun time at this playhouse is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
14. Have family fun time at Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park
Ever been to an indoor water park? It’s a great way to spend time with the family, have fun and enjoy some good clean swimming. Visiting this water park is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park is located in Erie, PA (21 miles north of Buffalo) and has over 35,000 square feet of fun filled water slides.
15. Go shopping at Millcreek Mall
You love shopping trips, but you need to beat the crowds and get your fixes in a fairly tame way too. Millcreek Mall packs in all kinds of fun things to do including: outdoor movie screenings, ice skating, live concerts and so much more.
A visit to this shopping mall is definitely one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
16. Climb the Port Erie Bicentennial Tower
If you have ever wanted to experience what it would be like to climb one of Niagara’s fun sites, you should try climbing the Port Erie Bicentennial Tower.
It’s a 40 foot tall observation tower at the Fort Erie Walbridge Park and Reservation, right in the heart of Canada’s historical fort region. Visit this site as one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
You Will get to enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Erie and the Niagara River, see some wildlife and even friendly and harmless raccoons who live around the park.
17. See the beautiful Erie County’s Covered Bridges
Erie County is a place to see the beautiful Erie Charter Township. There are countless covered bridges in Erie County and some of them you can visit without any kind of transportation.
It’s a great thing to do if you want to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Visit this spot as it is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
18. Have fun at Play Port Arcade & Family Fun Center
Check out the Play Port Arcade & Family Fun Center on your next trip to Erie! It’s the ultimate destination for families and kids who love arcade games.
The indoor arcade is a great place for children to have fun with their friends, or you can enjoy it by yourself. Visiting this arcade is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
19. Eat at the Mi Scuzi
After a stressful tour of the city it will be nice to take a break, and Mi Scuzi is a delicious and affordable restaurant that you can dine at with your family when you are looking for something more than the average Erie eatery.
Not only do they have some great Italian dishes that you can try, but they also have a wide variety of sandwiches and sides. A visit to this restaurant is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
20. Hike the Great Lakes Seaway Trail
Hiking is one of the popular activities tourists do in a city. While at the Great Lakes seaway trail you can take pictures and visit places such as the Cornwall Brother store, the Village of Clayton, and the George Eastman Museum.
You can also go fishing at the Great Lake. A trip to the trail is nothing short of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA
21. Visit the Erie Insurance Arena
There is always a fun activity at the Erie Insurance Arena. You can engage in famous shows, concerts, and events that are hosted at the center. A trip to this center is among the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
22. View some exhibits at Erie Art Museum
Art lovers will find this museum quite special as it has various scientific and historical exhibits for its visitors. You can also attend some of the fun shows and events hosted at the museum which is not only entertaining but educational as well.
A trip to the museum is among the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
READ ALSO: 43 BEST AND FUN THINGS TO DO IN GREEN BAY (WISCONSIN)
23. Go on a Boat tour with Lady Kate Boat Tour
If you want to enjoy some scenic views of the city then this tour is a must see while in Erie. The tour is available at the Presque Isle State park. It is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
24. Read an interesting book at Erie County Public Library
This option will excite mostly readers but the Erie County Public Library does not only cater for readers as several games and competitions are hosted by the library.
You can partake in these games and competitions as It is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA
25. Explore the famous Firefighters Historical Museum
They’re many sensational things to do at this museum. You can view the fire fighting exhibits available at the museum and take pictures of them. It is among the best and fun things to do in Erie.
26. Watch some car races at Lake Erie Speedway
This is a top spot for racers in the city as different racers hang out at this hub. You can watch some of the racing competitions and speak with the racers.
You can also get some food for their cafe as you watch the race events. It is among the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
27. Visit the Erie Maritime Museum
It will be awry to complete your tour without checking out the museum. The Museum has various exhibits to fascinate you. A trip to the museum is among the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
28. Fun at Jr’s Last Laugh Comedy Club
If you’re looking for something fun to do in Erie, we have it. Laugh above the limit at Jr’s Last Laugh Comedy Club. A visit to this place is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
With top-notch talent, clean facilities, and fair prices, this is your go-to spot for a great night out.
29. Visit the Asbury Woodstock
Erie has a number of cultural attractions to enjoy. One of the most unique locations to visit is Asbury Woodstock.
This unique location offers a unique glimpse into the past. A trip to the museum is among the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
30. Have fun with the kids at Experience Children’s Museum
You can have fun with the kids at Experience Children’s Museum. Located in downtown Erie, this fun-filled museum has more than just carnival rides and exhibits! A visit to this museum is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
31. Explore art at the Schaefer’s Auto Art
Exploring Erie’s Art can be a blast. When you embark on this adventure, you won’t want to miss out on Schaefer’s Auto Art. Exploring this place is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
This art gallery is dedicated to showcase and promote the best in cars and trucks – as well as cars and trucks. What better way to spend time than admiring cool cars?
32. Visit the UPMC Park
What do you get when you combine an amusement park with the world’s largest hospital? You get UPMC Park. This place is absolutely amazing and its attractions will make your children scream in excitement.
So many rides and activities are there that children can enjoy it without fear of being devoured by the rides by themselves. A visit to this park is definitely one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
33. See the Perry Monument
In Erie, there is more to do than just enjoy a nice play off the shore. There are other attractions that you can visit while enjoying your time in Erie PA.
One of these attractions would be the Perry Monument which is located in downtown Erie. Visiting this place is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
34. Stop by the Erie Brewing Company
Stop by the Erie Brewing Company and enjoy some great brews, food, fun and live music. The Erie Brewing Company is located at 601 North Spruce Street in downtown Erie Pennsylvania.
A visit to this place is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
35. Visit the St. Peter Cathedral
The St. Peter Cathedral is where you can go to really feel the history behind Erie. This was the first church built in Erie, and it is one of the oldest churches in Erie.
To see how historic this place is, you have to enter through an old stone archway as well as some beautiful stained glass windows both on the outside and inside.
36. See the Erie Harbor North Pier Light
What if you could see the Erie Harbor North Pier Light? You could ride a glass elevator to its top, and see six other lighthouses. A visit to this site is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
It is not real, but it sure looks like something out of a movie — complete with an elevator with a glass bottom. Riding this elevator is among the best and fun things to do in Erie PA.
37. See the 9/11 Memorial
You will feel a little closer to home when you visit the 9/11 Memorial in Erie, which is only 51 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The museum inspires the psyche with appropriate artifacts and patriotic statues.
But the best part of the memorial is its interactive footprint, where visitors are compelled to walk through the exact same path firefighters did during the disaster years ago.
38. Visit the 6 Mile Cellars
 This is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA. It’s nigh impossible to visit Erie and not get a taste of this award winning wine. The Cellars offer many different types of wine tastings, including free samples! Â
39. Learn about history from the Hagen History Center
The Hagen History Center is your one stop-shop for learning all of Erie’s history. The Hagen History Center has several programs and exhibits that can keep you busy for an entire day, or just an hour or two.
Here are some best and fun things to do in Erie.
40. Visit the Black Monk Brewery
Are you looking for a fun and relaxing weekend activity? The Black Monk Brewery is a great place to enjoy. Situated in the heart of historic downtown Erie PA the Black Monk Brewery offers a nice atmosphere and friendly service.
Come visit us during our regular hours except Sundays, when we are staying open until 8pm.
41. Do sports at Erie Bank Sports Park
Erie Bank Sports Park is the place to be if you love sports. It’s a popular spot for baseball, football and soccer. This sports park is located in the heart of the city and has facilities for all age groups.
42. Relax at the Liberty Park
Erie is a great place to relax, especially when you spend time at Liberty Park. This massive park offers numerous things to do, including fishing and boating excursions along Lake Erie PA
A visit to this park is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA
43. Hike Trails at the Scott Park
Recreate at the local trail, or hit the water and explore water trails around the park. Hike through the city’s parks to experience the beauty of the area. Hiking the trail is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie.
44. Visit the Luminary Distilling, Eatery, Fuhrman’s Cider
If you are looking for things to do in Erie, PA, check out the Luminary Distilling, Eatery, Fuhrman’s Cider housed in the historic Grand Trunk Railroad Station.
Here you can enjoy a unique tasting experience that includes small batch craft spirits paired with locally sourced food and drink. A visit to this place is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA
45. Visit the Highmark Amphitheatre At Liberty Park
Did you know that Erie is home to the largest free-standing ferris wheel in the world? Well, it is. The Highmark Amphitheatre at Liberty Park offers open air concerts every summer with a large parking lot.
Take a ride up into the air and enjoy this amazing view of downtown Erie with Friends of Abbey Hill Park and Chautauqua Lake. A visit to this place is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie PA
46. Drop by the Erie County Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
At this museum you get to know the history surrounding Erie town. You can just take a stroll around the museum taking pictures of some of the wonderful exhibits in the museum.
A visit here is among the best and fun things to do in Erie
47. See the Charles Vernon Gridley Monument
The Charles Vernon Gridley Monument is an impressive bronze sculpture by the Erie artist, Bruno Lisch. The monument was dedicated in 1909 to honor Erie’s first public school superintendent, who helped create Erie Public Schools.
Taking a stroll with your loved ones and viewing the picturesque views that surround the monument is among the best and fun things to do in Erie
48. Have a shopping experience at the West Erie Plaza
The West Erie Plaza is a participating mall in The Great American Mall chain and is the largest one in Western New York.
It has over 200 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options for you to enjoy. A visit to this plaza is one of the best and fun things to do in Erie
49. Watch a live performance art Performing Artists Collective Alliance
Watching a live performance art show is a fun activity to do in Erie PA, explore this amazing community and enjoy free entertainment as well. Going for this show is one of the best and fun thing to do in Erie.
50. Play Escape at Escape Game Erie
Ever wonder how long it takes to escape an escape game? Well, that was last week. My girlfriend and I spent a full day at Escape Game Erie in downtown Erie which is just a few minutes from Lake Erie, and we will say it was worth every minute.
You try it and be sure to experience bliss as it will definitely pass as one of the best and fun thing to do in Erie.
51. Take on a food tour with Erie Food Tours
Erie is a great place to visit, but if you live in the area and have never been, it can be hard to get out of your comfort zone.
You can try hiking or paintballing, but they aren’t really comfortable activities. That’s why I recommend that you take on Erie Food Tours.
52. Visit the Erie Zoo
Visit the Erie Zoo. Whether you’re looking for a day out with family, or planning a romantic escape, there are plenty of fun things to do in Erie to keep you busy for hours. And since it’s summertime, now’s the perfect time to plan your trip!
CONCLUSIONS
Erie city is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. There are parks to adventure in, a variety of gaming activities and so many things to do in the city.
The one’s mentioned are in my opinion the best and fun things to do in the city, there are so many other activities that can be done, that is if you have the time of course. Feel free to use this article as your checklist. Have a nice trip.
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