Family vacations in the Poconos can be rewarding experiences or absolute disasters -- it all depends on pre-trip homework. To make planning easier, we've done all the preparation. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on traveling with children, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Poconos family vacations.
Alpine Mountain Ski and Snow Tubing Center
is a family-friendly center perfect for those new to winter sports. The 21 trails offer different degrees of difficulty and plenty of room, so wait time is short. Take advantage of skiing/snow boarding lessons, or have some fun snow tubing.
Address: 2326 Timber Hill Road, Henryville, PA 18332Phone: 570-595-2150Hours: Open 1 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 1 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays.Price: Weekend and holiday rates are $20 a session; weekday rates are $19.
Lehigh River Gorge
The
is 6,107 acres of thick vegetation, rock outcroppings and waterfalls. The steep-walled gorge follows the Lehigh River to the town of Jim Thorpe. Whitewater adventures are the best way to explore this area of the country. The weekend dam releases create exciting rapids.
Address: RR 1 Box 81, White Haven, PA 18661Phone: 570-443-0400Hours: Dam release dates are tentatively set mid-May through mid-September. Several licensed, commercial outfitters offer one- and multiple-day excursions. Typically, the day trips last approximately five hours.Price: Commercial outfitters charge around $58 per person. Prices vary by package and group discount.
The Christmas Factory
It is Christmas year-round at the
. More than 60 decorated trees fill this shop, one of the largest of its kind in the world. Enjoy the winter wonderland and find unique home decor.
Address: 2575 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301Phone: 570-223-0717Hours: Open 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.Price: Free entrance; shop prices vary
Treetop Adventure Courses
Treetop Adventure Courses offered by CBK Mountain Adventures are exhilarating obstacle courses on the slopes of Camelback Mountain Resort. Guests can enjoy zip lines over and through the trees at 85 feet above the ground as well as suspended bridges. Check out Euro Bungee, which allows you to practice acrobatic skills while secured in a safety harness. Disc golf enthusiasts will be challenged on the nine-hole course among the trees.
Address: 1 Camelback Road, Tannersville, PA 18372Phone: 570-629-1661Hours: CBK Mountain Adventures is open from 9 a.m. to 5 and 7 p.m. weekends in the spring and fall and from 9 a.m. to 7 and 8 p.m. daily in the summer.Price: A full-adventure course pass for ages 6 and older is $49 per person. Single or dual zip line tickets are $15 to $20, and disc golf and Euro Bungee passes are $5.
Pocono Indian Museum
Learn about Delaware Native Americans at this rich historical museum. The
outlines the history of man in Northeastern Pennsylvania all the way from 10,500 B.C. to the time the Europeans settled the area. It also explores the shockingly short amount of time it took for the Delaware people to be virtually eliminated.
Address: Route 209, Bushkill, PA 18324Phone: 570-588-9338Hours: Open 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily during the summer.Price: Museum admission is free. The store carries moccasins for the whole family starting at around $25, as well as a wide variety of Native American items.
Claws 'n' Paws Wild Animal Park
Experience wildlife in a new way at this zoo-in-the-woods park.
visitors can get a close-up look at more than 120 species of wild animals. The petting zoo includes an area where guests can feed giraffes and parrots. Dino dig adventures are fun for young children who are obsessed with these massive beasts.
Address: 1475 Ledgedale Road, Lake Ariel, PA 18436Phone: 570-698-6154Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily May 1 through mid-October.Price: General admission, $14.95; ages 2 through 11, $10.95; seniors 65 and older, $13.95; age 1 and younger, free
Camelbeach Waterpark
Camelbeach Waterpark is full of family fun. The FlowRider is the ultimate surfing ride, and the Blue Nile adventure river is perfect for all ages. A mini golf course, bumper boats and 22 waterslides will keep everyone busy.
Address: 1 Camelback Road, Tannersville, PA 18372Phone: 570-629-1661Hours: Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. late May through early September.Price: General admission, $36.99 ($34.99 online); seniors 65 and older and children less than 48 inches tall, $24.99; age two and younger, free
What's your favorite vacation spot in the Poconos?
Lead photo: Denis Gobo; FlickrMid photo: Diane's Sweet Treats; Flickr
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