Chill, PA! Mother Nature's certainly giving us a pretty good preview of the heat and humidity that awaits us this summer. Don't lock yourself in a/c - well, at least not all the time - when there are so many ways to stay cool outside. How, you may ask? Well, here are 10 water wonderlands in Pennsylvania that will definitely take your summer to a whole new level. Off we go!
1. Ricketts Glen State Park – Benton
Feel the mist from one of the 22 waterfalls that calls Ricketts Glen State Park home. To see 21 of the waterfalls, head out on the 7.2 mile Falls Trail. Keep an eye out for the masterpiece of the park, Ganoga Falls, which drops 94 feet. The sprawling state park also features a sandy beach that leads into the cool lake water.
Ricketts Glen State Park is located at 695 State Route 487, Benton, PA 17814.
2. Meadow Run Natural Waterslide – Ohiopyle
Zip down a spectacular natural waterslide when you visit Ohiopyle State Park. Meadow Run Natural Waterslide promises plenty of action as you zoom along the curves of the slides. Expect cool, refreshing water. And, be forewarned that bumps and bruises may occur as some of the rocks along the waterslide can be jagged.
Meadow Run Natural Waterslide is located at 124 Main St., Ohiopyle, PA 15470.
3. Waldameer Park & Water World – Erie
Is there any better way to spend a summer day than at an action-packed water park? Fortunately, PA's home to several of them, including Waldameer Park & Water World. Trip Advisor even named the water park the 10th best in America. Not bad, huh? Spend the day riding the waves in the wave pool, or zip down the 19 spectacular slides. Of course, you can also relax in the heated pool and on the lazy river.
Waldameer Park & Water World is located at 3100 W Lake Rd., Erie, PA 16505.
4. Bushkill Falls – Bushkill
Experience the majestic waterfalls that have earned Bushkill Falls the title of "The Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania." The privately-owned park, which charges an admission fee, features eight spectacular waterfalls. The biggest waterfall - the Main Falls - boasts an awe-inspiring 300 foot drop. Visitors can also rent paddle boats, go gem mining, or play a round or two of mini golf.
Bushkill Falls is located at 138 Bushkill Falls Trail, Bushkill, PA 18324.
5. Mountain Pines Campground – Champion
What's it like to swim in Pennsylvania's largest pool? Find out when you book a stay at Mountain Pines Campground. Spend the day wading in the pool, sunbathing poolside, or swimming in the cool water.
Mountain Pines Campground is located at 1662 Indian Creek Valley Rd., Champion, PA 15622.
6. Coal Tubin – Johnstown
Spend a leisurely day meandering down the Stonycreek River in Johnstown. Coal Tubin' offers rental tubes and shuttle rides to the river for your day of adventure. Runs usually take between 90 minutes and three hours, depending on water levels. Prefer something a little more exciting? Then, opt for Coal Tubin's whitewater rafting or inflatable kayaking.
Coal Tubin is located at 303 Central Ave., Johnstown, PA 15902.
7. Presque Isle State Park – Erie
Summer just wouldn't be summer without a trip to the beach, would it? Fortunately, Erie sits right along Lake Erie. And, Presque Isle State Park promises numerous sandy beaches, where you can sunbathe, play an impromptu game of volleyball, and cool off in the water.
Presque Isle State Park is located at Peninsula Dr. & Fisher Dr., Erie, PA 16505.
8. Holtwood Whitewater Park – Airville
Face the waves at Holtwood Whitewater Park. The natural water park promises an action-packed adventure for freestyle kayakers.
Holtwood Whitewater Park is located at McCalls Ferry Rd., Airville, PA 17302.
9. Red Lion Splash Park – Red Lion
Cool off like you did when you ran through the sprinkler - or just the hose - when you were a kid at Red Lion Splash Park. Bring the kids, and spend the day leaping through the 17 water features. Then, when you need a break, enjoy a picnic at the pavilion. Restrooms and changing rooms are also available.
Fairmount Park is located at 108 Boundary Ave., Red Lion, PA 17356.
10. Boyce Park Wave Pool – Monroeville
Throw down your beach towel on the grass and sunbathe before jumping into the water at the Boyce Park Wave Pool. The wave pool promises plenty of action and quiet moments as waves come in increments. Take a break from the water and have a meal or a snack from the snack bar.
Boyce Park Wave Pool is located at 740 Old Frankstown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15239.
Staying cool in PA is simple and fun. What other water wonderlands would you add to this list? Share in the comments below! Then, click here to read about a fantastic waterpark campground you'll also want to add to your summer itinerary.
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