12 Kid-Friendly Indoor Things to Do on a Rainy Day in the Poconos

1. Stay at an Indoor Waterpark Resort

Come rain or snow outside, it’s always a tropical 84 degrees inside at our impressive indoor waterpark resorts, where you can ride, slide, play, and stay in any season. Book a day pass to enjoy an afternoon splashing in the wave pool or floating down the lazy river; but for the full experience, you'll want to book an overnight stay! Admission to the waterpark is included in your room rate, and you'll also find amazing dining, amenities and extras all under one roof.

Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony has an on-site movie theater and bowling alley, while Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is home to a spa for the adults as well as the Big Game Room Arcade for the young and young at heart, with nearly 250 games, including VR experiences, to keep you busy. Camelback Lodge and Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark is home to the Arcadia Arcade as well as indoor bumper cars, ropes courses, and rock climbing. Great Wolf Lodge offers family-friendly activities like gemstone mining and the popular, interactive MagiQuest adventure.

2. Bounce Off the Walls

Get some energy out with a trip to Pocono Rocks! in Mount Pocono. This family recreation center is the perfect indoor playground in the Poconos, featuring bounce houses and obstacle courses perfect for a rainy day out or a fun birthday party. See how high you can make it on the boulder climbing wall or try the ninja warrior course then take a break at The Little Rock Café has a full menu of food, drinks and coffee beverages to try.

3. Play Laser Tag

Live out a video game adventure with a laser tag battle! Glow-in-the-dark features, black lights, and fog set the stage for a thrilling laser game for two to twenty people at Costa's Family Fun Park. Each player gears up with a vest and laser gun; while the recommended age is six years and up, younger players may hold the gun while mom or dad wears the vest. Lasertron Laser Tag at Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark encompasses two levels of playing area with five different game types. Players under 42" tall will need to be accompanied by an adult.

4. Take a Cooking Class

Kid-friendly cooking classes will have your little ones begging to help in the kitchen! Pocono Organics in Long Pond offers a wide variety of hands-on workshops throughout the year, and their "Clean Food Dirty Hands" spring classes show children where their food comes from as they get the opportunity to tend their own garden plots. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the program, which takes place rain or shine. The Main Street Makery in Stroudsburg, formerly known as Kitchen Chemistry, continues to offer their popular Saturday Cupcake Lab, where participants can create a delicious masterpiece. Be sure to call ahead of time to register in advance and confirm availability.

5. See a Show

See your favorite stories brought to life at the Shawnee Playhouse! This historic theater presents an exciting schedule of comedies, dramas, musicals, children’s shows and special events each year. Upcoming 2024 children’s shows include A Year with Frog and Toad, Annie, A Christmas Wizard of Oz, and Legally Blonde Junior. Summer Theater Camp is also available. Production dates and showtimes are limited so be sure to see check the schedule for details.

6. Game the Day Away

Introduce your kids to your favorite games from the past! The Arcade Era in Stroudsburg is packed with classics like Pac-Man, Mario Kart Racing, Tetris, and more. Jokers Are Wild Game Cafe in Lehighton offers a wide assortment of board games and collectible card games plus an escape room and food available onsite.

7. Speed around the Track

Put pedal to the metal at S&S Speedways - Indoor Go-Karts in Stroudsburg and leave rainy day blues behind. Newcomers are welcome at this family owned and operated business, and a hand-controlled car is available in addition to indoor go-karts. Drivers on the tri-oval track must to be a minimum of 54" tall, so this is a great activity for tweens and teens. There are also video games, a pool table, and a snack bar to enjoy, and you can even rent the track for private parties.

8. Learn about Nature

Just because it's raining doesn't mean you can't spend the day surrounded by Mother Nature. Check out indoor exhibits and family-friendly workshops and activities at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center, Pocono Environmental Education Center, and Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center. Check their schedules to find out about upcoming demonstrations and classes. Open May through September, Bear Creek Butterfly Sanctuary is home to all kinds of critters, from the butterflies in the "flutterarium" to exotic frogs, turtles, lizards, and more.

9. Ride the Train

There are two train excursions that take to the tracks in the Pocono Mountains, offering families a look at the landscape even in rainy weather. Hop aboard The Stourbridge Line, which offers departures from Hawley and Honesdale, or the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway which steams out of the scenic station in Jim Thorpe. Both train tours offer seasonal specials like an ice cream express and rides with Santa and the Easter Bunny.

10. Race to Escape

Put your puzzle-solving skills to the test at Pocono Mountains escape rooms. See who can navigate the challenges quickly and make it out first! There are lots of different escape rooms to choose from with different difficulty levels, time limits, and themes: the Escape Rooms at Kalahari take you to ancient Egypt or outer space, while Big Screen Escapes in Mount Pocono and Tannersville present puzzling scenarios for the group to unravel together. All ages are welcome with an adult, but the suggested difficulty level is twelve and up.

11. Explore Fun Shops

Follow the yellow brick road through Country Junction - World's Largest General Store. So much more than a shopping destination, Country Junction provides interactive experiences at every turn. The property features a pet shop and free petting zoo, a family restaurant and ice cream parlor, the “Ballistic Battle Zone” indoor Nerf arena, and aisles upon aisles of gifts, crafts, candies, home décor and more.

Join Pocono Television Network to discover all that Country Junction has to offer, from arcade games to wine tastings for the adults to flip-and-spin bumper cars: watch more below!

Looking for even more family-friendly stores to explore? Browse the extensive selection and visit the huge gumball machine at Country Kettle, choose treats from 200 barrels of candy and stroll through the 30,000 square feet of merchandise at American Candle, or find deals and styles for everyone at the Pocono Premium Outlets.

12. Visit a Museum

Take a journey into our region's past at one of the many historical attractions and museums in the area. Open seven days a week year-round for self-guided tours, the Pocono Indian Museum covers the history of the Delaware Native Americans from 10,500 B.C. to the arrival of Europeans in the Poconos. Displays include ancient artifacts, weapons and tools, and each child's paid admission comes with a free arrowhead. The gift shop features Native American music, books, apparel, and more. If you have a train enthusiast in the family, head to the Wayne County Historical Society & Museum to see a replica of the Stourbridge Lion or visit the No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum to take a mine train ride deep underground, traveling 1,600 feet into the mountain.

Another great way to while away a rainy day is to sit down together for a family meal at a delicious local restaurant. April showers bring May flowers, and after the storm, you'll be ready to head out and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Find more family vacation inspiration as you plan your trip and browse even more things to do with kids in the Poconos.