Tag Archives: hiking

Penn State Behrend Fields

Posted on by
Reply

Where it’s at:

The track at Behrend Fields is located right on the campus of Penn State Behrend, near Erie Hall. Parking is available in the lot used for the baseball and softball fields, just off Station Road. The whole area feels tucked away and peaceful—great for unwinding or letting the kids stretch their legs.

Advertisements

What’s Good:

This is a classic outdoor rubberized track, in excellent condition and well-maintained. In addition to the track itself, there’s an excellent opportunity for walking on both pavement and dirt paths around the area, making it a great spot to mix up your routine or enjoy a more scenic stroll. While it’s not nestled between the athletic fields, it’s surrounded by trees and open green space that give it a peaceful, natural feel.

  • Walking or jogging with a stroller
  • Letting kids run safely in circles
  • Track workouts if you want to time your laps

There is a port-a-potty available just past the track, and the surrounding Behrend campus has wide sidewalks if you want to extend your walk. It’s also dog-friendly, but remember to clean up after your pup.

There are usually a few college students jogging or teams practicing, but it’s rarely crowded—especially in the mornings and evenings. And because it’s slightly elevated, you get a bit of a view of the hills beyond, especially at sunset.

If you’re looking for a little variety, there’s also a frisbee golf course on the nearby fields. Just be sure to bring your own frisbee—it’s a fun, low-key add-on to a walk or jog.

Can I bring my dog?

While dogs are not permitted on the track itself, they are welcome on the nearby sidewalks and open grassy areas around Behrend Fields. Keep them leashed and clean up after them, and you shouldn’t run into any issues.

Advertisements

Who it’s Good For:

  • Families with kids who need a safe open space to burn energy
  • Fitness walkers and runners looking for a calm, consistent surface
  • Anyone rehabbing or easing into movement thanks to the soft track and flat layout
  • Parents with strollers

Final Thoughts:

The track at Behrend Fields is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight places. Whether you’re looking for a quick walk, a way to reset your afternoon, or a place to run in peace, this spot is worth bookmarking.

If you’re nearby on a sunny day, stop by and take a few laps—you might just find a new favorite rhythm.

Looking for more walkable places in Erie? Check out our full list of family-friendly parks, trails, and low-stress local strolls on wandererie.com. And check us out on tiktok!

The Great Wolf Lodge Poconos

Posted on by
Reply

Where it’s at:

Great Wolf Lodge Poconos is one of several locations across the U.S., but it’s a top pick for families in Western Pennsylvania. Located just off I-80 in Scotrun, PA, it’s about 5 and a half hours from Erie—perfect for a weekend getaway. Surrounded by trees, it feels like a giant log cabin built for kids (and their exhausted parents).

Parking is free and easy, and we checked in at the front desk. They give you wolf ears and a free photo booth opportunity, and then we were ready to splash!

What’s Good:

The indoor waterpark is absolutely the main attraction and it’s perfect year-round. It’s warm, splashy, and packed with fun for all ages.

  • Young children have safe splash zones, gentle slides, and climbing areas.
  • Older kids loved thrill rides like the Howlin’ Tornado and Alberta Falls.
  • Adults appreciated relaxing by the outdoor pool, enjoying a moment of peace while the kids played nearby.

Both of our kids had a blast with MagiQuest, the live-action scavenger hunt game. Our older child dove into the full adventure, running up and down the halls solving clues with their wand. And our little one loved it too—he played a simpler version that wasn’t too hard, but still made him feel like part of the magic.

Don’t skip the gift shop: there’s a Build-A-Bear Workshop right inside the lodge! Our kids built their own custom Great Wolf Lodge plushies, which became beloved travel buddies. The merch is actually super cute—fuzzy hoodies, themed drinkware, wolf-ear headbands, and even matching family shirts.

We grabbed some delicious pizza during our stay, and we were happy to see they offered gluten-free options as well—perfect for families with dietary needs. There was even a Dunkin’ Donuts right inside the lodge, which made mornings extra convenient for tired parents. And the ice cream? Incredible. Creamy, fun flavors, and the perfect end-of-day treat after splashing and exploring.

In addition to the water fun, there are morning yoga sessions for kids to stretch and get energized for the day. In the evening, the resort comes alive with nightly dance parties, which were a huge hit with our crew—everyone was out there dancing like no one was watching. And at 9:30 p.m., it’s time for Story Time, where kids gather in pajamas for a magical tale. The story we heard was about a wolf named Luna, and our kids absolutely adored it—it was the perfect wind-down to an exciting day.

The fun didn’t stop there. The kids also got to try a mining experience, which included a really fun mirror maze that was cleverly incorporated into the activity. It was interactive, creative, and something they’re still talking about! Yes, we had ice cream before dinner once (no regrets).

Watch our Great Wolf Lodge adventure — from swimming to MagiQuest fun to nightly dance parties!

Who it’s Good For:

This Poconos water park resort is ideal for:

  • Families with toddlers to tweens
  • Grandparents and multi-gen groups looking for easy fun in one building
  • Families looking for everything in one place—no car rides or complicated planning
  • Anyone whose kids are obsessed with stuffed animals, swimming, and scavenger hunts

Whether it’s your first time visiting a Great Wolf Lodge or you’re coming back for more, this location checks every box.

Final Thoughts:

Would we go again? Absolutely. It’s not cheap, but you’re paying for convenience, safety, and kid-joy levels off the charts. Everything’s walkable, the entertainment is built-in, and the vibe is nonstop fun. Did we mention the waterpark is included with your room reservation? No extra fees for that!

Pro tip: bring a robe and extra swimsuits for the kids, and maybe an extra tote for all the souvenirs and wolf ears you’ll end up with.

It’s wandering beyond Erie, but The Great Wolf Lodge is a memory-making machine.

Would we go again? Absolutely. It’s not necessarily cheap, but you’re paying for convenience, safety, and kid-joy levels off the charts. Everything’s walkable, the entertainment is built-in, and the vibe is nonstop fun.

Pro tip: bring a robe and extra swimsuits for the kids, and maybe an extra tote for all the souvenirs and wolf ears you’ll end up with.

It’s not Erie, but it is a memory-making machine. Check out their website for more information! www.greatwolflodge.com

Planning a Family Getaway?

If you’re dreaming of your next road trip from Erie, Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos is a must-see.

Check out more family-friendly day trips, weekend escapes, and Erie area adventures right here on wandererie.com.