Top Things To Do In Erie

Located in the northeastern corner of Pennsylvania, Erie is a vibrant, lakeside town with a wide variety of popular attractions for both tourists and locals. Some of the top destinations include an up-and-coming downtown area, several local museums, and an abundance of forested hiking trails. Keep reading for more ideas about fun things to do in Erie.

Have Fun & Enjoy 5K Run for Beer Event on June 24 at Knowledge Park with ✦Erie Brewing Company✦ (Up to 46% Off)
5K Registration to Run for Beer at ✦Erie Brewing Company✦
6008 Knowledge Parkway, Erie6.0 mi
4.5
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27 ratings
$35 $19
46% discount_off
Admission for One for ✦Erie Brewing Company✦ 5K Beer Run on June 24
$14.95 for Scavenger Hunt Game for One Group at It's A Scavenger Hunt! ($44.95 Value)
67% Off Scavenger Hunt Game at It's A Scavenger Hunt!
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3.4
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5 ratings
$44.95 $14.95
67% discount_off
Scavenger Hunt Game for One Team (Up to 4 Players)
Survival Scavenger Hunt for One or Two Teams from Zombie Scavengers (Up to 62% Off). Two Options Available.
Up to 62% Off Scavenger Hunt from Zombie Scavengers
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3.9
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1,213 ratings
$39.95 $15
62% discount_off
Survival Scavenger Hunt Tour for One Team
City Quest Scavenger Hunt for One, Two, Four, or Six at Operation City Quest (Up to 52% Off)
Up to 52% Off City Quest Scavenger Hunt
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4.2
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873 ratings
$20 $10
50% discount_off
Two-Hour City Quest Scavenger Hunt for One Person
Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt for One, Two, Four, or Six from Crazy Dash (Up to 52% Off)
Up to 52% Off Scavenger Hunt from Crazy Dash
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4.0
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246 ratings
$20 $10
50% discount_off
Crazy Dash Walking Adventure for One Person
Adventure Scavenger Hunt for One, Two, Four, or Six from Wacky Walks (Up to 52% Off)
Up to 52% Off Adventure Walk from Wacky Walks
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4.0
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318 ratings
$20 $10
50% discount_off
Adventure Walk for One Person
3Quest Challenge for One, Two, Four, or Six from 3Quest Challenge (Up to 51% Off)
Up to 51% Off Quest Challenge from 3Quest Challenge
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4.2
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266 ratings
$20 $10
50% discount_off
3Quest Challenge for One Person
$35 Off $65 Worth of Martial Arts / Karate / MMA - Kids
$35 Off $65 Worth of Martial Arts / Karate / MMA - Kids
2503 West 15th Street, Erie3.2 mi
5.0
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1 ratings
$65 $35
46% discount_off
$35 Off $65 Worth of Martial Arts / Karate / MMA - Kids
Basic or VIP Wine Tasting for Two or Four at Courtyard Winery (Up to 59% Off)
Up to 59% Off Wine Tastings for 2 or 4 at Courtyard Winery
10021 West Main Street, North East12.0 mi
4.8
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452 ratings
$18 $12$9.84
 Sale Ends 6/10
Basic wine tasting with souvenir glasses for four

Because of Erie’s diverse city and natural landscape, there is plenty to do. Whether you are interested in art, nature, or the outdoors, here are some of the best things to do in Erie:

  • Presque Isle, a state park with access, to hiking, fishing, and boat rentals
  • Waldameer Park & Water World, an outdoor water park with rides for the whole family
  • Tom Ridge Environmental Center, a natural history museum that focuses on Lake Erie
  • Ashbury Woods, a nature preserve with old-growth forest and lush hiking trails
  • Erie Maritime Museum, an educational center with exhibits on the War of 1812 and the history of Lake Erie

Events in ErieView All

SeaWorld Orlando Admission with Dining Option, or 2, 3 or Unlimited SeaWorld Park Visits (Up to 45% Off)
Up to 45% Off Admission to SeaWorld Orlando
7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando
4.7
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1,509 ratings
$134.99 $94.99
30% discount_off
SeaWorld Orlando Single Weekday Admission Ticket: Valid 365 days from purchase
Experience the World from a New Perspective at One World Observatory - Your Iconic Landmark Destination!
The City from Above: One World Observatory's Spectacular Skyline Views
285 Fulton Street, New York
4.7
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7,474 ratings
$48 $33
31% discount_off
Standard Admission Experience for One Adult (Ages 13–64)
Busch Gardens Tampa Admission with All-Day Dining Option, 2- or 3-Park, or Unlimited Visits (Up to 45% Off)
Up to 45% Off Admission to Busch Gardens Tampa
10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa
4.5
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406 ratings
$134.99 $94.99
30% discount_off
*LIMITED TIME OFFER* 2 Day Admission Plus Two Meals (EAT FREE!) to Florida Parks of Choice: Valid 365 days from purchase
Mechanical-Music-Machine Museum Visits at Debence Antique Music World (Up to 59% Off). Three Options Available.
Up to 59% Off at Debence Antique Music World
1261 Liberty St., Franklin
5.0
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7 ratings
$16 $8$6.56
 Sale Ends 6/10
2 Admission Tickets (Weekdays only)
The Brewery Comedy Tour at Cloven Hoof
The Brewery Comedy Tour at Cloven Hoof
1308 Bridge Street, Ashtabula40.1 mi
$14 $11
21% discount_off
Thursday, Jun 22, 2023 / 7:00pm - General Admission
Tour, Poster with Hand Signature by Frank Frazetta Jr., for 1, 2 or 4 at Frazetta Art Museum (Up to 20% Off)
Up to 20% Off Admission Package at Frazetta Art Museum
141 Museum Road, East Stroudsburg
4.8
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68 ratings
$35 $28
20% discount_off
Admission for One, Tour, Poster with Hand Signature by Frank Frazetta Jr
One Rental or Purchase-to-Own Streaming of Pride and Prejudice or Emma from Streaming Musicals (Up to 25% Off)
Up to 25% Off Pride and Prejudice or Emma Musical Streaming
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5.0
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4 ratings
$5 $4.99
Purchase-to-Own Streaming of Choice

With great food, live music, and a rich history, Erie has plenty of attractions for both visitors and locals alike. Some of the most popular activities include the city’s historic landmarks and fun, summer festivals. Make the most of your time in Erie with the following attractions:

  • Erie Land Lighthouse, the first lighthouse on the Great Lakes
  • Watson-Curtze Mansion, a historic home built in the late 1800s
  • Thurston Classic, a June festival with hot air balloons, live music, and fair food
  • State Road Covered Bridge, a historic landmark and photo opportunity
  • Mid Summer Wine Festival, an event held in mid-July that features classic cars, food vendors, and wine tasting

On any given day, Eric offers many fun things to do. From its delicious food scene, abundance of hiking trails, and local shopping, it’s easy to spend a day soaking in all this city has to offer.

Exciting activities near Erie include:

  • The Breakfast Place, a place to grab American home cooking
  • Erie Bluffs State Park, a place to hike the Great Lakes shoreline
  • The Shops at the Colony, which includes 35 locally owned and operated stores
  • Tinseltown USA, Erie Cinemark movie theater
  • Ember + Forge, a local favorite with coffee and pastries

The fun in Erie doesn’t end when the sun goes down. This city offers many things to do for adults whether you are interested in local breweries, fun dining, or dance clubs.

Nighttime activities near Erie include:

  • Mi Scuzi, A trattoria featuring authentic italian dishes and fine wine
  • The Industrial Revolution Brewing Company, which has some of the best beer in town
  • Resolution Nightclub, a favorite dance spot for locals
  • Jr’s Last Laugh Comedy Club, a comedy club with great food
  • Sherlock’s, a top spot for drinks and live music

Erie is a family friendly city bursting with things for kids to do. Go on a pirate adventure, visit the children’s museum, or check out the local amusement parks.

Things to do with kids in Erie include:

  • Conneaut Lake Park, a place with roller coasters, rides, and other attractions
  • Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort, which is perfect for a rainy day
  • Experience Children’s Museum, a center for entertainment and education for all ages
  • USS Niagara, where you can sail this historic ship and explore the museum
  • Scallywags Pirate Adventures, a place to hear tales about Lake Erie and buried treasure

If you are looking to have a low-key day inside, Erie offers many indoor activities that will fit the bill. Sample local tea, relax at the resort, take a stroll through the art museum, and more.

Eric things to do indoors include:

  • Enjoying a sampling at Tea Time Tuesdays at Chicory Hill Herbs
  • Trying Alexander’s Spa in the Woods, an indoor spa located at the Woodlands Resort
  • Erie Art Museum, 15 exhibits of historical and contemporary art
  • Erie Planetarium at Penn State Behrend, offering public shows year round
  • Millcreek Mall, a shopping mall complex with retail, dining, and more

Erie is a city brimming with things to do outdoors due to natural beauty and sightseeing opportunities. From lush forests to gorgeous lakeshore, there are always plenty of things to do outdoors.

Things to do outdoors in Erie include:

  • Take a walk amongst 250 varieties of trees at Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier
  • Explore local shops and historical landmarks in Downtown Erie
  • Spending an afternoon surrounded by nearly 400 animals and 11 natural gardens at Erie Zoo
  • Enjoying an all levels class on the shore of Lake Erie at Plasha Beyond Beginners Yoga
  • Exploring Lake Erie Beach Park, the perfect place to get outside during the summer