Exploring the Poconos with Kids

Hickory Run State Park

Hawk Falls is a 1.2 mile loop to the base of a waterfall, and it is pretty easy for little kids. Another great spot for kids is Boulder Field. It is a field full of large boulders that kids can climb across. The boulders were formed from a large rock mass that had broken apart over time through freeze-thaw cycles. Frost heave has caused the larger boulders to be pushed to the top as smaller rocks and particles sink to the bottom when water freezes and expands within the soil. Parking is adjacent to the field, but you can walk across the boulders as far as you feel comfortable.

Camelback Resort

This resort is located in Tannersville, PA and has a large indoor waterpark called Aquatopia as well as a ski resort. The resort has a ski-lodge feel and is a great option for visiting the area in the wintertime with active kids.

Skytop Lodge

If you are staying at the lodge, you can enjoy hiking on one of their many trails. The Upper Falls Trail is a relatively flat, 0.5-mile trail that leads to a steep cliff overlooking waterfalls. The hike is easy for little ones, but the cliff overlooking the waterfall is steep. The lodge has plenty of activities for families throughout the day as well as other areas to run, hike and play on their beautiful grounds.

Scranton, PA

Nay Aug Park has hiking, a treehouse overlook, a playground and Brook's Mine (an educational coal mine). If you are a fan of The Office TV show, you can visit some of the iconic locations made famous from the show. Spots include Alfredo's Pizza Cafe, Cooper's Seafood House, and Poor Richard's Pub.

Jim Thorpe, PA

Spend a day in this little town dubbed "Switzerland of America". Take in the historic architecture set against the beautiful mountainous backdrop. Enjoy a tour via walking, trolley or the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. There is a main, paid parking lot for the entire town that is near the train station and it often fills up, so I recommend arriving early. Lehigh Gorge State Park is nearby with Buttermilk and Luke's Falls on the D & L Trail in Weatherly, PA.

• Pocono Organics: This market/cafe is located in Blakeslee, PA. If you happen to be in town for a Nascar race at Pocono Raceway, you will definitely want to make a pit stop for breakfast. I recommend trying the Breakfast Sandwich with your choice of meat, cheese and vegetable omelet. It is topped off with spicy tomato jam and micro greens and is served on a homemade English muffin. The side salad is super crisp and picked fresh from their farm. If you're in the mood for something sweet, try the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. You'll get two melt-in-your-mouth buttermilk pancakes with swirls of cinnamon and brown sugar. All of this is topped with a cream cheese drizzle and pecan maple syrup. Be sure to take home some babka, scones or one of their other daily baked goods for later.

• Boulder View Tavern: Make reservations here for dinner if you are in the Lake Harmony area. It is a great spot to watch the sunset if the weather is nice outside. They often have live music on weekend evenings as well. I recommend the Fried Green Tomato to start, followed by the BBQ Burger or Penne Alla Vodka.

• Nick's Lake House Restaurant: Also in the Lake Harmony area, this is a great stop if you're in the mood for pizza or a burger. Take in the beautiful views of the lake while enjoying your food.

• Terra Cottage: This is a great little brunch spot in the Lake Harmony area. Enjoy a fancy hot beverage such as Cinnamon Sticky Bun Coffee or Oreo Hot Chocolate. Try one of their variations of Egg Benedict. Or try the chocolate raspberry French toast, which is stuffed with raspberry cream cheese and topped with raspberry and white chocolate drizzle.

• Barley Creek Brewing Company: This brewery is located in Tannersville, PA. It has a restaurant and bar as well as a separate outdoor entertainment area. I recommend ordering food to-go from the restaurant so you can eat at one of the picnic tables and enjoy the outdoor spaces. The Chicken and Lemongrass Dumplings are a good place to start, followed by the BC Cheesesteak. There is plenty of room to play and run around. They have yard games such as pickleball, bocce ball, disc golf, wiffle ball field and more.

• Llama Ice Cream: If you are near East Stroudsburg, PA and in the mood for something sweet and unique, try this ice cream shop. It has many exotic and tropical flavors along with the classics. Try something new!