4 DaysYoung Families6 Stops

Poconos (Waterfalls/Ski), Pennsylvania

4-Day Itinerary for Young Families

“Waterfall Mist & Mountain Air: 4 Days in the Poconos with Little Ones”

Overview Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Tips Skip to day-by-day ↓

Here, waterfalls thunder through fern-draped forest and mountain air smells like pine and cool creek water — the kind of place where small feet can splash in shallow pools and little lungs fill with something other than city air. This is a Poconos built for slow mornings, splash breaks, and the particular joy of watching a five-year-old discover a hundred-foot waterfall for the first time.

At a Glance

Climate & Weather

Summer in the Poconos runs mild to warm (63–71°F) with frequent afternoon showers, so pack layers, a light rain jacket for each family member, and quick-dry clothes. Mornings can be cool and misty near the falls — a light fleece for kids is smart even in July.

Getting Around

A car is essential; clusters are spread across the region and connected by scenic two-lane roads. Expect 20–45 minute drives between major stops, with plenty of pull-offs for stretch breaks.

Budget

Budget roughly $120–180/day for a family of four, covering kid-friendly meals, park admission, and one mountain activity like a chairlift ride.

Safety

This is a low-key, family-friendly region. Black bears occasionally appear in remote wooded areas, so keep snacks sealed and make noise on quieter trails. Waterfall overlooks have railings but wet rocks can be slippery — hold little hands near any ledge.

Connectivity

Cell coverage is decent along main roads but spotty in deep forest sections and near some falls — download offline maps before heading out for the day.

Local Tips

Arrive at waterfall and park attractions by 8:30-9am in summer — parking lots fill and paths crowd with tour groups by late morning. Pack a small dry bag for wet shoes after splash zones, and always keep a stroller with sturdy wheels for gravel and root-covered paths.

Highlights

Splash and wander at Bushkill Falls' gentle lower loop
Chairlift rides over layered summer ridgelines at Camelback Mountain
Boulder-hopping (the safe, shallow kind) at Hickory Run's famous Boulder Field
Early-morning waterfall viewing before the crowds arrive
Stroller-friendly forest paths and moss-cushioned trails
Kid-paced lodge lunches after a morning of mountain air
A slow final morning of easy nature before heading home

Day-by-Day Plan

Arrival & Gentle Wonder

Day 1: Settling In at Bushkill Falls

A light, low-key first day centered on Bushkill Falls' easiest trails — about 1 mile of walking total, low energy demands, built around a mid-afternoon rest.

Wear

Comfortable closed-toe shoes with grip, light rain jacket, sun hat, and a change of socks for little ones who inevitably find a puddle.

Budget

$70–100 for the family (falls admission, pizza lunch, snacks)

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Bushkill Falls · morning · 150 min · Bushkill Falls & Woodland Escapes

Arrive by 9am and the main overlook is nearly empty — just the thunder of the 100-foot falls and mist drifting up to cool your face. Stick to the main paved overlook and the easy lower loop; skip the steeper upper trails on day one while everyone's still finding their mountain legs. Kids love spotting the smaller Bridal Veil and Bridesmaid Falls tucked along the path, and there are shallow, calm pockets near the lower trail where little ones can dip toes safely under supervision.

Best light on the main falls is mid-morning when the sun clears the ridge and lights the spray — try the bridge overlook around 10am.

Main overlook and lower loop are stroller-manageable with some effort on gravel sections; steeper upper trails are not stroller-friendly.

Lunch

Cousin's Pizza & Deli $

Pizza · Near Bushkill Falls

Quick, familiar comfort food kids will actually eat — simple pizza slices and deli sandwiches with room to spread out.

If it rains: Bushkill Falls actually gets more dramatic in light rain — the falls swell and the mist thickens. Bring rain jackets and waterproof shoe covers for strollers, and stick to the paved main overlook if trails get slick.

Ease into the trip with a gentle wander along Bushkill Falls' most accessible paths. The forest is cool and quiet this early, birdsong layered over the distant roar of falling water, and there's no rush — this is a day for adjusting to mountain time, not conquering trails.

After lunch, keep things unhurried. Head back to your lodging for a proper rest during the 2-3pm nap window — mountain air has a way of tiring out small bodies faster than expected, and there's no shame in a slow afternoon on day one.

An early, easy dinner nearby and a quiet evening in — let the trip's rhythm settle in gently before the more active days ahead.

Alpine Discovery

Day 2: Mountain Air at Camelback

A relaxed morning-to-midday visit to Camelback Mountain with a chairlift ride and light exploration, roughly 0.5–1 mile of walking, paced around nap time.

Wear

Layers — it's cooler at elevation even in summer — plus sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a light jacket for the chairlift breeze.

Budget

$90–140 for the family (chairlift tickets, lodge lunch, snacks)

35 min drive — A winding drive along tree-lined mountain roads, with a quick pull-off for a stretch break about halfway if little ones get restless.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Camelback Mountain · morning · 180 min · Camelback Mountain Ski Corridor

Arrive early — by 9am the lot is calm and the chairlift line is short, a real advantage before summer weekend crowds arrive. The ride up is gentle and slow, perfect for little ones who might be nervous on faster rides; ears pop softly as the valley opens beneath you in layered green ridges. At the summit, there's flat, easy walking with sweeping views — no need to hike far, just let the kids point out treetops and distant lakes. Keep the visit to the lower-energy morning window and skip strenuous trails; this is about the view and the novelty of the lift, not a workout.

The eastern overlook toward Delaware Water Gap glows beautifully in late-morning light — aim for around 10:30-11am before haze sets in.

Chairlift and summit plateau are manageable for strollers on the flat sections, but paths beyond the immediate summit area are uneven and not stroller-friendly.

Lunch

Cameltop $$

Local · At Camelback Mountain

Casual lodge dining right at the base — familiar comfort food, high chairs available, and enough space for kids to wiggle between courses.

If it rains: In light rain, the chairlift often still runs and can be a fun, dry-ish novelty from under a poncho; if it's a downpour, retreat to the lodge's indoor dining and shops until it passes.

Start the day with mountain air and the gentle thrill of a chairlift ride — no steep hikes, just wide views and easy footing at the top. It's a big, memorable moment for young kids without demanding much of their small legs.

Head down by early afternoon for lunch at the base lodge, then back to the hotel for the 2-3pm nap window — mountain mornings are tiring in the best way, and an afternoon rest keeps everyone happy for the evening ahead.

Keep the evening low-key with an early dinner and maybe a short stroll around the lodge grounds as the light softens over the ridgelines.

Rugged Wonder, Gently Paced

Day 3: Boulders and Forest Silence at Hickory Run

A morning exploring Hickory Run's Boulder Field and easy lake-loop trails, about 1–1.5 miles of walking, with an early return for nap time.

Wear

Sturdy closed-toe shoes with good grip (boulders can be slick), sun hat, layers for shifting forest shade and sun, and a small backpack for water and snacks.

Budget

$40–70 for the family (park is low-cost, mostly snacks and lunch)

45 min drive — A scenic backroad drive through forested hills — a good stretch for a car nap if the morning start was early.

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Hickory Run State Park · morning · 150 min · Hickory Run State Park & Boulder Field

Arrive by 9am for cool air and a nearly empty Boulder Field — by midday the moss-covered boulders draw bigger crowds and the exposed rock gets hot underfoot. Kids delight in scrambling over the low, flat boulders near the field's edge (stick to the accessible perimeter rather than deep into the field), while the surrounding forest smells of damp earth and pine. The nearby Lake Hickory Run loop offers flatter, easier walking if little legs tire of boulder-hopping, with calm water views and plenty of shade.

The Boulder Field looks its best in soft, dappled morning light around 9-10am, when shadows pick out the texture of the moss.

The Boulder Field itself is uneven and not stroller-friendly; the Lake Hickory Run loop nearby is a flatter, easier alternative for strollers.

Optional detour: Hickory Run Falls — After the Boulder Field visit and before heading back to lodging

A shorter, gentler waterfall than Bushkill, with a quieter atmosphere and easy sightlines for kids who love water without a big crowd. Skip if: Skip if the morning nap window is tight or little ones are already tired from boulder scrambling — save it for a future visit.

If it rains: Many of Hickory Run's lower trails and the lake loop stay passable in light rain, though the Boulder Field gets slippery — opt for the flatter lake trail instead if it's wet.

Spend the cool morning hours wandering Hickory Run's boulder-strewn landscape, where kids can scramble over smooth glacial rocks while the forest hums quietly around them. It's tactile, playful exploration — climbing, touching moss, listening for birds — rather than a demanding hike.

Head back toward lodging by midday, aiming to be settled in well before the 2-3pm nap window. Forest mornings tend to wear little ones out pleasantly, and an early return keeps the rest of the day calm.

A relaxed, early dinner and quiet evening — maybe a short walk near your accommodation as the light turns golden over the ridges — rounds out a day built around slow discovery.

Gentle Farewell

Day 4: Last Light on the Falls

A light final morning revisiting the easy, familiar terrain of Bushkill Falls before departure, under 1 mile of walking.

Wear

Comfortable walking shoes, layers for cool morning air, and a rain jacket just in case.

Budget

$30–50 for the family (light breakfast, snacks, no major activity fees)

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Bushkill Falls · morning · 90 min · Bushkill Falls & Woodland Escapes

Return for one last easy walk along the main overlook and lower loop — arriving by 8:30am means the falls are hushed and cool, a peaceful bookend to the trip before the drive home. There's no pressure to see everything again; let the kids revisit their favorite splash spot or simply sit on a bench and listen to the water one more time.

Morning mist over the falls is softest and most photogenic right at opening, before the sun climbs high enough to burn it off.

Main overlook and lower loop remain stroller-manageable, same as day one.

Lunch

Cousin's Pizza & Deli $

Pizza · Near Bushkill Falls

A familiar, easy last meal before hitting the road — simple, quick, and kid-approved.

If it rains: If it's raining, a short visit to the main overlook alone (skipping the lower loop) still delivers the dramatic waterfall view without much walking, and the falls will look even more powerful.

Close out the trip with a soft, familiar return to the falls — no new trails, no pressure, just a last dose of mist and forest quiet before the journey home.

Grab an easy lunch nearby, let the kids stretch their legs one final time, and begin the drive out with sandy shoes and good memories rather than exhaustion.

With travel likely underway by early afternoon, evening simply means the quiet hum of the car and kids drifting off to sleep, worn out happily from four days of forest air and waterfall mist.

Want to tweak this trip?

Our AI planner can customize this itinerary to your exact dates, interests, and travel style.

Customize This Itinerary

Good to Know

Restaurant details (hours, menus, availability) change frequently. Check current hours before visiting, especially in seasonal destinations.

Dietary compatibility tags are general guidance. If you have severe allergies, confirm directly with the restaurant.

Travel tips are general guidance, not professional safety advice. Check government advisories for latest information.

All prices are approximate and may vary seasonally.

← Explore Poconos (Waterfalls/Ski)All itineraries