Kid-Friendly Vacations in Pennsylvania

How To Nemacolin

Kid-friendly vacations and activities at Nemacolin with a pink parrot on a branch beside a person covering his face with a hand-made lion mask

Fun-Filled Adventures for the Whole Family

Found on more than 2,200 picturesque acres in the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania, Nemacolin astounds with a wide array of family-friendly experiences and amenities, making it the ultimate destination for kid-friendly vacations in Pennsylvania. Enjoy quality, fun-filled family moments together, then carve out some adults-only time to relax and recharge while knowing your kids are in trusted hands. Plus, as a pet-friendly resort, you can bring along your four-legged family members to share in the spectacular scenery.

A colorful candy-themed scene with people dressed as elves and characters, surrounded by giant sweets like macarons and candy canes, creating a playful, whimsical atmosphere

Thanksgiving & Christmas at Nemacolin

Beginning Thanksgiving weekend, kick off the festivities with the annual tradition of Light Up Nemacolin, an impressive light show of displays and decor to illuminate the property with over a million festive lights.

Then, offered November 29-December 23, 2024, there’s Hardy’s Holiday Village, a life-size, immersive spectacle beyond anything you’ve ever seen. It’s where Santa’s elves will settle in for whimsical wonder with a month-long stay delivering live performances, designer costumes, quaint holiday shops, delicious treats, and all of the Real Life Magic for which Nemacolin is known. Read more about the village HERE.

Bedtime Elf Visits

During the holidays, the spirit of the season is everywhere at Nemacolin — even in your room! Treat the kids to a truly unforgettable experience by surprising them with a Bedtime Elf Visit from one of Santa’s elves. Act now, because these elves are only available on select days, and they have a lot of toys to make for a lot of special kids like yours.

Breakfast with Santa

Join us for a sumptuous buffet hosted by the big man himself at Breakfast with Santa. Enjoy family-friendly activities, photo ops, and spectacular decorations, all while sitting down to a magnificent spread including savory and sweet breakfast favorites, fresh-baked desserts, and a decadent waffle bar.

There’s Gingerbread Jam, Ice Skating, Christmas Weekend, and a whole lot of adventure, fun, and family activities throughout the holidays at Nemacolin. See more year-round happenings HERE.

Year-Round Experiences for Kids & Families

We’ve just mentioned a few of the upcoming happenings at the resort, but any time is a great time for a kid-friendly vacation at Nemacolin. Take a look at more of what there is to offer, from poolside and indoor fun to outdoor adventures and interactive animal encounters, kids have a lot to choose from when planning their itinerary.

Pools at The Peak at Nemacolin at sunset

Poolside Fun for the Whole Family

Nemacolin is one of the premier kid-friendly resorts in Pennsylvania, home to seven different pools designed for swimmers of all ages and abilities. Some pools are perfect for energetic water play, while others provide a serene escape. Below, read more about the best pools at Nemacolin for splashing around with the family.

Kids Indoor Pool

Perfect for young swimmers, the Kids Indoor Pool is three feet deep throughout, offering a fun and safe environment, whatever the weather. A bonus for families: It’s open year-round.

Pools at The Peak at Nemacolin

If heated outdoor pools are what your family is seeking, the The Peak at Nemacolin has you covered with not just one, but two pools — heated to a cozy 95 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and an ideal 84 degrees in warmer months. Yes, these are both open year-round, too!

Indoor Fun for All Ages

When the weather calls for indoor activities or you’re just looking for a change of pace, Nemacolin’s indoor entertainment options will keep the whole family engaged.

Kids Art Studio

Drop into the Kids Art Studio with your little ones to discover unique DIY projects in a stimulating makerspace, or have them explore watercolors and acrylics in step-by-step Kids Painting Classes. Nemacolin’s comprehensive Art Classes include seasonally-themed craft workshops, oil painting classes, and sessions with visiting artists to inspire budding creatives of any age.

Ninja course at a gym — Hardy Girl's Gym near the Animal Habitats

Kids Club Arcade

At the Kids Club Arcade, teens, tweens, and pre-teens will have a blast with the world’s largest Pac-Man, a jumbo-sized version of the iconic ghost-dodging maze chase. Tucked behind PJ’s Ice Cream Parlor and just next door to Kids Club, you’ll also find other classic arcade games, video games, and an engaging, interactive adventure on the floor.

Hardy Girls’ Gym

Tumble, swing, climb, and more at Nemacolin’s indoor fun zone — the Hardy Girls’ Gym — where virtual reality, laser tag, a tumble track, a bouldering wall, and a warrior course converge for a high-energy experience unlike any other. Adults and kids of all ages can get in on the action, so go ahead and experience the unbridled feeling of being a child again, or cheer on your kids from the sidelines.

Outdoor Fun for Nemacolin’s Youngest Guests

Nemacolin is an outdoor lover’s paradise — with plenty of fun geared specifically for little explorers.

Fallingbrook Mini Golf

Grab a club, and embrace the competitive spirit at Nemacolin’s 18-hole miniature golf course. This adventure-packed mini golf offers a unique challenge at each hole on a beautifully maintained course. Open seasonally except when the snow flies.

little boy playing on low ropes course — Smiles abound on the Little Tykes Ropes Course.

Woman in zebra print dress riding carousel — The Carousel is fun for all ages.

Little Tykes Ropes Course

Located on its own level beneath the High Ropes Challenge Course, the Little Tykes Ropes Course is positioned just above the ground for a gentle introduction to aerial ropes, and it’s designed for young adventurers aged three to eight. Parents can stay close or allow their little explorers to navigate the course independently. A continuous belay system keeps children securely clipped in as they traverse all nine elements, ensuring maximum safety throughout the experience.

The Carousel

The Allan Herschell Company crafted 3,000 hand-carved wooden carousels over its 55-year history. Today, only 148 carousels remain in North America — including Nemacolin’s. Bring the whole family for a spin (or two) on The Carousel, which features 20 beautifully ornate hand-carved horses and two chariots. Open daily during the summer and on weekends in the fall.

Interactive Animal Encounters the Whole Family Will Love

Drive, bicycle, or stroll through Nemacolin’s wooded trails to spot tigers, lions, wolves, and buffalo in the resort’s Wildlife Habitats, or participate in one of Nemacolin’s hands-on educational animal programs suitable for the whole family.

Furry Farm Friends Meet & Greet

At this beloved family activity at Billy Goat Mountain, children 12 and under can enjoy petting and feeding a friendly donkey, gentle sheep, and playful goats. As a bonus, the sweet grain provided is nut-free, ensuring safety for those with allergy concerns.

Tortoise Encounter

During the family-friendly Tortoise Encounter, you will have the chance to meet Nemacolin’s Sulcata tortoises, Bonsai and Tallulah. Under the care of a trained wildlife keeper, you will get to touch the shell of one of these gentle giants, offer a treat, and snap some memorable photos. Offered seasonally, as tortoises need temperatures above 70 degrees.

horse painting — A possible Painting with Ponies partner

Rat enjoying the lush grass — One of the critters you might see at Creature Feature

Painting with Ponies

Suitable for adults and kids of any age, the popular Painting with Ponies experience flips the reins to allow horses to take part in the artistic process. Pick a favorite color, and work alongside your equine partner for a truly unique piece of artwork to take home.

Creature Feature

Join the complimentary Creature Feature for a unique opportunity to interact with some of Nemacolin’s cutest (and cuddliest!) ambassador animals, from playful bunnies to gentle guinea pigs. You’ll find this experience taking place each weekend.

Kids Club and Childcare

The best family vacations are not only about creating unforgettable memories with your children, but also about finding well-deserved adults-only time. With Kids Club and professional babysitting services on hand, Nemacolin stands out among resorts with childcare, making it easy to reconnect as a couple or indulge in “me time” — whether at one of its wide-ranging culinary offerings, luxurious Woodlands Spa and Salon, the Holistic Healing Center, or a Pete Dye-designed golf course.

Kids Club

Enjoy a round of golf or rejuvenate with a massage while knowing your little ones are being stimulated with outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, and interactive games at Nemacolin’s Kids Club. Flexible hours, including full-day and half-day options, both with lunch included, helps families strike their ideal balance.

Kids Night Out

Indulge in a five-course chef’s-tasting menu at Lautrec, or soak in the jazz club ambiance at Nightcap all while knowing your kids are having their own special evening at Kids Night Out. The fun-filled feature at the Kids Club, complete with dinner, is just one of the reasons that makes Nemacolin a top choice for families seeking kid-friendly resorts.

Babysitting

For those requiring extended hours or more personalized care, Nemacolin also offers professional Babysitting Services. It’s available for children of all ages in the comfort and privacy of your room, suite, townhome, or private residence, making it an ideal choice for a couples retreat with childcare or a family seeking vacations with childcare.

Plan Your Fun-Filled Family Getaway Today

Nemacolin stands out as one of the top kid-friendly resorts on the East Coast, offering an unparalleled mix of adventures geared towards the whole family, along with flexible childcare options that allow parents to relax and enjoy time to themselves. To reserve your family getaway at Nemacolin, contact a Resort Reservations Specialist at 866.344.6957. For assistance with reservations for family adventures, please reach out to a member of the Experience Team at 724.780.2156.

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Kid-Friendly Vacations in Pennsylvania

Fun-Filled Adventures for the Whole Family