Home to Montage Mountain -- formerly known as Sno Mountain -- Scranton, Pennsylvania, draws in visitors to ski the slopes in winter and zip down waterslides in summer. But for those seeking activities away from the mountain, Scranton does not disappoint. A rich railroading history and numerous parks and attractions ensure there is something to appeal to every member of your family.
Ride the Rails
- Feel the excitement and smell the steam as you take a short train ride at the Steamtown National Historic Site. Learn about steam railroading’s history and technology, and watch a film discussing the changes the railroads underwent in the early 1900s. At the Electric City Trolley Museum, take a trolley excursion on the Laurel Line electric interurban railroad, peruse the exhibits featuring restored trolley cars, model trains and railroad memorabilia, and take part in interactive displays about electric railways.
Step Back in Time
- Learn the history of Lackawanna County at the Caitlin House, home of the Lackawanna Historical Society. Browse two floors of exhibits including period artifacts, toys, textiles, an Edison Phonograph, military memorabilia and bone jewelry. One of the oldest museums in the state, Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science and Art was founded in 1908 and features three floors of permanent and temporary exhibits. Meander through the galleries to view artifacts, fossils, rocks and minerals, Dorflinger glass, African art, ancient collections and American fine art.
Get Some Fresh Air
- Walk along the wooden bridge to the David Wenzel Tree House at Nay Aug Park. The tree house is 150 feet above the gorge and offers scenic views of the surrounding area. The largest city park also offers walking trails, two playgrounds, two Olympic-sized pools and a waterslide complex. Bring your dog to play in the dog park at Connell Park. You can also play on the playground, splash in the pool or join in a game of basketball. At Ricketts Glen State Park, walk the Falls Trail to see a series of waterfalls, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. Access the trailhead from the Lake Rose parking lot, Beach Parking Lot No. 2 or PA 118 parking lot.
Fun for Kids
- Visit the world’s only building devoted to Harry Houdini at the Houdini Museum. Enjoy a 55-minute-long magic show that features animals and professional magicians, watch a movie that includes rare footage of Houdini and take a guided tour to see a collection of magic memorabilia. In neighboring Clarks Summit, enjoy a round of miniature golf at Lahey Family Fun Park. Practice your swing in the batting cages, race to the finish on the quarter-mile go-kart track -- children under 12 ride free with an adult -- or bump along on the bumper boats.
