Our Favorite Things to Do Near Lake Wallenpaupack in Summer
We're not travel bloggers trying to cover every single option. We're the people who own a cabin two minutes from the lake and have spent years figuring out what's actually worth your time.
When friends, family, or guests ask us what to do near Lake Wallenpaupack, this is what we tell them.
Start with the lake, obviously.
Lake Wallenpaupack is Pennsylvania's second-largest lake. Five thousand seven hundred acres, 52 miles of shoreline, and enough room on the water that you never feel like you're competing for space. Whether you want to kayak, swim, fish, or just float and stare at bald eagles, the lake earns every bit of its reputation.
Our guests have access to a private community inlet just two minutes from the cabin - no public parking lot chaos, no scramble for a spot.
The boat day you'll talk about all year.
If there's one thing we recommend to every single guest, it's renting a boat through Pocono Action Sports on Lake Wallenpaupack. A pontoon on the big lake, on a clear summer day, is one of those experiences that's just hard to beat. Book ahead if you're coming in July or August, they fill up fast and for good reason.
Claws 'N' Paws Wild Animal Park
This one surprises people (especially us since we’re used to the Bronx Zoo). It's a small, intimate animal park but has a lot more animals than you’d expect. Kids can actually feed giraffes, run with the goats in the petting zoo, scream with the howler monkeys (they are SO loud), and watch live shows. Half-day, easy, genuinely fun for all ages. Literally 5 minutes down the street from the cabin.
Costa's Family Fun Park
Go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boats, laser tag, and Hershey's ice cream. Right in Hawley, about 20 minutes away. Perfect if you have a mixed-age group and everyone needs to burn some energy.
Horseback riding
Horseback riding through the Pocono Mountains. It doesn't need a long explanation - it's exactly what it sounds like, and it's a really nice way to spend a few hours, especially for kids or anyone who wants something a little different from lake activities. Why Not Stables is a cute, family-owned ranch less than 15 min away. Super easy, less than half day outing.
Bowling at Wallenpaupack Bowling and Sports Center
15 Bowling Center Ln, Hawley - and only about 7 minutes from the brewery, which makes for a very solid evening combo. Great rainy day backup, great option for larger groups.
Paintball - if your group wants a bigger adventure
For those who want a full-day adrenaline experience: Skirmish in Jim Thorpe is one of the largest paintball facilities in the country. It's about a 45 min drive but worth it if that's your crew's vibe. We did this for our 3 older kids, they were 11 at the time. Nice mix of ages go and very friendly and helpful staff, very well run.
FOOD OPTIONS
Beyond Bagels
Our go-to for a slow summer morning. Good bagels, good coffee, easy atmosphere. Start your day here before heading to the lake and you'll feel like a local.
Wallenpaupack Brewing Company
73 Welwood Ave, Hawley. Great outdoor seating, solid craft beer, casual food. This is the kind of brewery where you end up staying longer than you planned. Perfect Saturday evening stop.
And honestly? Some of the best moments are right at the cabin.
Deer in the yard most mornings. A fire pit that gets going as the sun sets. A full kitchen for a late breakfast nobody's rushing. Two living rooms so the group can spread out. These are the parts of the trip guests mention most in their reviews - not any single attraction, but the pace of it.
If this sounds like your kind of low-key lake trip, you can Request Your Dates here.
