21 Best Indoor Things to Do in Erie, PA (2026) | Local Guide

Rain in the forecast? Don’t let bad weather spoil your fun. There are plenty of indoor activities and entertainment in the Erie, Pennsylvania region for all ages. As an Erie native, and local resident, here are my picks. If you have another suggestion, let me know!

What’s the craze with axe throwing? Don’t overthink it, just try it. At Stumpy’s in Erie, the crowd ranges from bachelorette groups, to date night couples, groups of Gen Z’s, millennials, and even Boomers. It’s fun time for adult birthdays, engagement parties, divorce parties, and even a night out for college-aged kids with their parents (haha — that’s us)! I even organized a family holiday party for my adult kids and their cousins, which they all loved. Grandma and Grandpa (in their 80s) showed up, played Connect 4, Jenga, enjoyed the comfy sofas, and even threw a few axes. Still not convinced? Just try it.

Here are my insider tips for a visit to Stumpy’s:

• Do not wear open-toed shoes. It’s a Stumpy’s rule because no one wants to lose a toe! But they do have Crocs available if you arrive in sandals.
• Bring your own beverages. Beer and wine are allowed, but no hard alcohol. A six-pack shop and a wine shop are in walking distance. The Stumpy’s staff will put your drinks on ice, so you don’t need to bring a cooler!
• Outside food is welcome. Bring your own, order delivery, or for a really easy option, Little Caesars and Papa John’s are both within a block for pickup. Sheetz is across the street.
• Ages 18+ except on Sundays when ages 10+ are allowed.
• Reservations are recommended, but not required. Walk-ins are welcome.
• Plenty of free parking in the lot.

The recently renovated children’s museum in downtown Erie is geared for kids from birth to age 10. It offers three floors of imaginary and educational play in settings such as an auto mechanic shop, grocery store, veterinary center, and kitchen/restaurant. The museum also has a large outdoor play area with a pirate ship and water table for warm-weather fun.

Located in downtown Erie, it’s the perfect destination for families looking to engage their children in a fun experience. With three floors of interactive exhibits, there’s something for kids of all ages.

Attending an Erie Otters game during their October to March season is a fantastic way to see the future stars of hockey in action. The Otters have a strong track record of developing top hockey talent, with alumni like Conor McDavid, who wowed Erie fans with his exceptional skills before becoming an NHL sensation. Other notable players who started their careers with the Erie Otters include Alex DeBrincat, Matthew Schaffer, and Dylan Strome, all of whom have significantly impacted the NHL.

Designed for all ages, it is a must-visit museum-like center for anyone interested in nature, conservation, or the unique ecosystem of Erie’s Presque Isle State Park. It’s conveniently located near the entrance to Presque Isle and across from Waldameer. So if your plans for Presque Isle or Waldameer are hampered by rain, or you visit during the snowy season, you can hop on over to TREC. Free parking on site.

A few things you can do at TREC include:

• Explore hands-on exhibits that educate about plants, wildlife, and the history of Presque Isle State Park
• Climb the 75-foot tower for panoramic views of Presque Isle and Lake Erie
• Watch a movie on the Big Screen
• Explore and find a souvenir in the gift shop

Hundreds of arcade games and modern bowling lanes are fun for families, teens and adults. Round 1 offers a bar for the big people and a very basic food menu for all. It’s conveniently located in Erie’s Millcreek Mall. If you’re old enough to love Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga, you must check out the huge-screen version of these games at Round 1.

Insider Tip: For lunch, I really like Picasso’s, a sandwich shop in the Millcreek Mall parking lot, near Dick’s Sporting Goods. It’s close enough to walk from Round 1.

Located in Westfield, NY, this is the official visitor’s center for the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt Heritage area (which I prefer to call Lake Erie Wine Country). It’s a fantastic place for anyone interested in learning about the history and culture of this grape-growing region. It happens to be the largest Explore exhibits and visit the tasting bar to try locally made wines, grape juice and other grape products.

At the Clubhouse Indoor Golf in North East, up to 4 people can play per simulator. Rent both simulators for a larger group. Comfy seating and TVs are available too. Meet up with a group to watch afternoon football and hit some golf balls. Or make it a night out and BYOB and food. Tip: Order some pizzas for takeout from Michael’s Italian Restaurant, North East PA.

In Erie, this indoor golf and entertainment center is great for a night out or a place to entertain a group whether or not all are golfers. A full bar is available for adults. The simulators have many options that are not all golf-course themed. The upstairs has a wide variety of games that appeal to families.

Every town has it’s movie theatre. This is Erie’s. Insider Tip: Buy your tickets online to avoid the wait!

Erie’s Millcreek Mall Complex is not just a shopping venue, but also an entertainment and restaurant venue. If you have a big group with different needs, this may be the one place to keep everyone happy.

Insider Tip: We do not pay state sales tax on most clothing and footwear here in Erie, PA, making it an excellent place for school and holiday shopping. Do check out the exceptions. I really don’t want to shop elsewhere when I see 8% or higher sales tax on clothing.

If indoor water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and an arcade sound like fun, check out Splash Lagoon.

Not every public library is located on the beautiful Lake Erie waterfront. This one is. So you get all the benefits of a public library with the gorgeous views. You may even catch a view of the Flagship Niagara if she is in her home port.

If you like escape rooms, you may like this entertainment center in the Millcreek Mall. For ages 7+, 5 Wits is an interactive adventure experience where you and your group become part of the story. Imagine stepping into a series of rooms where you have to solve puzzles, complete tasks, and make decisions to move forward. Each room is designed with realistic settings and special effects, making you feel like you’re in a movie or a video game.

Erie boasts a vibrant craft beer scene that’s perfect for visitors looking to explore Erie’s local flavors and unique atmospheres. Some of the popular breweries are: Erie Brewing Co., Nostrovia Brewing Co., The Brewerie at Union Station, Lavery Brewing Co., Voodoo Brewery and Erie Ale Works.

Tourists, families and history buffs will enjoy The Erie Maritime Museum, a place where you can learn about the maritime history of the Erie region. It’s located on the waterfront and is home to the U.S. Brig Niagara, a replica of a ship used in the War of 1812. Explore exhibits to learn about the Battle of Lake Erie, the history of shipbuilding, and the role of the Great Lakes in American history. When the U.S. Brig Niagara is in port, you can tour this historic ship and see what life was like for sailors in the early 19th century.

A place in North East, PA, in Lake Erie’s Wine Country, where you can relax and take care of your beauty and wellness needs. Get a massage, skin care treatments, nail and hair care services and waxing.

An indoor trampoline park that offers a variety of fun and active attractions for people of all ages. If trampoline jumping, basketball dunking, a ninja course and dodgeball sound like fun, take your high energy group here!

Need to unwind and destress? Vacation should be relaxing and Coventina can help with their massages, facials, nail and haircare services. Larger groups can be accomodated.

You don’t need great weather to enjoy wine tasting. Hop in your car and visit one or two or as many as you can fit in a day. We have 14 wineries in North East, Pennsylvania just east of Erie.

ASCEND offers rope climbing and bouldering activities for climbers of all ages and levels. Why not try something new during your visit to Erie?

Laughter really is the best medicine. Kellar’s is perfect for anyone who loves a good laugh and enjoys live entertainment. It’s a great spot for comedy enthusiasts, date nights, and groups of friends.

Lynne Clement is the proud owner of Clement’s Lake Erie Cottages, a collection of beautiful vacation rentals nestled in the heart of Lake Erie’s wine country. A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, and a local of Lake Erie Wine Country, Lynne loves to share her insider info with visitors, ensuring they have an unforgettable experience. With a passion for hospitality and a love for the serene beauty of Lake Erie, Lynne offers guests an escape to the #1 lake in the United States (according to USA Today), where they can explore 14 wineries within a 6-mile radius.

When she’s not welcoming guests at Just Beachy Vacation Rental or the Little Red Lake House in Erie’s wine country, Lynne enjoys freelance content writing for her B2B customers, exchanging pranks with her family, rooting for Penn State and Ohio State teams (it’s a long story), and traveling. Reach out to Lynne with questions at lakeeriecottages@gmail.com. Or text or call her at 814-566-4722.