TOP 21 INDOOR THINGS TO DO IN ERIE, PA [2024]

Rain in the forecast? Don’t let bad weather spoil your fun. There are plenty of indoor activities and indoor entertainment in the Erie, Pennsylvania region for all ages.

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 for adult birthdays and even college-aged kids with their parents (haha — that’s us!). 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!)
• 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 even put your drinks on ice so you don’t need to bring a cooler!
• Outside food is welcomed. Bring your own, order delivery, or for a really easy option Little Caesar’s and Papa John’s are both walking distance 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 welcomed.

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.

The Children’s Museum in downtown Erie is the perfect destination for families looking to engage their children in a fun and educational experience. With three floors of interactive exhibits, this recently renovated museum offers something for kids of all ages, from birth to 10 years old.

As soon as you step inside, your child’s imagination will come alive as they explore a variety of settings designed to stimulate their creativity. They can role-play as an auto mechanic, shop at the grocery store, take care of animals at the veterinary center, or act as chefs in the kitchen/restaurant area.

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 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 and Dylan Strome, who have significantly impacted the NHL.

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

A few things you can do at TREC include:

• Exploring hands-on exhibits that educate about plants, wildlife, and the history of Presque Isle State Park
• Climbing the 75-foot tower for panoramic views of Presque Isle and Lake Erie
• Watching a movie on the Big Screen
• Finding 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. Conveniently located in the Millcreek Mall. Insider Tip: For lunch, I really like Picasso’s, a sandwich shop located in the parking lot of the Millcreek Mall.

Located in Westfield, NY, this is the official visitor’s center for the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt Heritage area. It’s a fantastic destination for anyone interested in learning about the history and culture of this grape growing region. 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.

In Erie, this indoor golf and entertainment center is a great place to entertain a group whether or not all are golfers.

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.

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 waterfront. This one is. So you get all the benefits of a public library with the beautiful 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, 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, exchanging pranks with her family, rooting for Penn State and Ohio State teams, and traveling. Reach out to Lynne with questions at lakeeriecottages@gmail.com