Rainy Day Adventures: Exploring Scranton with Kids

Part of our rainy day series highlighting indoor, family-friendly adventures in the Poconos

Rainy days can turn into fun, unforgettable days if you're up for a new adventure!

Some of our favorite family trip memories are the unexpected adventures - the ones that were never on the initial trip itinerary that we stumbled across trying to find a Plan B on days Mother Nature was not exactly cooperating with our plans. The Poconos has seemingly endless options for outdoor adventures, but a rainy day brings an opportunity to explore the indoor activities.

One of our favorite places for that is Scranton, PA. Located about 45 minutes past the Jim Thorpe exit (Mahoning Valley Exit 74) and 30 minutes past the Wilkes-Barre exit (Wyoming Valley Exit 105) on Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 476), Scranton is an easily accessible option for a day trip when you are visiting the Poconos.

Plenty of Fish, and Fun: Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den

Before diving into details about the aquarium, let's talk parking. One of the most convenient aspects of visiting the Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den on a rainy day is the parking. Located inside the Marketplace at Steamtown (previously the Steamtown Mall), the aquarium offers covered parking inside a heated parking garage below the building. The parking is FREE, just bring your parking ticket with you and have it validated by the aquarium. From the parking garage you can stay dry and hop on the elevator or escalator to head upstairs into the marketplace. Inside, you can't miss the aquarium - look for the hanging great white shark!

If you are visiting the Poconos from the Philadelphia or New Jersey area you may be familiar with the Camden Aquarium. This aquarium is not nearly as large, but it also not nearly as crowded... or expensive! There are many rooms to wander through and kids can take their time exploring all the exhibits at their own pace. It usually takes us 1 or 2 hours to fully explore the exhibits.

Our favorite room opens to a floor to ceiling tank made of two giant cyliders connected by an overhead bridge. The kids love watching the fish swim across the bridge!

Your ticket also includes passes for any of the demonstrations or feedings, as well as the sting ray touch tank. Check times and availability here.

Fact: The 'Scranton Welcomes You' sign featured in the show The Office has been relocated to the 2nd floor of the Steamtown Marketplace. If you are a fan, be sure to check that out before you leave the aquarium!

Grab you tickets here!

"I got us reservations at Cooper's Seafood. You like lobster?" - Michael Scott

For fans of The Office lunch at Cooper's Seafood is a must. Featured in the show, Cooper's embraces the series that made Scranton it's home with themed drinks and menu items, and an impressive gift shop. You can pick up your very own Dundee Award or Schrute Farms merch. Fact: The 'Scranton Welcomes You' sign featured in the show has been relocated to the 2nd floor of the Steamtown Marketplace. If you are a fan, be sure to check that out before you leave the aquarium!

It's technically a walk-able distance from the aquarium to Cooper's, but (speaking from experience) if you have little kids with you it's better to just hop in the car and make the short drive. Cooper's is a landmark location in Scranton, you can't miss the lighthouse and pirate ship exterior!

Our kid's enjoy the eclectic decor and are always finding new things to point out but their favorite part about stopping at Cooper's for lunch is that the kids meals are served in a pirate ship!

Dreaming of the perfect vintage shop? Dream On & On

If you are a fan of vintage shops, antiquing, or looking for goods by local artists you cannot leave Scranton without stopping at On & On. Housed in a 5000 sq ft, 2 story old industrial building On & On is home to vintage finds and handmade items from over 50 artists/ vendors.

Although, yes, there are breakable things here - kids will have fun exploring this space and finding all kinds of hidden gems! Fans of The Office will also usually find various handcrafted items inspired by the show from local artists.

Check out their site here to learn more about the shops and featured artists

Bartari: A Flippin' Good Time!

If spending an afternoon exploring vintage shops isn't your thing another option is Bartari. After 9 PM it is 21+ only, but during the day kids can explore the arcade too! Bartari is a great place to spend a rainy afternoon with an expansive food menu, bar, and tons of retro arcade games! Growing up my uncle had a pinball machine in his basement so I have always been a huge fan, Bartari is the perfect spot to experience that nostalgia. You will forget the uncooperative weather outside when you see aisles of 80s and 90s arcade and pinball machines!

Check out their site here to learn more

Stay Dry: Visit the Poconos Any Season!

The Poconos offers a variety of outdoor activities in every season, but you don't need to worry about weather because there are plenty of options for indoor adventures too! For an unforgettable Poconos adventure, consider booking your stay at Lake Breeze Hideaway in Arrowhead Lake. Explore nearby attractions and create lasting memories, rain or shine. Pack your bags and prepare for an incredible family retreat in the heart of the Poconos!