Straight from our fun coordinators, here’s a list of activities to keep your kids entertained and enriched all summer long, both at home and at our resort.
- Ziplining. This outdoor adventure is both exhilarating and challenging. The TreeTop Adventure Course at Skytop Lodge is the perfect ziplining experience for kids.
- Fishing. There’s something special about teaching kids how to fish. Many valuable character traits are learned through this slow summer pastime. Cast away in a private trout stream full of freshly-stocked trout. Or post up at the lake for some largemouth bass, perch, pickerel, and more.
- Archery Tag®. Best described as “dodgeball with bows and arrows,” this exciting, action-packed game offers the ultimate experience that’s fun for the whole family.
- Scavenger Hunt. A scavenger hunt is an interactive and engaging activity that can be put together in minutes while providing hours of fun. It’s a particularly fun team building activity at Skytop Lodge because our expansive outdoor grounds are known for their natural beauty. Siblings can work together at home to find all the items on their list.
- “I Spy.” If it’s too hot to play outside or you’re passing the time, say at a sibling’s swim meet with younger kids, this game is entertaining and easy to play for kids of any age. Plus, you can make it as easy, difficult, silly, or random as you want.
- Nature Walk. The nature hikes and walks that we do at Skytop Lodge surprise many of our guests with how much fun they are. It’s cool to learn about new plants and creatures living around you! Create your own binoculars, bring your magnifying glasses, and don’t forget to pack something to track all the new things you find.
- Sandcastle Building. If you’re at the lake, this is a no-brainer, but what if you’re home? Try your hand at this kinetic sand recipe and have a mini sandcastle building contest. Using cookie cutters, cups, and other supplies, your kids will love this indoor take on a traditional summer activity.
- Biking. If you don’t own bikes, you can always rent them for a day. Bike rides are a great way to add physical activity to your day. Plus, all the better if it ends in a picnic.
- Family Yoga. After a fun summer day of playing, it’s nice to have a quiet activity to do at the end of the day. Yoga can be a fun activity that the whole family can do together. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but the trick is to remain quiet and still as you ease into your evening.Here are some resources to get started if you’re new to yoga.
- Make Your Own Science Experiment. Most kids love to get messy while doing a science experiment at home. You can get creative making up your own or check out this list of experiments that you can recreate. Kids won’t even know they’re learning!
- Make Your Own Ice Cream! One “experiment” worth trying is how to make your ice cream. Who doesn’t love a cool treat on a hot summer day? Turn it into an activity by making your own with this simple recipe.
- Camp in Your Backyard. At Skytop Lodge, we live for this kind of stuff. Stargazing and making s’mores in your own backyard is one of those summer activities your kids will remember forever.
- DIY Aquarium. This craft is perfect for kids of any age. With the Poconos Snake and Animal Farm nearby, we have a deep appreciation for all kinds of critters. If you can’t make it to see the real thing, this aquarium craft is the next best thing.
- Paintball. Older kids love to paintball in the summer. If you’re staying at Skytop this summer, make sure you get in a round or two of paintball at the Adventure Center!
- Squirt Gun Painting. For younger kids, this at-home version of paintball is just as fun. Fill up some cheap squirt guns with paint and point them at a blank canvas. Things will get messy so it’s best to do this one outside.
- Fancy Dinner. It’s easy (and smart) to make quick meals or eat out during the summer. One fun activity is to set a date for a fancy dinner at home. The whole family gets dressed up. The kids can help make the meal or the menus. Put on some music and enjoy a slow fancy, yet cozy meal at home, just like you’re at Skytop.
- Host A Theme Week. Whether you’re home or hosting a family reunion at Skytop, a theme week is fun for everyone. Pick a theme for each day of the week. For example, Monday is “backwards day.” Then everything for that day, from what you wear to what you eat should go with that theme. So for “backwards day,” you would wear your clothes backward and eat breakfast for dinner!
- Freeze The Toys. Fill a container with water then place a toy or two in the water. Put it in the freezer overnight. In the morning, kids have to “rescue” their toys by figuring out creative ways to get the toys out of the ice.
- Cooking Competition. Recreate your favorite cooking show or make up your own rules. One person is the judge while the others have to cook something and compete against each other. You could use wacky ingredients or limited time to make it more challenging.
- Handwritten Letters. Whether it’s a thank you note for a birthday gift or a note to the grandparents, making cards and handwriting letters is fun and can also lend some teachable moments. You may even try the traditional pen pal activity by writing to a friend across the country all summer.
Many of these are offered at Skytop Lodge and all of them are inspired by the fun, carefree spirit that captivates our 5,500-acre playground. Ready to book a fun family vacation? Check out all that Skytop has to offer, including packages and upcoming seasonal activities.